Start Of Corticosteroid Therapy Research Articles

Temporal artery biopsy for suspected giant cell arteritis: A mini review.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a granulomatous inflammation involving medium and large vessels that can lead to serious clinical manifestations associated with tissue ischemia. Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is currently the gold standard method for the diagnosis of GCA, with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 77%. However, the false-negative rate for TAB ranges from 9% to 61%. False negatives may be related to the timing of biopsy, the length of specimen, and the existence of "skip lesions." We reviewed the relevant evidence for methods to improve the sensitivity and reduce the false-negative rate for TAB. To reduce the false-negative rate for TAB, it is recommended to perform TAB within 1 week of starting corticosteroid therapy. Although there is currently no consensus, we suggest that the temporal artery is cut to a length of 20‒30 mm and to prepare serial pathological sections. It is necessary to attach great importance to patients suspected of having GCA, and complete TAB should be performed as soon as possible while starting corticosteroid therapy promptly. We also discuss the clinical value of non-invasive vascular imaging technologies, such as DUS, CTA, MRA, and 18F-FDG-PET/CT, as auxiliary methods for GCA diagnosis that could partially replace TAB.

Therapeutic Strategies for Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

Almost all types of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) are treated by immune-modulating therapies. Corticosteroids, such as prednisolone and methylprednisolone, are used as first-line therapy for IIM. When the symptoms cannot be sufficiently improved, immunosuppressive agents, such as azathioprine, methotrexate, or tacrolimus, should be administered approximately two weeks after starting corticosteroid therapy. Moreover, intravenous immunoglobulin is recommended for severe cases at the same time as starting immunosuppressive agents. If these therapies do not improve symptoms, biologics, such as rituximab, should be introduced. Once IIM is controlled with immuno-modulating therapies, the drugs should be gradually tapered to avoid exacerbating the symptoms.

A case of hepatic and bone marrow sarcoidosis with progressive renal failure: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease, sometimes characterized by an extrapulmonary localization in 30 - 50% of cases. We describe a 60-year-old Italian man with an unexplained history of fatigue, ascitis and progressive renal function impairment. Diagnosis of hepatic and bone marrow sarcoidosis was established by histology, and fast improvement of renal function was obtained after starting corticosteroid therapy. Atypical presentation and simultaneous involvement of liver, bone marrow and kidneys make diagnosis of extrapulmonary sarcoidosis still a diagnostic challenge. Delayed diagnosis could lead to serious organ damage like a progressive severe kidney failure.

242 PRIMARY CARDIAC LYMPHOMA: A CASE REPORT

Abstract Introduction Primary cardiac lymphomas in immunocompetent patients are an uncommon malignancy, accounting for 1.3% of primary cardiac tumors, while metastases secondaries to extracardiac lymphomas are more common. Mean age at diagnosis is 63 years old. They mainly involve the right side of the heart, particularly right atrium. Symptoms of primary cardiac lymphoma are non-specific. Cardiac lymphoma typically follows an aggressive clinical course and the prognosis is poor, with more than 60% of patients dying within 2 months of diagnosis. Predictors of worse outcome are immune status, left ventricular involvement, arrhythmias and the presence of an extracardiac disease. Case report 48-year-old obese and hypertensive man, in therapy for OSAS. In February 2022 admission to the emergency department due to jugular pressure and mild exertion dyspnoea. Neck CT excluded inflammatory collections; echocardiography showed normal cavitary dimensions and biventricular systolic function, absence of major valvulopathies and circumferential pericardial effusion of n.d.d. with TD max 2.5 cm and partial collapse of the right atrium, for which started corticosteroid therapy. Chest CT showed mediastinal lymphadenopathy and persistence of pericardial effusion. In April, due to worsening dyspnoea, cardiac CT demonstated a solid mass at the passage from the superior vena cava to the right atrium (50×37×67 mm), leading to compression-infiltration phenomena on the superior vena cava, and thrombosis of the right mammary vein. Cardiac MR confirmed a voluminous expansive-infiltrative lesion, with an irregular lobular profile, projecting into the superior vena cava and extended to the right atrium. This mass appears very iperintensive in T2 stir sequences with an early contrast impregnation and uneven intralesional late enhancement (picture 1). With suspicion of lymphoma, after collegial discussion between thoracic surgeons, cardiologists, interventional radiologists and cardiac surgeons, a right transjugular radio- and echo-guided biopsy was performed to complete diagnostic iter; biopsy was positive for peripheral B lymphocyte-derived large-cell diffuse lymphoma with large necrotic and subnecrotic areas. Chemotherapy showed initial benefit,with a clear reduction in size of the cardiac mass and mediastinal lymphnodes at 2 months follow up, with regression of dyspnoea. Conclusions In our patient, despite an early lymphoma onset and a typical poor prognosis compared to literature, an early diagnostic-therapeutic iter, an immunocompetent status, the absence of extracardiac disease and a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, ensured an immediate clinical benefit with an improvement of his quality of life.

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Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is a common cause of secondary osteoporosis. The highest rate of bone loss occurs within the first 3–6 months of glucocorticoid treatment. Direct effects of glucocorticoids on bone include an early, transient increase in bone resorption and long-term suppression of bone formation. The risk of fractures is directly proportional to the duration and dosage of glucocorticoids taken. It is necessary to assess and reassess the risks of osteoporotic fractures in time and prevent their occurrence. Densitometry should be performed in patients under the age of 40 years 6 months after the start of corticosteroid therapy. For patients older than 40 years FRAX should be considered. When treating osteoporosis, it is important to take into account such factors as the age of the patient, the history of fractures or osteoporosis, the duration of administration and cumulative dosage of glucocorticoids, concomitant diseases, the risk of fracture, etc. Bisphosphonates are the first-line treatment option for the prevention of fracture in patients receiving glucocorticoids. If oral bisphosphonates are ineffective, intravenous bisphosphonates are used for treatment. Teriparatide and denosumab are considered as second-line drugs. It is also important to educate patients to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Clinical effect of early administration of tocilizumab following the initiation of corticosteroid therapy for patients with COVID-19

IntroductionSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first broke out in Wuhan in December 2019, and has since caused a global pandemic. The efficacy of several drugs has been evaluated, and it is now evident that tocilizumab has a beneficial effect, especially combined with corticosteroids, in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the optimal timing of tocilizumab administration has not yet been established. The goal of the present study was to determine the optimal timing of tocilizumab administration after starting corticosteroid therapy in patients with COVID-19. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients who were hospitalized for COVID-19 and treated with tocilizumab and corticosteroids in our hospital. The patients were divided into concurrent and sequential groups. The concurrent group received tocilizumab ≤24 h after corticosteroids, and the sequential group received tocilizumab >24 h after corticosteroid administration. ResultsThe baseline clinical characteristics of tocilizumab administration were similar between the two groups. White blood cell counts were significantly lower and C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in the concurrent group than the sequential group. In the concurrent group, tocilizumab administration led to a significant decrease in maximum body temperature. In addition, there were significantly more oxygen-free days in the concurrent group than in the sequential group. However, survival rate was not significantly different between the concurrent and the sequential groups. ConclusionsIn the combination therapy with tocilizumab and corticosteroids, early administration of tocilizumab after starting corticosteroid treatment is effective when treating COVID-19.

Effectiveness of Corticosteroid Therapy for Non-Severe COVID-19 in Patients Not Requiring Supplemental Oxygen Who Have Risk Factors for Severe Disease.

Because they suppress cytokine production, corticosteroids are a candidate therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the effectiveness of corticosteroids is unclear for non-severe COVID-19 that does not require supplemental oxygen. This study investigated the effectiveness of corticosteroid therapy for patients with non-severe COVID-19. This retrospective observational study analyzed data from 10 patients with non-severe COVID-19 who received corticosteroid therapy at our center between July 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021. The median age of the 10 patients was 60 years, and nine were male. Nine of the 10 patients had multiple comorbid conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, and obesity). Although blood oxygen saturation was maintained above 95%, all patients had persistent fever and deterioration in chest imaging findings, which led to initiation of corticosteroid treatment. The median duration symptom onset to initiation of corticosteroid therapy was 8 days. All patients received dexamethasone 6 mg/day as corticosteroid therapy, and the median period was 7.5 days. After the start of corticosteroid therapy, clinical improvement was rapid in all patients, and no patient developed severe disease. The latest World Health Organization guidance recommends against corticosteroid treatment for patients with non-severe COVID-19. In this report, early administration of corticosteroids during the non-critical phase, when oxygen supplementation was not required, was associated with early improvement and prevention of severe disease in patients with risk factors for severe COVID-19 and worsening clinical symptoms.

The challenging management of cardiac involvement in systemic sarcoidosis

A 34 year-old young man came to our attention after an occasional finding of complete AV block. We made the diagnosis of systemic sarcoidosis with cardiac involvement through an FDG-PET even with a normal CMR. We started corticosteroid therapy and we decided to follow-up the patient through an implantable loop recorder (ILR). Beyond an initial regression of the AV block, after 8 months the ILR revealed AV block and pauses more than 3 s during the day; a new FDG-PET evidenced FDG uptake in new areas of left ventricle. Hence we started infliximab and implanted a dual chamber ICD.

P603 Patient characteristics and adverse effects in biologic treatment of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: A nationwide Danish cohort study years 2015–2018

Abstract Background Biological therapies have demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of Crohn’s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), but comparative analyses of the various treatments remain limited. Methods Using Danish national registries, we performed a nationwide cohort study including all bio-naïve individuals diagnosed with UC or CD initiating treatment with infliximab (IFX), adalimumab (ADA), vedolizumab (VDZ), golimumab (GOL), or ustekinumab (UST) during 2015–2018. The hazard ratios (HR) of hospitalization, surgery, and start of corticosteroid therapy were explored using Cox regression adjusted for health-related and socio-economic parameters at treatment initiation. Results More than 90% of 1,836 CD and 1,886 UC patients had IFX as first-line treatment. Patients with ADA, VDZ, UST or GOL as first-line treatment were older at diagnosis and start of biologic treatment. A larger proportion were women, had higher education, and had previously had IBD surgery. We observed a higher risk of all-cause hospitalization (HR: 1.56 (95% CI: 1.16; 2.10)) among CD patients with ADA as first-line treatment compared to IFX. No risk difference was observed of IBD hospitalization, IBD related surgery, or use of corticosteroids between ADA- and IFX-treated CD patients. We observed no risk difference between ADA- and IFX-treated UC patients for any outcomes. For both CD and UC patients, analyses of VDZ were based on very low number of cases and the results were inconclusive. Analyses of GOL and UST were not possible because of low numbers. Second-line treatment with VDZ compared to ADA among CD patients previously treated with IFX showed no risk difference of all-cause hospitalization (1.32 (0.91; 1.92)), IBD hospitalization (1.27 (0.68; 2.35)), IBD related surgery (1.41 (0.69; 2.85)), or use of corticosteroids (0.70 (0.27; 1.82)). Among UC patients, second-line VDZ was associated with an increased risk of IBD related surgery (1.94 (1.01; 3.71)), but not of all-cause hospitalization (0.77 (0.48; 1.24)), IBD hospitalization (0.75 (0.38; 1.46)), or corticosteroid use (0.92 (0.37; 2.28)) compared to ADA. Conclusion We observed increased risk of hospitalization among CD patients treated with ADA compared to IFX, and increased risk of IBD-related surgery in UC patients receiving VDZ as second line treatment compared to ADA. The differences in key baseline characteristics patients initiating biologic treatment with ADA, VDZ, UST or GOL compared to IFX might reflect differences in disease state, that justify deviations from treatment guideline. It should be further investigated if the associations are an effect of differences in treatment efficacy and safety or confounding by differences in disease state at treatment start.

Clinical course of choroidal neovascular membrane in West Nile virus chorioretinitis: a case report

BackgroundThis report describes the clinical course of choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV) in West Nile virus-associated chorioretinitis.Case presentationA 28-year-old Italian woman was referred to our institution because of reduced visual acuity in the left eye dating back 4 months. A diagnosis of retinal vasculitis in the right eye and chorioretinitis with CNV in the left eye was made. A complete workup for uveitis revealed positivity only for anti-West Nile virus immunoglobulin M (IgM), while immunoglobulin G (IgG) was negative. Whole-body computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of the brain were also negative. Therefore, the patient was treated with a combination of oral prednisone (starting dose 1 mg/kg per day) and three intravitreal injections of bevacizumab 1.25 mg/0.05 ml, 1 month apart. Fourteen days from starting corticosteroid therapy and after the first intravitreal injection, the patient experienced increased visual acuity to 0.4. Response to therapy was monitored by clinical examination, ocular coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography and retinal fluorescein angiography. Three months later, resolution of CNV in the left eye was achieved and no signs of retinal vasculitis were detected in the right eye, while serum IgM for West Nile virus turned negative and IgG positive.ConclusionCNV may be a complication of West Nile virus-associated chorioretinitis, and only subclinical retinal vasculitis may also be found even in non-endemic regions.

Screening of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in high-risk patients in Khuzestan Province, Southwestern Iran

BackgroundStrongyloidiasis, one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), can be fatal in immunocompromised patients. Available data on Strongyloides stercoralis infection in high-risk patients in Iran are limited. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of S. stercoralis infection and associated risk factors among high-risk patients as well as to evaluate the sensitivity of the diagnostic tests used in the diagnose of S. stercoralis infection.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed from 2019 to 2020 among 300 high-risk patients in Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran. Patients with autoimmune diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, organ transplant, hematological malignancy, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were examined using direct smear examination, formalin-ether concentration, Baermann funnel technique, agar plate culture, and ELISA test. Since agar plate culture was considered the reference diagnostic test, culture-positive samples were confirmed by PCR amplification and the sequencing of the nuclear 18S rDNA (SSU) hypervariable region (HVRIV) of the parasite.ResultsThe prevalence of S. stercoralis infection was 1%, 1.3%, 2%, 2.7%, and 8.7% using direct smear examination, formalin-ether concentration, Baermann funnel technique, agar plate culture, and ELISA test, respectively. All culture-positive samples were confirmed by SSU-PCR. According to the results, the most sensitive test was ELISA, with 100% sensitivity, followed by the Baermann funnel technique with the sensitivity of 75%. Direct smear examination, formalin-ether concentration technique, and Baermann funnel technique had the highest PPV (100%) while the ELISA test had the highest NPV (100%). Significant eosinophilia was observed in the patients whose culture test was positive (7/8; P < 0.05). In the present study, the majority of the positive cases by the agar plate culture had a history of prolonged exposure to soil and of asthma and COPD and were > 60 years old.ConclusionsGiven that the ELISA test had the highest NPV, the screening of all high-risk patients for S. stercoralis infection in endemic areas is recommended prior to starting corticosteroid therapy with the ELISA test. The results indicate the importance of paying attention to patients with unknown eosinophilia in endemic areas. Ivermectin should be available to strongyloidiasis patients in the endemic areas.

Risk of hepatitis B surface antigen seroreversion after corticosteroid treatment in patients with previous hepatitis B virus exposure

Systemic corticosteroids may cause HBV reactivation, but the impact on patients with previous HBV exposure is poorly defined. We aimed to study the risk of HBsAg seroreversion and hepatitis flare in patients with previous HBV exposure. Patients who were negative for HBsAg and received corticosteroids between 2001-2010 were included. Patients who were positive for antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) and/or to HBcAg (anti-HBc) were defined as having previous HBV exposure. The primary endpoint was HBsAg seroreversion; the secondary endpoint was hepatitis flare (alanine aminotransferase >80 U/L) at 1 year. A total of 12,997 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria: anti-HBs positive only (n = 10,561); anti-HBc positive only (n = 970); anti-HBs & anti-HBc positive (n = 830) and anti-HBs & anti-HBc negative (n = 636). HBsAg seroreversion occurred in 165 patients. Patients who were anti-HBc positive only had a higher risk of HBsAg seroreversion (1-year incidence 1.8%) than those negative for both anti-HBs & anti-HBc (0%; p = 0.014). Patients with previous HBV exposure had a similarly low risk of liver failure as unexposed individuals (1.1% vs. 0.9%). The risk of a hepatitis flare started to increase in those receiving corticosteroids at peak daily doses of 20-40 mg (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.19, p = 0.048) or >40 mg (aHR 2.11, p = 0.015) prednisolone equivalents for <7 days, and was increased at treatment durations of 7-28 days and >28 days (aHR 2.02-3.85; p <0.001-0.012). In HBsAg-negative patients who were only anti-HBc positive, high peak daily doses of corticosteroids increased the risk of hepatitis flare, but not seroreversion. The rate of liver failure was low and similar in HBV exposed and unexposed individuals; there were no deaths, nor any requirement for liver transplantation. It is important to know the hepatitis B virus (HBV) status before starting corticosteroid therapy. Patients with resolved HBV infection without detectable immunity are at an increased risk of HBV surface antigen seroreversion after corticosteroid therapy. High peak daily doses of corticosteroids (>40 mg prednisolone equivalents) increase the risk of hepatitis flare, but not seroreversion, in patients with previous exposure to HBV, irrespective of the duration of treatment. Interval monitoring of liver biochemistries is essential for the early detection of hepatitis flares in these patients.

The benefits of extrinsic ligament release for potentially hemodynamically unstable pancreaticoduodenal arcade aneurysm with median arcuate ligament syndrome: a case report

BackgroundA pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm (PDAA) occurring in close association with median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is rare. A surgical procedure, such as median arcuate ligament (MAL) release, should be considered in such cases, but the operative criteria remain unknown. In this study, we reported an extremely rare case of PDAA with periarteritis nodosa (PAN) and MALS.Case presentationA 60-year-old man was transferred to our department with sudden onset of abdominal pain. We initially diagnosed his condition as a PDAA rupture with MALS based on enhanced computed tomography (CT). We promptly performed transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of PDAA, and the angiogram showed stagnant contrast agent in the celiac trunk, indicating total celiac artery occlusion. Follow-up enhanced CT three weeks after the first TAE clearly demonstrated newly formed, multiple aneurysms in the pancreaticoduodenal arcade and the hepatic artery. These findings indicated a systemic disorder, such as PAN or segmental arterial mediolysis, as the underlying cause. Therefore, we started corticosteroid therapy and performed diagnostic angiography to clarify the celiac artery’s patency. Contrary to the initial angiography, the second angiography showed sustained blood flow in the celiac artery. Nevertheless, we performed both extrinsic MAL release and consecutive TAE because of the risk of multiple aneurysms rupturing due to an uncontrolled systemic disorder and consequent hepatic ischemia. The patient had no episode of recurrence until one year of follow-up.ConclusionsIt is important to evaluate risk for hemodynamically unstable events to decide the best treatment strategy for MALS.

Topical Triamcinolone-Induced Psychosis

Topical Triamcinolone-Induced Psychosis

An unsuspected complication with immune checkpoint blockade: a case report

BackgroundImmunotherapy treatment with immune-checkpoint blockade has become a new paradigm in cancer treatment. Despite its efficacy, it has also given rise to a new class of adverse events, immune-related adverse events, which may affect any organ, including the thyroid and the pituitary.Case presentationWe present a case of a 77-year-old Caucasian man with metastatic renal cell carcinoma on immunotherapy treatment who was admitted to our hospital with a severe persistent headache of sudden onset. He had been on corticosteroid therapy for 10 days for suspected immune-related thyroiditis. The patient had tachycardia and mild diarrhea, and his thyroid function tests were compatible with subclinical hyperthyroidism with a suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone level of 0.01 μIU/ml (0.4–4.5), a raised free T4 level of 2.17 ng/dl (0.7–1.9), and a free T3 level of 4.66 pg/ml (2.27–5). Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enlargement of the pituitary gland compatible with macroadenoma. In the face of a probable immune-related hypophysitis, high-dose corticosteroid treatment was started. A posterior hormonal evaluation revealed secondary hypothyroidism with a suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone level of 0.11 μIU/ml (0.4–4.5) and low thyroid hormones, a normal free T4 level of 1.02 ng/dl (0.7–1.9), and a low free T3 level of 1.53 pg/ml (2.27–5). These new findings suggested central hypothyroidism possibly due to pituitary apoplexy as a complication of the macroadenoma. Therefore, levothyroxine substitution was started along with the previously started corticosteroid therapy. The patient’s headache and asthenia gradually resolved, and after a few days, he was released from the hospital with levothyroxine substitution and corticosteroid tapering.ConclusionsThis case emphasizes the importance of the differential diagnosis when dealing with patients on immune checkpoint inhibitors because other non-immune-related events may present. Our patient was finally diagnosed with immune-related hyperthyroidism and a concurrent pituitary macroadenoma. This case also highlights the importance of a prompt start of corticosteroid therapy once immune-related adverse events such as hypophysitis are suspected, because otherwise the outcome would be fatal.

Presumed primary immune‐mediated neutropenia in 35 dogs: a retrospective study

To describe, in a cohort of dogs with presumed primary immune-mediated neutropenia, the presenting clinical characteristics, haematology results, bone marrow characteristics, therapies used (drugs and doses), clinical response to treatment, relapse and outcome at six months and one year. Multi-institutional recruited retrospective descriptive case series with voluntary submissions. Presumed immune-mediated neutropenia was diagnosed based on a neutrophil concentration <1·5×109 cells/L on a minimum of two complete blood counts, exclusion of other causes of neutropenia based on a diagnostic bone marrow aspirate or biopsy, and exclusion of secondary immune-mediated neutropenia. Dogs meeting these diagnostic criteria between 2006 and 2013, and that had a haematocrit of ≥29% and minimum of two complete blood clounts performed after initiation of therapy, were included. Information on 35 dogs was included. Neutropenia was less than 0·5×109 cells/L in most cases (21 dogs), 0·5 to ·99×109 cells/L in 11, and 1.0 to 1·49×109 cells/L in three. Eight dogs had thrombocytopenia, which was severe (<49·9×109 cells/L) in three. [Correction added on 23 May 2017, after first online publication: the cell numbers were incorrect due to errors in the conversion of cell measurements to international units. The numbers have been corrected throughout the article and Table 2.] Twenty-three dogs had myeloid hyperplasia, 10 dogs had myeloid hypoplasia and two dogs had normal myelopoiesis. Neutropenia resolved in 32 of 33 dogs within two weeks of starting corticosteroid therapy and in all dogs within one month. Relapse of neutropenia occurred in 12 cases within one year. Initial response of presumed primary immune-mediated neutropenia cases to corticosteroid therapy can be excellent. Long-term monitoring for relapse is warranted because 34% of cases relapsed during or after taper of immunosuppressive medications.

Influence of acute kidney injury on the time to complete remission in adult minimal change nephrotic syndrome: a single-centre study.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), particularly in adults. We evaluated the prevalence of AKI at the onset of adult MCNS and analyzed the influence of AKI on the duration of achieving complete remission (CR). A retrospective, single-centre, dynamic cohort study was conducted with biopsy-proven, first-onset, adult MCNS patients treated with corticosteroids. Fifty-three consecutive patients diagnosed with MCNS from January 2000 to April 2014 were enrolled. Age, gender, daily urinary protein excretion, and serum creatinine levels were measured. To evaluate AKI during induction, we used the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for AKI and judged AKI stage according to the fluctuations in serum creatinine levels during the first 4 weeks of starting corticosteroid therapy. Twenty patients (37.7%) met the AKI criteria and all 53 patients achieved CR within 1 year. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the median time to CR was significantly longer in patients with AKI than in patients without AKI. Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that the hazard ratio (HR) associated with the presence of AKI for achieving CR within 4 weeks was 0.36 after adjustment for age, gender, serum albumin, daily urinary protein excretion, hypertension, administration of 25% albumin, and methylprednisolone pulse therapy. A graded association was also observed between AKI stage and HR for achieving CR. The prevalence of AKI is high in adult patients with MCNS during induction therapy. AKI is an independent factor that delays the time to CR.

The Management of Autoimmune Hepatitis Patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis: Real-World Experience and a Comprehensive Review.

There is a paucity of information related to the usefulness of corticosteroid therapy in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) with decompensated cirrhosis. In this study, we sought to determine the therapeutic effect of corticosteroids in this special group of AIH patients. Eighty-two AIH patients with decompensated cirrhosis were included through a retrospective analysis from January 2009 to September 2015. Sixty-four patients were treated with corticosteroids while 18 patients did not receive any corticosteroids. Clinical, laboratory, and histological characteristics and outcomes were analyzed comparing corticosteroid-treated and untreated groups. Patients that did not receive corticosteroids were older than corticosteroid-treated patients and had a worse survival. In corticosteroid-treated group, 40 of 64 patients reverted to compensated state and 15 patients remained decompensated, while 9 patients experienced liver-related death or transplantation. Patients who reverted to compensated state had significantly greater ALT, AST, GGT, white blood cell count, and platelet levels at presentation. Changes (Δ) in total bilirubin (TBIL) and MELD scores at day 7 after starting corticosteroid therapy revealed favorable predictive effects of treatment outcomes. Survival was significantly greater in patients with a ΔTBIL <-0.196mg/dL (p = 0.001) 7days after treatment. Infection was the most common cause of death or transplantation in the patients with treatment failure. Although it cannot be determined whether the results were due to the therapy or underlying patient characteristics, survival was greater in the corticosteroid-treated group with the benefit being greatest in patients with the greatest decrease in TBIL at day 7 after starting corticosteroid therapy.

Impact of surgery and intranasal corticosteroid therapy on quality of life of patients with allergic rhinitis

Introduction: Prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) in India ranges from 10% to 15%. AR significantly affects the quality of life (QOL). This study was designed with an objective to assess the impact of surgery and 3 months of intranasal corticosteroids therapy on the QOL of patients with AR. Materials and Methods: A before and after comparison cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2012 and December 2013. A total of fifty consecutive patients in the age group of 19-59 years suffering from moderate-severe AR presenting at KKR ENT Hospital and Research Institute were included in the study after taking their consent. Individuals with contraindications for the surgery or intranasal corticosteroid therapy were excluded from the study. QOL was assessed using the mini rhinoconjunctivitis QOL questionnaire before the surgery and 3 months after starting corticosteroid therapy following the surgery. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethical and Scientific Committee. Absolute eosinophil count (AEC) and QOL scores were used to measure the impact. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were used to analyze the data and lend statistical support. Results: Mean AEC reduced from 517.66 (±74.42) to 322.70 (±54.68) after surgery and 3 months of intranasal corticosteroid therapy, and this reduction was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Mean QOL scores reduced from 2.624 (±0.445) to 2.031 (±0.386) after surgery and 3 months of intranasal corticosteroid therapy, and this reduction was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Within 3 months after the surgery and intranasal corticosteroid therapy, the mean AEC as well as the mean QOL scores reduced significantly indicating a reduction in the allergic reaction and an improvement in the QOL of patients suffering from AR.

Tratamiento del síndrome nefrótico idiopático en niños

The annual incidence of the nephrotic syndrome has been estimated to be 1-3 per 100,000 children<16 year of age.In children, the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome is idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). INS is defined by the presence of proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia and by definition is a primary disease. Renal biopsy study shows non-specific histological abnormalities of the kidney including minimal changes, focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis, and diffuse mesangial proliferation.Steroid therapy is applied in all cases of INS. Renal biopsy is usually not indicated before starting corticosteroid therapy. The majority of patients (80-90%) are steroid-responsive. Children with INS who do not achieve a complete remission with corticosteroid therapy commonly present focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis and require treatment with calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine or tacrolimus), mycophenolate mofetil or rituximab, plus renin-angiotensin system blockade.In this article we review the recent accepted recommendations for the treatment of children with INS.