Use Of Systemic Corticosteroids Research Articles

Acute exacerbation of COPD increases the risk of hip fractures: a nested case-control study from the Korea National Health Insurance Service.

Background/AimsHip fracture and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD) could increase mortality in patients with COPD. There are no data on the relationship between AE-COPD and hip fracture, which may significantly affect the prognosis of patients with COPD. Therefore, we conducted this study to determine the effects of AE-COPD on hip fractures in patients with COPD.MethodsThis retrospective, nested, case-control study included 253,471 patients with COPD (≥ 40 years of age) identified from the Korea National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort (NHIS-HEALS) from 2002 to 2015. Among 176,598 patients with COPD, 1,415 patients with hip fractures were identified. Each case was matched to one control for age (within 10 years), sex, and year of COPD diagnosis. We estimated the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for hip fractures associated with AE-COPD using conditional logistic regression analysis, adjusting for underlying diseases and smoking history.ResultsIn patients with AE-COPD, the risk of hip fracture was 2.50 times higher, regardless of systemic corticosteroid use and underlying disease (aOR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.67 to 3.75). The risk of hip fracture increased if there was one episode of AE in the year before hip fractures (aOR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.66 to 3.05). Moreover, the risk of hip fracture also increased in patients with more than two episodes of AE the year before hip fractures (aOR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.61 to 4.10).ConclusionsAE-COPD increases the risk of hip fracture regardless of underlying diseases, including osteoporosis, and treatment with systemic corticosteroids.

Evaluation of Combination Therapy With Etanercept and Systemic Corticosteroids for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Multicenter Observational Study

Stevens-Johnson syndrome-toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS-TEN) are fatal severe cutaneous adverse reactions, without consensus on the medical treatment. The use of systemic corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) remains debatable. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors are potentially effective. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combination therapy using etanercept combined with corticosteroids or IVIG combined with corticosteroids versus corticosteroid monotherapy for patients with SJS-TEN. We retrospectively enrolled SJS-TEN patients from Taiwan and the Chinese mainland, during 2014 to 2019. Patients enrolled were treated with corticosteroid monotherapy, or combinations with IVIG or etanercept. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, skin healing time, mortality, and adverse events among these treatment groups. Among the 242 patients (187 with SJS or SJS-TEN overlapping and 55 with TEN), patients who received combination therapy with etanercept and corticosteroids had lower actual mortality than those with corticosteroid monotherapy and those with IVIG combined with corticosteroids, respectively (0% vs 6.63% and 4.76%). There was a tendency of reducing standardized (observed/predicted) mortality rate (SMR) based on the Score of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in etanercept combined with corticosteroids compared with corticosteroid monotherapy and IVIG combined with corticosteroids therapy (SMR [95% CI] 0 [1.80-3.59], 0.71 [0.83-2.64], 0.30 [0.68-6.22]; P= .006). Etanercept combined with corticosteroids showed a reduced skin healing time (12.0 [8.5-14.0], median days [interquartile range]), compared with corticosteroid monotherapy (13.0 [10.0-18.0]) and IVIG combined with corticosteroids therapy (13.5 [10.0-19.5]); P= .004 and P= .012, respectively). Etanercept combined with corticosteroids also showed a lower incidence of adverse event with gastrointestinal hemorrhage than corticosteroid monotherapy, especially in patients with TEN (P= .001). The tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors and corticosteroids combination therapy was effective and safer than corticosteroid monotherapy for SJS-TEN, and may be considered as an alternative therapy for SJS-TEN patients who responded poorly to conventional corticosteroid therapy.

An Eleven Year Old Boy with Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)

Introduction: The prospective studies have estimated that the DRESS syndrome incidence rate is about 1 per 1000 to 10,000 with the mortality rate is to be around 10% to 20%.
 Case: We have been reported a case of DRESS in an eleven-year-old boy who came to the emergency room with the chief complaint of maculopapular rash in the body that had been happened for three days. The rash was first appeared in the arms area and thus spread to the trunk, abdomen, and lower extremities. The erythema was well-demarcated, purplish in color. There was a history of fever a week before admission which reached 40 0 Celcius. There are multiple histories of drug administration, either orally or intravenously to this patient, and made the diagnosis of drug reaction is highly possible. The management of these patients consists of suspending suspected drugs and implementing supportive measures.
 Conclusion: Regarding pharmacological treatment, the use of systemic corticosteroids for a prolonged period with a gradual decrease is suggested, to avoid relapses.

Efficacy and safety of baricitinib plus standard of care for the treatment of critically ill hospitalised adults with COVID-19 on invasive mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an exploratory, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundThe oral, selective Janus kinase 1/2 inhibitor baricitinib has shown efficacy in studies of hospitalised adults with COVID-19. COV-BARRIER (NCT04421027) was a multinational, phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of baricitinib in patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of baricitinib plus standard of care in critically ill hospitalised adults with COVID-19 requiring invasive mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.MethodsThis exploratory trial followed the study design of COV-BARRIER in a critically ill cohort not included in the main phase 3 trial. The study was conducted across 18 hospitals in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and the USA. Participants (aged ≥18 years) hospitalised with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection on baseline invasive mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were randomly assigned (1:1) to baricitinib (4 mg) or placebo once daily for up to 14 days in combination with standard of care. Participants, study staff, and investigators were masked to study group assignment. Prespecified endpoints included all-cause mortality through days 28 and 60, number of ventilator-free days, duration of hospitalisation, and time to recovery through day 28. The efficacy analysis was done in the intention-to-treat population and the safety analysis was done in the safety population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04421027.FindingsBetween Dec 23, 2020, and April 10, 2021, 101 participants were enrolled into the exploratory trial and assigned to baricitinib (n=51) or placebo (n=50) plus standard of care. Standard of care included baseline systemic corticosteroid use in 87 (86%) participants. Treatment with baricitinib significantly reduced 28-day all-cause mortality compared with placebo (20 [39%] of 51 participants died in the baricitinib group vs 29 [58%] of 50 in the placebo group; hazard ratio [HR] 0·54 [95% CI 0·31–0·96]; p=0·030; 46% relative reduction; absolute risk reduction 19%). A significant reduction in 60-day mortality was also observed in the baricitinib group compared with the placebo group (23 [45%] events vs 31 [62%]; HR 0·56 [95% CI 0·33–0·97]; p=0·027; 44% relative reduction; absolute risk reduction 17%). In every six baricitinib-treated participants, one additional death was prevented compared with placebo at days 28 and 60. The number of ventilator-free days did not differ significantly between treatment groups (mean 8·1 days [SD 10·2] in the baricitinib group vs 5·5 days [8·4] in the placebo group; p=0·21). The mean duration of hospitalisation in baricitinib-treated participants was not significantly shorter than in placebo-treated participants (23·7 days [SD 7·1] vs 26·1 days [3·9]; p=0·050). The rates of infections, blood clots, and adverse cardiovascular events were similar between treatment groups.InterpretationIn critically ill hospitalised patients with COVID-19 who were receiving invasive mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, treatment with baricitinib compared with placebo (in combination with standard of care, including corticosteroids) reduced mortality, which is consistent with the mortality reduction observed in less severely ill patients in the hospitalised primary COV-BARRIER study population. However, this was an exploratory trial with a relatively small sample size; therefore, further phase 3 trials are needed to confirm these findings.FundingEli Lilly and Company.

Biologics for severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a change management approach. Consensus of the Joint Committee of Italian Society of Otorhinolaryngology on biologics in rhinology.

SUMMARYChronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a heterogeneous inflammatory condition of nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses, predominantly mediated by type 2 inflammation and often associated with comorbid asthma and/or Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (N-ERD). The standard of care involves local and systemic corticosteroids and/or sinonasal surgery, although these options may be associated with recurrences and patients may require revision surgery. Difficult-to-treat patients, in fact, have a more severe disease requiring high systemic corticosteroid use and/or multiple sinonasal surgeries. Literature data suggests that biologic agents targeting specific key effectors of type 2 inflammation may offer supplemental therapy for patients with severe and uncontrolled CRSwNP, leading to significant improvement in several outcomes. For these reasons, over the years the endotyping of the disease has become increasingly important. Herein, we provide not only an update on the existing studies about the most promising biologics in CRSwNP, but also critical discussion on controversies about the use of biologics in severe uncontrolled CRSwNP. We finally provide consensus on strategic issues gathered among experts of the Joint Committee of Italian Society of Otorhinolaryngology on biologics in order to offer the best care for difficult to treat patients.

Flu-IV score: a predictive tool for assessing the risk of invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with influenza-related pneumonia

BackgroundThe need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is linked to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with influenza-related pneumonia (Flu-p). We aimed to develop an assessment tool to predict IMV among Flu-p patients within 14 days of admission.MethodsIn total, 1107 Flu-p patients from five teaching hospitals were retrospectively enrolled from January 2012 to December 2019, including 895 patients in the derivation cohort and 212 patients in the validation cohort. The predictive model was established based on independent risk factors for IMV in the Flu-p patients from the derivation cohort.ResultsOverall, 10.6% (117/1107) of patients underwent IMV within 14 days of admission. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that the following factors were associated with IMV: early neuraminidase inhibitor use (− 3 points), lymphocytes < 0.8 × 109/L (1 point), multi-lobar infiltrates (1 point), systemic corticosteroid use (1 point), age ≥ 65 years old (1 points), PaO2/FiO2 < 300 mmHg (2 points), respiratory rate ≥ 30 breaths/min (3 points), and arterial PH < 7.35 (4 points). A total score of five points was used to identify patients at risk of IMV. This model had a sensitivity of 85.5%, a specificity of 88.8%, and exhibited better predictive performance than the ROX index (AUROC = 0.909 vs. 0.594, p = 0.004), modified ROX index (AUROC = 0.909 vs. 0.633, p = 0.012), and HACOR scale (AUROC = 0.909 vs. 0.622, p < 0.001) using the validation cohort.ConclusionsFlu-IV score is a valuable prediction rule for 14-day IMV rates in Flu-p patients. However, it should be validated in a prospective study before implementation.

Influence of Comorbidities and Airway Clearance on Mortality and Outcomes of Patients With Severe Bronchiectasis Exacerbations in Taiwan.

Bronchiectasis is characterized by systemic inflammation and multiple comorbidities. This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes based on the bronchiectasis etiology comorbidity index (BACI) score in patients hospitalized for severe bronchiectasis exacerbations. We included non-cystic fibrosis patients hospitalized for severe bronchiectasis exacerbations between January 2008 and December 2016 from the Chang Gung Research Database (CGRD) cohort. The main outcome was the 1-year mortality rate after severe exacerbations. We used the Cox regression model to assess the risk factors of 1-year mortality. Of 1,235 patients who were hospitalized for severe bronchiectasis exacerbations, 641 were in the BACI < 6 group and 594 in the BACI ≥ 6 group. The BACI ≥ 6 group had more previous exacerbations and a lower FEV1. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.1%) was the most common bacterium, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (7.5%). Overall, 11.8% of patients had respiratory failure and the hospital mortality was 3.0%. After discharge, compared to the BACI < 6 group, the BACI ≥ 6 group had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of respiratory failure and mortality in a 1-year follow-up. The risk factors for 1-year mortality in a multivariate analysis include age [hazard ratio (HR) 4.38, p = 0.01], being male (HR 4.38, p = 0.01), and systemic corticosteroid usage (HR 6.35, p = 0.001), while airway clearance therapy (ACT) (HR 0.50, p = 0.010) was associated with a lower mortality risk. An increased risk of respiratory failure and mortality in a 1-year follow-up after severe exacerbations was observed in bronchiectasis patients with multimorbidities, particularly older age patients, male patients, and patients with a history of systemic corticosteroid use. ACT could effectively improve the risk for 1-year mortality.

DOP25 Clinical outcomes of COVID-19 and Impact on Disease Course in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BackgroundThe impact of COVID-19 has been of great concern in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) worldwide, including an increased risk of severe outcomes and/or possible flare of IBD. This study aims to evaluate prevalence, outcomes, the impact of COVID-19 in patients with IBD, and risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 or flare of IBD activity.MethodsA consecutive cohort of IBD patients followed at the McGill University Health Care Centre diagnosed with COVID-19 infection was obtained between March 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021. Demographics, comorbidities, IBD (type, treatments, pre-and post-COVID clinical activity, biomarkers, and endoscopic activity), and COVID-related outcomes (pneumonia, hospitalization, death, and flare of IBD disease) were analyzed.ResultsA total of 3,516 IBD cohort patients were included. 82 patients (2.3%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection (median age 39.0 (IQR 27.8–48.0), 77% with Crohn’s disease, 50% were female). The prevalence of COVID infection in IBD was significantly lower compared to the general population in Canada and Quebec (3.5% vs. 4.3%, p<0.001). Severe COVID occurred in 6 patients (7.3%); 2 patients (2.4%) died. A flare of IBD post-COVID infection was reported in 8 patients (9.8%) within 3 months. Biologic therapy was held during active COVID infection in 37% of patients. Age ≥55 years (odds ratio (OR):11.1, 95%CI:1.8–68.0), systemic corticosteroid use (OR:4.6, 95%CI:0.7–30.1), active IBD (OR:3.8, 95%CI:0.7–20.8) and comorbidity (OR:4.9, 95%CI:0.8–28.6) were factors associated with severe COVID. After initial infection, 61% of IBD patients received COVID-19 vaccinations. ConclusionThe prevalence of COVID-19 infection among patients with IBD was lower than that in the general population in Canada. Severe COVID, mortality, and flare of IBD were relatively rare, while a large proportion of patients received COVID vaccination. Older age, comorbidities, active IBD disease, and systemic corticosteroid, but not immunosuppressive or biological therapy were associated with severe COVID infection.

Adalimumab for the Treatment of Adults With Non-Infectious Uveitis

&#x0D; Four systematic reviews (SRs) and 1 economic evaluation were identified regarding the clinical effectiveness (including safety) and cost-effectiveness of adalimumab in adults with non-infectious uveitis.&#x0D; In adults with active non-infectious uveitis (VISUAL I), adalimumab significantly lowered the risk of treatment failure and significantly improved changes in best-corrected visual acuity, anterior chamber cell grade, and vitreous haze grade. Additionally, the number and rate of adverse events and serious adverse events were greater in the adalimumab group compared to the placebo group. Clinical effectiveness and safety findings from the Japanese sub study (VISUAL I Japan) and data from a randomized controlled trial of a younger adult population (ADUR) demonstrated that adalimumab may have no treatment effect.&#x0D; In adults with inactive non-infectious uveitis (VISUAL II), adalimumab significantly lowered risk of treatment failure; however, adalimumab may have no treatment effect on changes in best-corrected visual acuity, anterior chamber cell grade, and vitreous haze grade. Additionally, the number and rate of adverse events and serious adverse events were variable in the adalimumab versus placebo groups (e.g., number of adverse events was greater in the adalimumab group but the rate of adverse events was higher in the placebo groups). Clinical effectiveness and safety findings from the Japanese substudy (VISUAL II Japan) demonstrated that adalimumab may have no treatment effect.&#x0D; Considering both active and inactive non-infectious uveitis (VISUAL I, VISUAL I [Japan], VISUAL II, VISUAL II [Japan], and ADUR), change in vitreous haze grade improved significantly more in the adalimumab group than the control group.&#x0D; In the perspective of the health care system in the UK, adalimumab (plus systemic corticosteroid and immunosuppressant therapy) is not more cost-effective than systemic corticosteroid and immunosuppressant use alone (modelled by placebo data) in adults with active and inactive non-infectious uveitis influencing the posterior segment (i.e., back of the eye).&#x0D; No evidence-based guidelines regarding the use of adalimumab for the treatment of adults with non-infectious uveitis were identified.&#x0D;

Disseminated tense bullae on newborn

Disseminated tense bullae on newborn

Association of clinical and social factors with risk of fracture in children with atopic dermatitis.

Children with atopic dermatitis (AD) have multiple risk factors for accidental fractures, injuries that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the factors that mediate the relationship between AD and fracture in children. Our purpose was to examine the association of AD with fracture and to identify potential mediating factors. This retrospective cohort study examined children with and without AD from a longitudinal matched cohort database of 353,040 children registered in the national health insurance service and participated in the national health-screening program of Korea. We defined AD using medical claims and medication prescription records. We investigated accidental fracture events between the index date and the end of follow-up in a propensity score-matched cohort. Pre-specified subgroup analyses considered fractures in four different regions of the body. The mediating effects of 10 possible clinical factors (including the use of antihistamines and systemic corticosteroids) and social factors (including nutritional status and parental safety awareness) were determined. There were 145,704 participating children, 20% with AD and 49% girls. Fractures occurred in 6,652 of the children with AD (23%, mean age: 64.6±29.2months) and in 24,698 of the control group (21%, mean age 65.0±28.9months). Children with AD had an 8% greater risk of fracture events overall (adjusted relative risk [aRR]: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10). In subgroup analysis, AD was related to increased rates of skull and facial bone fracture (aRR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04-1.14), for trunk including vertebrae (aRR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22- 2.05), and for distal limbs (aRR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07-1.15). However, the relationship with proximal limb fracture was insignificant. Duration of systemic corticosteroid prescription was the largest mediating factor, followed by duration of antihistamine prescription, and infant feeding practices. In particular, the duration of systemic corticosteroid prescription was significantly associated with fracture events (incidence: 20.1% at the 25th percentile and 23.6% at the 75th percentile; difference: 3.4% [95% CI: 2.8-4.0%]). Children with AD were related to increased fracture events. The key factors with mediating effects were systemic use of corticosteroid and antihistamine. Infant feeding practices had weaker mediating effects.

Impaired SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine Antibody Response in Chronic Medical Conditions: A Real-World Analysis

Impaired SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine Antibody Response in Chronic Medical Conditions: A Real-World Analysis

Mucormycosis in COVID-19 --- Evaluation of associated risk factors at a tertiary care centre.

Aim : India has reported a recent surge in Mucormycosis cases. Prevention of COVID-19 associated Mucormycosis needs to focus on aiming for better glycemic control in COVID-19 patients and monitoring the use of systemic corticosteroids in treating severe cases. This study is an attempt to evaluate various patient characteristics that could contribute to Mucormycosis among COVID and post COVID patients. Materials and Methods : A retrospective observational study was carried out at a tertiary Care Hospital during April 2021–June 2021. After obtaining approval from Institutional Ethics committee, various demographic and clinical details of all patients, such as diabetes mellitus, use of steroids in COVID-19 treatment, use of immunosuppressant drugs, oxygen therapy etc., were noted. All Mucormycosis patients were treated with Amphotericin B and aggressive surgical treatment. Results : In the present study, majority of the patients who developed COVID associated Mucormycosis were treated in Private Hospitals (65, 62.5 %) for COVID -19 disease . About 78.89 % of Mucormycosis patients were males. In majority of the patient’s onset of symptoms of Mucormycosis was seen during the first week (56 %).Most patients were between 51-60 years (32.1 %). Among risk factors, 91.7 % had COVID-19 infection, 90.47% had received steroids, 80 % had diabetes mellitus and 47.11 % had received oxygen. About 37 % of patients presented in stage III and 35 % presented in stage I and II. In our study mortality was very less compared to other studies ( 12.35 %.). Conclusion: There is a complex association between COVID -19 and Mucormycosis.The main predisposing factor was use of steroids during the treatment of COVID-19 which led to uncontrolled diabetes mellitus predisposing to Mucormycosis.

The Hookah, an Emerging Form of Smoking, Systemic Effects and Harmful Effects of Its Use

Hookah originates from India and in the last years spread around the world. The culture and the mystique behind this device promoted the use among the young population. Despite the thought that is the new safe way to smoke tobacco, recent studies showed that it can be more harmful than the cigarette, becoming a public health problem. Hookah increases airway reactivity and inflammation, causing an inflammation in the respiratory and cardiovascular system. The inhaled smoke contains chemicals agents that are toxic to the lung. As known in the literature the inhaled substance can lead to an acute eosinophilic pneumonia with a pulmonary interstitial infiltrate on radiological image. The degree of pulmonary involvement is varied and may cause a serious condition, requiring hospital admission and intensive care support. The treatment consists of ceasing the hookah use and the use of systemic corticosteroids. One important damage to the health is the infection disease like the tuberculosis transmission, cause by sharing the devise. In the cardiovascular system, the alterations were increasing the cardiac frequency and blood pressure in addition to causing inflammation in the endothelium of the vessel. Long-term studies are needed to correlate the use of this device with the risk of developing cancer.

Epidemiology of mucormycosis in post-COVID-19 patients treated in a tertiary care hospital, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Mucormycosis is associated with high mortality (45-90%) in average-income countries including India. Prevention of mucormycosis associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or in patients recovering from COVID-19 needs a further understanding on epidemiology and underlying risk factors. A hospital-based observational cross-sectional study was performed in a dermatology ward and neurosurgery ward, King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam (dedicated wards for mucormycosis), during May-June 2021 (60 days). After obtaining permission from Institutional Ethics Committee, the convenience sampling method was used and 115 cases admitted for mucormycosis who are post-COVID-19 patients were included in the study. Complete case history including the demographic data and signs and symptoms including the course of hospitalisation for COVID-19 was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire, and detailed clinical examination was conducted in relation with mucormycosis. Data collected were entered in MS excel 2010, and the analysis was performed using SPSS Version 21 for testing the level of significance with P < 0.05. The majority of the patients belong to the 51-60 years (31.3%) age group, and 76.5% of them were females. Diabetes mellitus (76.5%) was the most common co-morbidity. Inhalational oxygen was given to 68 (59.1%) of patients. Pain in the eyes and nose was the most common complaint in patients with mucormycosis. Oxygen therapy during hospital admission and the presence of co-morbidities were significantly associated with findings of broad aseptate fungal hyphae on KOH mount. Prevention of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis needs to focus on aiming for appropriate oxygen therapy and better glycaemic control in COVID-19 patients and monitoring the use of systemic corticosteroids in treating severe cases.

Steroid therapy and antiviral treatment in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: clinical contexts and indications.

Critically ill patients with COVID-19 face a higher risk of disease progression and complications. The current standard of care includes supportive care measures and fluid management. The Recovery trial observed a reduction in all-cause, 28-day mortality (p<0.001) when patients with COVID-19 requiring oxygen therapy received 6 mg of dexamethasone per day for 10 days. In contrast, in patients not requiring oxygen, no benefit was observed: 28-day mortality rates for the dexamethasone and routine care groups were 17.8% and 14%, respectively. To corroborate these results, the World Health Organization (WHO) performed a meta-analysis. The study showed that the use of systemic corticosteroids compared with routine care placebo was associated with a decrease in all-cause, 28-day mortality. With respect to the effectiveness of remdesivir, the ACTT-1 trial found that the drug conferred a benefit on time to clinical improvement. The subgroup analysis in the clinical trial also showed a benefit per mortality in patients requiring supplemental oxygen, albeit not those in need of mechanical ventilation.

Interpretation of Clinical Efficacy of Biologics in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps via Understanding the Local and Systemic Pathomechanisms.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a heterogeneous disease treated with medication or surgery. For recalcitrant type 2 CRSwNP, biological agents have been effectively used to improve nasal polyp score, nasal congestion score, daily symptoms related to CRSwNP, and time to systemic corticosteroid use or revision surgery. Although general guidelines for using biologics to treat CRSwNP were proposed by the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps in 2020 and various studies have tested their efficacy, there is much more to learn about biologics—specific indication and choice of biologics based on the endotypes, for instance. Understanding the vascular distribution of monoclonal antibodies and the differences in the vascularity of the non-polyp mucosa and nasal polyp tissue will not only aid understanding of each biologic’s clinical effect but also provide insights to establishing a more personalized approach to treating recalcitrant CRSwNP with biologics.

Efficacy of Low Level Laser Therapy in Reducing Pain, Swelling and Trismus Following Impacted Third Molar Extraction Surgery: A Split-mouth Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction: The use of local or systemic corticosteroids and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often recommended after surgical extraction of impacted lower third molars to abolish postoperative pain, but some of them may manifest adverse effects such as gastrointestinal irritation, systemic bleeding tendency, and allergic reactions. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of low level laser therapy in reducing pain, swelling, and trismus following impacted third molar extraction surgery. Materials and Methods: The present split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Yenepoya Dental College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. The study sample consisted of nine clinically and radiologically confirmed cases of bilateral symmetrical impacted mandibular third molars indicated for extraction. After extraction surgery, low level laser therapy was administered intraorally and extraorally (Low Level Laser Group). On the contralateral side (Non laser Group), extraction was carried out 15 days prior in the same manner except that patient was not subjected to laser therapy. Trismus, pain, swelling and healing were evaluated on 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 7th day; and were subjected to statistical analysis using Independent-t-Test and Mann-Whitney Test. Results: The study consisted of nine patients, among which six were males and three were females with mean age of 25.89±6.79 years. Pain intensity was lower in the laser group than in the non laser group at all-time points assessed and was non significant (p-value &gt;0.05). Swelling when assessed was less for laser group than non laser group at all-time points and were statistically significant (p-value &lt;0.05) except on the 7th day. The extent of mouth opening was greater in the laser group than in the non laser group at all-time points which was statistically significant only on 2nd day (p-value=0.048). Both laser and non laser group had no statistically significant difference in healing (p-value &gt;0.05). Conclusion: The use of therapeutic laser in the postoperative management of patients undergoing surgical removal of impacted third molars decreases postoperative pain, swelling, and trismus.

Association Between Corticosteroids and Outcomes in Children Hospitalized With Orbital Cellulitis.

To examine the association between systemic corticosteroid use and outcomes for children hospitalized with orbital cellulitis at US children's hospitals. We conducted a multicenter observational study using administrative data from the Pediatric Health Information System database from 2007 to 2019. Children between the ages of 2 months and 18 years with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification or 10th Revision, Clinical Modification discharge diagnostic codes of orbital cellulitis were included. The primary exposure was receipt of systemic corticosteroids on the day of hospital admission. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay, and secondary outcomes included surgical intervention, ICU admissions, revisits, and health care costs. We used generalized logit model with inverse probability weighting logistic regression to adjust for demographic factors and assess for differences in clinical outcomes reported. Of the 5832 patients hospitalized with orbital cellulitis, 330 (5.7%) were in the corticosteroid group and 5502 (94.3%) were in the noncorticosteroid group. Patients in the corticosteroid group were older, had more severe illness, and received broad spectrum antibiotics. In adjusted analyses, corticosteroid exposure was not associated with differences in length of hospital stay, need for surgical intervention, ICU admissions, emergency department revisits, 30-day hospital readmissions, or hospital costs. Restricting the analysis to only those patients who received broad spectrum antibiotics did not change the findings. Early use of systemic corticosteroids in hospitalized children with orbital cellulitis is not associated with improved clinical outcomes. Use of corticosteroids in hospitalized children with orbital cellulitis should be discouraged outside of clinical trials.

Does Frailty influence Inhospital Management and Outcomes of COVID-19 in Older Adults in the US?

Older age has been consistently associated with adverse COVID-19 outcomes. Frailty, a syndrome characterized by declining function across multiple body systems is common in older adults and may increase vulnerability to adverse outcomes among COVID-19 patients. However, the impacts of frailty on COVID-19 management, severity, or outcomes have not been well characterized in a large, representative US population. Using the National COVID Cohort Collaborative, a multi-institutional US repository for COVID-19 research, we calculated the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS), a validated EHR-based frailty score, among COVID-19 inpatients age ≥ 65. We examined patient demographics and comorbidities, length of stay (LOS), systemic corticosteroid and remdesivir use, ICU admission, and inpatient mortality across subgroups by HFRS score. Among 58,964 inpatients from 53 institutions (51% male, 65% White, 18% Black, 9% Hispanic, mean age 75, mean Charlson comorbidity count 3.0, and median LOS 7 days), 38,692 (66%), 4,180 (7%), 3,531 (6%), 3,525 (6%) and 7,862 (13%) had HFRS scores of 0-1, 2, 3, 4, and >=5 , respectively. Frailty was only moderately correlated with age and comorbidity (ρ=0.178 and 0.348, respectively, p<0.001). Overall, 34% received systemic corticosteroid and 19% received remdesivir. We observed 4% ICU admissions and 16% inpatient death. Among non-ICU admissions, after adjusting for demographics and comorbidities, frailty (HFRS ≥ 2) was associated with 79% greater systemic corticosteroid use and 22% greater remdesivir use, whereas a higher HRFS score was marginally associated with higher rates of severe COVID disease, inpatient death, or ICU admission.