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This page shows you the latest news and research items in this category.

Pediatric case of mesalazine‐induced interstitial nephritis with literature review
We present the case of a 14‐year‐old boy with ulcerative colitis who was diagnosed with mesalazine‐induced interstitial nephritis (M‐IIN). Improvement in renal function occurred with discontinuation of mesalazine and corticosteroid therapy. We systematically searched the literature for pediatric cases of M‐IIN. There were eight cases. Majority of the cases were boys (75%) with ulcerative colitis (75%). Average duration of mesalazine use prior to the diagnosis of interstitial nephritis was 24 ± 18 months. The median dose was 1.5 g/day. M‐IIN appears to be an idiosyncratic reaction without any relation to ...
Source: Pediatrics International - June 18, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Maridine L. Co, Emmanuel C. Gorospe Tags: PATIENT REPORT Source Type: research

In Children With SJIA, Canakinumab Allows Discontinuation Of Corticosteroids
Study findings first presented at EULAR 2013, the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism, demonstrate the efficacy of canakinumab at tapering corticosteroid (CS) use in patients with SJIA. Successful CS tapering was achieved within 20 weeks in almost half of patients (44.5%, p JIA is a chronic arthritis occurring in 1 in every 1,000 children; SJIA is a subset occurring in 10%-20% of cases, involving the body as a whole and impacting small joints such as hands, wrists, knees and ankles... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - June 17, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Arthritis / Rheumatology Source Type: news

Inflammation increases cells expressing ZSCAN4 and progenitor cell markers in the adult pancreas
In conclusion, coexpression of progenitor cell markers and differentiated cell markers with ZSCAN4 in each compartment of the pancreas may indicate the presence of facultative progenitors for both exocrine and endocrine cells in the adult pancreas. (Source: AJP: Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology)
Source: AJP: Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology - June 15, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Ko, S. B. H., Azuma, S., Yokoyama, Y., Yamamoto, A., Kyokane, K., Niida, S., Ishiguro, H., Ko, M. S. H. Tags: PANCREAS Source Type: research

Inflammatory phenotypes underlying uncontrolled childhood asthma despite inhaled corticosteroid treatment: rationale and design of the PACMAN2 study
DiscussionAsthmatic children with distinct inflammatory phenotypes may respond differently to anti-inflammatory therapy. Therefore, by identifying inflammatory phenotypes in children with the PACMAN2 study, we may greatly impact future personalised treatment strategies, uncover new leads for therapeutic targets and improve the design of future clinical studies in the assessment of the efficacy of novel therapeutics. (Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles)
Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles - June 15, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Susanne VijverbergLeo KoendermanFrancine van ErpCornelis van der EntDirkje PostmaPaul BrinkmanPeter SterkJan RaaijmakersAnke-Hilse Maitland-van der Zee Source Type: research

Blood fibrinogen as a biomarker of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Conclusions Fibrinogen is likely to be a useful biomarker to stratify individuals with COPD into those with a high or low risk of future exacerbations and may identify those with a higher risk of mortality. (Source: Thorax)
Source: Thorax - June 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Duvoix, A., Dickens, J., Haq, I., Mannino, D., Miller, B., Tal-Singer, R., Lomas, D. A. Tags: Epidemiologic studies, Open access, TB and other respiratory infections, Bronchitis, Internet Review Source Type: research

A role for tricellulin in the regulation of gill epithelium permeability
The apical-most region of cell-to-cell contact in a vertebrate epithelium is the tight junction (TJ) complex. It is composed of bicellular TJs (bTJs) that bridge two adjacent epithelial cells and tricellular TJs (tTJs) that are points of contact between three adjoining epithelial cells. Tricellulin (TRIC) is a transmembrane TJ protein of vertebrates that is found in the tTJ complex. Full-length cDNA encoding rainbow trout TRIC was cloned and sequenced. In silico analysis of rainbow trout TRIC revealed a tetraspannin protein with several putative posttranslational modification sites. TRIC mRNA was broadly expressed in rainb...
Source: AJP: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology - June 15, 2013 Category: Physiology Authors: Kolosov, D., Kelly, S. P. Tags: Hormones, Reproduction and Development Source Type: research

Long-term clinical follow-up of the multicentre, randomized study to test immunosuppressive therapy with oral prednisone for the prevention of restenosis after percutaneous coronary interventions: Cortisone plus BMS or DES veRsus BMS alone to EliminAte Restenosis (CEREA-DES)
Conclusions The clinical benefits of prednisone compared with BMS only persisted almost unchanged at 4 years. Drug-eluting stents performed better than BMS at long-term, although the advantages observed at 1 year were in part attenuated because of the occurrence of very late stent thrombosis and late revascularizations. Clinical Trial NCT 00369356. (Source: European Heart Journal)
Source: European Heart Journal - June 14, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Ribichini, F., Tomai, F., Pesarini, G., Zivelonghi, C., Rognoni, A., De Luca, G., Boccuzzi, G., Presbitero, P., Ferrero, V., Ghini, A. S., Marino, P., Vassanelli, C., the CEREA-DES Investigators, Ribichini, Ferrero, Pesarini, Dal Dosso, Vassanelli, Tangua Tags: Interventional cardiology Source Type: research

Prenatal corticosteroids modify glutamatergic and GABAergic synapse genomic fabric: Insights from a novel animal model of infantile spasms
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: Journal of Neuroendocrinology)
Source: Journal of Neuroendocrinology - June 14, 2013 Category: Endocrinology Authors: D A Iacobas, S Iacobas, T Chachua, C Goletiani, G Sidyelyeva, J Velíšková, L Velíšek Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Eosinophilic keratitis in 46 eyes of 27 horses in the Mid‐Atlantic United States (2008–2012)
ConclusionsEosinophilic keratitis has a seasonal occurrence in summer in the Mid‐Atlantic United States. Systemic but not topical corticosteroid treatment may decrease therapy duration. Treatment with cetirizine may be associated with a decreased risk of recurrence. (Source: Veterinary Ophthalmology)
Source: Veterinary Ophthalmology - June 14, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Mary Lassaline‐Utter, Chelsey Miller, Kathryn L. Wotman Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Retrospective review of injection therapy in morton's neuroma.
CONCLUSION: Injection therapy is often the treatment of choice. No advantage has been demonstrated in this survey of ultrasound guided injection versus palpation guided injection. Further studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of ultrasound guided corticosteroid injection. PMID: 23757661 [PubMed - in process] (Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine)
Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine - June 13, 2013 Category: Sports Medicine Authors: Schiffer G, Chan O, Jalan R, Padhiar N Tags: Br J Sports Med Source Type: research

Corticosteroids for COPD Exacerbations: When Less Is MoreCorticosteroids for COPD Exacerbations: When Less Is More
Oral corticosteroids are an important mean to treating COPD exacerbations. But corticosteroids can have long-term adverse effects, so would a shorter treatment period be as effective? Medscape Pulmonary Medicine (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - June 13, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pulmonary Medicine Viewpoint Source Type: news

Canakinumab allows discontinuation of corticosteroids in patients with SJIA
(European League Against Rheumatism) Study findings first presented today at EULAR 2013, the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism, demonstrate the efficacy of canakinumab at tapering corticosteroid use in patients with SJIA. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - June 13, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

Disproportionate utilization of healthcare resources among veterans with COPD: a retrospective analysis of factors associated with COPD healthcare cost
Conclusion: The total number of admissions, clinic visits, physiologic impairment, BMI, number of medications, and type of provider are strongly associated with the total cost of COPD management. These factors may be used to focus COPD management toward patients with the potential for high utilization of healthcare resources. (Source: Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation)
Source: Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation - June 13, 2013 Category: Health Management Authors: Kyle DarnellAlok DwivediZhouyang WengRalph Panos Source Type: research

Exploring novel immune-related toxicities and endpoints with immune-checkpoint inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer.
Abstract Because of dramatic tumor regressions reported with the anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) and anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PDL-1) antibodies inhibiting the PD-1 immune checkpoint, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is now recognized as an immune-modifiable disease. As responses were observed in smaller numbers in phase I trials, the immunologic profiles and unique toxicities of these agents have not been fully established in NSCLC. Moreover, PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors in development by different companies may demonstrate diverse spectrums of activity and toxicity. Although the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antige...
Source: Clinical Lung Cancer - June 12, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Chow LQ Tags: Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book Source Type: research

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction: a rare first manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Abstract Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare clinical syndrome of ineffective intestinal motility characterised by clinical and radiological evidence of intestinal obstruction with no identifiable mechanical lesion. CIPO can either be idiopathic or secondary to a systemic disease, like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Fewer than 30 cases of CIPO secondary to SLE have been reported so far. Here we describe a case of SLE with the initial presentation of CIPO. In SLE-related CIPO, treatment includes a combination of high-dose intravenous corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and supportive care. Wi...
Source: Lupus - June 12, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Khairullah S, Jasmin R, Yahya F, Cheah T, Ng C, Sockalingam S Tags: Lupus Source Type: research

What's new in atopic eczema? An analysis of systematic reviews published in 2010–11
Summary This review provides a summary of key findings from 24 systematic reviews of atopic eczema (AE) published or indexed between 1 August 2010 and 31 December 2011, updating published summaries from previous years. Epidemiological evidence points to the protective effects of early daycare, endotoxin exposure, consumption of unpasteurized milk, and early exposure to dogs, but antibiotic use in early life may increase the risk for AE. With regard to prevention of AE, there is currently no strong evidence of benefit for exclusive breastfeeding, hydrolysed protein formulas, soy formulas, maternal antigen avoidance, omega�...
Source: Clinical And Experimental Dermatology - June 11, 2013 Category: Dermatology Authors: D. Torley, M. Futamura, H. C. Williams, K. S. Thomas Tags: Clinical Dermatology ● Review Article Source Type: research

Irreversible neurological defects in the lower extremities after haploidentical stem cell transplantation: Possible association with nelarabine
Conclusion: It may be desirable that HLA‐haploidentical SCT candidates avoid receiving nelarabine. (Source: American Journal of Hematology)
Source: American Journal of Hematology - June 11, 2013 Category: Hematology Authors: Manabu Kawakami, Kyoko Taniguchi, Satoshi Yoshihara, Shinichi Ishii, Katsuji Kaida, Kazuhiro Ikegame, Masaya Okada, Shohei Watanabe, Takuya Nishina, Hidefumi Hamada, Masashi Nakagawa, Hiroyasu Ogawa Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Drivers of cost and health-related quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): a Swedish nationwide study based on patient reports.
This study demonstrates that Swedish patients with SLE have low HRQoL and incur high societal costs and that are both associated with and most likely driven by disease activity, fatigue and corticosteroid use. PMID: 23761101 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Lupus)
Source: Lupus - June 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Bexelius C, Wachtmeister K, Skare P, Jönsson L, Vollenhoven RV Tags: Lupus Source Type: research

Needling and Lavage Plus Injection Helps Calcific Rotator Cuff TendinitisNeedling and Lavage Plus Injection Helps Calcific Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Needling and lavage is superior to corticosteroid injections for treating calcific tendinitis of the rotor cuff, according to a randomized trial of treatments for this common condition. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - June 10, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Orthopaedics News Source Type: news

Systemic polyarteritis nodosa in the young: A single centre experience over 32 years
Conclusion: Childhood PAN is a severe inflammatory disease of insidious onset, and variable clinical presentation. Relapses occurred more frequently in those with GI involvement; higher cumulative cyclophosphamide dose was associated with lower relapse risk. © 2013 American College of Rheumatology. (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - June 10, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: D Eleftheriou, MJ Dillon, K Tullus, SD Marks, CA Pilkington, DJ Roebuck, NJ Klein, PA Brogan Tags: Full Length Source Type: research

Retrospective review of injection therapy in morton's neuroma
Conclusion Injection therapy is often the treatment of choice. No advantage has been demonstrated in this survey of ultrasound guided injection versus palpation guided injection. Further studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of ultrasound guided corticosteroid injection. (Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine)
Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine - June 10, 2013 Category: Sports Medicine Authors: Schiffer, G., Chan, O., Jalan, R., Padhiar, N. Tags: ORAL PRESENTATIONS: NUTRITION, OTHER TOPICS & amp; LIGAMENTS Source Type: research

CCR7 signaling in pediatric opsoclonus-myoclonus: Upregulated serum CCL21 expression is steroid-responsive.
Abstract Identifying and blocking chemokine inflammatory mediators in pediatric opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is critical to the treatment of this autoimmune, paraneoplastic, neurological disorder. In a prospective, case-control, clinico-scientific study of children with OMS compared to non-inflammatory neurological controls and other inflammatory neurological disorders, CCL19 (n=369) and CCL21 (n=312) were quantified in CSF and serum, respectively, by ELISA. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal effects of OMS and various immunotherapies were evaluated. Significant upregulation of CCL21 concentration (mean±...
Source: Cytokine - June 10, 2013 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Pranzatelli MR, Tate ED, McGee NR, Ransohoff RM Tags: Cytokine Source Type: research

Paediatric autoimmune encephalopathies: a lot done, more to do
Early recognition of paediatric autoimmune encephalopathies is critical because they are treatable. Serological findings and response to immunotherapy are confirmatory. The expedited diagnosis of an autoimmune neurological disorder is critical because early treatment facilitates improvement. The data reported by Hacohen et al from a multi-institutional experience of childhood autoimmune encephalopathies should promote early recognition of these disorders.1 Autoimmunity ranks high in the differential diagnosis for encephalopathy. Suspicion is heightened when neuropsychiatric symptom onset is subacute, autoimmunity is record...
Source: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry - June 9, 2013 Category: Neurosurgery Authors: McKeon, A., Lennon, V. A. Tags: Immunology (including allergy), Epilepsy and seizures, Neuroimaging, Child and adolescent psychiatry Editorial commentaries Source Type: research

Systemic use of non‐biologic corticosteroids in orofacial diseases
This study reviews the corticosteroids in systemic use in management of orofacial mucocutaneous diseases; subsequent studies discuss corticosteroid‐sparing agents used in the management of orofacial diseases, such as calcineurin inhibitors used to produce immunosuppression; purine synthetase inhibitors; and cytotoxic and other immunomodulatory agents. (Source: Oral Diseases)
Source: Oral Diseases - June 9, 2013 Category: ENT & OMF Authors: EA Georgakopoulou, C Scully Tags: Invited Medical Review Source Type: research

Distribution of the glucocorticoid receptor in the human amygdala; changes in mood disorder patients.
Abstract Exposure to stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that stimulates glucocorticoid (GC) release from the adrenal. These hormones exert numerous effects in the body and brain and bind to a.o. glucocorticoid receptors (GR) expressed in the limbic system, including the hippocampus and amygdala. Hyperactivity of the HPA axis and disturbed stress feedback are common features in major depression. GR protein is present in the human hypothalamus and hippocampus, but little is known-neither in healthy subjects nor in depressed patients-about GR expression in the amygdala, a brain structure in...
Source: Brain Structure and Function - June 8, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Authors: Wang Q, Verweij EW, Krugers HJ, Joels M, Swaab DF, Lucassen PJ Tags: Brain Struct Funct Source Type: research

R1933X mutation in the MYH9 gene in May-Hegglin anomaly mimicking idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
We report a 25-year-old Taiwanese man who presented with prolonged bleeding after dental extraction. Examination of peripheral blood smear revealed thrombocytopenia (platelet = 35,000/μL), giant platelets, and Döhle-like cytoplasmic inclusions in neutrophils. A strong family history of thrombocytopenia favored hereditary macrothrombocytopenia over idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Electron microscopy revealed a spindle shape and parallel order of filaments in the inclusions, consistent with the diagnosis of MHA. We performed mutational analysis using polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequence of the...
Source: J Formos Med Assoc - June 8, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Sung CC, Lin SH, Chao TK, Chen YC Tags: J Formos Med Assoc Source Type: research

Avoid High-Dose Steroids in Elderly With COPD and DiabetesAvoid High-Dose Steroids in Elderly With COPD and Diabetes
In a study of elderly Australians with COPD and diabetes, high-dose corticosteroids upped the risk of hospitalization for diabetes-related conditions. The researchers advise prescribing with care. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - June 7, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Diabetes & Endocrinology News Source Type: news

Varicella zoster meningitis complicating combined anti-tumor necrosis factor and corticosteroid therapy in Crohn's disease.
Abstract Opportunistic viral infections are a well-recognized complication of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Cases of severe or atypical varicella zoster virus infection, both primary and latent reactivation, have been described in association with immunosuppression of Crohn's disease (CD) patients. However, central nervous system varicella zoster virus infections have been rarely described, and there are no previous reports of varicella zoster virus meningitis associated with anti-TNF therapy among the CD population. Here, we present the case of a 40-year-old male wi...
Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology - June 7, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Ma C, Walters B, Fedorak RN Tags: World J Gastroenterol Source Type: research

Increased Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and the Potential Mechanisms Linking the Two Conditions: A Review
Cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary artery disease (CAD), are the leading causes of death in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is a high prevalence of common risk factors in the COPD/CAD patient population including smoking, sedentary lifestyle and low socio-economic status. However, various studies have shown that airflow limitation is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and increased platelet activation have been widely reported to be pathophysiological links between COPD and atherosclerosis. Statins and...
Source: Cardiology in Review - June 6, 2013 Category: Cardiology Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Splenectomy and the incidence of venous thromboembolism and sepsis in patients with immune thrombocytopenia
Patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who relapse after an initial trial of corticosteroid treatment present a therapeutic challenge. Current guidelines recommend consideration of splenectomy, despite the known risks associated with surgery and the postsplenectomy state. To better define these risks, we identified a cohort of 9976 patients with ITP, 1762 of whom underwent splenectomy. The cumulative incidence of abdominal venous thromboembolism (AbVTE) was 1.6% compared with 1% in patients who did not undergo splenectomy; venous thromboembolism (VTE) (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus) after splenectomy wa...
Source: Blood - June 6, 2013 Category: Hematology Authors: Boyle, S., White, R. H., Brunson, A., Wun, T. Tags: Thrombocytopenia, Platelets and Thrombopoiesis, Thrombosis and Hemostasis Source Type: research

Anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids: Changing concepts.
Abstract Despite being the most effective anti-inflammatory treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases, the mechanisms by which glucocorticoids (corticosteroids) effect repression of inflammatory gene expression remain incompletely understood. Direct interaction of the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) with inflammatory transcription factors to repress transcriptional activity, i.e. transrepression, represents one mechanism of action. However, transcriptional activation, or transactivation, by NR3C1 also represents an important mechanism of glucocorticoid action. Glucocorticoids rapidly and profoundly increase expre...
Source: European Journal of Pharmacology - June 6, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Newton R Tags: Eur J Pharmacol Source Type: research

Diuretic treatment linked to COPD steroid efficacy
Research shows that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease benefit the most from the addition of an inhaled corticosteroid to their bronchodilator therapy if they are receiving diuretics or show significant bronchodilator reversibility. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory)
Source: MedWire News - Respiratory - June 5, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: news

Low dose intravenous immunoglobulins and steroids in toxic epidermal necrolysis: A prospective comparative open-labelled study of 36 cases
Conclusion: Combination therapy with low-dose IVIG and steroids is more effective in terms of reduced mortality and faster disease resolution when compared to steroids alone in TEN. (Source: Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology)
Source: Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology - June 5, 2013 Category: Dermatology Authors: Soumya JagadeesanK SobhanakumariSadeep Melethil SadanandanSheeba RavindranManjula Velikkakathu DivakaranLissy SkariaGeorge Kurien Source Type: research

Bovine Hemoglobin: A Nontraditional Approach to the Management of Acute Anemia in a Jehovah's Witness Patient With Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Conclusion: This case exemplifies the ingenuity that health care practitioners must use in critical situations involving the medical management of anemic Jehovah’s Witness patients who refuse blood products. Hemopure was used as "bridging treatment" to help save a patient from the devastating effects of ischemia resulting from severe anemia. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - June 5, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Jordan, S. D., Alexander, E. Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

Hepatitis C Virus-related Heat-insoluble Cryoglobulinemia and Thrombotic Microangiopathy.
Abstract : Heat-insoluble cryoglobulinemia is rare, and its pathogenesis and comorbidities remain poorly understood. Here, the authors report a case of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related heat-insoluble cryoglobulinemia associated with thrombotic microangiopathy and cryoglobulin-occlusive membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. The patient, a 57-year-old woman, presented with acute kidney injury, thrombocytopenia, anemia with schistocytes, high levels of serum HCV RNA of HCV genotype 2a, rheumatoid factor positivity and high levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) M and Igκ. The patient's serum was positive for cryoglob...
Source: The American Journal of the Medical Sciences - June 5, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Wu H, Zou HB, Xu Y, Zhang L, Du YJ, Yu JY, Lu RH, Li X Tags: Am J Med Sci Source Type: research

Development of psoriasis in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukaemia during nilotinib treatment
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: European Journal of Haematology)
Source: European Journal of Haematology - June 4, 2013 Category: Hematology Authors: Tadashi Nagai, Masaru Karakawa, Mayumi Komine, Kazuo Muroi, Mamitaro Ohtsuki, Keiya Ozawa Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

COPD Exacerbations Reduced With Short Corticosteroid Course
Patients respond to 5 days of corticosteroid therapy just as well as to 14 days of therapy, according to a study. (Source: Consultant Live)
Source: Consultant Live - June 3, 2013 Category: Primary Care Source Type: news

Alefacept Combined With Tacrolimus, Mycophenolate Mofetil and Steroids in De Novo Kidney Transplantation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of alefacept compared with placebo when combined with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids in de novo renal transplant recipients. Between December 2007 and March 2009 patients were randomized in a double‐blind fashion to receive alefacept (n = 105) or placebo (n = 107) for 3 months and were then followed for a further 3 months. The primary efficacy endpoint was the incidence of biopsy‐confirmed acute T cell mediated rejection (Banff grade ≥1) through Month 6. Memory T cell counts were significantly reduced in the alefacept group from Week 3 to stu...
Source: American Journal of Transplantation - June 3, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: L. Rostaing, B. Charpentier, M. Glyda, P. Rigotti, F. Hettich, B. Franks, J. G. A. Houbiers, R. First, J. M. Holman Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Vaccination against seasonal influenza is effective in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis enrolled in a large observational cohort.
Conclusion: Influenza vaccination was effective in patients with RA regardless of disease activity or treatment. PMID: 23724971 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology)
Source: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology - June 3, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Kobashigawa T, Nakajima A, Taniguchi A, Inoue E, Tanaka E, Momohara S, Yamanaka H Tags: Scand J Rheumatol Source Type: research

Case of neuro‐Behçet's disease successfully maintained a remission using infliximab for 2 years
Abstract Behçet's disease is a systemic inflammatory disorder with chronic remissions and relapses. Involvement of the central nervous system, called neuro‐Behçet's disease (NBD), is a serious complication. Although corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents are used, there is no definite standard of treatment with long term‐effects for NBD. Here, we report a female case with NBD successfully treated by infliximab and corticosteroids for 2 years. Our report suggests treatment with infliximab may be effective for long‐term remission of NBD. (Source: The Journal of Dermatology)
Source: The Journal of Dermatology - June 3, 2013 Category: Dermatology Authors: Hisashi Kanemaru, Takamitsu Makino, Masatoshi Jinnin, Aya Yonemitsu, Katsunari Makino, Hironobu Ihn Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

The drug efflux pump Pgp1 in pro-inflammatory lymphocytes is a target for novel treatment strategies in COPD
Conclusions: Treatment strategies that target Pgp1 in T, NKT-like and NK cells may reduce systemic inflammatory mediators in COPD and improve patient morbidity. (Source: Respiratory Research)
Source: Respiratory Research - June 3, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Greg HodgeMark HolmesHubertus JersmannPaul ReynoldsSandra Hodge Source Type: research

Localized scleroderma: a clinical study at a single center in Korea
ConclusionLocalized scleroderma is a chronic inflammatory condition confined to the skin. In order to exclude other conditions, thorough history taking, physical examination, serologic studies and histopathologic examinations should be conducted. (Source: APLAR Journal of Rheumatology)
Source: APLAR Journal of Rheumatology - June 3, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Jung Won Noh, Jinseok Kim, Jae‐Wang Kim Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Improved function in women with persistent pregnancy-related pelvic pain after a single corticosteroid injection to the ischiadic spine: A randomized double-blind controlled trial.
Conclusions: Improved function was achieved among women with PPPP after a single injection treatment with slow-release corticosteroid. The effect was positively correlated to the reduced pain intensity. PMID: 23713407 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Physiotherapy Theory and Practice)
Source: Physiotherapy Theory and Practice - June 1, 2013 Category: Physiotherapy Authors: Torstensson T, Lindgren A, Kristiansson P Tags: Physiother Theory Pract Source Type: research

The Editors' choice
The physiopathologic mechanisms that underlie asthma control are not completely understood, and a nontrivial proportion of asthmatic patients still present with uncontrolled symptoms. Of course, this is mainly true for those with the most severe stages of the disease, although patients with milder forms of asthma can also experience periods of loss of symptom control, representing a challenge for physicians. Scichilone et al (p 1513) postulated that peripheral airways abnormalities would affect the degree of asthma control in patients with mild asthma. The alveolar component of nitric oxide concentrations in exhaled air ...
Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology - June 1, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Donald Y.M. Leung, Stanley J. Szefler, Associate Editors of the JACI Tags: The Editors' choice Source Type: research

Immune Thrombocytopenia
This article summarizes the classification and diagnosis of primary and secondary ITP, as well as the pathogenesis and options for treatment. (Source: Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America)
Source: Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America - June 1, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Gaurav Kistangari, Keith R. McCrae Source Type: research

Drug supply for children with psoriasis in Germany
ConclusionsDrug supply for children with psoriasis in Germany appears to be inadequate. The consensus guidelines are not sufficiently considered and the use of systemic corticosteroids is still too high, even after adjustment for steroid‐dependent indications. The data underline the necessity of guideline‐oriented therapy and implementation of current therapeutic evidence in juvenile psoriasis. (Source: JDDG)
Source: JDDG - June 1, 2013 Category: Dermatology Authors: Matthias Augustin, Kristian Reich, Gerd Glaeske, Susann Kämpfe, Marc Alexander Radtke, Cornelia Gerdau‐Heitmann, Christel Schicktanz, Ines Schäfer Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Dermatological pharmacology: topical agents
This article covers the principles of topical treatments, vehicles used and a number of commonly used topical agents, including corticosteroids. Indications for use and common adverse effects of these topical agents are mentioned. (Source: Medicine)
Source: Medicine - June 1, 2013 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Mahbub M.U. Chowdhury Tags: Treatments Source Type: research

Psoriasis
Abstract: Psoriasis affects approximately 1.5% of the population of the UK and is seen mainly in adults, with onset most frequently at around the age of 20. Psoriasis is regarded as an autoimmune disease in which genetic and environmental factors play a significant role. The most commonly affected sites are the scalp, elbows, knees, umbilicus, genitalia, sacrum and shins. Plaques may range in size from a few millimetres to a large part of the trunk or limb. The Köbner phenomenon, in which psoriatic lesions tend to develop at sites of trauma, is sometimes a helpful diagnostic feature. Disease activity fluctuates spontaneou...
Source: Medicine - June 1, 2013 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: John Berth-Jones Tags: Common dermatoses Source Type: research

Atopic eczema
Abstract: Atopic eczema (AE) affects 15–30% of children and up to 10% of adults. Null mutations in the filaggrin gene are associated with AE. Filaggrin plays a key role in epidermal barrier function and the resultant barrier dysfunction may allow increased exposure to irritants and allergens. Having a child with atopic eczema can be difficult and can affect many aspects of family life.Patient and parent education is an important aspect of the management of AE. Emollients applied frequently, even when the eczema is under control, can help prevent exacerbations. Appropriate use of topical corticosteroids, used at various s...
Source: Medicine - June 1, 2013 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Clive B. Archer Tags: Common dermatoses Source Type: research

Dermatological side‐effects of telaprevir‐based triple therapy for chronic hepatitis C in phase III trials in Japan
Abstract Telaprevir‐based triple therapy is highly effective for chronic hepatitis C. However, concern has been expressed over the high frequency and severity of its dermatological side‐effects compared with those associated with peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) therapy. Thus, here, we evaluated the dermatological adverse reactions of telaprevir‐based triple therapy in Japanese multicenter phase III clinical trials in an attempt to characterize the dermatological side‐effects and establish appropriate management plans. In these trials, 126 treatment‐naïve patients and 141 treatment‐failure patient...
Source: The Journal of Dermatology - June 1, 2013 Category: Dermatology Authors: Hideshi Torii, Hirohiko Sueki, Hiromitsu Kumada, Yuko Sakurai, Keiji Aoki, Ichimaro Yamada, Mamitaro OHtsuki Tags: Original Article Source Type: research