Despigmentação precoce em caso de ceratopigmentação / Early depigmentation in case of keratopigmentation

RESUMO A ceratopigmentação teve seu primeiro registro pelo filósofo Galeno há muitos séculos como uma estratégia utilizada para o tratamento estético de pacientes com leucomas. As córneas com leucoma são patológicas e, muitas vezes, intolerantes a lentes de contato cosméticas ou próteses oculares, sendo comum a queixa de desconforto excessivo, proporcionado pela superfície corneana irregular. Assim, a ceratopigmentação é uma alternativa para a melhora estética de pacientes com opacidades corneanas. Descrevemos o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, 39 anos, que apresentou despigmentação precoce em caso de ceratopigmentação associado a quadro de ceratite herpética necrotizante. O paciente foi submetido ao tratamento com aciclovir 2g ao dia e doxiciclina 200mg ao dia, evoluindo com melhora do quadro clínico, apesar da má adesão medicamentosa.

ABSTRACT Keratopigmentation was first recorded many centuries ago by the philosopher Galeno, as a strategy used for the aesthetic treatment of patients with leukomas. Corneas with leucoma are pathological and often intolerant of cosmetic contact lenses or ocular prostheses, with complaints of excessive discomfort provided by the irregular corneal surface being common. Therefore, keratopigmentation is an alternative for the aesthetic improvement of patients with corneal opacities. We describe the case of a 39-year old male patient, who presented early depigmentation in a case of keratopigmentation associated with necrotizing herpetic keratitis. The patient was treated with Acyclovir 2g/day and Doxycycline 200mg/day, evolving with clinical improvement, despite poor medication adherence.

Manejo farmacológico del sangrado irregular no menstrual asociado al uso de implantes anticonceptivos subdérmicos / Pharmacological management of irregular non-menstrual bleeding associated with the use of subdermal contraceptive implants

El spottingo sangrado irregular no menstrual es uno de los principales efectos secundarios de los implantes anticonceptivos, situación que se recomienda discutir con la usuaria previo a la colocación, para evitar falsas expectativas o temores que lleven a la extracción temprana del dispositivo. A propósito de una paciente sin antecedentes relevantes que consultó al centro de salud por spotting desde la colocación del implante cuatro meses antes, decidimos revisar la evidencia sobre la efectividad de los distintos esquemas farmacológicos disponibles para el manejo de este evento adverso. Luego de realizar una búsqueda bibliográfica concluimos que, si bien existe sustento para indicar algunos de los esquemas farmacológicos, este es aún débil y son necesarios estudios clínicos adicionales que brinden evidencia sólida sobre qué esquema en particular utilizar, evaluando sus riesgos y beneficios. (AU)

Spotting or irregular non-menstrual bleeding is one of the main side effects of contraceptive implants, a situation that health professionals must discuss with the user prior to its placement in order to avoid false expectations or fears that lead to early removal of the implant. Regarding a patient with no relevant history who consulted the health center due to spotting four months after implant placement, we decided to review the evidence onthe effectiveness on different pharmacological schemes available for the management of this adverse event. After performing a literature search, we concluded that, although there is support for indicating some of the pharmacological schemes, this is still weak, and further clinical studies are needed to provide solid evidence on which particular scheme touse, assessing its risks and benefits. (AU)

Ocular surface changes in the treatment of rosacea: comparison between low-dose oral isotretinoin and doxycycline / Alterações da superfície ocular no tratamento da Rosácea: comparação entre isotretinoína oral em baixa dosagem e doxiciclina

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the impact of ocular changes between systemic treatment with doxycycline and low-dose oral isotretinoin in patients with moderate-to-severe papulopustular rosacea. Methods: Patients were randomized to receive either isotretinoin 0.3-0.4 mg/kg (group A) or doxycycline 100 mg/day (group B) for 16 weeks. Ocular symptoms were searched and evaluated, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Schirmer test, breakup time, rose bengal staining score, and meibomian gland dysfunction grading. The patients were retested at the end of treatment. Results: The present study included 39 patients (30 females and 9 males). Best-corrected visual acuity was > 20/30 in >90% of patients in both groups and did not change after treatment. After treatment, improvement in ocular symptoms and meibomian gland dysfunction was more pronounced in group B (p<0.05); the other parameters did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Doxycycline improved meibomian gland dysfunction, ocular symptoms, and ocular surface in patients with rosacea. Even though some patients experienced worsening meibomian gland dysfunction and symptoms, no subject experienced any serious complications after administration of low-dose isotretinoin.

RESUMO Objetivos: Comparar o impacto das alterações oculares entre o tratamento sistêmico de doxiciclina e isotretinoína em baixa dosagem em pacientes com rosácea papulopustulosa moderada a grave. Métodos: Os pacientes form randomizados para receber isotretinoína 0,3 a 0,4 mg/kg (grupo A) ou doxiciclina 100mg/dia (grupo B) por 16 semanas. Os sintomas oculares foram pesquisados e avaliados, incluindo melhor acuidade visual corrigida, teste de Schirmer, tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal, coloração de rosa bengala e graduação da disfunção de glândula de Meibomius. Os pacientes foram novamente testados no final do tratamento. Resultados: O presente estudo incluiu 39 pacientes (30 mulheres e 9 homens). A melhor acuidade visual corrigida foi >20/30 em >90% dos pacientes em ambos os grupos e não se alterou após o tratamento. A melhora dos sintomas oculares e da disfunção de glândula de Meibomius foi mais pronunciada no grupo B (p<0,05) após o tratamento; as demais variáveis não atingiram significância estatística. Conclusão: A doxiciclina melhorou a disfunção de glândula de Meibomius, os sintomas oculares e a superfície ocular de pa cientes com rosácea. Mesmo que alguns pacientes tenham piorado a disfunção e os sintomas da glândula de Meibomius, nenhum indivíduo apresentou complicações graves após a admi nistração de baixas doses de isotretinoína.

Effects of combined oral doxycycline and topical cyclosporine treatment on ocular signs, symptoms, and tear film parameters in rosacea patients / Efeitos da doxiciclina oral combinada e tratamento tópico com ciclosporina nos sinais e sintomas oculares e em parâmetros do filme lacrimal em pacientes com rosácea ocular

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study reports the effects of combined use of oral doxycycline and topical cyclosporine on ocular signs, symptoms, and tear film parameters in rosacea patients. Methods: Fifty-four right eyes of 54 patients were included in this study. All patients underwent full ophthalmologic examination-including best corrected visual acuity measurement, slit-lamp anterior segment and fundus examination, tear film break-up time, and Schirmer test-before treatment and six months post-treatment. Patients were divided into two treatment groups. The first group was treated with oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for the first month and once daily for the following two months. The second group received topical 0.05% cyclosporine emulsion drops twice daily for six months in addition to the oral doxycycline treatment regimen. All patients received preservati ve-free artificial tear drops, warm compress, eyelash cleaning, and topical corticosteroid drops three times daily for one month. Results: A significant improvement in ocular signs and symptoms was recorded for all patients in groups 1 and 2 after treatment. There was not a significant difference in terms of itching, burning, meibomian gland inspissation, corneal neovascularization, and conjunctival hyperemia score changes between groups 1 and 2. The increases in Schirmer test and break-up time scores were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1. Conclusions: Our results support the finding that topical cyclosporine in addition to the standard regimen improves tear function, as shown by Schirmer test and break-up time scores, in ocular rosacea patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo relata os efeitos do uso combinado de doxiciclina oral e ciclosporina tópica sobre sinais e sintomas oculares e sobre parâmetros do filme lacrimal em pacientes com rosácea. Métodos: Cinquenta e quatro olhos direitos de 54 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico completo - incluindo a melhor medida da acuidade visual corrigida, segmento anterior em lâmpada de fenda e exame de fundo de olho, tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal e teste de Schirmer - antes do tratamento e após seis meses de tratamento. O primeiro grupo foi tratado com doxiciclina oral 100 mg duas vezes ao dia no primeiro mês e uma vez ao dia nos dois meses seguintes. O segundo grupo recebeu gotas tópicas de emulsão de ciclosporina a 0,05% duas vezes ao dia por seis meses, além do tratamento com doxiciclina por via oral. Todos os pacientes receberam gotas de lágrima artificial sem conservantes, compressas mormas, limpeza de cílios e gotas de corticosteróide tópico três vezes ao dia durante um mês. Resultados: Uma melhora significativa nos sinais e sintomas oculares foi registrada para todos os pacientes do grupo 1 e 2 após o tratamento. Não houve diferença significativa em termos de prurido, queimação, inspeção da glândula meibomiana, neovascularização da cór nea e alterações na pontuação da hiperemia conjuntival entre os grupos 1 e 2. O teste de Schirmer e o aumento do tempo de ruptura no grupo 2 foram significativamente maiores do que no grupo 1. Conclusões: Os autores concluíram que os resultados apoiam a descoberta de que a ciclosporina tópica, além do tratamento padrão, melhora a função lacrimal como demonstrado pelo teste de Schirmer e o tempo de ruptura em pacientes com rosácea ocular.

Brucelosis en Chile: descripción de una serie de 13 casos / Brucellosis in Chile: description of a series of 13 cases

Introduction: Brucellosis is a zoonosis caused by Brucella spp. It may be acquired by consuming unpasteurized dairy products. Brucellosis has a low incidence in Chile, thus, we have a scarce data. Aim: To report and to characterize the first series of clinical cases of adult patients diagnosed with brucellosis in Chile. Methods: We describe a series of 13 clinical cases in patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2016 in three different centers in the Metropolitan Region, Chile. A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical presentation, laboratory, antibiotic treatment, morbidity and mortality. Results: The mean age was 50 years old. Eight cases had a record of consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. The most frequently reported complaints were fever. The most frequent focal point involved was the spine. Only one patient had a positive blood culture, while the diagnosis was made using serological techniques in the other part of the group. The most indicated antibiotic regimens were doxycycline-rifampicin and doxycycline-gentamicin. The hospital stay was 20 days approximately as an average. Clinical cure was achieved in all cases. Conclusions: Brucellosis is an infrequent zoonosis in Chile, and it produces a nonspecific clinical picture, so it is necessary to have high suspicion to make the diagnosis based in the antecedent of consumption of unpasteurized dairy or raw meat.

Introducción: La brucelosis es una zoonosis provocada por Brucella spp, cuyo principal mecanismo de transmisión es mediante el consumo de lácteos no pasteurizados. Es de baja ocurrencia en Chile, por lo que los datos locales son escasos. Objetivo: Reportar y caracterizar la primera serie de casos clínicos de pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de brucelosis en Chile. Material y Método: Se describe una serie de 13 casos clínicos en pacientes diagnosticados entre el año 2000 y el 2016 en tres centros de la Región Metropolitana, Chile. Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo acerca de la presentación clínica, laboratorio, tratamiento antimicrobiano y morbi-mortalidad. Resultados: El promedio de edad fue 50 años. Ocho casos tenían antecedente de consumo de lácteos no pasteurizados. El motivo de consulta más frecuente fue sensación febril. El compromiso focal más frecuente fue el de columna vertebral. Sólo en un paciente se encontró hemocultivo positivo; en el resto el diagnóstico se hizo mediante técnicas serológicas. Los esquemas antimicrobianos más indicados fueron doxiciclina-rifampicina y doxiciclina-gentamicina. La estadía hospitalaria fue en promedio de 20 días. En todos los casos se logró curación clínica. Conclusiones: La brucelosis es una zoonosis infrecuente en Chile, produce un cuadro clínico inespecífico, por lo que se debe tener una alta sospecha para realizar el diagnóstico, basada en el antecedente del consumo de productos lácteos no pasteurizados o de carne mal cocida.

Recurrent chalazia revealing an ocular rosacea in a child

Chalazion in childhood and early adolescence is a common condition frequently seen in ophthalmic practice

The diagnosis is usually straightforward and surgical treatment by incision and curettage is frequently advised. Emphasis on the cause of this common pathology is often overlooked

We present a case of recurrent chalazion in a 14-year-old female, which was associated with ocular rosacea

Ophthalmologic examination confirmed recurrence of chalazion, severe bilateral blepharitis and involvement of cornea with the presence of infiltration and neovascularization

The patient was treated with doxycycline 100 mg once a day and topical steroid treatment

The follow-up was marked by partial remission of the disease with frequent relapses

Topical azithromycin 1.5% was used and the ocular inflammation was quickly resolved. One year after discontinuation of local therapy with azithromycin, the patient remained recurrence free

A randomized, comparative study of dual therapy (doxycycline-rifampin) versus triple therapy (doxycycline-rifampin-levofloxacin) for treating acute/subacute brucellosis

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to compare both the efficacy and safety profile of the WHO-recommended, dual therapy (doxycycline–rifampin) to a quinolone-based, triple therapy (doxycycline–rifampin–levofloxacin) for treating acute/subacute brucellosis. Patients and methods We studied 107 consecutive, naïve patients with acute/subacute brucellosis admitted to Assiut University Hospital. Patients were randomly allocated to receive the dual therapy of doxycycline–rifampin (group-A) or to receive the triple therapy of doxycycline–rifampin–levofloxacin (group-B). Acute/subacute brucellosis was diagnosed based on the presence of: (1) contact with animals or fresh animal products, (2) suggestive clinical manifestations of less than one-year duration, and (3) positive antibody titer (1:160) by standard tube agglutination test. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding their demographic data. Fever was the most frequent manifestation (96.3%). Epigastric pain was the most frequent adverse effect of treatment (12.1%). Group-A patients had a significantly higher relapse rate compared to group-B patients (22.6% versus 9.3%, p-value = 0.01). The rate of treatment adverse effects was higher among group-B patients, although not reaching statistical significance (20.4% versus 11.3%, p-value = 0.059). Conclusions Adding levofloxacin to the dual therapy for acute/subacute brucellosis (doxycycline–rifampin) may increase its efficacy in terms of lowering the relapse rate of the disease. Further, larger scale studies are needed before considering modifying the standard, dual therapy for brucellosis.

Doxiciclina para tratamento da doença inflamatória pélvica / Doxycycline for treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease

CONTEXTO: A Doença Inflamatória Pélvica (DIP) é uma síndrome clínica atribuída à ascensão dos microorganismos do trato genital inferior, com comprometimento do endométrio, trompas, anexos uterinos e/ou estruturas contíguas. Os microorganismos mais comumente envolvidos são Neisseria gonorrhoeae e Chlamydia trachomatis. A Organizaçao Mundial da Saúde (OMS) estima a ocorrência de 1.967.200 casos de clamídia e de 1.541.800 casos de gonorreia na população sexualmente ativa no Brasil, por ano. Dentre mulheres com infecções não tratadas por clamídia e/ou gonorreia, 10 a 40% desenvolvem doença inflamatória pélvica (DIP). A doxiciclina é um dos medicamentos recomendados pelo Ministério da Saúda para tratamento da DIP, mas ainda não é disponibilizado no SUS para essa indicação. TRATAMENTO RECOMENDADO: De acordo com o Manual de Controle das DST (2006)2, do Ministério da Saúde, os tratamentos recomendados para DIP leve, sem sinais de peritonismo ou febre (tratamento ambulatorial), deve ser realizado da seguinte forma: -Esquema 1: Ceftriaxona 250 mg, IM, dose única + Doxiciclina 100 mg, VO de 12/12 horas, por 14 dias + Metronidazol 500 mg, VO, de 12/12 horas, por 14 dias; -Esquema 2: Ofloxacina 400 mg, VO de 12/12 horas por 14 dias Ou Ciprofloxacina 500 mg 12/12horas por 14 dias + Doxiciclina 100 mg, VO de 12/12 horas por 14 dias + Metronidazol 500 mg, VO de 12/12 horas, por 14 dias. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: A doxiciclina é uma opção de tratamento para a doença inflamatória pélvica (DIP). As estimativas de impacto orçamentário anual resultante da ampliação de uso da doxiciclina no SUS, para tratamento da DIP provocada por clamídia e/ou gonorreia, variaram de R$274.528,36 até R$ 1.098.113,45. DELIBERAÇÃO FINAL: Os membros da CONITEC presentes na reunião do plenário do dia 11/06/2015 deliberaram, por unanimidade, recomendar a ampliação de uso da doxiciclina 100mg, em comprimido, para tratamento da doença inflamatória pélvica (DIP). DECISÃO: PORTARIA Nº 56, de 1 de outubro de 2015 - Torna pública a decisão de incorporar a doxiciclina 100mg comprimidos para tratamento da doença inflamatória pélvica (DIP), conforme normas técnicas definidas pelo Ministério da Saúde, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS.

Doxiciclina para tratamento da donovanose / Doxycycline for treatment of donovanose

CONTEXTO: A donovanose é uma doença progressiva e crônica, freqüentemente associada à transmissão sexual, provocada pela bactéria Klebsiella granulomatis e acomete principalmente a pele e as mucosas das regiões genitais, perianais e inguinais. É pouco frequente, com incidência de aproximadamente 5%, entre as DST. A doxiciclina é um dos medicamentos recomendados pelo Ministério da Saúda para tratamento da donovanose, mas o medicamento ainda não é disponibilizado no SUS para essa indicação. TRATAMENTO RECOMENDADO: O Ministério da Saúde recomenda, no Manual de Controle das DST (2006)2, os seguintes tratamentos para donovanose: -Doxiciclina 100mg, via oral, de 12 em 12 horas por, no mínimo, 3 semanas ou até a cura clínica; ou -Eritromicina (estearato) 500mg, via oral, de 6 em 6 horas por, no mínimo, 3 semanas ou até a cura clínica; ou -Sulfametoxazol+Trimetoprima (800+160mg), via oral, de 12 em 12 horas, por, no mínimo, 3 semanas ou até a cura clínica; ou -Tetraciclina 500mg, de 6 em 6 horas por, no mínimo, 3 semanas ou até a cura clínica; ou -Azitromicina 1g, via oral, em dose única, seguido por 500mg via oral por 3 semanas ou até cicatrizar as lesões. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: A doxiciclina é uma opção de tratamento para a donovanose. Na comparação entre o custo de tratamento com a doxiciclina 100mg e com os outros medicamentos recomendados pelo Ministério da Saúde e incorporados ao SUS (estolato de eritromicina 500mg, sulfametoxazol+trimetoprima 800+160mg, tetraciclina 500mg e azitromicina 500mg), o custo da doxiciclina foi o menor de todos. DELIBERAÇÃO FINAL: Os membros da CONITEC presentes na reunião do plenário do dia 02/04/2015 deliberaram, por unanimidade, recomendar a incorporação da doxiciclina 100mg, em comprimido, para tratamento da donovanose. DECISÃO: PORTARIA Nº 55, de 1 de outubro de 2015 - Torna pública a decisão de incorporar a doxiciclina 100mg comprimidos para tratamento de donovanose, conforme normas técnicas definidas pelo Ministério da Saúde, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS.

Doxiciclina para tratamento da sífilis / Doxycycline for treatment of syphilis

CONTEXTO: A sífilis é uma doença sexualmente transmissível, causada pela bactéria Treponema Pallidum, infecciosa e sistêmica, a partir de sua manifestação. A OMS estima a ocorrência de 937.000 casos anuais de sífilis na população sexualmente ativa no Brasil. A penicilina é o tratamento de primeira escolha para a sífilis; entretando, alguns indivíduos apresentam reações alérgicas à penicilina e não podem utilizá-la. A doxiciclina, na forma farmacêutica comprimido e na concentração de 100mg, já é disponibilizada pelo SUS, para outra indicação terapêutica. TRATAMENTO RECOMENDADO: A primeira escolha para o tratamento da sífilis é a penicilina benzatina. No caso de pacientes com história comprovada de alergia à penicilina, o Ministério da Saúde recomenda dessensibilização desses pacientes ou tratamento com: eritromicina (na forma estearato ou estolato) 500 mg, via oral, de 6 em 6 horas, por 15 dias para sífilis recente e por 30 dias para sífilis tardia; ou com tetraciclina, na mesma dose; ou ainda doxiciclina 100mg, por via oral, de 12 em 12 horas, por 15 dias na sífilis recente e por 30 dias na sífilis tardia. A tetraciclina, a doxiciclina e o estolato de eritromicina são contraindicados na gestação. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: A doxiciclina é uma opção de tratamento para a sífilis em pacientes com alergia confirmada à penicilina. Na comparação de custos de tratamento da sífilis entre a doxiciclina 100mg e o estolato de eritromicina 500mg, o custo da doxiciclina foi 7,6 vezes inferior ao do estolato de eritromicina 500mg. Portanto, a escolha da doxiciclina, ao invés da eritromicina, geraria uma economia no orçamento do SUS. DELIBERAÇÃO FINAL: Os membros da CONITEC presentes na reunião do plenário do dia 02/04/2015 deliberaram, por unanimidade, recomendar a incorporação da doxiciclina 100mg, em comprimido, para tratamento da sífilis em pacientes com alergia confirmada à penicilina. DECISÃO: PORTARIA Nº 54, de 1 de outubro de 2015 - Torna pública a decisão de incorporar a doxiciclina 100mg comprimidos para tratamento de sífilis, conforme normas técnicas definidas pelo Ministério da Saúde, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS.

Low concentrations of doxycycline attenuates FasL-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells

BACKGROUND: Doxycycline (DC) has been shown to possess non-antibiotic properties including Fas/Fas Ligand (FasL)-mediated apoptosis against several tumor types in the concentration range of 10-40 µg/mL. However, the effect of DC in apoptotic signaling at much low concentrations was not studied. METHODS: The present study investigated the attenuation effect of low dose of DC on FasL-induced apoptosis in HeLa cell by the methods of MTT assay, fluorescence microscopy, DNA fragmentation, flow cytometry analysis, and western blotting. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the present findings we showed that low concentration of DC (<2.0 µg/mL) exhibited protective effects against FasL-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells. FasL treatment to HeLa cells resulted in a concentration-dependent induction of cell death, and treatment with low concentrations of DC (0.1-2 µg/mL) significantly (p < 0.001) attenuated the FasL-induced cell death as measured by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazo-lium bromide (MTT) assay. Further, the FasL-induced apoptotic features in HeLa cells, such as morphological changes, DNA fragmentation and cell cycle arrest was also inhibited by DC (0.5 µg/mL). Tetracycline and minocycline also showed similar anti-apoptotic effects but were not significant when compared to DC, tested at same concentrations. Further, DC (0.01-16 µg/mL) did not influence the hydrogen peroxide- or cisplatin-induced intrinsic apoptotic pathway in HeLa cells. Protein analysis using Western blotting confirmed that FasL-induced cleavage/activation of cas-pase-8 and caspase-3, were inhibited by DC treatment at low concentration (0.5 µg/mL). Considering the overall data, we report for the first time that DC exhibited anti-apoptotic effects at low concentrations in HeLa cells by inhibition of caspase activation via FasL-induced extrinsic pathway.

Evaluation of adjunctive systemic doxycycline with non-surgical periodontal therapy within type 2 diabetic patients

To evaluate the effects of systemic doxycycline on clinical and microbiological parameters of diabetic subjects with chronic periodontitis. This 9-month multi-center, randomized, parallel, single-blinded study was conducted from different hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between April 2010 and December 2010. A total of 76 diabetic subjects with chronic periodontitis were randomized into 2 groups: control group [CG] received only scaling and root planing [SRP], and the treatment group [TG] receiving systemic doxycycline during the reevaluation visit 45 days after the completion of SRP. Probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, gingival index, plaque index, and bleeding on probing were collected at baseline, 45 days after SRP, and one, 3, and 6 months after the use of systemic doxycycline. Microbiological analysis comprised the detection of Tannerella forsythia [Tf], Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans [Aa], Porphyromonas gingivalis [Pg], and Prevotella intermedia [Pi] by polymerase chain reaction method. Sixty-eight [33 CG and 35 TG] subjects completed the study. Greater reduction in the population of Tf, Pg, and Pi were observed in TG compared with CG in the first month after the administration of systemic doxycycline. The TG showed a significant improvement in gingival index scores compared with the CG [p<0.05] by the end of the first and 6 months after the administration of doxycycline. Adjunct systemic doxycycline can be associated with a reduction of Tf, Pg, and Pi in the first month after the administration of doxycycline with an improvement in the GI

effect of locally delivered doxycycline as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planning in smokers

Locally delivered doxycycline is found to be effective in managing periodontitis as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. To evaluate the effect of locally delivered doxycycline [10%] with scaling and root planing in the periodontal treatment of smokers and to compare it with scaling and root planing alone. Twelve smokers with chronic periodontitis and a pocket depth [>/= 5 mm] on posterior teeth that bleed on probing were selected. Patients were randomly assigned to scaling and root planing [SRP] or scaling and root planing followed by local application of doxycycline [SRP-D]. Plaque, bleeding on probing, gingival recession, clinical attachment level [CAL], and probing depth [PD] were recorded at the baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. Both groups showed a significant reduction in Plaque, Bleeding on Probing and pocket depth at 6th and 12th week from the baseline. A statistically significant gain of attachment was observed in both groups after treatment. Even though the doxycycline group showed slightly higher attachment gain it was not statistically significant compared to the control group. The observations of the study reveal that the additional benefit of topical application of doxycycline as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in smokers is not convincing. However, further clinical studies may be necessary to substantiate the present observations

Nanotechnology in ligature-induced periodontitis: protective effect of a doxycycline gel with nanoparticules

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a locally applied 8.5 percent nanostructured doxycycline (DOX) gel in preventing alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontal disease (EPD) in rats by using the tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: EPD was induced in 24 Wistar rats. Animals were treated with the doxycycline gel topically, immediately after EPD induction, and 3 times a day during 11 days. Four groups (n=6) were formed as follows: Naïve group (animals not subjected to EPD nor treated); non-treated (NT) group (animals subjected to EPD, but not treated); vehicle gel (VG) group (animals subjected to EPD and treated with topical gel vehicle); and DOX group (test group): animals subjected to EPD and treated with the 8.5 percent DOX gel. In order to investigate topographical changes in histological sections, a novel simple method was used for sample preparation, by etching sections from paraffin-embedded specimens with xylol. RESULTS: Comparing the AFM images, several grooves were observed on the surface of the alveolar bone and other periodontal structures in the NT and VG groups, with significantly greater depths when compared to the DOX group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal structures were brought into high relief confirming to be a simple and cost-effective method for AFM imaging with ultrastructural resolution. The doxycycline gel was able to afford periodontal surface preservation, with flatter grooves.

Studies on development of controlled delivery of combination drug(s) to periodontal pocket.

Aim: The aim of this study to develop the controlled delivery of combination drug(s) to periodontal pocket. Materials and Methods: In the present investigation mucoadhesive gel formulations were prepared using carboxy methylcellulose (CMC), methylcellulose (MC), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), polyvinylpirrolidone (PVP), polycarbophil (PC), and poloxamer. Each formulation was characterized in terms of polarizing light microscopy, gelation, gel melting, hardness, compressibility, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, syringeability, adhesion to a mucin disk, rheological studies, drug release, and antibacterial activities. Addition of CMC and PVP to the gel favored hexagonal phase formation. The gelation temperature was decreased linearly with an increasing concentration of drug(s), whereas, the melting temperature increased with the concentration of drug(s). Increasing the concentrations of each polymeric component significantly increased formulation hardness, compressibility, adhesiveness, mucoadhesion, and syringeability, yet a decreased cohesiveness. Increased time of contact between the formulation and mucin significantly increased the required force of detachment. Drug release from all formulations was non-diffusion controlled and significantly decreased as the concentration of the polymer was increased, due to the concomitant increased viscosity of the formulations and the swelling kinetics of PC, following contact with the dissolution fluid. Result: Antibacterial studies revealed that a gel with 30% HEC had a growth inhibition zone on agar with all three strains. Conclusion: Formulations containing HEC exhibited superior physical characteristics for improved drug delivery to the periodontal pocket and are now the subject of long-term clinical investigations.

Tularemia in children.

OBJECTIVE: Tularemia, an infection caused by the coccobacilus Francisella tularensis, can be a difficult disease process to diagnose and treat. The aim of this study was to evaluate an epidemic of tularemia in Bursa. METHODS: In this study, we included only pediatric cases. All the cases were diagnosed on clinical and serological grounds. RESULTS: During an epidemic of tularemia in a village of Bursa on December 2004, 70 people (60 adults, 10 children) fell ill. In children with tularemia, the oropharyngeal form predominated which was diagnosed 70% of cases. Most of the patients (80%) who had older than 10 years old, were treated with doxycycline. All patients recovered without complications. CONCLUSION: The epidemic was thought to be waterborne. The vehicle of the infections was inadequately treated water which was used by the patient in the village.

Evaluation of the regenerative potential of 25% doxycycline-loaded biodegradable membrane vs biodegradable membrane alone in the treatment of human periodontal infrabony defects: a clinical and radiological study.

BACKGROUND: Microbial colonization of the barrier membranes used for guided tissue regeneration is inevitable and can lead to delayed healing. AIMS: Antimicrobial coating of the membrane with 25% doxycycline paste has been attempted to prevent infection and achieve enhanced regeneration in periodontal infrabony defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with 2-walled or 3-walled infrabony defects were selected and randomly divided into two equal groups. Infrabony defects of group A were treated with a biodegradable membrane coated with 25% doxycycline while those of group B were treated with membrane alone. Clinical assessment of probing depth and attachment level and radiographic evaluation of the defect depth was done preoperatively and at 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The relative efficacy of the two treatment modalities were evaluated using the paired Student's t- test and the comparative evaluation between the two groups was done using the independent Student's t -test. Results: Both the groups exhibited a highly significant reduction in probing depth and gain in clinical attachment level and linear bone fill at the end of 24 weeks. Comparative evaluation between the two study groups revealed a significant reduction in probing depth ( P = 0.016 FNx01 ) and linear bone fill ( P = 0.02 FNx01 ) in group A as compared to group B. Mean gain in attachment level was greater for group A than for group B but the difference was statistically nonsignificant ( P = 0.065 NS ). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that doxycycline is beneficial in reducing membrane-associated infection and can potentiate regeneration through host modulation.

A modified two-step treatment for actinomycetoma.

BACKGROUND: Combination antibiotic regimens are effective in the treatment of actinomycetoma but many treatment schedules require supervised parenteral therapy for prolonged periods. We describe a schedule that includes parenteral medication in an initial, short phase followed by a longer phase of oral medication. METHODS: Sixteen patients with clinically diagnosed mycetoma, who did not show any evidence of a fungal etiology, were treated presumptively for actinomycetoma. Evidence of actinomycotic infection was found on microscopy of granules / discharge and / or histopathological examination in eight (50%) patients. The treatment consisted of an intensive phase (Step 1) with gentamicin, 80 mg twice daily, intravenously and cotrimoxazole, 320/1600 mg twice daily orally for four weeks. This was followed by a maintenance phase with cotrimoxazole and doxycycline, 100 mg twice daily till all sinuses healed completely. The treatment was continued for 5-6 months. RESULTS: Treatment response was assessed monthly. At the end of the intensive phase, there was a significant improvement in all 16 patients. Nine patients who continued the maintenance phase of the regimen had complete healing of sinuses with marked reductions in swelling and induration in 2.4 +/- 1.7 months. Maintenance treatment was continued for a mean of 9.1 +/- 4.3 months in these patients. Six patients have remained free of disease activity during a follow-up period of 11.1 +/- 4.2 months after treatment was stopped. Two patients developed leucopenia and thrombocytopenia necessitating withdrawal of cotrimoxazole. CONCLUSION: This regimen was effective in treating actinomycetoma. The short duration of the phase requiring parenteral therapy makes it convenient to administer.

Incidencia, diagnóstico, manejo y evolución de las neumonías atípicas en el Hospital Militar Cap. (Av) Guillermo Hernández Jacobsen: enero 1999-mayo 2006 / Incidence, diagnosis, management and development of atypical pneumonia at the Military Hospital Cap. (Av)Guillermo Hernández Jacobsen: january 1999-may 2006

Se realiazó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y observacional mediante la revisión de 35 historias médicas de pacientes hospitalizados con Neumonía Atípica entre enero de 1999 y mayo de 2006. El grupo etáreo más afectado fue el de 15 a 39 años de edad, que representa el 54.2 por ciento. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron de origen respiratorio, como son tos (32.5 por ciento) y disnea (26.25 por ciento). El 22.8 por ciento resultó positivo para Mycoplasma y el 20 por ciento para Chlamydia. Al momento del ingreso, se manejó con amtibioticoterapia basada en Levofloxacina en un 29.7 por ciento. Claritromicina en un 16.2 por ciento. Se observo evolución satisfactoria en el 82.8 por ciento de los casos en estudio.