Primeiros casos de rejeição em transplante penetrante após vacina contra COVID-19 / First cases of penetrating corneal transplant rejection after COVID-19 vaccines

RESUMO Este artigo descreve dois casos de reação imunológica de rejeição de transplante penetrante após a aplicação de dois tipos de vacina contra a COVID-19 - CoronaVac (Sinopharm/Butantan) e MRNA BNT162&2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) - com intervalo de 1 e 10 dias, respectivamente. A rejeição se manifestou com hiperemia, edema corneano e embaçamento da visão, que responderam rapidamente ao uso de corticoide tópico e subconjuntival. Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro relato de rejeição de transplante penetrante de córnea pós-vacina anti-COVID-19. Recomendamos, presentemente, como prevenção, colírio de prednisolona a 1% 4 dias antes e durante 2 semanas após receber qualquer tipo de vacina para a COVID-19.

ABSTRACT This paper describes two cases of allograft corneal transplant rejection after the application of two types of COVID-19 vaccines - Coronavac (Sinopharm/Butantan) and MRNA BNT162&2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccines - with an interval of 1 to 10 days, respectively. The rejection manifested in the form of corneal edema, hyperemia and blurred vision, which responded rapidly to the use of topical and subconjunctival corticosteroid. As far as we know, this is the first published report of immunological rejection of penetrating corneal transplant after COVID-19 vaccination. As a preventative measure, we now recommend the use of 1% prednisolone eye drop 4 days before and during 2 weeks after having received any type of COVID-19 vaccine.

Pityriasis rubra pilaris post-infection due COVID-19: case report / Pitiriasis rubra pilaris post-infección por COVID-19: reporte de un caso

Abstract Case description: 32-month-old boy, IgG positive for SARS-CoV-2, presented to the emergency department with dermatologic lesions. Clinical findings: Four days before admission, he presented skin eruptions with redness and pruritus on hands and feet. Generalized papular erythema was evidenced, upper extremities with diffuse erythematosquamous plaques, palmoplantar keratoderma, so he was evaluated by a dermatologist who diagnosed pityriasis rubra pilaris. Treatment and outcome: rehydrating cream, cetirizine 0.5 mg/kg/day every two days, and prednisolone 2 mg/kg/day in the morning. He was discharged after 14 days, the patient presented clinical improvement, but the erythematous lesion persisted on the trunk and extremities. In the evaluation, after three months, the patient did not show the described lesions, evidencing an improvement and clinical resolution of the dermatological problems. Clinical relevance: We report a patient with pityriasis rubra piloris associated with a post-infection by SARS-CoV-2 that had not been described before.

Resumen Descripción del caso: Niño 32 meses de vida, con IgG positivo para SARS-CoV-2, acude al servicio de emergencia por presentar lesiones dermatológicas. Hallazgos clínicos: Cuatro días antes del ingreso presentó erupciones en la piel, con enrojecimiento y prurito en manos y pies. Se evidenció eritema papular generalizado, extremidades superiores con placas eritematoescamosas difusas, queratodermia palmo-plantar por lo que es evaluado por dermatólogo quien diagnostica pitiriasis rubra pilaris. Tratamiento y resultado: Crema rehidratantes, cetirizina 0.5 mg/kg/día cada 2 días y prednisolona 2 mg/kg/día por la mañana. Fue dado de alta a los 14 días, el paciente presenta mejora clínica, pero aún persiste la lesión eritematosa en tronco y extremidades. En la evaluación a los tres meses el paciente no mostró las lesiones descritas, evidenciando una mejoría y resolución clínica de los problemas dermatológicos. Relevancia clínica: Se reporta un paciente con afectación por pitiriasis rubra piloris asociado a una post-infección por SARS-CoV-2 que no se había descrito antes.

Hepatopatia esteroidal em gatas após terapia com prednisolona: aspectos laboratoriais, tomográficos e histopatológicos / [Steroid hepatopathy in cats after prednisolone use: laboratory, tomographic, and histopathologic aspects]

Glicocorticoides são amplamente utilizados na clínica de pequenos animais, entretanto seu uso contínuo pode causar efeitos colaterais. Os gatos são considerados menos susceptíveis a esses efeitos do que outras espécies, mas existem poucos trabalhos abordando os efeitos adversos em felinos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar possíveis alterações laboratoriais, histopatológicas e do grau de atenuação radiográfica do parênquima hepático de gatas submetidas à terapia com prednisolona. Um ensaio clínico foi realizado em quatro gatas hígidas, as quais receberam prednisolona, por via oral, na dose de 3mg/kg, durante 60 dias consecutivos. Nos achados histopatológicos após 60 dias de tratamento, observou-se desorganização dos cordões de hepatócitos e degeneração vacuolar, além de necrose de hepatócitos, porém não foram observados sinais de fibrose no parênquima hepático. Os dados da tomografia computadorizada demonstram aumento do grau de atenuação do parênquima hepático a partir do 30º dia da administração de prednisolona, que persistiu até o final do experimento. No presente estudo, foi possível caracterizar a existência de hepatopatia esteroidal em gatos em estágios precoces da terapia com prednisolona.(AU)

Glucocorticoids are widely used medications in small animal practice; however, its continuous use can have side effects. Cats are considered less susceptible than other species, however, the literature does not usually address adverse effects in felines. The objective of this study was to evaluate possible laboratory and histopathologic changes, as well as changes to the degree of radiographic attenuation of the hepatic parenchyma in cats treated with prednisolone. A clinical trial was done in four healthy cats, who received prednisolone orally at 3mg/kg during 60 consecutive days. In the histopathologic findings at 60 days of treatment, there were disorganized hepatocyte chords and vacuolar degeneration, as well as hepatocyte necrosis, however, there were no signs of fibrosis in the hepatic parenchyma. Data obtained via computed tomography showed increase of the degree of attenuation in the hepatic parenchyma from day 30 of prednisolone therapy, which persisted until the end of the experiment. In the present study, it was possible to characterize the existence of steroidal hepathopathy in cats in the early stages of prednisolone therapy.(AU)

A comparison of single-dose and multiple divided daily-dose oral steroids for sudden sensorineural hearing loss / Comparação entre dose única e múltiplas doses diárias de corticoides para perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita

Abstract Introduction: Glucocorticoids are considered the first-line therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss. But there is currently no consensus on administering them as a single dose versus multiple divided daily doses. Objective: We aim to evaluate the treatment outcome of sudden sensorineural hearing loss between a single-dose and multiple divided daily doses of steroid treatment. Methods: A total of 94 patients who were diagnosed and treated for sudden sensorineural hearing loss and followed up for more than three months were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into single-dose and multiple divided-dose groups, based on their medication regimens. Hearing thresholds were repeatedly measured: on the initial visit and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the initial treatment. Treatment outcomes were analyzed by comparing hearing recovery rates and post-treatment audiometric changes. Results: The hearing threshold was significantly reduced at three months post-treatment in both groups. The hearing recovery rate of the single-dose group was significantly higher than that of the multiple divided-dose groups. Audiometric changes showed no statistical difference either in pure tone threshold or speech discrimination. Conclusion: When oral steroids are indicated for sudden sensorineural hearing loss, both a single dose and multiple divided doses can be effective for treatment and have comparable results. However, the single-dose regimen seems to be more efficacious than the divided-dose regimen.

Resumo Introdução: Os glicocorticoides são considerados terapia de primeira linha para perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita. Contudo, atualmente não há consenso em como para administrá-los, se em dose única ou múltiplas doses diárias. Objetivo: Nosso objetivo é avaliar o resultado do tratamento da perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita com uma dose única ou várias doses diárias de tratamento com esteróides. Método: Um total de 94 pacientes que foram diagnosticados e tratados para perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita e acompanhados por mais de três meses pós-tratamento foram avalia-dos retrospectivamente. Os pacientes foram divididos em grupos de dose única diária e dose diária dividida em múltiplas tomadas, baseado em seu regime medicamentoso. Os limiares auditivos foram medidos repetidamente: na visita inicial e em 1 semana, 1 mês e 3 meses após o tratamento inicial. Os resultados do tratamento foram analisados comparando-se as taxas de recuperação da audição e as alterações audiométricas pós-tratamento. Resultados: O limiar auditivo foi significativamente reduzido aos três meses pós-tratamento em ambos os grupos. A taxa de recuperação auditiva no grupo de dose única foi significativamente maior do que no grupo de dose diária dividida em múltiplas tomadas. As alterações audiométricas não mostraram diferença estatística, tanto no limiar de tom puro quanto na discriminação da fala. Conclusão: Quando esteroides orais são indicados para perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita, tanto uma dose única quanto múltiplas doses podem ser eficazes para o tratamento e têm resultados comparáveis. No entanto, o regime de dose única diária parece ser mais eficaz do que o regime de dose diária dividida em múltiplas tomadas.

Chronic equine proliferative pododermatitis: case report / Pododermatite proliferativa crônica equina: relato de caso

Chronic equine proliferative pododermatitis (canker) is a chronic hypertrophic disease of the hoof, denoted by an excessive proliferation of the horn-producing tissues, which results from a dyskeratosis of the keratinocytes. It occurs mainly at the frog and sulci regions, but can sometimes also affect the heels, sole, bulbs or hoof wall. The etiology still remains unclear. Infectious agents such as anaerobic bacteria, viruses, spirochetes and fungi have been isolated from diseased tissues, but, moreover, an immune cause has been suggested, possibly related to a genetic predisposition. This report shows a case of a Brazilian Sport Horse, 10 years old, that had been affected on the right hindlimb for more than two years without a concise diagnosis. Success was achieved with the treatment consisting of oral prednisolone and topical Purple Mush(AU)

Pododermatite proliferativa crônica equina (cancro) é uma doença hipertrófica dos cascos, caracterizada por uma proliferação excessiva dos tecidos produtores de túbulos, o que resulta de uma disqueratose dos queratinócitos. Concentra-se principalmente na região da ranilha e seus sulcos, mas algumas vezes pode afetar também talões, bulbos, sola e parede do casco. A etiologia ainda não foi confirmada. Agentes infecciosos como bactérias anaeróbias, vírus, espiroquetas e fungos já foram isolados de tecidos afetados, mas cada vez mais uma hipótese imune vem sido discutida, possivelmente relacionada a uma predisposição genética. Este relato traz o caso de um Brasileiro de Hipismo, 10 anos, afetado no membro pélvico direito há mais de dois anos sem um diagnóstico conciso. O êxito foi obtido com o tratamento consistindo em Prednisolona oral e Purple Mush tópico.(AU)

Comparative study on the efficacy of non-steroidal, steroid and non-use of anti-inflammatory in the treatment of acute epidemic conjunctivitis

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effects of prednisolone against sodium diclofenac both with ciprofloxacin compared to artificial tears on the symptoms and signs of acute viral conjunctivitis. Methods Study included 37 patients diagnosed with acute conjunctivitis and distributed by three groups: A (1% prednisolone acetate + ciprofloxacin (0.3%); B (Sodium diclofenac (0.1%) + ciprofloxacin (0.3%) and C (artificial tears + ciprofloxacin (0.3%). Patients received medication 6/6 hours daily. Signs and symptoms (e.g. lacrimation, burning, photophobia, etc.) were scored at baseline and on the first, third, fifth and seventh days and in the end of treatment using a standardized questionnaire and slit lamp anterior segment examination. Results All three groups demonstrated an improvement in the signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis in their follow-up visits. There was no significant difference in symptom and sign scores between Group A and B and B and C in the study visits ( p >0.05). However, the comparison between groups A and C showed a clinical trend (p=0.05) on third evaluation suggesting better clinical action using the corticosteroids. Conclusion The prednisolone acetate was not superior to the use of sodium diclofenac or artificial tears in relieving the signs and symptoms of viral conjunctivitis.

Juvenile xantogranuloma with íris involvement / Xantogranuloma juvenil com acometimento iriano

Abstract Herein we report a case of juvenile xantogranuloma, an inflammatory disease more commonly diagnosed during childhood and is characterized by cutaneous and ocular manifestations. Iris is the main target, presenting as local or diffuse yellowish lesions. Iris involvement may precipitate not only glaucoma but also amblyopia. Treatment is based on corticosteroids therapy, either local or systemic aiming disease control.

Resumo É relatado um caso raro de xantogranuloma juvenil, doença de natureza inflamatória diagnosticada mais frequentemente na infância, com manifestações cutâneas e oculares. A íris é o principal sítio extracutâneo da doença, apresentando-se como lesão amarelada, difusa ou localizada. O acometimento iriano pode acarretar surgimento de glaucoma, além de ambliopia. O manejo clínico da lesão ocular no presente caso foi baseado no necessidade no uso contínuo de corticoide tópico e sistêmico para estabilização da doença.

Parálisis facial neonatal: identificación del virus del herpes simple 1 en el líquido cefalorraquídeo. Caso clínico / Neonatal facial palsy: Identification of herpes simplex virus 1 in cerebrospinal fluid. Case report

En los neonatos, la parálisis facial es muy infrecuente y, por lo general, diagnosticada al nacer. Se presenta el primer caso de parálisis facial neonatal con identificación del virus del herpes simple 1 en el líquido cefalorraquídeo. Un varón de 35 días de vida acudió a Urgencias por la desviación de la comisura bucal hacia la izquierda y la ausencia de cierre del ojo derecho, sin sintomatología infecciosa ni antecedentes relevantes. La exploración física fue compatible con parálisis facial periférica. Las exploraciones complementarias de urgencia (hemograma, bioquímica, coagulación y citoquímica de líquido cefalorraquídeo) fueron normales. Fue ingresado con prednisolona oral y aciclovir intravenoso. La resonancia magnética craneal fue normal. A las 48 horas, se recibió el resultado positivo de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa para el virus del herpes simple 1 en el líquido cefalorraquídeo. Con evolución favorable, completó 7 días de prednisolona oral y fue dado de alta tras 21 días de aciclovir intravenoso, con exploración neurológica previa normal.

Neonatal facial palsy is very uncommon and is generally diagnosed at birth. We present the first published case of neonatal facial palsy with identification of herpes simplex virus 1 in cerebrospinal fluid. A 35-day-old male was presented at the Emergency Department with mouth deviation to the left and impossibility of full closure of the right eye. There were no symptoms of infection or relevant medical history. Physical examination was compatible with peripheral facial palsy. Studies performed at admission were normal (blood count, biochemical analysis and coagulation blood tests and cerebrospinal fluid analysis). The patient was admitted on oral prednisolone and intravenous aciclovir. Cranial magnetic resonance was normal. Polymerase chain reaction test for herpes simplex virus 1 in cerebrospinal fluid was reported positive after 48 hours of admission. Patient followed good evolution and received prednisolone for 7 days and acyclovir for 21 days. At discharge, neurological examination was normal.

Vasculitis primaria del sistema nervioso central: presentación de caso clínico / Primary vasculitis of the central nervous system: presentation of clinical case / Vasculite primária do sistema nervoso central: apresentação do caso clínico

La vasculitis Primaria del Sistema Nervioso Central (VPSNC) se refiere a un grupo de enfermedades que resultan de la inflamación y destrucción de los vasos sanguíneos de la medula espinal, encéfalo y meninges, tanto en el sector venoso como arterial. La presentación es heterogénea y poco sistematizable. El diagnóstico se establece con un cuadro clínico compatible, una angiografía que evidencie vasculitis y/o biopsia del parénquima encefálico o meninges. Las alteraciones en los estudios de imagen son constantes pero inespecíficas para el diagnóstico y se acompañan habitualmente de alteraciones en el líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) y electroencefalograma (EEG) Presentamos un paciente con probable VPSNC basados en un cuadro clínico compatible, hallazgos imagenológicos sugestivos, junto con alteraciones en LCR y EEG. Se realizó tratamiento en base a corticoides e inmunosupresores con mala respuesta y evolución.

The primary central nervous system vasculitis (VPSNC) refers to a group of diseases that result from inflammation and destruction of the blood vessels of the spinal cord, brain and meninges, both in the venous and arterial sector. The presentation is heterogeneous and unsystematized. The diagnosis is made based on compatible symptoms, supported by an angiography showing evidence of vasculitis and/or biopsy of the brain parenchyma or meninges. Alterations in imaging studies are consistent but nonspecific for diagnostic and are usually accompanied by alterations in the electroencephalogram (EEG) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We present a clinical case of probable VPSNC based on clinical presentation and findings on imagenological studies suggestive vasculitis, along with alterations in CSF and EEG. Treatment was based on Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents with poor response and evolution.

Vasculite Primária do Sistema Nervoso Central (VPSNC) refere-se a um grupo de doenças que resultam de inflamação e destruição dos vasos sanguíneos na medula espinal, o sector venosa arterial cerebral e meninges, ambos. A apresentação é heterogênea e não muito sistematizável. O diagnóstico é estabelecido com um quadro clínico compatível, uma angiografia que evidencia vasculite e / oubiópsia do parênquima cerebral ou meninges. Alterações nos estudos de imagemsão constantes, mas não específica para o diagnóstico e são normalmente acompanhadas por alterações no líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) e eletroencefalograma (EEG) descrevem um paciente com VPSNC provável com base em um quadro clínico, achados de imagem sugestivos compatíveis, em conjunto com alterações no CSF e EEG. O tratamento foi realizado com base em corticosteróides e imunos supressores compouca resposta e evolução.

Oral pemphigus treated with minipulse therapy

Pemphigus is a chronic potentially fatal autoimmune disorder that causes blisters and erosions of the skin and oral mucous membrane. most of the cases present oral manifestations as the first clinical sign along with dermal lesions. only 0.5 to 3.2 of cases are reported each year per 1,000,000 population with oral manifestations without dermal participation, and is at times difficult to diagnose. we report a case of oral pemphigus vulgaris in a 20 year old female patient without dermal manifestations treated with oral mini pulse therapy. pénfigo oral tratado con terapia minipulse. resumen: el pénfigo es un trastorno autoinmune crónico potencialmente fatal que causa ampollas y erosiones de la piel y la membrana mucosa oral. la mayoría de los casos presentan manifestaciones orales como el primer signo clínico junto con lesiones dérmicas. solo se reportan de 0.5 a 3.2 casos cada año por cada 1,000,000 de personas con manifestaciones orales sin afectación de la piel, y algunas veces es difícil de diagnosticar. presentamos un caso de pénfigo vulgar oral en un paciente de 20 años, sin manifestaciones cutáneas tratadas con mini terapia del pulso oral.

Association between desloratadine and prednisolone in the treatment of children with acute symptoms of allergic rhinitis: a double-blind, randomized and controlled clinical trial / Associação entre desloratadina e prednisolona no tratamento de crianças com sintomas agudos de rinite alérgica: ensaio clínico duplo-cego, randomizado e controlado

Abstract Introduction: A combination of antihistamines and oral corticosteroids is often used to treat acute symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Objective: To evaluate safety and efficacy of desloratadine plus prednisolone in the treatment of acute symptoms of children (2-12 years) with allergic rhinitis, and to compare it to dexchlorpheniramine plus betamethasone. Methods: Children with moderate/severe persistent allergic rhinitis and symptomatic (nasal symptoms score [0-12] ≥ 6) were allocated in a double-blind, randomized fashion to receive dexchlorpheniramine plus betamethasone (n = 105; three daily doses) or desloratadine plus prednisolone (n = 105; single dose followed by two of placebo) for 7 days. At the beginning and end of the evaluation, the following were obtained: nasal symptoms score, extra nasal symptoms score, peak nasal inspiratory flow, blood biochemistry, and electrocardiogram. Ninety-six children of the dexchlorpheniramine plus betamethasone group and 98 of the desloratadine plus prednisolone group completed the protocol. Results: The two groups were similar regarding initial and final nasal symptoms scores, extra nasal symptoms scores and peak nasal inspiratory flow. A drop of 76.4% and 79.1% for nasal symptoms score, 86.0% and 79.2% for extra nasal symptoms score, as well as an increase of 25.2% and 24.3% for peak nasal inspiratory flow occurred for those treated with desloratadine plus prednisolone and dexchlorpheniramine plus betamethasone, respectively. There were no significant changes in blood chemistry. Sinus tachycardia was the most frequent electrocardiogram change, but with no clinical significance. Drowsiness was reported significantly more often among those of dexchlorpheniramine plus betamethasone group (17.14% × 8.57%, respectively). Conclusion: The desloratadine plus prednisolone combination was able to effectively control acute symptoms of rhinitis in children, improving symptoms and nasal function. Compared to the dexchlorpheniramine plus betamethasone combination, it showed similar clinical action, but with a lower incidence of adverse events and higher dosing convenience.

Resumo Introdução: A associação entre anti-histamínicos e corticosteroides orais é frequentemente empregada no tratamento de sintomas agudos de rinite alérgica. Objetivo: Avaliar a segurança e eficácia da associação desloratadina + prednisolona no tratamento de sintomas agudos de crianças (2-12 anos) com rinite alérgica e compará-las com as da associação dexclorfeniramina + betametasona. Método: Crianças com rinite alérgica persistente moderada/grave e sintomáticas (escore de sintomas nasais [0-12] ≥ 6) foram alocadas de modo duplo-cego e randômico para receber dexclorfeniramina + betametasona (n = 105; três doses diárias) ou desloratadina + prednisolona (n = 105; dose única seguida por duas de placebo) por 7 dias. No início e no fim da avaliação foram obtidos: escore de sintomas nasais, escore de sintomas extranasais, pico de fluxo inspiratório nasal, bioquímica sanguínea e eletrocardiograma. Do total, 96 crianças do grupo dexclorfeniramina + betametasona e 98 do grupo desloratadina + prednisolona concluíram o protocolo. Resultados: Os dois grupos foram iguais com relação ao escore de sintomas nasais, escore de sintomas nasais extranasais e pico de fluxo inspiratório nasal iniciais e finais. Observou-se queda de 76,4% e 79,1% nos escores para escore de sintomas nasais, de 86,0% e 79,2% para escore de sintomas extranasais, assim como incremento de 25,2% e de 24,3% para o pico de fluxo inspiratório nasal para os grupos desloratadina + prednisolona e dexclorfeniramina + betametasona, respectivamente. Não houve alterações significativas da bioquímica sanguínea. Taquicardia sinusal foi a alteração do eletrocardiograma mais encontrada, mas sem significância clínica. Sonolência foi significantemente mais referida entre os tratados com dexclorfeniramina + betametasona do que entre os desloratadina + prednisolona (8,57% × 17,14%, respectivamente). Conclusão: A associação desloratadina + prednisolona foi capaz de controlar efetivamente os sintomas agudos de rinite em crianças, melhorou sintomas e a função nasal. Na comparação com a associação dexclorfeniramina + betametasona, demonstrou ação clínica semelhante, mas com menor incidência de eventos adversos e maior comodidade posológica.

Análisis de costo efectivi dad de everolimus más tacrolimus y prednisolona comparado con tacrolimus más prednisolona para la inmunosupresión de mantenimiento en el trasplante hepático en Colombia / Cost-effectiveness analysis of everolimus plus tacrolimus and prednisolone compared to tacrolimus plus prednisolone for maintenance immunosuppression in liver transplantation in Colombia

Problema de investigación: Calcular los costos y la efectividad esperados del Everolimus más Tacrolimus (dosis reducida) y Corticosteroide (ETC) comparado con Tacrolimus (dosis estándar) más Corticoesteroide (TC) para el tratamiento de pacientes colombianos, adultos, receptores de trasplante de hígado por primera vez, que han iniciado la terapia de inducción de inmunosupresión y que se perfilan para el tratamiento de mantenimiento. Tipo de evaluación económica: Análisis de costo-efectividad. Población objetivo: Análisis de costo-efectividad. Población objetivo: Pacient es colombianos, adultos, receptores de trasplante de hígado por primera vez, que han iniciado la terapia de inducción de inmunosupresión y que se perfilan para el tratamiento de mantenimiento. Intervención y comparadores: I: Everolimus más Tacrolimus (dosis reducida) y Corticosteroide (ETC). C: Tacrolimus (dosis estándar) más Corticoesteroides (TC). Horizonte temporal: Vital. Perspectiva: Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud (SGSSS). Tasa de descuento: Se emplea una tasa de descuento común tanto a los costos como a los desenlaces en salud, equivalente al 5 % anual. Adicionalmente, se realizan análisis de sensibilidad de 0 %, 3,5 %, 7 % y 12 %. Estructura del modelo: Modelo de Markov anidado en un árbol de decisiones. Fuentes de datos de efectividad y seguridad: Fueron usados los recursos siguientes: el Reporte de efectividad y seguridad de las alternativas a evaluar previamente publicado por el IETS, los resultados de una búsqueda de literatura económica en las base de datos del CRD, de una búsqueda manual de literatura económica y clínica, y la información obtenida producto de la consulta a expertos clínicos. Desenlaces y valoración: Años de vida ganados. Costos incluidos: Costos directos de atención: Costos de medicamentos. Costos de procedimientos. Intervención y el comparador es de un año \r\ny medio aproximadamente (1,45) conun costo adicional de $12.439.243. Análisis de sensibilidad: La decisión \r\nno se mantiene para los escenarios que consideran: un costo del esquema ETC inferior o igual a $6.705.975, una probabilidad de muerte en ETC igual o menor al 5%, unos costos promedio de la atención de los EA crónicos de la estrategia ETC inferior es a $452.702 para todo el horizonte temporal, unos costos promedio de la atención de los EA crónicos de la estrategia TC superior es a $1.260.000 y una probabilidad de muerte en RA superior a 22,21% con el esquema TC. Conclusiones y discusión: La tecnología evaluada es menos efectiva y menos costosa que su comparador, y de acuerdo a las consultas dirigidas a los expertos ésta es identificada como esquema de tercera línea. Se pueden plantear nuevos estudios de costo efectividad que evalúen el esquema con everolimus como una alternativa de conversión ante la presencia de ciertos eventos adversos.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Case Series.

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, ulcerative, non-infectious neutrophilic dermatosis, commonly associated with underlying systemic disease. The features of pyoderma gangrenosum are not specific histopathologically and for this reason the diagnosis is based on clinical feature. The systemic administration of corticosteroids is the mainstay of treatment. We present five cases of pyoderma gangrenosum of age group ranging from 2 to 75 years. One of these patients was HIV-infected, and one was having discoid lupus erythematosus. The lesions were present on thighs in 3 cases, over back in one and breast in one. Biopsy showed central necrosis with multiple neutrophilic abscesses in epidermis. The dermis showed dense neutrophilic infiltration in both superficial and deep dermis. The lesions responded well to oral corticosteroids except in the case of HIV-infected patient in which minocycline showed considerable improvement.

Whole-genome sequences of influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated from Brazilian patients with mild illness during the 2014 season

The influenza A(H3N2) virus has circulated worldwide for almost five decades and is the dominant subtype in most seasonal influenza epidemics, as occurred in the 2014 season in South America. In this study we evaluate five whole genome sequences of influenza A(H3N2) viruses detected in patients with mild illness collected from January-March 2014. To sequence the genomes, a new generation sequencing (NGS) protocol was performed using the Ion Torrent PGM platform. In addition to analysing the common genes, haemagglutinin, neuraminidase and matrix, our work also comprised internal genes. This was the first report of a whole genome analysis with Brazilian influenza A(H3N2) samples. Considerable amino acid variability was encountered in all gene segments, demonstrating the importance of studying the internal genes. NGS of whole genomes in this study will facilitate deeper virus characterisation, contributing to the improvement of influenza strain surveillance in Brazil.

Comparison of low-dose versus conventional-dose prednisolone in the treatment of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura [ITP]

Objective: To assess the efficacy of low-dose prednisolone in patients with ITP

Design: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Setting: Salmaniya Medical Complex, Kingdom of Bahrain

Method: A randomized controlled trial was conducted comparing the conventional-dose to a lowdose of prednisolone [0.25 mg/kg/day]. Forty-one patients with ITP were enrolled in the study; 21 patients were randomized to low-dose prednisolone [group I] and 20 patients received the conventional-dose [group II]

Result: The overall remission rate [OR] for both groups was 78.05%. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups in terms of group overall remission 17 [81%] versus 15 [75%], group complete remission 11 [52.4%] versus 10 [50%] or partial remission rate 6 [28.6%] versus 6 [25%]. In addition, failure rate, relapse rate, and splenectomy rate were similar and not statistically significant. Two [10%] patients developed complications related to steroids therapy, both were in group II, but were not statistically significant

Conclusion: Although the study had a small number of patients, it revealed that low-dose of prednisolone [0.25 mg/kg/day] is as effective as the conventional-dose [1 mg/kg/day] and probably, safer. Accordingly, we recommend the use of low-dose prednisolone as initial therapy for ITP rather than the high-dose

Comparative adverse effects of low-dose oral prednisolone and oral mini pulse dexamethasone in patients of vitiligo

To compare the adverse effects of low-dose oral prednisolone and oral mini pulse dexamethasone in patients of vitiligo. A clinical trial was carried out from January 2013 to December 2013. Total sixty patients of vitiligo were enrolled and 30 of group A patients were treated with low dose oral prednisolone [0.3 mg/kg body weight] daily and 30 of group B patients were treated with oral dexamethasone pulse therapy [10 mg per week] for 16 weeks. During 12 week follow-up, increased body weight, headache, dyspepsia and fatigue were more frequent in group A as compared to group B. Similarly, in group A other side effects noted were acne [33.3%], mooning of face [26.6%], striae [26.6%], hypertrichosis 13.2%, purpura [6.7%] and among the female patients, menstrual abnormality [71.4%] whereas in group B, no patient developed these problems from baseline to follow-up period [p<0.05] Low dose oral prednisolone was found to be associated with more adverse effects than oral dexamethasone pulse therapy in treating vitiligo

Oral administration of curcumin (Curcuma longa) can attenuate the neutrophil inflammatory response in zymosan-induced arthritis in rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of curcumin in the acute phase of zymosan-induced arthritis. METHODS: Twenty-eight male rats were subjected to intra-articular infiltration of zymosan of both knees and, in four the infiltration was made with saline. The animals were divided into five groups second received every six hours by gavage: corn oil by (positive and negative control); curcumin (100 mg/kg); prednisone 1 mg/kg/day; prednisone 8 mg/kg. All animals were sacrificed after six, 12, 24 and 48 hours of the infiltration. The knees were removed for evaluation of neutrophil infiltration. The number of neutrophils was counted by computer-assisted analysis of the images. The neutrophil infiltrate was stratified into four grades: 0 = normal; + = mild; ++/+++ = moderate; > ++++ = severe. The results were compared using the Mann-Whitney test and the variance by Kruskal-Wallis test adopting a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: Curcumin reduces inflammatory activity in the first six hours after zymosan-induced arthritis when compared to saline (p<0.01). This was also observed in animals subjected to administration of prednisone (1 mg/kg) and those treated with prednisone (8 mg/kg). Curcumin was more effective than lower doses of prednisone in the first six hours after induction of the arthritis. After 12, 24 and 48 hours, curcumin does not have the same anti-inflammatory effects when compared to prednisone. After 48 hours, prednisone is more effective than curcumin in reducing the inflammatory infiltrate regardless of the dose of prednisone used. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of curcumin reduces inflammation in the first six hours after experimentally zymosan-induced arthritis. .

Role of Triticum aestivum aqueous extract in glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis in rats.

Administration of aqueous extract of T. aestivum (200 and 400 mg/kg/day, po, for 30 days) and risedronate (20 mg/kg, sc, five times a week for 30 days) following methyl prednisolone sodium succinate (10 mg/kg, sc, thrice a week for 4 weeks) induced osteoporosis in Wistar rats showed an increase in the serum levels of bone mineral content markers, decrease in the serum and urinary levels of bone resorption markers. An incline in strength of femur and tibia was seen particularly with 400 mg/kg of T. aestivum. Maintenance of calcium homeostasis, formation of collagen and scavenging of free radicals can plausibly be the mode of action of aqueous extract of T. aestivum thereby combating osteoporosis induced by glucocorticoids.