Immune Thrombocytopenia Induced by Sintilimab in Lung Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review / 中国肺癌杂志

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) show unique advantages in the treatment of lung cancer, making the treatment of lung cancer enter the era of immunotherapy, but ICIs will also have adverse reactions, and the incidence of immune-induced hematological toxicity is not very high. Immunotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia is a rare adverse event.We report one case of thrombocytopenia induced by ICIs and review the literature on thrombocytopenia associated with ICIs and discuss the clinical features, possible mechanisms, and optimal treatment. 
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Cetoacidosis diabética como debut de diabetes mellitus inmunomediada en paciente en tratamiento con inhibidores de checkpoint / Diabetic ketoacidosis as debut of immune-mediated diabetes mellitus in a patient in treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Los inhibidores de checkpoint (ICP) son anticuerpos usados en inmunoterapia contra el cáncer. Uno de sus blancos de acción es el receptor de muerte celular programada-1 (PD-1), el cual es importante para mantener la tolerancia inmunitaria. Sin embargo, este mecanismo se asocia a riesgo de eventos adversos relacionados a la inmunidad que pueden afectar a múltiples órganos incluyendo el sistema endocrino. Se describe el caso inhabitual de un paciente que a los 18 meses de terapia con ICP debutó con cetoacidosis diabética (CAD).

Immune checkpoint inhibitors consist in antibodies used in immunotherapy against cancer. One of their targets is the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) receptor, which is important in maintaining self-tolerance. However, this mechanism is associated with a risk for immune-related adverse events potentially affecting multiple organs, including the endocrine system. We describe the unusual case of a patient who, after 18 months of treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor, debuted with diabetic ketoacidosis

Immunotherapy-induced pneumonitis: cases report / Pneumonite induzida por imunoterapia antineoplásica: relato de casos

ABSTRACT Immunotherapy-induced pneumonitis is a rare complication with incidence estimated around 3%. This disease is difficult to diagnose and has great morbidity. For this reason, it became a challenge for oncologists and emergencists. We reviewed the case of five patients who used anti-PD1 (program cell death receptor antagonist 1) for antineoplastic treatment and developed treatment-induced pneumonitis. All patients had respiratory problems because of immunotherapy and presence of ground-glass radiologic change. Among all patients, only one had grade 5 pneumonitis, and delaying to begin corticosteroid therapy and worsening in clinical picture led to patient death. Other four patients with symptomatic grade 2 pneumonitis underwent corticosteroid therapy and had improvement in clinical and radiologic picture. Two patients were treated after an episode of pneumonitis, and no new pulmonary complications were observed until the end of this study. Immunotherapy-induced pneumonitis, although uncommon, can be potentially fatal. Medical team has the responsibility to pay attention for most common symptoms of the disease such as cough and dyspnea and conduct an early diagnosis and effective early treatment with corticosteroids.

RESUMO A pneumonite secundária à imunoterapia é uma complicação rara, com incidência estimada em cerca de 3%. No entanto, trata-se de uma intercorrência de difícil diagnóstico e com grande morbidade, que tem se tornado um desafio para oncologistas e emergencistas. Foram revisados os casos de cinco pacientes que fizeram uso de anti-PD1 (program cell death receptor antagonist 1) para tratamento antineoplásico e que evoluíram com quadro de pneumonite induzida pelo tratamento. Todos os pacientes apresentaram sintomas respiratórios em vigência de tratamento, com imunoterapia e presença de alteração radiológica em vidro fosco. Dentre estes pacientes, apenas um apresentou pneumonite grau 5, com atraso na introdução de corticoidoterapia, indo a óbito em decorrência do quadro. Os outros quatro pacientes apresentaram pneumonite grau 2, sintomática, sendo tratados com corticoidoterapia e evoluindo com melhora clínica e radiológica. Dois pacientes mantiveram o tratamento após o episódio de pneumonite, sem novas complicações pulmonares posteriores, até o momento. A pneumonite induzida por imunoterapia, apesar de ser um evento pouco frequente, pode acarretar grande morbidade, além de ser potencialmente fatal, cabendo à equipe médica ter atenção aos sintomas mais comuns, como tosse e dispneia, para diagnóstico precoce e tratamento efetivo, com uso precoce de corticoide.

Clinical aspects of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 cases reported during the pandemic in Brazil, 2009-2010 / Aspectos clínicos dos casos de influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 notificados durante a pandemia no Brasil, 2009-2010

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the clinical aspects of cases of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in Brazil. Methods: A descriptive study of cases reported in Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), 2009-2010. Results: As the final classification, we obtained 53,797 (56.79%) reported cases confirmed as a new influenza virus subtype, and 40,926 (43.21%) cases discarded. Fever was the most common sign, recorded in 99.74% of the confirmed and 98.92% of the discarded cases. Among the confirmed cases, the presence of comorbidities was reported in 32.53%, and in 38.29% of the discarded cases. The case fatality rate was 4.04%; 3,267 pregnant women were confirmed positive for influenza A new viral subtype and 2,730 of them were cured. The case fatality rate of pregnant women was 6.88%. Conclusion: The findings suggested concern of the health system with pregnant women, and patients with comorbidities and quality of care may have favored a lower mortality. We recommend that, when caring for patients with severe respiratory symptoms, with comorbidities, or pregnant women, health professionals should consider the need for hospital care, as these factors make up a worse prognosis of infection by the pandemic influenza virus. .

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os aspectos clínicos dos casos de influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 no Brasil. Métodos: Foi desenvolvido um estudo descritivo dos casos notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) de 2009 a 2010. Resultados: Obtivemos como classificação final 53.797 (56,79%) casos notificados confirmados como influenza por novo subtipo viral e 40.926 (43,21%) descartados. Febre foi o sinal mais frequente, sendo registrada em 99,74% dos casos confirmados e em 98,92% dos descartados. Entre os confirmados, a presença de comorbidades foi notificada em 32,53% dos casos confirmados e entre 38,29% dos casos descartados. A taxa de letalidade foi de 4,04%. Das 3.267 gestantes confirmadas para influenza por novo subtipo viral, 2.730 evoluíram para cura. A taxa de letalidade de gestantes foi de 6,88%. Conclusão: Os achados sugeriram sensibilidade do sistema de saúde para com gestantes e portadores de comorbidades, e que a qualidade do cuidado pode ter favorecido a uma menor mortalidade. Recomendamos aos profissionais de saúde que, diante de casos de influenza pandêmica que apresentem gravidade do quadro clínico, comorbidades ou que estejam gestantes, seja considerada a assistência hospitalar, pois esses fatores compõem um pior prognóstico do quadro da infecção pelo vírus pandêmico da influenza. .

Incidence of endophthalmitis following intravitreal bevacizumab injection at a tertiary care hospital in eastern province of Saudi Arabia

The aim of this communication is to report the incidence of endophthalmitis following the use of intravitreal Bevacizumab [IVB] at a tertiary care hospital in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. A total of 2769 intravitreal Bevacizumab injections were carried out between January 2009 and April 2014. During this period, one case of endophthalmitis following IVB injection occurred. The overall incidence of clinical endophthalmitis was 0.036% [1/2769; 95% confidence interval: 0.0001-0.002%]. This compares favorably with studies reported from other parts of the world

Natalizumab treatment for multiple sclerosis: updates and considerations for safer treatment in JCV positive patients / Tratamento com Natalizumabe para esclerose múltipla: atualizações e considerações para um tratamento mais seguro em pacientes positivos para o VJC

Natalizumab is currently one of the best options for treatment of patients with Multiple Sclerosis who have failed traditional prior therapies. However, prolonged use, prior immunosuppressive therapy and anti-JCV antibody status have been associated with increased risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The evaluation of these conditions has been used to estimate risks of PML in these patients, and distinct (sometimes extreme) approaches are used to avoid the PML onset. At this time, the biggest issue facing the use of Natalizumab is how to get a balance between the risks and the benefits of the treatment. Hence, strategies for monitor JCV-positive patients undergoing Natalizumab treatment are deeply necessary. To illustrate it, we monitored JCV/DNA in blood and urine of a patient receiving Natalizumab for 12 months. We also bring to discussion the effectiveness of the current methods used for risk evaluation, and the real implications of viral reactivation.

Natalizumabe é atualmente uma das melhores opções para o tratamento de pacientes com Esclerose Múltipla que não respondem aos tratamentos tradicionais. No entanto, o seu uso prolongado, o uso de terapia imunossupressora prévia e o status sorológico antivírus JC têm sido associados com o risco aumentado de desenvolvimento de Leucoencefalopatia Multifocal Progressiva (LEMP). A avaliação destas condições tem sido utilizada para estimar os riscos do desenvolvimento de LEMP nestes pacientes, e abordagens distintas (por vezes extremas) são empregadas para evitar o aparecimento dessa patologia. Atualmente, o grande desafio está em obter um equilíbrio entre os riscos e os benefícios do tratamento com Natalizumabe. Assim, é crucial desenvolver estratégias para monitorar pacientes portadores do vírus JC sob tratamento com Natalizumabe. A título de ilustração, pesquisamos o vírus no sangue e na urina de um paciente sob tratamento durante 12 meses. Também discutimos a eficácia dos métodos atualmente utilizados para avaliação de riscos e as implicações reais de reativação viral.

Reações infusionais imediatas a agentes imunobiológicos endovenosos no tratamento de doenças autoimunes: experiência de 2.126 procedimentos em um centro de infusão não oncológico / Immediate infusional reactions to intravenous immunobiological agents for the treatment of autoimmune diseases: experience of 2126 procedures in a non-oncologic infusion centre

Introdução: Com o crescimento do uso de drogas imunobiológicas (IBD) ampliamos o conhecimento sobre sua eficácia e segurança. Objetivo: Analisar as reações infusionais imediatas (RII) às IBD endovenosas - infliximabe (IFX), rituximabe (RTX), abatacepte (ABT) e tocilizumabe (TCZ) - no tratamento de doenças autoimunes. Método: Avaliamos 2.126 infusões feitas no CID (Centro de Infusão) em 268 pacientes. A droga usada, a indicação clínica, o tempo de infusão e o uso de pré-medicação foram determinados pelo médico prescritor. Foram consideradas RII todas as intercorrências apresentadas durante a infusão e/ou período observacional de 30 minutos. A conduta adotada nas RII seguiu os protocolos do CID. Resultados: Em relação ao tipo de IBD, as infusões foram distribuídas em: IFX (1.584; 74,5%), TCZ (226; 10,63%), RTX (185; 8,7%) e ABT (131; 6,16%). As RII foram descritas em 87 procedimentos (4,09%): 77 no grupo IFX e 10 no grupo RTX. Não foram descritas RII nos grupos de ABT e TCZ. A maioria foi considerada leve (n = 5; 41,17%) ou moderada (n = 50; 58,81%) e não houve reações graves. Das infusões interrompidas, 79 (92,9%) foram reiniciadas e concluídas com êxito. Apenas seis (0,28%) não foram concluídas por causa das RII. Conclusão: Apesar da diferença entre o número de procedimentos por droga, trata-se de uma análise de "vida real", na qual a incidência de RII foi semelhante à descrita na literatura. A baixa incidência de RII corrobora os dados de segurança tanto de forma quantitativa como qualitativa e ressalta a importância do acompanhamento médico especializado durante a infusão. .

Introduction: With the increasing use of immunobiological drugs (IBD), the knowledge about their effectiveness and safety has increased. Objective: To analyze the immediate infusional reactions (IIR) to intravenous IBD: infliximab (IFX), rituximab (RTX), abatacept (ABT) and tocilizumab (TCZ) on the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Method: 2126 infusions performed in the Infusion Centre - CID in 268 patients were analyzed. The used drug, its clinical indication, infusion time, and use of premedication were determined by the prescribing physician. All intercurrences presented during infusion and/or during a thirty minutes observation period were considered as IIR. The approach adopted in IIR followed the protocols of the Infusion Centre - CID. Results: Regarding the type of IBD, the infused drugs given were: IFX (1584, 74.5%), TCZ (226, 10.63%), RTX (185, 8.7%) and ABT (131, 6,16%). IIR were described in 87 procedures (9.4%): 77 - IFX group and 10 - RTX group. IIR were not described in ABT and TCZ groups. Most were considered as mild (n = 5; 41.17%) or moderate (n = 50, 58.81%) reactions; there were no serious reactions. Regarding to discontinue infusions, 79 (92.9%) were resumed and completed successfully. Only six (0.28% of infusions) were not completed because of IIR. Conclusion: Despite the differences between the number of procedures per drug, ours is a "real life" analysis, where the incidence of IIR was similar to that described in the literature. The low incidence of IIR corroborates the safety data, both quantitatively and qualitatively, and underscores the importance of specialized medical support during infusion. .

Alopecia universalis during treatment with leflunomide and adalimumab - Case report

Alopecia areata is a non-scarring form of alopecia that can be localized or widespread. Its etiology is unknown, but immunological factors are implicated in its pathogenesis. With the more frequent use of anti TNFα biologic drugs, some alopecia areata cases during their use have been described. We report a case of universal alopecia in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis while using adalimumab and leflunomide.

Adalimumab-induced acute interstitial lung disease in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis / Doença pulmonar intersticial aguda induzida por adalimumabe em paciente com artrite reumatoide

The use of immunobiological agents for the treatment of autoimmune diseases is increasing in medical practice. Anti-TNF therapies have been increasingly used in refractory autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis, with promising results. However, the use of such therapies has been associated with an increased risk of developing other autoimmune diseases. In addition, the use of anti-TNF agents can cause pulmonary complications, such as reactivation of mycobacterial and fungal infections, as well as sarcoidosis and other interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). There is evidence of an association between ILD and the use of anti-TNF agents, etanercept and infliximab in particular. Adalimumab is the newest drug in this class, and some authors have suggested that its use might induce or exacerbate preexisting ILDs. In this study, we report the first case of acute ILD secondary to the use of adalimumab in Brazil, in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and without a history of ILD.

O uso de imunobiológicos no tratamento das doenças autoimunes é cada vez mais frequente na prática médica. Terapias anti-TNF têm sido cada vez mais utilizadas nas doenças autoimunes refratárias, especialmente na artrite reumatoide, com resultados promissores. Entretanto, o uso dessas terapias está relacionado ao aumento do risco do desenvolvimento de outras doenças autoimunes. Adicionalmente, o uso de agentes anti-TNF pode determinar repercussões pulmonares, como a reativação de infecções por micobactérias e fungos e o desenvolvimento de sarcoidose e de outras doenças pulmonares intersticiais (DPIs). A associação de DPI e uso dos agentes anti-TNF, em especial infliximabe e etanercepte, já foi descrita. O adalimumabe é a mais nova droga dessa classe, e algumas publicações sugerem que seu uso pode determinar a indução ou mesmo a exacerbação de DPIs preexistentes. Neste estudo, relatamos o primeiro caso de DPI aguda secundária à utilização de adalimumabe, em uma paciente portadora de artrite reumatoide sem DPI prévia no Brasil.

Safe Re-administration of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFalpha) Inhibitors in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis or Ankylosing Spondylitis Who Developed Active Tuberculosis on Previous Anti-TNFalpha Therapy

There is no consensus on whether it is safe to re-administer tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or ankylosing spondylitis (AS) flared after withdrawal of TNFalpha inhibitors due to active tuberculosis (TB). We evaluated the safety of restarting anti-TNFalpha therapy in patients with TNFalpha-associated TB. We used data of 1,012 patients with RA or AS treated with TNFalpha inhibitors at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital between January 2003 and July 2013 to identify patients who developed active TB. Demographic and clinical data including the results of tuberculin skin tests (TST) and interferon-gamma releasing assays (IGRA) were collected. Fifteen patients developed active TB. Five cases were occurred in RA and 10 cases in AS. Nine of 15 patients had a negative TST or IGRA and 6 TST-positive patients had received prophylaxis prior to initiating anti-TNFalpha therapy. All patients discontinued TNFalpha inhibitors with starting the treatment of TB. Eight patients were re-administered TNFalpha inhibitors due to disease flares and promptly improved without recurrence of TB. TNFalpha inhibitors could be safely resumed after starting anti-TB regimen in patients with RA or AS.

Adalimumab-induced lichenoid drug eruption

Tumor necrosis factor [TNF]- alpha inhibitors are being widely and increasingly used for the management of a spectrum of rheumatologic diseases that are refractory to conventional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Various cutaneous side effects have been reported after treatment with TNF- alpha inhibitors. We present a case report of a 26-year- old male patient who developed a lichenoid drug eruption few months after the initiation of adalimumab for the manage- ment of Crohn's disease. We also highlight the clinical and histopathologic differences between lichenoid drug eruptions and idiopathic lichen planus

Taxas de retenção de infliximabe e tocilizumabe no período de 3 anos em um hospital brasileiro / Retention rates of infliximab and tocilizumab during a 3-year period in a Brazilian hospital

OBJETIVO: Comparar a eficácia e período de uso de tocilizumabe e infliximabe no tratamento de pacientes com artrite reumatoide. MÉTODOS: Foi comparado o tempo de uso de dois biológicos com diferentes mecanismos de ação no tratamento de pacientes com artrite reumatoide. RESULTADOS: Ambos os biológicos se mostraram eficazes, mas o tempo de uso sem perda de eficácia foi maior com tocilizumabe quando comparado ao infliximabe. CONCLUSÃO: Tocilizumabe mantém um período de uso significativamente maior do que infliximabe em pacientes com artrite reumatoide tratados em uma única instituição.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and the period of use of tocilizumab and infliximab during treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients. METHODS: The period of use of two biologics with different mechanisms of action were compared in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients. RES: ULTS: Both medications showed efficacy, but the period of use with no loss of efficacy was longer in patients receiving tocilizumab when compared to infliximab. CONCLUSION: Tocilizumab maintains a period of use significantly longer as compared with infliximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated at a single organization.

Exacerbation of recalcitrant cutaneous sarcoidosis with adalimumab - a paradoxical effect? A case report / Agravamento de lesoes refratarias de sarcoidose cutanea com adalimumab- um efeito paradoxal? Relato de um caso

The paradoxical adverse effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonists have been described frequently as a result of the widespread use of these drugs. Among the TNF-alpha blocking agents, few reports exist relating the use of adalimumab in cutaneous sarcoidosis, although all of them show good results. More recently, sarcoidosis onsets have been reported with various TNF-alpha inhibitors. The current case is, to our knowledge, the first to describe the exacerbation of cutaneous lesions of sarcoidosis treated with adalimumab.

Os efeitos paradoxais dos anti-TNF-alpha têm sido cada vez mais descritos com a utilização mais ampla dessas drogas. Entre os TNF-alpha, registam-se poucos casos com a utilização de adalimumab no tratamento da sarcoidose cutânea, sendo que todos eles apresentam bons resultados. Têm sido descritos, mais recentemente, casos de sarcoidose induzidos por vários anti-TNF-alpha. O presente caso é, até à data, o primeiro a descrever a exacerbação de lesões cutâneas de sarcoidose tratadas com adalimumab.

Efficacy and safety of biologics in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials / Eficácia e segurança de agentes biológicos no tratamento da psoríase moderada a grave: uma meta-análise de ensaios clínicos randomizados e controlados / Eficacia y seguridad de los agentes biológicos en el tratamiento de la psoriasis moderada a severa: un metaanálisis de ensayos aleatorios y controlados

We conducted a systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials in moderate-to-severe psoriasis treated with biological agents, with a follow-up of 10-14 weeks. Overall, 41 studies, with mean Jadad score of 4.4, and 15,586 patients were included. For the efficacy outcomes PASI 50, 75 and 90 our findings are not conclusive to point what biological agent has the greatest response in short term follow-up. There were no statistical differences between placebo and biologics for the occurrence of infections and serious adverse events. Ustekinumab 45mg showed lower withdrawal due to adverse events compared with the placebo. Based on data available up to now, it is not possible to determine which biological agent is the best for PASI 50, 75 or 90 after 10-14 weeks of treatment. At the same follow-up, overall safety seems to be the same for all biological agents and Ustekinumab 45mg the most well tolerated drug. To better understand efficacy and safety, indirect meta-analysis comparing drug-to-drug is required since randomized placebo-controlled trials may not be feasible.

Conduziu-se uma revisão sistemática e metaanálise de ensaios clínicos randomizados em pacientes com psoríase moderada a grave, tratados com biológicos ou placebo por 10 a 14 semanas. Foram incluídos 41 estudos, com escore de Jadad médio de 4,4, totalizando 15.586 pacientes. Para os desfechos de eficácia PASI 50, 75 e 90 os resultados não são conclusivos para definir qual é o melhor agente biológico no curto prazo. Não houve diferença estatística entre placebo e biológicos para ocorrência de infecções e eventos ad-versos sérios. Ustequinumabe 45mg foi o biológico com menor ocorrência de descontinuação por conta de eventos adversos. Baseado na evidência até então disponível, não é possível determinar qual agente biológico é o melhor para se atingir resposta PASI 50, 75 e 90 após 10-14 semanas de tratamento. Para o mesmo intervalo, a segurança global parece ser a mesma para todos os biológicos e ustequinumabe 45mg o tratamento melhor tolerado. Para melhor compreender a eficácia e segurança, meta-análise indireta comparando droga-a-droga são necessárias já que ensaios clínicos randomizados podem não ser viáveis.

Se realizó una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis de ensayos controlados aleatorios en pacientes con psoriasis moderada a severa tratados con biológicos o placebo por 10-14 semanas. Se incluyeron 41 estudios con una puntuación de Jadad de 4,4, un total de 15.586 pacientes. Para variables de eficacia PASI 50, 75 y 90, los resultados no son concluyentes para definir cuál es el mejor agente biológico en el corto plazo. No hubo diferencia estadística entre el placebo y la ocurrencia biológica de las infecciones y los eventos adversos graves. Ustequinumabe 45mg fue el biológico con una menor incidencia de la interrupción debido a eventos adversos. Basado en la evidencia disponible hasta el momento, no es posible determinar qué agente biológico es lograr la mejor respuesta PASI 50, 75 y 90 después de 10-14 semanas de tratamiento. Para el mismo período, la seguridad global parece ser el mismo para todos los tratamientos y ustequinumabe 45mg el mejor tolerado. Para comprender mejor la eficacia y seguridad, es necesario un metaanálisis indirecto comparando medicamento a medicamento.

Trombosis venosa portal e hiperplasia nodular regenerativa hepática; posible efecto adverso asociado a bevacizumab y oxaliplatino / Portal vein thrombosis and nodular regenerative hyperplasia associated with the use of bevacizumab and oxaliplatin. Report of one case

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) consists in diffuse transformation of the hepatic parenchyma into small regenerative nodules without fibrosis, secondary to vascular occlusion and flow alterations. This gives a nodular appearance to theliver, as there is atrophy and compensatory hypertrophy of hepatocytes. We reporta 69-year-old male who suffered of colon cancer and was treated with Oxaliplatin (OX) and Bevacizumab (B). During treatment with B the patient presented a partial thrombosis of the portal vein, that one year later became permeable. Esophageal varices were found in an upper digestive endoscopy. Hepatic tests were normal. Aliver biopsy was performed and informed nodular regenerative hyperplasia. Thus, the different factors that could explain this pathology are analyzed. B, a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor, reduces the anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and survival effects produced by this factor, affecting the vascular protection of the endothelial cell. On the other hand, OX activates metalloproteinasesand depletes sinusoidal glutathione producing sinusoidal lesions. Thus, (OX) would be associated with sinusoidal obstruction and NRH sporadically. It is important to discuss the possible etiologic factors that can cause NRH reviewing the hepatotoxic effects caused by both drugs.

Nearly one-half of Brazilian patients with multiple sclerosis using natalizumab are DNA-JC virus positive / Cerca de metade dos pacientes brasileiros recebendo natalizumabe para tratamento de esclerose multipla tem DNA-JC virus positivo

Objective Natalizumab is a new and efficient treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). The risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) during the use of this drug has created the need for better comprehension of JC virus (JCV) infection. The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence of JCV-DNA in Brazilian patients using natalizumab. Method Qualitative detection of the JCV in the serum was performed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results In a group of 168 patients with MS who were undergoing treatment with natalizumab, JCV-DNA was detectable in 86 (51.2%) patients. Discussion Data on JCV-DNA in Brazil add to the worldwide assessment of the prevalence of the JCV in MS patients requiring treatment with natalizumab. .

Objetivo Natalizumabe é um tratamento novo e eficaz para esclerose múltipla (EM). O risco constatado de desenvolver leucoencefalopatia multifocal progressiva (LEMP) durante o uso desta droga criou a necessidade de melhor estudar a infecção pelo vírus JC (JCV). O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de DNA-JCV em paciente brasileiros usando natalizumabe. Método Detecção qualitativa de JCV no soro foi realizada através de reação em cadeia por polimerase (PCR) em tempo real. Resultados DNA-JCV foi detectado em 86 pacientes (51,2%) de um grupo de 168 pessoas com EM recebendo tratamento com natalizumabe,). Discussão Dados do DNA-JCV no Brasil complementam as avaliações mundiais sobre a prevalência de JCV em pacientes com EM que necessitam tratamento natalizumabe. .