Tratamiento para tuberculosis resistente a rifampicina o multirresistente: análisis comparativo de indicadores programáticos entre Buenaventura y otros municipios del Valle del Cauca, Colombia / Treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: A comparative analysis of programmatic outcome indicators between Buenaventura and other municipalities of Valle del Cauca, Colombia

Resumen Introducción. El manejo adecuado de la tuberculosis multirresistente es una estrategia priorizada para el control de la tuberculosis en el mundo. Objetivo. Evaluar las diferencias entre las características demográficas y clínicas, y los indicadores programáticos de los pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de tuberculosis pulmonar resistente a rifampicina o multirresistente en Buenaventura, frente a la cohorte de los demás municipios del Valle del Cauca entre 2013 y 2016. Materiales y métodos. Se desarrolló un estudio analítico de cohortes para comparar los registros de pacientes mayores de 15 años con tuberculosis multirresistente, del Programa de Tuberculosis de Buenaventura (con ácido paraaminosalicílico), frente a los demás municipios del Valle del Cauca (sin ácido paraaminosalicílico). Resultados. Se registraron 99 casos con una mediana de edad de 40 años (RIC = 26 - 53); en Buenaventura, el 56 % eran mujeres; en los demás municipios, predominaron los hombres (67 %); el 95 % de los evaluados tenía aseguramiento en salud. La comorbilidad más frecuente fue diabetes (14 %). Las reacciones adversas a medicamentos antituberculosos en Buenaventura fueron 1,3 veces más frecuentes que en los demás municipios (OR = 2,3; IC95 %: 0,993 - 5,568; p = 0,04). En Buenaventura falleció el 5 % de los casos frente al 15 % reportado en los demás municipios. No hubo fracasos con el tratamiento en Buenaventura, pero se reportó un 35 % de pérdida del seguimiento. El éxito del tratamiento fue mayor en Buenaventura en el 56 %. Conclusión. El programa fortalecido de Buenaventura presentó mejores resultados programáticos que los demás municipios del Valle del Cauca. El acceso a pruebas moleculares, la disponibilidad de tratamientos acortados y el seguimiento continuo para identificar reacciones adversas a medicamentos antituberculosos son un derrotero para todos los programas de control.

Abstract Introduction. Proper management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is a prioritized strategy for tuberculosis control worldwide. Objective. To evaluate differences concerning demographic and clinical characteristics and programmatic indicators of Buenaventura patient cohort with confirmed diagnosis of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, compared to those of the other municipalities from Valle del Cauca, Colombia, 2013-2016. Materials and methods. We conducted an analytical cohort study to compare records of patients older than 15 years with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis included in the Programa de Tuberculosis de Buenaventura (with para-aminosalicylic acid) versus the other municipalities of Valle del Cauca (without para-aminosalicylic). Results. Ninety-nine cases were recorded with a median age of 40 years (IQR = 26 - 53); in Buenaventura, 56% of the patients were women, while in the other municipalities, men predominated with 67%; 95% had health insurance. The most common comorbidity was diabetes (14%). Adverse reactions to antituberculosis medications in Buenaventura were 1.3 times more frequent than in the other municipalities (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 0.993 - 5.568; p = 0.04). In Buenaventura, the mortality rate was 5% compared to the 15% reported in the other municipalities. Treatment failures were not reported in Buenaventura, but 35% did not continue with the follow-up. Treatment success was higher in Buenaventura (56 %). Conclusion. A strengthened program in Buenaventura presented better programmatic results than those from the other municipalities of Valle del Cauca. Access to molecular tests, availability of shortened treatments, and continuous monitoring to identify adverse reactions to antituberculosis medications are routes for all other control programs.

Causalidade e Gravidade das Reações Adversas e Alterações Laboratoriais ao Tratamento com Benznidazol em Pacientes com Doença de Chagas Crônica / Causality and Severity of Adverse Reactions and Biochemical Changes to Benznidazole Treatment in Patients with Chronic Chagas Disease

Resumo Fundamento A Doença de Chagas (DC) representa um grave problema de saúde pública na América Latina. O Benznidazol (BNZ) é utilizado para o tratamento DC e, apesar do seu amplo uso, poucas informações estão disponíveis sobre sua toxicidade e mecanismos das Reações Adversas ao Medicamento (RAM). Objetivos Identificar e classificar as reações adversas clínicas e laboratoriais ocasionadas pelo uso do BNZ quanto à sua causalidade e gravidade. Métodos Estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado no período de janeiro de 2018 a dezembro de 2021. O acompanhamento do tratamento incluiu consultas e análises laboratoriais antes, 30 e 60 dias após o início do tratamento. As RAM foram classificadas quanto à causalidade e gravidade. Na análise estatística o nível de significância adotado foi p<0,05. Resultados Participaram do estudo 40 pacientes com DC crônica, observou-se alta prevalência de RAM com um total de 161 em 30 (90%) pacientes. Destas, 104 (64,6%) foram classificadas como possíveis e 57 (35,4%) como prováveis. As reações foram classificadas em moderadas e leves. Dos 40 pacientes, nove (22,5%) suspenderam o tratamento. As RAM associadas à interrupção e intervenções foram as que afetaram o sistema dermatológico, sistema nervoso central e periférico ou que culminaram em ageusia. Após 30 dias de tratamento, alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas leves foram observadas como linfopenia. Conclusão Apesar do elevado percentual de RAM, muitos pacientes foram capazes de completar o tratamento, o que se atribui ao êxito da estratégia de acompanhamento com intervenções de tratamento sintomático juntamente ao aconselhamento, levando à compreensão da sintomatologia e manutenção do tratamento.

Abstract Background Chagas disease (CD) is a serious public health problem in Latin America. Benznidazole (BNZ) is used for the treatment of CD and, despite its wide use, little information is available about its toxicity and mechanisms of adverse drug reactions (ADR). Objectives To identify and classify clinical and laboratory adverse reactions caused by BNZ in terms of causality and severity. Methods Prospective cohort study from January 2018 to December 2021. Treatment follow-up included visits and biochemical tests (complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests) before, during and after treatment. ADR were classified according to causality and severity. In the statistical analysis, the significance level was set at p<0.05. Results Forty patients with chronic CD were included. A high prevalence of ADR was observed 161 ADR in 30 patients [90%]; of these, 104 (64.6%) were classified as possible and 57 (35.4%) as probable. The ADR were classified as moderate and mild. Of the 40 patients, nine (22.5%) discontinued treatment. ADR associated with treatment discontinuation and interventions were those that affected the dermatological system, central and peripheral nervous system and sense organs such as ageusia. Mild hematological and biochemical changes such as lymphopenia were observed after 30 days of treatment. Conclusion Many patients were able to complete the treatment even with ADR, which can be attributed to the successful follow-up strategy with symptomatic treatment and counseling, leading to patient's awareness of symptoms and treatment adherence.

Manejo dos eventos adversos do dupilumabe na dermatite atópica e no prurigo nodular / Management of the adverse effects of dupilumab in atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis

A dermatite atópica (DA) e o prurigo nodular (PN) são doenças inflamatórias da pele que cursam com lesões variadas, como eczemas, pápulas e nódulos, acompanhados de intenso prurido e, nos casos graves, de importante prejuízo da qualidade de vida para os pacientes e seus familiares. O dupilumabe está aprovado no Brasil para o manejo das duas condições: DA moderada/grave e PN que não responde aos tratamentos tópicos. A eficácia e segurança do dupilumabe foram amplamente estabelecidas para ambas as condições em ensaios clínicos e estudos de vida real. Este artigo tem como objetivo revisar os principais eventos adversos (EAD) associados ao uso do dupilumabe em DA e PN, e auxiliar no seu manejo. Desde o início do uso da medicação, há alguns anos, os principais EAD reportados foram: a reação no local da injeção, a doença da superfície ocular (conjuntivite não infecciosa, blefarite, olhos secos), a eosinofilia e o eritema de face/pescoço. Outras manifestações também foram observadas em pacientes com DA em uso de dupilumabe, mas sem associação comprovada: psoríase, artralgia e alopecia areata. Apesar de muito infrequentemente levarem à suspensão do dupilumabe, é fundamental que os médicos prescritores deste medicamento para estas condições, dermatologistas e imunoalergistas, saibam detectar e manejar seus possíveis eventos adversos.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and prurigo nodularis (PN) are inflammatory skin diseases characterized by various lesions such as eczema, papules, and nodules, with marked pruritus and, in severe cases, significant impairment of quality of life for patients and their families. Dupilumab is approved in Brazil for the management of both moderate/severe AD and PN that does not respond to topical treatments. The efficacy and safety of dupilumab have been extensively established for both conditions in clinical trials and real-world studies.This article aims to review the main adverse events (AEs) associated with the use of dupilumab in AD and PN and assist in their management. Since the introduction of dupilumab a few years ago, the main reported AEs have been injection site reactions, ocular surface disease (non-infectious conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry eyes), eosinophilia, and facial/neck erythema. Other manifestations have also been observed in patients with AD on dupilumab, but without proven association: psoriasis, arthralgia, and alopecia areata. Although AEs very infrequently lead to discontinuation of dupilumab, it is crucial that physicians prescribing it for these conditions, dermatologists, and immunologists know how to detect and manage its possible adverse effects.

Percepção dos profissionais de enfermagem sobre manejo de reação infusional a antineoplásicos: estudo qualitativo / Perception of nursing professionals on the management of infusion reactions to antineoplastics: qualitative study

Identificar a percepção dos profissionais de enfermagem sobre o manejo de reação infusional imediata a antineoplásicos. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo de caráter exploratório com abordagem qualitativa realizado em um hospital no Rio Grande do Sul. Resultados: Todos os participantes afirmaram saber identificar uma reação infusional. Após a identificação da reação, nota-se que a maioria obedeceu a uma ordem de condutas a serem realizadas. Quanto aos cuidados para prevenção das reações infusionais, a maioria dos participantes mencionou a administração de medicamentos pré-quimioterápicos, como antialérgicos e antieméticos. Conclusão: Os achados demonstram que a maioria dos profissionais sabe reconhecer e manejar, porém há a necessidade de treinamentos e padronização das ações.(AU)

To identify the perception of nursing professionals about the management of immediate infusion reactions to antineoplastic drugs. Method: This is a descriptive, exploratory study with a qualitative approach carried out in a hospital in Rio Grande do Sul. Results: All the participants said they knew how to identify an infusion reaction. After identifying the reaction, it was noted that the majority followed an order of conduct to be carried out. As for precautions to prevent infusion reactions, most of the participants mentioned the administration of pre-chemotherapy drugs, such as anti-allergic and anti-emetic drugs. Conclusion: The findings show that most professionals know how to recognize and manage them, but there is a need for training and standardization of actions.(AU)

Identificar la percepción de los profesionales de enfermería sobre el manejo de las reacciones infusionales inmediatas a medicamentos antineoplásicos. Método: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, exploratorio, con abordaje cualitativo, realizado en un hospital de Rio Grande do Sul. Resultados: Todos los participantes afirmaron saber identificar una reacción a la infusión. Después de identificar la reacción, la mayoría siguió un orden de conducta. En cuanto a las precauciones para prevenir las reacciones a la infusión, la mayoría de los participantes mencionó la administración de fármacos prequimioterápicos, como antialérgicos y antieméticos. Conclusión: Los hallazgos muestran que la mayoría de los profesionales saben reconocerlas y manejarlas, pero es necesaria la formación y la estandarización de actuaciones.(AU)

Complicações e lesões orais associadas ao preenchimento labial com ácido hialurônico / Complications and oral mucosal lesions associated with lip filling with hyaluronic acid

Objetivo: Revisar a literatura a respeito da ocorrência de possíveis reações adversas e complicações decorrentes da utilização do ácido hialurônico para preenchimento labial. Revisão de literatura: As reações foram classificadas em imediatas ou precoces e tardias. Dentre as reações imediatas e precoces, foram encontrados eritema, dor, edema, hematoma, necrose, reações de hipersensibilidade, coloração azulada, processos infecciosos e presença de nódulos. As reações tardias foram descritas como granulomas e reações de corpo estranho, migração do material de preenchimento e cicatriz hipertrófica. Discussão: As reações adversas ao preenchimento labial acontecem devido às propriedades físico-químicas do material, falta de conhecimento anatômico e técnica inadequada. A maior parte das reações adversas podem ser diagnosticadas por meio de seus aspectos clínicos. No entanto, outros exames podem ser empregados, sendo a ultrassonografia é o método mais confiável para a investigação e identificação do agente de preenchimento. O tratamento, quando necessário, se baseia principalmente na injeção intralesional de corticoide ou hialuronidase. Conclusão: A identificação, formas de prevenção e intervenção precoce nas possíveis reações adversas são fundamentais para evitar o agravamento da complicação a longo prazo, além de aumentar a segurança na realização do preenchimento labial.

Aim: The aim of this study was to review the literature regarding the occurrence of possible adverse reactions and complications resulting from the use of hyaluronic acid for lip filling. Literature review: The reactions were classifiedas immediate or early and late. Among the immediate and early reactions, erythema, pain, edema, hematoma, necrosis, hypersensitivity reactions, bluish color, infectious processes and the presence of nodules were found. Late reactions have been described as granulomas and foreign body reactions, migration of filling material and hypertrophic scarring.Discussion: Adverse reactions to lip fillers occur due to the physical-chemical properties of the material, lack of anatomical knowledge and inadequate technique. Most adverse reactions can be diagnosed through their clinical aspects. However, other tests can be used, with ultrasound being the most reliable method for investigating and identifying the filling agent. Treatment, when necessary, is mainly based onintralesional injection of corticosteroids or hyaluronidase. Conclusion: The identification, forms of prevention and early intervention in possible adverse reactions are essential to avoid worsening the complication in the long term, in addition to increasing safety in the performance of lip filling.

Research progress on immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of adverse reactions related to gastric cancer / 国际外科学杂志

Traditional chemotherapy is the cornerstone of comprehensive treatment for gastric cancer, but its recurrence and metastasis rates are high, and the overall prognosis is not ideal. The rise of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has brought new hope to gastric cancer patients and changed the current pattern of comprehensive treatment for gastric cancer. With the increasing use of ICI, immune related adverse reactions (irAEs) such as skin toxicity and gastrointestinal toxicity are becoming increasingly common. Scientific understanding, early diagnosis, and graded management are currently the main strategies for handling irAEs. This article aims to review the mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and prediction, treatment, and management of irAEs after ICI treatment of gastric cancer, in order to enhance the understanding of irAEs among clinical physicians, better manage immunotherapy related adverse reactions, and improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients.

Clinical efficacy and safety of camrelizumab and sintilimab in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy of camrelizumab and sintilimab in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) , and to explore its impact on tumor marker levels and immune function index, as well as to perform safety analysis.Methods:A total of 87 patients with advanced NSCLC who were treated in Hai'an People's Hospital of Jiangsu Province from May 2019 to May 2021 were selected as the research objects. According to the treatment scheme, the patients were divided into camrelizumab group ( n=41) and sintilimab group ( n=46) . The clinical efficacy, prognosis, tumor marker levels, immune function index and immune related adverse reactions of the two groups were compared. Results:There were no statistically significant differences in objective response rate [48.78% (20/41) vs. 39.13% (18/46) , χ2=0.82, P=0.365] or disease control rate [78.05% (32/41) vs. 71.74% (33/46) , χ2=0.46, P=0.499] in both camrelizumab and sintilimab group. The median progression-free survival (PFS) in the camrelizumab group was 9.1 months, and the median overall survival (OS) was 15.4 months. The median PFS in the sintilimab group was 9.7 months, and the median OS was 15.7 months. There were no statistically significant differences in median PFS and median OS between the two groups ( χ2=0.18, P=0.633; χ2=0.15, P=0.697) . Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) [ (47.68±8.12) ng/ml vs. (49.03±8.70) ng/ml, t=0.75, P=0.458], cytokeratin 19 fragment antigen 21-1 (CYFRA21-1) [ (18.06±3.41) ng/ml vs. (17.25±3.78) ng/ml, t=1.05, P=0.299], and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) [ (72.26±21.06) U/ml vs. (74.03±22.10) U/ml, t=0.38, P=0.704] levels between the camrelizumab group and sintilimab group. After treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in CEA [ (28.11±7.68) ng/ml vs. (27.63±5.71) ng/ml, t=0.33, P=0.740], CYFRA21-1 [ (9.29±1.88) ng/ml vs. (9.06±1.80) ng/ml, t=0.15, P=0.814], and CA125 [ (61.39±21.22) U/ml vs. (60.51±11.03) U/ml, t=0.25, P=0.806] levels between the two groups, but CEA, CYFRA21-1, and CA125 levels decreased after treatment compared with those before treatment in both groups (all P<0.05) . Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in T cells CD4 + [ (41.15±3.24) % vs. (41.17±2.90) %, t=0.03, P=0.976], CD8 + [ (68.82±3.94) % vs. (70.06±4.08) %, t=1.44, P=0.154], and CD4 +/CD8 + (1.88±0.33 vs. 1.76±0.25, t=1.92, P=0.058) between the two groups. After treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in T cells CD4 + [ (47.08±3.22) % vs. (48.53±5.07) %, t=1.57, P=0.120], CD8 + [ (61.22±1.67) % vs. (61.45±1.66) %, t=0.64, P=0.522], and CD4 +/CD8 + (2.31±0.17 vs. 2.36±0.12, t=1.60, P=0.114) between the two groups, while T cells CD8 + was lower than that before treatment, and CD4 + as well as CD4 +/CD8 + were higher than those before treatment in both groups (all P<0.05) . The overall incidence of adverse reactions in the sintilimab group [10.87% (5/46) ] was lower than that in the camrelizumab group [31.71% (13/41) ], and with a statistically significance ( χ2=5.74, P=0.016) . Conclusion:The clinical efficacy of camrelizumab and sintilimab in NSCLC patients is basically the same, the impacts of which on tumor markers and immune function are comparable, but the safety of sintilimab is better than that of camrelizumab.

Efficacy and safety of evolocumab in elderly patients with high-risk cardiovascular diseases / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of evolocumab in elderly patients with high-risk cardiovascular diseases.Methods A total of 153 patients with poor lipid control after conventional statin therapy who were hospitalized in the cardiologic departments in the First,Sec-ond,Sixth and Eighth Medical Centers of Chinese PLA General Hospital from November 2019 to November 2022 were included,and divided into non-elderly group(＜60 years old,46 cases),eld-erly group(60-74 years old,66 case)and very elderly group(≥75 years old,41 cases).They were all given evolocumab treatment according to guidelines.Another 50 over-75-year-old patients with high-risk cardiovascular diseases and poor lipid control who were hospitalized in the above cardiologic departments during the same period were treated with a statin drug combined with ezetimibe,and served as conventional treatment group(control group).The baseline clinical data and the blood indicators at 4th and 12th week after drug administration,and the occurrence of ad-verse drug reactions and major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)within 12 weeks were com-pared among the groups.Results The levels of LDL-C and TC were significantly decreased in the three evolocumab treatment groups at 4 and 12 weeks after medication when compared with the baseline values(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),but there were no obvious differences in the 2 levels among the 3 groups at 12 weeks(P＞0.05).At the time point,no statistical difference was observed in the incidence of adverse events in the three groups(2.2％vs 3.0％vs 2.4％,P＞0.05).The levels of LDL-C and TC were decreased significantly in the very elderly group and the conventional treatment group at the 12th week when compared with the baseline levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and the LDL-C level at the week was notably lower in the very elderly group than the convention-al treatment group(1.36±0.44 mmol/L vs 1.87±0.56 mmol/L,P＜0.01).But no difference was seen in the incidence of MACE between the 2 groups(12.2％vs 16.0％,P＞0.05),either in sur-vival rate between them(P=0.576).Conclusion For patients of all ages,evolocumab has good short-term efficacy in lipid control,and for those over 75 years old,the drug also shows good effi-cacy and sound safety.

Efficacy of rituximab injection combined with CHOP regimen in the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of rituximab injection combined with CHOP regimen (cyclophosphamide+doxorubicin+vincristine+prednisolone) in the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).Methods:One hundred and twenty patients with DLBCL who treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from June 2019 to June 2022 were selected as the study object. They were randomly divided into the study group (60 cases) and the control group (60 cases). The control group was treated with CHOP regimen, and the study group was treated with rituximab injection on the basis of CHOP regimen. The clinical efficacy, inflammatory reaction, immune function and adverse reaction were evaluated after 6 courses of treatment.Results:After treatment, the total clinical effective rate in the study group was higher than that in the control group: 88.33%(53/60) vs. 70.00%(42/60), there was statistical difference ( χ2 = 6.11, P<0.05). Before treatment, the levels of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the two groups had no significant differences ( P>0.05); after treatment, the levels of serum IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased, and the levels of serum IL-6 and TNF-α in the study group were lower than those in the control group: (223.56 ± 21.28) ng/L vs. (267.35 ± 25.36) ng/L, (9.34 ± 2.75) μg/L vs. (11.96 ± 3.83) μg/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Before treatment, the levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgM and IgG in the two groups had no significant differences ( P>0.05); after treatment, the levels of serum IgA, IgM and IgG were decreased, but the levels of serum IgA, IgM and IgG in the study group were higher than those in the control group: (1.83 ± 0.46) g/L vs. (1.34 ± 0.34) g/L, (1.15 ± 0.22) g/L vs. (0.83 ± 0.24) g/L, (10.67 ± 1.65) g/L vs. (8.02 ± 1.62) g/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). After treatment, the incidence of thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, gastrointestinal reaction, bone marrow suppression and liver function injury in the study group were lower than those in the control group: 6.67%(4/60) vs. 20.00%(12/60), 15.00%(9/60) vs. 31.67%(19/60), 30.00%(18/60) vs. 58.33%(35/60), 5.00%(3/60) vs. 16.67%(10/60), 10.00%(6/60) vs. 25.00%(15/60), there were statistical differences ( χ2 = 4.62, 4.66, 9.77, 4.33, 4.88, P<0.05). Conclusions:The treatment effect of rituximab injection combined with CHOP regimen in DLBCL is significant, which can reduce the inflammatory reaction of the body, reduce the damage of immune function, and reduce the adverse reactions of chemotherapy.

Effects of Kanglaite injection combined with chemotherapy on quality of life and myelosuppression in patients with non-small cell lung cancer / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of Kanglaite injection combined with chemotherapy on quality of life and myelosuppression in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods:The clinical data of 60 patients with NSCLC who received treatment at Zhejiang Jinhua Guangfu Tumor Hospital from August 2018 to February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 30 patients in each group according to the treatment methods used. The patients in the experimental group received the Kanglaite injection in combination with chemotherapy using gemcitabine and cisplatin, whereas the patients in the control group were treated solely with chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin. The quality of life was evaluated using the Karnofsky Performance Status score. Before and after treatment, a comparison was made between the two groups in terms of Karnofsky Performance Status score, the incidence of adverse reactions (such as myelosuppression), and clinical efficacy.Results:After treatment, the disease control rate and objective response rate in the experimental group were 86.67% (26/30) and 60.00% (18/30), respectively, which were significantly higher than 60.00% (18/30) and 30.00% (9/30) in the control group ( χ2 = 4.18, 4.31, both P < 0.05). Prior to treatment, the Karnofsky Performance Status scores in the experimental and control groups were (70.68 ± 3.75) points and (70.29 ± 5.11) points ( t = 0.34, P = 0.790), respectively. After treatment, the Karnofsky Performance Status scores in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group [(67.02 ± 5.87) points vs. (62.37 ± 3.59) points, t = -5.29, P < 0.05]. The incidence of adverse reactions in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group [40.00% (12/30) vs. 36.67% (11/30), χ2 = 0.07, P = 0.790). Additionally, the incidence of myelosuppression in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group [56.67% (17/30) vs. 86.67% (26/30), χ2 = 6.90, P = 0.030]. Conclusion:Compared with chemotherapy alone, Kanglaite injection combined with chemotherapy can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, leading to improved prognosis.

Effect of dexmedetomidine combined with chloroprocaine on epidural anesthesia for cesarean section / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine combined with chloroprocaine on epidural anesthesia for cesarean section.Methods:A total of 133 women who underwent epidural anesthesia for cesarean section at the Department of Anesthesiology, Jinhua People's Hospital between January 2020 and December 2022 were included in this prospective case-control study. These women were divided into a ropivacaine group ( n = 66) and a chloroprocaine group ( n = 67) using a random number table method. The ropivacaine group received epidural anesthesia with dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine, while the chloroprocaine group received epidural anesthesia with dexmedetomidine combined with chloroprocaine. The anesthesia effect (anesthesia onset time, anesthesia duration, peak effect time), changes in blood pressure (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure), adverse reactions (shivering, nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, skin itching, numbness of lower limbs), and satisfaction with muscle relaxation were observed in the two groups. Results:The anesthesia onset time, anesthesia duration, and peak effect time in the chloroprocaine group were (6.91 ± 1.54) minutes, (61.54 ± 5.31) minutes, and (11.79 ± 4.12) minutes, respectively, which were significantly shorter than those in the ropivacaine group [(9.65 ± 1.92) minutes, (83.57 ± 6.69) minutes, (18.32 ± 4.81) minutes, t = 9.08, 21.05, 8.41, all P < 0.001). The systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased in both groups after 10 minutes of anesthesia and at the end of the procedure; however, the increments observed in the chloroprocaine group were relatively smaller. There were significant differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, measured at 10 minutes of anesthesia and at the end of the procedure, between the two groups ( F = 7.36, P < 0.001; F = 5.12, P = 0.001). There were significant differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between different time points ( F = 10.03, P < 0.001; F = 6.72, P < 0.001). The group-by-time interaction effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressure was also highly significant ( F = 9.83, P < 0.001; F = 8.01, P < 0.001). The chloroprocaine group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of adverse reactions compared with the ropivacaine group [4.48% (3/67) vs. 15.15% (10/66), χ2 = 4.29, P < 0.05). Additionally, the chloroprocaine group had a significantly higher satisfaction rate with muscle relaxation compared with the ropivacaine group [94.03% (63/66) vs. 81.82% (54/66), Z = 5.73, P < 0.05]. Conclusion:The combination of dexmedetomidine and chloroprocaine offers remarkable benefits in epidural anesthesia for cesarean sections. This combined approach not only enhances epidural anesthesia but also stabilizes the blood pressure of puerperants, reduces adverse reactions, and provides exceptional muscle relaxation. It deserves consideration for clinical application.

Research progress of tralokinumab for the treatment of moderate and severe atopic dermatitis / 中国基层医药

Tralokinumab is a selective interleukin-13 inhibitor developed by LEO Pharma in Denmark. It was granted approval by the US Food and Drug Administration on December 27, 2021, for the treatment of patients aged 18 years or older with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis whose disease is refractory to or cannot be fully controlled by local prescription therapy. This article presents a comprehensive review of the recent research progress in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis with tralokinumab.

Clinical observation of preemptive analgesia with pentazocine for perioperative pain management in partial splenectomy / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of preemptive analgesia with pentazocine on perioperative pain management in partial splenectomy.Methods:A total of 100 patients with traumatic splenic rupture who underwent partial splenectomy at Yiwu Central Hospital between October 2019 and November 2021 were randomly assigned to either the control group or the study group, with 50 patients in each group using the random number table method. Both groups received patient-controlled analgesia postoperatively. Additionally, the study group received intravenous pentazocine administration before surgery. The amount of anesthetic used during surgery, postoperative anesthesia recovery indices, postoperative pain response, serum inflammatory factor levels, and the number of effective patient-controlled analgesia pump presses within 48 hours postoperatively were recorded and evaluated. Any adverse drug reactions were also monitored.Results:The dosages of propofol [(462.24 ± 27.13) mg] and remifentanil [(365.98 ± 26.78) μg] in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group [(511.82 ± 26.32) mg, (406.86 ± 26.08) μg, t = 14.49, 12.63, both P < 0.001). The recovery time of spontaneous breathing [(6.86 ± 0.97) minutes], anesthesia recovery time [(13.24 ± 0.82) minutes] and extubation time [(17.14 ± 1.07) minutes] were significantly shorter than those in the control group [(7.62 ± 0.90) minutes, (14.32 ± 0.84) minutes, (18.22 ± 1.06) minutes, t = 5.80, 8.58, 6.93, all P < 0.001]. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group at 24 and 48 hours after surgery, both in resting and coughing state ( t = 7.82, 9.31, 4.95, 8.47, all P < 0.001). The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6 were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group ( t = 21.53, 25.61, 18.45, 16.90, 17.33, 14.86, all P < 0.001), while the serum level of interleukin-10 was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group ( t = -20.85, -19.61, both P < 0.001). The number of effective patient-controlled pump analgesia presses within 48 hours postoperatively in the study group [(6.24 ± 1.17) times] was significantly lower than that in the control group [(10.26 ± 1.34) times, t = 12.95, P < 0.05). In addition, the overall incidence of adverse drug reactions in the study group [4.00% (2/50)] was significantly lower than that in the control group [18.00% (9/50), χ2 = 5.01, P < 0.05]. Conclusion:Preemptive analgesia with pentazocine for patients undergoing partial splenectomy can effectively reduce the dosage of anesthetics during surgery and the dosage of analgesics after surgery, enhance the recovery from postoperative anesthesia, suppress postoperative inflammatory reactions, alleviate pain responses, and minimize the risk of adverse drug reactions.

When the fever will not stop, stop the pills! A case report

ABSTRACT Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a neurologic emergency potentially fatal. This rare side effect is most commonly associated with first-generation antipsychotics and less frequently with atypical or second-generation antipsychotics. The diagnosis relies on both clinical and laboratory criteria, with other organic and psychiatric conditions being ruled out. CASE REPORT: A 39-year-old female patient, who is institutionalized and completely dependent, has a medical history of recurrent urinary infections and colonization by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Her regular medication regimen included sertraline, valproic acid, quetiapine, risperidone, lorazepam, diazepam, haloperidol, baclofen, and fentanyl. The patient began experiencing dyspnea. Upon physical examination, she exhibited hypotension and a diminished vesicular murmur at the right base during pulmonary auscultation. Initially, after hospitalization, she developed high febrile peaks associated with hemodynamic instability, prompting the initiation of antibiotic treatment. Despite this, her fever persisted without an increase in blood inflammatory parameters, and she developed purulent sputum, necessitating antibiotherapy escalation. The seventh day of hospitalization showed no improvement in symptoms, suggesting NNMS as a differential diagnosis. All antipsychotic and sedative drugs, as well as antibiotherapy, were discontinued, after which the patient showed significant clinical improvement. CONCLUSION: Antipsychotic agents are commonly employed to manage behavioral changes linked to various disorders. However, their severe side effects necessitate a high degree of vigilance, the cessation of all medications, and the implementation of supportive care measures. A prompt and accurate diagnosis of NMS is crucial to alleviating the severe, prolonged morbidity and potential mortality associated with this syndrome.

Mortality and years of life lost related to adverse drug events in Brazil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To assess regional and national mortality and years of life lost (YLL) related to adverse drug events in Brazil. METHODS This is an ecological study in which death records from 2009 to 2018 from the Mortality Information System were analyzed. Codes from the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD-10) that indicated drugs as the cause of death were identified. The number of deaths and the YLL due to adverse drug events were obtained. Crude, age- and gender-specific, and age-adjusted mortality rates and YLL rates per 100,000 inhabitants were formed by year, age group, gender, and Brazilian Federative Unit. Rate ratios were calculated by comparing rates from 2009 to 2018. A joinpoint regression model was applied for temporal analysis. RESULTS For the selected ICD-10 codes, a total of 95,231 deaths and 2,843,413 YLL were recorded. Mortality rates from adverse drug events increased by a mean of 2.5% per year, and YLL rates increased by 3.7%. Increases in rates were observed in almost all age groups for both genders. Variations in rates were found between Federative Units, with the highest age-adjusted mortality and YLL rates occurring in the Distrito Federal. CONCLUSIONS The numbers and rates of deaths and YLL increased during the study period, and variations in rates of deaths and YLL were observed between Brazilian Federative Units. Information on multiple causes of death from death certificates can be useful for quantifying adverse drug events and analyzing them geographically, by age and by gender.

Drug Hypersensitivity Associated with Dental Treatments

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize drug hypersensitivity associated with dental treatments. Material and Methods: Data from 5,302 dental patients extracted from the Faculty of Dental Medicine were used to investigate drug use history, drug hypersensitivity, and associations with oral health outcomes. The chi-square test was used, and values of p ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The frequency of patients' self-reported drug hypersensitivity was 26.42% (n = 1,401). The highest frequencies were for opioid/narcotic analgesics (20.84%, n = 292), antibiotics (18.13%, n = 961), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (10.46%, n = 141). Most of the patients (68.65%, n = 3,640) reported using medications, mostly for cardiovascular disease (43.1%, n = 1,569), for psychiatric/neurological disorders (39.75%, n = 1,447), drugs that affect the endocrine system (32.55%, n= 1,185), and drugs for pain (24.92%, n = 907). Higher drug hypersensitivity frequencies were associated with older White female subjects (p<0.0001). Associations were also identified between drug hypersensitivity and history of the following dental procedures: tooth extractions (p=0.003), root canal treatment (p=0.0004), prosthodontic treatments (p<0.0001), and orthodontic treatments (p=0.007). Conclusion: A high frequency of self-reported drug hypersensitivity in dental patients was found, with a higher occurrence in older White women and those with a history of more extensive and invasive dental care.

Optic neuropathy following COVID-19 vaccine / Neuropatia óptica após a vacina contra a COVID-19

ABSTRACT This case series describes four patients who presented with retinal and optic nerve vascular occlusions after administration of different COVID-19 vaccines. The first patient received the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AZD1222; Oxford/AstraZeneca) and 42 days later developed central retinal artery occlusion. The second patient developed a painless visual impairment in the left eye and was diagnosed with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy 6 days after receiving the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine. The third patient presented with the same condition 22 days after receiving the third dose of the COVID-19 Pfizer (Comirnaty®) vaccine. The fourth patient developed bilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis after receiving the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. The purpose of this case series is to discuss the possibility of a causal association between ischemic eye alterations and COVID-19 virus vaccination. Long-term follow-up and evaluation of similar cases will help elucidate the degree of the association between the vaccine and ischemic ocular events.

RESUMO Esta série de casos descreve quatro casos de pacientes que apresentaram oclusões vasculares de retina e nervo óptico após a administração de tipos diferentes de vacinas contra COVID-19. O primeiro paciente tomou a vacina ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222; Oxford/AstraZeneca) e 42 dias depois desenvolveu oclusão da artéria central da retina. O segundo paciente teve défice visual indolor no olho esquerdo após 6 dias da vacina Sinovac (CoronaVac) e foi diagnosticado com neuropatia óptica isquêmica anterior. O terceiro paciente apresentou o mesmo quadro após 22 dias da terceira dose da vacina COVID-19 Pfizer (Comirnaty®). O quarto paciente desenvolveu neurite óptica retrobulbar bilateral após vacina Oxford/AstraZeneca. O objetivo da nossa série de casos é discutir a possibilidade de correlação entre os quadros oculares isquêmicos e a vacinação contra a COVID-19. Nossos pacientes receberam vacinas contra COVID-19 com tecnologias diferentes e apresentaram quadros isquêmicos oculares relacionados temporalmente à vacinação. O acompanhamento e a avaliação a longo prazo de novos estudos semelhantes elucidarão o grau de associação entre a vacina e esse possível evento adverso.

Eficacia y seguridad del uso extendido de anticonceptivos orales combinados / Efficacy and safety of extended use of combined oral contraceptives

Los anticonceptivos orales combinados constituyen hoy en día uno de los métodos anticonceptivos más populares a nivel mundial. Su composición consiste en una combinación de análogos de hormonas sexuales femeninas que se administran en bajas dosis diarias, manteniendo constante su concentración sanguínea y evitando de esta forma los cambios en el eje endócrino que estimulan la ovulación. Con el objetivo de recrear los procesos fisiológicos, la mayoría de las formulaciones comprenden un intervalo de 4 a 7 días libres de hormonas en el cual se genera el sangrado por deprivación.A partir de una viñeta clínica en la que una paciente sana desea posponer su hemorragia por deprivación, y tras realizar una búsqueda bibliográfica que prioriza las investigaciones más recientes y de mejor calidad, la autora revisa la evidencia sobre el uso de hormonas sin intervalo libre, especialmente su efectos sobre la eficacia y la incidencia de efectos adversos. (AU)

Nowadays, combined oral contraceptives are one of the most popular contraceptive methods worldwide. Its composition consists of a combination of similar female sex hormones administered in low daily doses, keeping their blood concentration constant and thus avoiding changes in the endocrine axis that stimulate ovulation. In order to recreate physiological processes, most formulations include an interval of 4 to 7 hormone-free days in which withdrawal bleeding occurs.Starting from a clinical vignette in which a healthy patient desires to postpone her withdrawal bleeding, and after conducting a bibliographic search that prioritizes the most recent and best-quality research, the author reviews the evidence about the use of hormones without free interval, especially their effects on efficacy and the incidence of adverse effects. (AU)

A novel agent for myeloma causing toxic keratopathy, belantamab mafodotin: a case report and literature review / Belantamabe-mafodotina, um novo agente para mieloma, causando ceratopatia tóxica: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

ABSTRACT A 60-year-old-male with refractory relapsed multiple myeloma presented with redness, pain, foreign body sensation, and blurred vision in both eyes that gradually increased after his third belantamab mafotodin infusion. Biomicroscopy revealed bilateral microcyst-like epithelial changes and epithelial crystal-like deposits, whereas in vivo confocal microscopy revealed intraepithelial and subepithelial hyperreflective deposits in corneal epithelium. Belantamab mafodotin therapy was discontinued for seven weeks due to corneal toxicity, which cleared progressively. We aim to demonstrate belantamab mafodotin-related corneal toxicity that may be detected using slit lamp and in vivo confocal biomicroscopy.

RESUMO Um homem de 60 anos, diagnosticado com mieloma múltiplo recidivante refratário, apresentou vermelhidão, dor, sensação de corpo estranho e visão turva em ambos os olhos, aumentando gradualmente após sua terceira infusão de belantamabe mafodotina. À biomicroscopia, foram observadas alterações epiteliais bilaterais semelhantes a microcistos e depósitos epiteliais semelhantes a cristais. A microscopia confocal in vivo revelou depósitos hiper-refletivos intraepiteliais e subepiteliais na córnea. Devido à toxicidade corneana, a terapia com belantamabe mafodotina foi interrompida por sete semanas e a toxicidade foi gradualmente resolvida. Nosso objetivo é demonstrar os achados à biomicroscopia confocal in vivo e à lâmpada de fenda da toxicidade corneana relacionada ao belantamabe mafodotina.

ERG and OCT abnormalities in retinoblastoma after melphalan intravitreous injection / Anormalidades do ERG e OCT em um caso de retinoblastoma após injeção intravítrea de melfalan

ABSTRACT The authors report full-field electroretinogram and optical coherence tomography findings of intravitreal melphalan retinal toxicity. An 18-month-old girl with unilateral group D retinoblastoma was evaluated with light-adapted 3 full-field electroretinogram protocol and optical coherence tomography (I-Stand optical coherence tomography, Optovue) after treatment with intravitreal melphalan for active vitreous seeds. After the third injection, the child developed retinal pigment epithelial changes near the injection site. The photopic response of the full-field electroretinogram standard flash cones showed a decrease in amplitude responses of waves a and b in the affected eye compared to the contralateral eye. Optical coherence tomography showed loss of photoreceptors and outer nuclear layers in the affected eye. Melphalan toxicity is dose-dependent, and despite its treatment benefits, it can affect vision. Our case shows an updated, in-depth retinal toxicity assessment of intravitreal melphalan in the human retina with optical coherence tomography and its correlation with electroretinogram changes.

RESUMO Os autores relatam os achados de eletrorretinograma de campo total e tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) da toxicidade retiniana ao melfalan intravítreo. Menina de 18 meses com retinoblastoma foi avaliada com fases fotópicas do eletrorretinograma de campo total e tomografia de coerência óptica após o tratamento com melfalan intravítreo. Após a terceira injeção, a criança desenvolveu alterações do epitélio pigmentar da retina próximo ao local da injeção. A resposta fotópica do eletrorretinograma de campo total mostrou diminuição da amplitude das respostas das ondas a e b no olho afetado comparado com o olho sadio. A tomografia de coerência óptica mostrou alterações significativas nas camadas retinianas externas no olho comprometido. A toxicidade do melfalan é dose dependente e, apesar dos benefícios terapêuticos, podem causar alterações retinianas significativas. Este caso demonstra uma avaliação atual e aprofundada da toxicidade retiniana do melfalan intravítreo na retina humana através da tomografia de coerência óptica e sua correlação com as alterações no eletrorretinograma.