ABSTRACT
The early detection of acute rejection in the allograft is important as it provides an opportunity for timely therapeutic intervention in order to preserve graft function and achieve longer graft survival. Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) has emerged as a new biomarker in the field of kidney transplantation. In this review, we used data from various studies to examine the role of dd-cfDNA in comparison to creatinine and donor-specific antibodies in the early detection of transplant rejection. We also reviewed the use of dd-cfDNA in other organ transplants as well as the challenges and potential future direction for dd-cfDNA as a diagnostic tool.
ABSTRACT
Psychiatric disturbances can manifest after levothyroxine (LT4) treatment for severe hypothyroidism. We present the case of a young Filipino man with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and high-grade heart block, who was given a full replacement LT4 dose on admission. Twenty-four hours after this dose, he developed manic symptoms, which were addressed with sedatives and neuroleptics with gradual restoration of euthymia the following day. A comprehensive workup did not reveal any findings suggestive of another aetiology for either mania or heart block. We ultimately ascribed the mania as secondary to LT4, and the heart block to hypothyroidism. Although mania is more likely to be precipitated by high starting LT4 doses, reports have shown that symptoms can still arise even at lower doses and with more gradual titration, especially in long-standing hypothyroidism.
