Regression of bilateral orbital inflammation with anti-CD20 in a patient with relapsing granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A case report.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of bilateral orbital inflammation in a patient with relapsing granulomatosis with polyangiitis as only sign of disease recurrency treated with anti-CD20 antibodies. METHODS: A 62-year-old Caucasian man affected by Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) was admitted to our hospital showing bilateral orbital inflammation as the only signs of disease recurrency. In addition, eye visit detected severe visual loss in the left eye (light perception). Guidelines to manage severe orbital involvement in patients with GPA are lacking. The patient was treated with intravenous rituximab and glucocorticoids. RESULTS: Complete regression of inflammatory signs by imaging were observed at three-year of follow-up after the treatment with anti-CD20. However, ocular multimodal imaging showed severe optic nerve damages in the left eye with irreversible visual loss. CONCLUSION: Patients affected by GPA with inflammatory orbital involvement may benefit from anti-CD20 antibodies.

Pathophysiology of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): A Review on Oxidative Disorders.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic disease that affects a wide range of the world's population, reaching up to 200 million individuals worldwide. PAD particularly affects elderly individuals (>65 years old). PAD is often underdiagnosed or underestimated, although specificity in diagnosis is shown by an ankle/brachial approach, and the high cardiovascular event risk that affected the PAD patients. A number of pathophysiologic pathways operate in chronic arterial ischemia of lower limbs, giving the possibility to improve therapeutic strategies and the outcome of patients. This review aims to provide a well detailed description of such fundamental issues as physical exercise, biochemistry of physical exercise, skeletal muscle in PAD, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in PAD, and antioxidants in PAD. These issues are closely related to the oxidative stress in PAD. We want to draw attention to the pathophysiologic pathways that are considered to be beneficial in order to achieve more effective options to treat PAD patients.

A Case of Acquired Factor V Deficiency in Patient with Bleeding.

Low frequency of rare diseases origins from missed diagnosis addressing to poor prognosis. Acquired factor V inhibitor is a very low frequent bleeding condition (prevalence: 0.09/100,000,000-0.29/1,000,000 per year). Antibiotics, surgery, bacterial infections, malignancies, and autoimmune diseases are predisposing factors; however, no predisposing factor was found often. Authors reported a case of bleeding originating from an acquired factor V deficiency because they wish to draw attention to unfrequented or rare clinical situations rarely diagnosed in internal medicine unit.

Pathophysiology of chronic peripheral ischemia: new perspectives.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects individuals particularly over 65 years old in the more advanced countries. Hemodynamic, inflammatory, and oxidative mechanisms interact in the pathophysiological scenario of this chronic arterial disease. We discuss the hemodynamic, muscle tissue, and oxidative stress (OxS) conditions related to chronic ischemia of the peripheral arteries. This review summarizes the results of evaluating both metabolic and oxidative markers, and also therapy to counteract OxS. In conclusion, we believe different pathways should be highlighted to discover new drugs to treat patients suffering from PAD.

Anticoagulants and Osteoporosis.

Anticoagulant agents are widely used in the treatment of thromboembolic events and in stroke prevention. Data about their effects on bone tissue are in some cases limited or inconsistent (oral anti-vitamin K agents), and in others are sufficiently strong (heparins) to suggest caution in their use in subjects at risk of osteoporosis. This review analyses the effects of this group of drugs on bone metabolism, on bone mineral density, and on fragility fractures. A literature search strategy was developed by an experienced team of specialists by consulting the MEDLINE platform, including published papers and reviews updated to March 2019. Literature supports a detrimental effect of heparin on bone, with an increase in fracture rate. Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) seem to be safer than heparin. Although anti-vitamin K agents (VKAs) have a significant impact on bone metabolism, and in particular, on osteocalcin, data on bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures are contrasting. To date, the new direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are found to safe for bone health.

Oxidative Stress in Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Mechanism and Biomarkers.

Hemodynamic dysfunction mainly characterizes pathophysiology of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) leading to chronic ischemia. Hemodynamic dysfunction is the origin of intermittent claudication (chronic PAD) or of critical limb ischemia (very severe PAD). Notably, it is well known that oxidative stress (OxS) plays a pathophysiological role in PAD. The higher production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from OxS and reduced redox capability are two crucial players in initiating and progressing PAD. A number of biomarkers highlight OxS and monitor it in PAD. The present review summarizes data on OxS, on biomarkers available to mark OxS occurrence and to monitor on PAD progression, as well as to evaluate the effects treatments in PAD patients. In conclusion, by detailing OxS and its biomarkers, we hope to encourage more studies to focus on drugs which combat OxS and inflammation.