ABSTRACT
Recognition of common sexually transmitted infection (STI) syndromes allows more efficient diagnosis and treatment. These evidence-based guidelines provide advice on the management of STIs, including the use of the appropriate diagnostic methods and therapeutic regimens. Early and appropriate therapy has the potential to significantly reduce the long-term complications of STIs. The prevention of further infection through the counselling and treatment of partners contributes to the sexual health of patients.
Subject(s)
Practice Guidelines as Topic , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/diagnosis , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/therapy , Counseling , Humans , Sexual PartnersABSTRACT
Treatment is initiated when the McDonald criteria for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are fulfilled. High-risk patients with clinically isolated syndrome are followed using magnetic resonance imaging for one year after the first imaging. Interferon-beta or glatiramer acetate are the first-line immunomodulating drugs (IMD) for RRMS. MxA protein is measured 12 and 24 months after initiation of Interferon-beta to evaluate possible development of neutralizing antibodies. If MxA protein may not be detected repeatedly interferon-beta treatment is discontinued. If the disease is active in spite of treatment with first-line IMD, natalizumab may be considered as a second-line therapy. IMD is stopped when the transition to secondary progressive phase has occurred (or upon transition to secondary progressive phase).
Subject(s)
Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Multiple Sclerosis/diagnosis , Multiple Sclerosis/drug therapy , Disease Progression , GTP-Binding Proteins/analysis , Glatiramer Acetate , Humans , Interferon Type I/therapeutic use , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/diagnosis , Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/drug therapy , Myxovirus Resistance Proteins , Peptides/therapeutic use , Recombinant Proteins , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Anti-citrulline antibodies are highly specific to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and are thus helpful in differential diagnosis. Early and aggressive disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy is essential for a positive treatment result in cases of RA. Remission during the 1st year of treatment predicts permanent remission, milder joint damage and better functional ability. It is recommended that patients with an unsatisfactory response to DMARDs, including methotrexate and a combination of DMARDs, should be treated primarily with TNF blockers, and non-responders with rituximab or abatacept. RA is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The assessment of cardiovascular risk must not be forgotten in daily practice.
