Methods for the induction of labor: efficacy and safety.

This review assessed the efficacy and safety of pharmacologic agents (prostaglandins, oxytocin, mifepristone, hyaluronidase, and nitric oxide donors) and mechanical methods (single- and double-balloon catheters, laminaria, membrane stripping, and amniotomy) and those generally considered under the rubric of complementary medicine (castor oil, nipple stimulation, sexual intercourse, herbal medicine, and acupuncture). A substantial body of published reports, including 2 large network meta-analyses, support the safety and efficacy of misoprostol (PGE1) when used for cervical ripening and labor induction. Misoprostol administered vaginally at doses of 50 µg has the highest probability of achieving vaginal delivery within 24 hours. Regardless of dosing, route, and schedule of administration, when used for cervical ripening and labor induction, prostaglandin E2 seems to have similar efficacy in decreasing cesarean delivery rates. Globally, although oxytocin represents the most widely used pharmacologic agent for labor induction, its effectiveness is highly dependent on parity and cervical status. Oxytocin is more effective than expectant management in inducing labor, and the efficacy of oxytocin is enhanced when combined with amniotomy. However, prostaglandins administered vaginally or intracervically are more effective in inducing labor than oxytocin. A single 200-mg oral tablet of mifepristone seems to represent the lowest effective dose for cervical ripening. The bulk of the literature assessing relaxin suggests this agent has limited benefit when used for this indication. Although intracervical injection of hyaluronidase may cause cervical ripening, the need for intracervical administration has limited the use of this agent. Concerning the vaginal administration of nitric oxide donors, including isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide, nitroglycerin, and sodium nitroprusside, the higher incidence of side effects with these agents has limited their use. A synthetic hygroscopic cervical dilator has been found to be effective for preinduction cervical ripening. Although a pharmacologic agent may be administered after the use of the synthetic hygroscopic dilator, in an attempt to reduce the interval to vaginal delivery, concomitant use of mechanical and pharmacologic methods is being explored. Combining the use of a single-balloon catheter with dinoprostone, misoprostol, or oxytocin enhances the efficacy of these pharmacologic agents in cervical ripening and labor induction. The efficacy of single- and double-balloon catheters in cervical ripening and labor induction seems similar. To date, the combination of misoprostol with an intracervical catheter seems to be the best approach when balancing delivery times with safety. Although complementary methods are occasionally used by patients, given the lack of data documenting their efficacy and safety, these methods are rarely used in hospital settings.

Isolated Ophthalmoplegia After Periorbital Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection.

Facial filler injections are the second most commonly performed in-office cosmetic procedure. Vision loss is the most feared complication of hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injection, but isolated ophthalmoplegia can also occur. We report the case of a 45-year-old woman who developed nausea and diplopia following HA filler injection to the bilateral periorbital region. She presented with a left hypertropia and left-sided motility deficit without vision involvement. MRI of the orbits demonstrated mild enhancement and enlargement of the left inferior rectus and inferior oblique muscles. Treatment consisted of hyaluronidase injection and oral steroids. HA filler can cause isolated ocular misalignment and diplopia without associated vision loss. Patients should be counseled on these risks before undergoing soft tissue augmentation of the face with HA filler.

Atezolizumab Plus PEGPH20 Versus Chemotherapy in Advanced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Gastric Cancer: MORPHEUS Phase Ib/II Umbrella Randomized Study Platform.

BACKGROUND: The MORPHEUS platform comprises multiple open-label, randomized, phase Ib/II trials designed to identify early efficacy and safety signals of treatment combinations across cancers. Atezolizumab (anti-programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 [PD-L1]) was evaluated in combination with PEGylated recombinant human hyaluronidase (PEGPH20). METHODS: In 2 randomized MORPHEUS trials, eligible patients with advanced, previously treated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) or gastric cancer (GC) received atezolizumab plus PEGPH20, or control treatment (mFOLFOX6 or gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel [MORPHEUS-PDAC]; ramucirumab plus paclitaxel [MORPHEUS-GC]). Primary endpoints were objective response rates (ORR) per RECIST 1.1 and safety. RESULTS: In MORPHEUS-PDAC, ORRs with atezolizumab plus PEGPH20 (n = 66) were 6.1% (95% CI, 1.68%-14.80%) vs. 2.4% (95% CI, 0.06%-12.57%) with chemotherapy (n = 42). In the respective arms, 65.2% and 61.9% had grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs); 4.5% and 2.4% had grade 5 AEs. In MORPHEUS-GC, confirmed ORRs with atezolizumab plus PEGPH20 (n = 13) were 0% (95% CI, 0%-24.7%) vs. 16.7% (95% CI, 2.1%-48.4%) with control (n = 12). Grade 3/4 AEs occurred in 30.8% and 75.0% of patients, respectively; no grade 5 AEs occurred. CONCLUSION: Atezolizumab plus PEGPH20 showed limited clinical activity in patients with PDAC and none in patients with GC. The safety of atezolizumab plus PEGPH20 was consistent with each agent's known safety profile. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03193190 and NCT03281369).

In-line warming reduces in-line pressure of subcutaneous infusion of concentrated immunoglobulins.

Immunoglobulin replacement therapy is a life-saving treatment in patients with immunodeficiency and effective in the management of autoimmune disorders. Immunoglobulins are administered intravenously or subcutaneously, with the latter route reducing systemic reactions and providing an option for self-infusion, increasing patient convenience, while decreasing patient burden, healthcare utilization, and costs. A major limitation with subcutaneous administrations is the frequency of infusion due to limited volumes administrable into subcutaneous space, necessitating increased drug concentration, absorption, and dispersion. Increasing the concentration of immunoglobulins from 10 to 20% halves the required volume, but leads to higher dynamic viscosity, limiting infusion rate. Recombinant human hyaluronidase increases dispersion and absorption of immunoglobulins allowing administration of ≤ 600 mL per site, but does not change viscosity. Since the viscosity of fluids depends on temperature, we tested the feasibility of in-line warming of immunoglobulin formulations to physiological temperatures. In vitro analysis showed no negative impact of in-line warming to 38 °C on product quality. Subcutaneous infusion studies in pigs confirmed the feasibility of infusion rates of up to 7.5 mL/min with in-line warmed TAK-881, an immunoglobulin 20% facilitated with recombinant human hyaluronidase. In-line pressures were reduced compared with conventional immunoglobulin 20%, and local tolerance was not altered. Reduction of in-line pressures was more pronounced with thinner needle sets, indicating a potential benefit for patients. In summary, an in in-line warming device can circumvent the limitation of high viscosity, while product quality and local tolerance are maintained. The results of the presented studies warrant further testing in a phase 1 clinical study.

Use of liquid concentrated growth factor in the management of necrotic tissue after facial vascular complications induced by hyaluronic acid injection.

INTRODUCTION: HA fillers may induce facial vascular embolism. The resulting tissue ischemia and necrosis are severe iatrogenic complications for which no effective treatments are available. OBJECTIVE: This single-center case series studied the use of liquid CGF in the management of facial tissue necrosis due to HA injection. METHODS: All 12 patients with facial tissue necrosis (2 mild, 3 moderate, 7 severe) were previously treated with hyaluronidase injection in outside hospitals. They received a routine injection of hyaluronidase (dose of 400-1500 U) at the site of ischemia immediately after admission to the authors' hospital, but CGF was also injected. CGF injection was repeated once weekly until wound healing. Efficacy was assessed at 4 weeks (mean, 24.08 days). RESULTS: No patient experienced wound expansion or aggravation or infection at the sites of necrosis. A complete healing rate of 91.67% was noted at the 4-week follow-up. No scarring was evident in patients with mild to moderate necrosis. Those with moderate necrosis exhibited varied degrees of scarring after recovery, and scarring was evident in those with severe necrosis. No severe adverse effects occurred. CONCLUSION: CGF promoted the healing of ischemic and necrotic tissue wounds induced by facial vascular embolism following injection of HA fillers. CGF should be considered as a nonsurgical treatment method for vascular embolism following HA filler injection.

Effectiveness of retrobulbar hyaluronidase in the treatment of visual loss caused by periocular hyaluronic acid injection. A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Blindness after periocular cosmetic filler injection is a rare but devastating complication. Complication management protocols recommend injecting retrobulbar hyaluronidase if visual loss related to accidental intravascular injection of hyaluronic acid occurs. Given the dramatic increase in cosmetic filler injections and the variety of professionals that can deliver them, it is reasonable to assume that the incidence of complications will rise significantly. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if there is evidence-based efficacy of retrobulbar hyaluronidase injection in visual loss secondary to periocular cosmetic filler injection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors performed a search of English and Spanish language articles following the PRISMA statement published on the use of retrobulbar hyaluronidase to reverse vision loss precipitated by hyaluronic acid gel fillers. Articles reviewed included case reports/series and experimental investigations. We identified a total of 13 patients in this review following defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, we included 15 articles in the study, 12 of them were cases / case series. The 2 remaining articles are experimental studies in animals with a control group, in which after causing selective occlusion of the ophthalmic artery, serial injections of retroocular hyaluronidase are administered with control of visual function. RESULTS: Of the 15 articles included in the study, we studied 17 patients treated with retrobulbar hyaluronidase for hyaluronic acid-induced blindness. Improvement was demonstrated in 3 cases. Animal studies demonstrate variable data are provided regarding the recovery of visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: There is no confirmed evidence of retrobulbar hyaluronidase injection effectiveness in treating visual loss due to accidental intravascular injection of hyaluronic acid. More studies are needed to show the efficacy of hyaluronidase as a treatment for blindness caused by hyaluronic acid.

Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of High-Volume Subcutaneous Crenezumab, With and Without Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase in Healthy Volunteers.

Compared with intravenous formulations, subcutaneous (s.c.) formulations of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies may provide increased patient access and more convenient administration options, although historically high-volume s.c. administration (> 10-15 mL) has been challenging. We report results from two phase I studies in healthy participants (GP29523 and GP40201) that evaluated s.c. crenezumab, an anti-Aß monoclonal antibody in development for individuals at risk for autosomal-dominant Alzheimer's disease. GP29523 assessed safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) in 68 participants (aged 50-80 years) who received single ascending doses (600-7,200 mg) of crenezumab or placebo (4-40 mL). GP40201 assessed safety, tolerability, and PK in 72 participants (aged 18-80 years) who received different combinations of dose (1,700-6,800 mg), infusion volume (10-40 mL), and flow rate (2-4 mL/minute), with/without recombinant human hyaluronidase (rHuPH20). There were no serious or dose-limiting adverse events in either study. There were no meaningful differences in pain scores among reference placebo (4 mL), test placebo (4-40 mL), or crenezumab (600-7,200 mg) in GP29523, or across treatments with varying infusion volume, flow rate, dose, or rHuPH20 co-administration or concentration in GP40201. Transient erythema was the most common infusion site reaction in both studies. In GP40201 at volumes of ≥ 20 mL, rHuPH20 co-administration appeared to reduce infusion site swelling incidence, but, in some cases, was associated with larger areas of infusion site erythema. Crenezumab exhibited approximately dose-proportional PK, and s.c. bioavailability was 66% and independent of dose or rHuPH20 co-administration. High-dose, high-concentration, high-volume s.c. crenezumab formulated with/without rHuPH20 was well-tolerated in healthy participants, with an acceptable safety profile.

Use of hyaluronidase in plastic surgery: A review.

Hyaluronidase is a family of enzymes that degrade hyaluronic acid (HA). It is found to increase vascular permeability and temporarily disrupt the extracellular matrix, promoting diffusion of substances through tissues. Alongside its applications in ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynaecology, musculoskeletal medicine, radiology and drug and fluid administration, hyaluronidase has a number of roles in the field of plastic surgery. The popularity of HA fillers in recent years has led to an increase in the usage of hyaluronidase in the treatment of filler-related complications. The purpose of this article is to review the current and future uses of hyaluronidase within the field of plastic surgery. Hyaluronidase is used as an adjunct to local anaesthetics in skin infiltration, skin graft harvesting, tumescent analgesia, managing complications of dermal fillers, treatment of extravasation injury, prevention and management of oedema, treatment of ganglion and management of scars. However, it has some limitations. Hyaluronidase is known to interact with a number of common medications. Several case reports also highlight the risk of allergic reaction to the substance. Although rare and usually mild, hyaluronidase has the potential to cause anaphylaxis. Other adverse effects include bruising and swelling. Overall, hyaluronidase appears to be a very safe, cheap and effective medication for a variety of uses in the field of plastic surgery and beyond.

Safety and pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in combination with pegvorhyaluronidase alfa in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

This open-label, phase Ib study (NCT02346370) assessed the effect of pegvorhyaluronidase alfa (PVHA; PEGPH20) on the plasma pharmacokinetics (PKs) and safety of docetaxel in 15 patients with stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The docetaxel PK profile from this study was consistent with simulations from a published docetaxel population PK model, and did not demonstrate an effect of PVHA on docetaxel PK. A maximum a posteriori Bayesian fit of the literature PK model to the docetaxel PK appeared unbiased. Adverse events (AEs) were generally consistent with previous reports for docetaxel monotherapy in NSCLC, except for higher incidence of musculoskeletal events, including myalgias, with PVHA plus docetaxel. The most common AEs were fatigue (87%), muscle spasms (60%), and myalgia (53%). Four patients experienced thromboembolic events (27%), three leading to treatment discontinuation. PVHA appeared to demonstrate an acceptable safety profile when given with docetaxel without significantly changing the plasma PK of docetaxel in patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC.

FDA Approval Summary: Pertuzumab, Trastuzumab, and Hyaluronidase-zzxf Injection for Subcutaneous Use in Patients with HER2-positive Breast Cancer.

On June 29, 2020, the FDA approved pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and hyaluronidase-zzxf subcutaneous injection (Phesgo) for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. Patients should be selected for therapy based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic test. Approval was primarily based on the FeDeriCa trial, a randomized, open-label, multicenter comparability study of pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and hyaluronidase-zzxf subcutaneous injection compared with intravenous pertuzumab and intravenous trastuzumab administered in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings with chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with early breast cancer. The pharmacokinetic endpoints were, first, to demonstrate that the exposure of subcutaneous pertuzumab was not inferior to that of intravenous pertuzumab, and then to demonstrate that the exposure of subcutaneous trastuzumab was not inferior to that of intravenous trastuzumab. The primary endpoints were met with the observed lower limit of the two-sided 90% confidence intervals above the prespecified noninferiority margins. The most common adverse reactions were alopecia, nausea, diarrhea, anemia, and asthenia. The totality of the evidence demonstrated comparability of the subcutaneous product to intravenous, allowing for extrapolation and approval of all breast cancer indications for which intravenous trastuzumab and pertuzumab are approved.

Trastuzumab/Hyaluronidase-oysk: A New Option for Patients With HER2-Positive Breast Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of subcutaneous trastuzumab/hyaluronidase-oysk (SQ trastuzumab) in comparison to intravenous (IV) trastuzumab. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive PubMed literature search was performed from August 2012 to August 2019 using search terms Herceptin Hylecta, trastuzumab, hyaluronidase, subcutaneous, preference, safety, efficacy, and cost. STUDY SELECTION & DATA EXTRACTION: English-language clinical trials focusing on SQ trastuzumab were evaluated. DATA SYNTHESIS: In phase III trials, adverse event (AE) rates ranged from 64% to 97.6% of patients receiving SQ trastuzumab in 3 studies compared to 94.6% of patients receiving IV trastuzumab. In the phase III trial comparing SQ trastuzumab to IV trastuzumab, six-year overall survival (OS) was 84% in both groups. In pharmacokinetic analyses, trough concentrations and AUC0-21 were slightly higher in patients receiving SQ trastuzumab and differences were larger at the extremes of body weight. Two pharmacoeconomic analyses reported cost-savings associated with a 52-week treatment cycle of trastuzumab of $2,090 USD and $4,600 USD. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE: Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved in February 2019, SQ trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein in combination with hyaluronidase, offers an alternative dosage form for patients with breast tumors overexpressing HER2. CONCLUSIONS: SQ trastuzumab has a similar safety profile to IV trastuzumab. Although it may be slightly more cost-effective, its role in the treatment of HER2-overexpressing tumors requires further study in those at the extremes of body weight due to differences in drug exposure compared to IV trastuzumab.

Neuropatía óptica compresiva secundaria a reacción alérgica a hialuronidasa / Compressive optic neuropathy secondary to an allergic reaction to hyaluronidase

Una mujer de 58 años presentó quemosis intensa y oftalmoparesia en el ojo izquierdo 8 h después de cirugía de catarata no complicada bajo anestesia subtenoniana. Tras tratamiento corticoideo y antihistamínico, se observó recuperación de la motilidad extrínseca pero se apreciaron un edema de papila no hemorrágico y un defecto concéntrico de campo visual. El caso evolucionó a atrofia papilar con agudeza visual central preservada pero con una contracción significativa del campo visual. El estudio etiológico reveló una alergia a la hialuronidasa, usada como adyuvante a la anestesia. Esta complicación debe ser diagnosticada y tratada precozmente, puesto que el edema de los tejidos orbitarios puede dañar el nervio óptico

A 58 year-old woman presented with severe chemosis and ophthalmoparesis on her left eye 8 hours after uncomplicated cataract surgery under sub-tenon anaesthesia. Recovery of extrinsic motility was observed after corticosteroid and antihistamine treatment, but a non-haemorrhagic papillary oedema and a concentric defect of visual field were found. It progressed to papillary atrophy with preserved central vision, but with a significant visual field constriction. The aetiological study revealed an allergy to hyaluronidase that was used as adjuvant to the anaesthesia. This complication needs to be promptly diagnosed and treated, as the swelling of the orbital tissues can cause damage to the optic nerve

Compressive optic neuropathy secondary to an allergic reaction to hyaluronidase. / Neuropatía óptica compresiva secundaria a reacción alérgica a hialuronidasa.

A 58 year-old woman presented with severe chemosis and ophthalmoparesis on her left eye 8hours after uncomplicated cataract surgery under sub-tenon anaesthesia. Recovery of extrinsic motility was observed after corticosteroid and antihistamine treatment, but a non-haemorrhagic papillary oedema and a concentric defect of visual field were found. It progressed to papillary atrophy with preserved central vision, but with a significant visual field constriction. The aetiological study revealed an allergy to hyaluronidase that was used as adjuvant to the anaesthesia. This complication needs to be promptly diagnosed and treated, as the swelling of the orbital tissues can cause damage to the optic nerve.

Phase IB/II Randomized Study of FOLFIRINOX Plus Pegylated Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase Versus FOLFIRINOX Alone in Patients With Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: SWOG S1313.

PURPOSE: Pegylated recombinant human hyaluronidase (PEGPH20) degrades hyaluronan (HA) and, in combination with chemotherapy, prolongs survival in preclinical models. The activity of PEGPH20 with modified fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFIRINOX) was evaluated in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients had untreated mPC, a performance status of 0 to 1, and adequate organ function. Tumor HA status was not required for eligibility. After a phase Ib dose-finding study of mFOLFIRINOX plus PEGPH20, the phase II open-label study randomly assigned patients (1:1) to the combination arm or to mFOLFIRINOX alone (n = 138). The primary end point was overall survival (OS). RESULTS: PEGPH20 dosages of 3 µg/kg every 2 weeks were more tolerable than twice-weekly dosages used in the phase I study, so 3 µg/kg every 2 weeks was the phase II dosage. An amendment instituted enoxaparin prophylaxis in the PEGPH20 combination arm as a result of increased thromboembolic (TE) events. The planned interim futility analysis when 35 deaths (of 103 analyzable patients) occurred resulted in an OS hazard ratio (HR) of 2.07 that favored the control arm, and the study was closed to accrual. The treatment-related grade 3 to 4 toxicity was significantly increased in the PEGPH20 combination arm relative to control (odds ratio, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1 to 7.1). The median OS in the mFOLFIRINOX arm was 14.4 months (95% CI, 10.1 to 15.7 months) versus 7.7 months (95% CI, 4.6 to 9.3 months) in the PEGPH20 combination arm. CONCLUSION: Addition of PEGPH20 to mFOLFIRINOX seems to be detrimental in patients unselected for tumor HA status. This combination caused increased toxicity (mostly GI and TE events) and resulted in decreased treatment duration compared with mFOLFIRINOX alone. The median OS in the mFOLFIRINOX control arm (14.4 months) is, to our knowledge, the longest yet reported and can be considered for patients with good PS.

Efficacy, Effectiveness, Safety, and Cost-effectiveness of Epidural Adhesiolysis for Treating Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) has a profound impact on patients' quality of life and represents a major clinical challenge and a significant economic burden for society. Adhesiolysis is used as a treatment to eliminate perineural/epidural adhesions in patients with chronic pain attributed to FBSS. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy, effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of epidural adhesiolysis compared with other procedures for treating FBSS. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted. The electronic databases Medline/PreMedline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library Plus, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination databases, SCOPUS, Science Citation Index, and PEDRO were consulted through April 2017. Predefined criteria were used to determine inclusion of the studies and to assess their methodological quality. RESULTS: Ten reports were included. No randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on efficacy or cost-effectiveness were found. Three reports (corresponding to two RCTs, N = 212) suggested that adhesiolysis was effective, especially for pain and disability. However, both studies presented serious methodological flaws. In addition to RCTs, seven observational studies with high risk of bias reported data on effectiveness and safety. Fifty-eight adverse events were reported among 130 patients undergoing endoscopic adhesiolysis, and 19 among the 110 undergoing percutaneous adhesiolysis. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence on the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of adhesiolysis for treating FBSS is nonexistent, whereas evidence on its effectiveness and safety is insufficient. Incorporating data from observational studies did not improve the quality of the evidence on effectiveness.