A Comprehensive Literature Review on Managing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Addressing Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Females and Its Autoimmune Disease Associations.

This review aimed to evaluate the mechanism of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, particularly in the female population, and emphasize the need for early management interventions; explore the association between SLE and two autoimmune diseases, myasthenia gravis (MG) and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), and their management strategies; and evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in managing SLE, focusing on premenopausal females, females of childbearing age, and pregnant patients. We conducted a comprehensive literature review to achieve these objectives using various databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane. The collected data were analyzed and synthesized to provide an evidence-based overview of SLE, its management strategies as an independent disease, and some disease associations. The treatment should be focused on remission, preventing organ damage, and improving the overall quality of life (QOL). Extensive emphasis should also be focused on diagnosing SLE and concurrent underlying secondary diseases timely and managing them appropriately.

Effectiveness of laser and topical tranexamic acid combination therapy in melasma: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Melasma is a chronic relapsing skin condition. Laser therapy is a new advancement in treatment. Whether the topical application of tranexamic acid (TXA) increases the efficacy of laser therapy in melasma is still under debate. With recent studies yielding different results, it was imperative to compile all the available literature systematically. This meta-analysis investigates the effectiveness of a combination therapy of laser plus TXA acid for treating melasma. PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the International Clinical Trials registry were systematically searched for article retrieval. Screening per PRISMA guidelines was undertaken by two independent reviewers using the Covidance database. Melasma area of severity index (MASI)/modified MASI was used as the clinical improvement outcomes. A total of nine studies that described the combined use of topical tranexamic acid with laser therapy were included for meta-analysis. These studies employed various types of lasers along with topical TXA. The results showed that the combination of both laser therapy and topical TXA significantly decreased the MASI score (P < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses revealed that fractional CO2 laser among the laser types and monthly laser plus twice daily topical TXA were most effective in decreasing the MASI/mMASI score. The meta-analysis found that combining topical tranexamic acid and laser therapy is an effective and safer treatment option for treatment-resistant melasma. Furthermore, monthly fractional CO2 laser and daily application of topical tranexamic acid showed high effectiveness and safety.

Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome Presenting as Anemia, Hemorrhage, and Hemangiomas: A Rare Case Report.

Background: Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare disorder, that results in congenital cutaneous hemangiomas of the skin and gastrointestinal tract. Although asymptomatic, the nevi present as soft, non-mobile, dark blue, compressible papules. Clinically it presents as iron deficiency anemia due to occult gastrointestinal bleeding. Case presentation: A 22-year-old female patient presented with complaints of shortness of breath, fatigue, and palpitation for 2 months. On examination, she had a pale effect and widespread hemangiomas on her lips, hands, and feet. Laboratory results revealed iron deficiency anemia with hemoglobin (Hb) of 2.1 gm/dl and histopathology results of the hemangioma specimen showed angiokeratomas. Based on clinical manifestations and laboratory results, the patient was diagnosed with a case of BRBNS. The patient was transfused with red cell concentrate her symptoms improved but on the first follow-up visit her Hb again dropped to 8.6 mg/dl. Conclusion: A high suspicion of BRBNS diagnosis should be considered if a patient presents with iron deficiency anemia and multiple cutaneous hemangiomas. Further screening should be done to explore internal bleeding and hemangiomas.

Splenic hematoma following acute pancreatitis, and the role of conservative management: A case report.

Key clinical message: We reported a unique case in which the patient developed splenic hematoma following acute pancreatitis, the condition responded well to conservative management without any surgical intervention. Abstract: Splenic hematoma following acute pancreatitis is a rare complication that is thought to be due to the distribution of pancreatic exudates to the spleen. We presented a case of a 44-year-old patient with acute pancreatitis who developed a splenic hematoma. He responded well to conservative management and the hematoma was resolved.

Snakebite Induced Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: A Case Report.

Introduction: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare but highly fatal neurological condition mostly caused by prothrombotic conditions like antiphospholipid syndrome, factor V Leiden, and G20210A prothrombin polymorphism. Snake bites are a rare cause of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis that must be recognized and treated promptly to improve survival. Case presentation: We present a case of a 25-year-old male who developed headaches and seizures following a Viper snake bite. The diagnosis was made based on a magnetic resonance venogram (MRV) showing transverse sinus thrombosis with sigmoid sinus stenosis. Initially, the patient was treated with antivenom and supportive treatment for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). After the diagnosis of CVST, the patient was treated with rivaroxaban and levetiracetam. The patient improved within 1 week of treatment and was advised to follow up in 3 months. Conclusion: A high index of suspicion for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is required if the patient presents with headaches, seizures, or abnormal vision following a snake bite. Early diagnosis and management can prevent further neurological damage.

Thrombosis of the Vein of Trolard: An Atypical Presentation of Protein C Deficiency.

Cerebral venous thrombosis refers to complete or partial occlusion of the cerebral sinus/es or the feeding cortical veins, resulting in secondary effects of vascular congestion and focal or generalized neurological deficits. One of the important causes of venous thromboembolism is inherited thrombophilia. Our case is of a 34-year-old male with no previous comorbidity who presented to the emergency department with complaints of sudden onset left-sided weakness, seizures, and loss of consciousness for one day. Thrombosis of the vein of Trolard was diagnosed based on magnetic resonance venography (MRV) film. His MRI with MRV revealed an attenuated caliber of the vein of Trolard along with abnormal signal intensity in the right fronto-parietal region and the right falcine location. He was managed with intravenous medication, including levetiracetam and topiramate. Once the diagnosis was established, he was commenced on subcutaneous Enoxaparin. Consequently, his GCS improved from 6/15 to 15/15 within the first 24 hours, and he could move his limbs on the day of discharge without any significant disability.