Treatment Efficacy of Plasmapheresis Versus Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Guillain-Barré Syndrome Management: A Systematic Review.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare and debilitating autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system. Although the exact etiology of GBS is still unknown, it is thought to be triggered by a preceding gastrointestinal infection in most of the cases. Clinical manifestations include limb weakness, areflexia, and sensory loss that can further progress to neuromuscular paralysis affecting the respiratory, facial, and bulbar functions. Both plasmapheresis (PE) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) have shown effectiveness in the treatment of GBS, but it is still unclear which treatment approach is superior in terms of therapeutic efficacy. This systematic review acts per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. For appropriate studies and research, we searched PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Screening of articles was performed based on relevance and inclusion and exclusion criteria. To check for bias, we used relevant quality appraisal tools. Initially, we found 2454 articles. After removing duplicates and irrelevant papers, we finalized 31 studies based on titles, abstracts, and reading entire articles. We excluded 14 studies because of poor quality; the remaining 17 papers were included in this review. IVIG is equally efficacious as PE in improving primary outcomes and secondary outcomes. IVIG showed a slight advantage over PE in reducing the need for mechanical ventilation (MV) and hospital stay duration. However, in children, PE demonstrated a slight edge in improving secondary outcomes. PE was associated with a slightly higher risk of adverse events and post-treatment worsening symptoms compared to IVIG. IVIG is considered more user-friendly with a significantly lower patient discontinuation rate than PE. IVIG treatment was found to be significantly more expensive than PE.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Acute Pancreatitis Requiring Plasmapheresis: A Case Report of a Rare Presentation of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Adults.

The triad of diabetic ketoacidosis, hypertriglyceridemia, and acute pancreatitis is a rare presentation of diabetes mellitus type 2 in adults. We report a case of a 41-year-old male who presented at the emergency department with a sudden onset of severe abdominal pain. Diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis, hypertriglyceridemia, and acute pancreatitis was made. Triglyceride level was 6056 mg/dL and glycated hemoglobin was 12.6%. Vigorous fluid therapy and continuous infusion of insulin were started, but due to maintained symptoms, a single plasmapheresis session was performed, with significant clinical improvement. This case emphasizes the diagnostic challenges of the triad and highlights the potential role of plasmapheresis in rapidly reducing triglyceride levels.

A Rare Case of Atypical Anti-glomerular Basement Membrane Disease.

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (Anti-GBM) disease is a severe form of glomerulonephritis (GN) that predominantly impacts individuals aged 20 to 70. It arises from the presence of circulating antibodies that specifically target an antigen inherent to the basement membranes of glomerular and alveolar structures. A unique subset within this category is termed atypical anti-GBM disease. In this variant, a distinctive feature is the widespread linear staining of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) by IgG observed through immunofluorescence microscopy, with the notable absence of anti-GBM antibodies in the patient's serum. Here, we present an unusual case involving a 65-year-old female patient who sought medical attention due to rapidly progressing renal failure. The initial management included six hemodialysis sessions. Following a kidney biopsy, the diagnosis revealed a sclerosed phase of diffuse crescentic glomerulonephritis, attributed to atypical anti-GBM disease. Given the presence of diffuse crescents on the kidney biopsy, the medical team opted for an aggressive treatment regimen, commencing with intravenous methylprednisolone, followed by oral cyclophosphamide and oral prednisolone. Plasmapheresis was also recommended as part of the treatment plan, although it did not materialize due to the family's reluctance. Despite exhaustive efforts, the renal failure exhibited no signs of improvement, leading to the patient's discharge with a plan for ongoing maintenance hemodialysis. It is crucial to emphasize the pivotal role of immunosuppressive medications in managing this condition, as they play a critical role in preventing antibody formation and subsequent hypersynthesis that can exacerbate the disease.

Delayed Presentation of Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome Treated With Plasmapheresis.

We present a unique case of a 42-year-old gentleman with alcohol use disorder who developed osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) despite appropriate hyponatremia correction. This patient initially presented with severe hyponatremia (Na 97 mEq/L) due to beer potomania, which was corrected gradually over eight days, resulting in no observed neurological deficits upon discharge. However, he was readmitted with respiratory failure from aspiration pneumonia, leading to endotracheal intubation. Laboratory findings revealed a sodium level of 134 mEq/L and serum osmolality (293 mOsm/kg). The patient had neurological exam findings of spontaneous eye opening with left gaze preference and decreased power ⅕ in all extremities. Following extubation, he experienced a relapse with evolving subacute central pontine myelinolysis and bulbar weakness necessitating reintubation. Subsequently, five sessions of plasmapheresis were conducted, resulting in stable clinical findings. Despite remaining non-verbal, the patient demonstrated gradual neurological motor improvement, progressing from 1/5 power in all extremities to 4/5 on the right side and 3/5 on the left side. He was discharged with ventilator support, tracheostomy, and PEG tube placement to a long-term care facility. This case underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring in high-risk individuals following hyponatremia treatment because ODS presentation can be delayed.

Severe Hypertriglyceridemia: A 10-Year Review in a Portuguese Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG) is a rare condition associated with serious complications, such as acute pancreatitis (AP), and the best treatment is still a matter of discussion. The aim of this study is to outline the demographics, management, and outcomes (recurrence and mortality) of complications in patients with SHTG. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational, and analytical study was carried out by obtaining clinical data from the electronic health records of patients with SHTG admitted to the Internal and Intensive Medicine units from the 1st of January 2009 to the 31st of December 2020 in a university hospital. RESULTS: The cohort included 17 patients. The most common complication was AP (13/17 = 76.5%). Admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) was observed in 84.2%. Among patients with AP, the most commonly administered therapies were insulin (82.4%) and fibrates (76.5%). Plasmapheresis was used in 58.8%, and the criteria for using this technique were mainly based on clinical and laboratory abnormalities. There were no deaths. The readmission rate at 30 days was 36.3%. CONCLUSION: This study shows the morbidity profile associated with SHTG, with a high level of ICU admissions and also a high level of the use of plasmapheresis. In our population, this approach had good results, and this should be highlighted as there are no clear international guidelines for this intervention. Distinguishing between patients with familial chylomicronemia syndrome or with multifactorial chylomicronemia is important as recent specific therapy for lipoprotein lipase (LPL) genetic deficit is available. In the near future, the performance of a genetic study should be considered in patients with SHTG as an attempt to avoid the high recurrence rate of complications of this disease.

Role of Plasmapheresis in Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelets (HELLP) Syndrome.

Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome is a rare abnormality comprising a series of symptoms that make up a syndrome. It usually happens during pregnancy or right after delivery. We describe a case of a 31-year-old female G4P2A2 (Gravida 4 Para 2 Abortions 2) who presented to the hospital for normal vaginal delivery but immediately postpartum developed HELLP syndrome. Acute fatty liver of pregnancy was a differential that the patient also met the criteria for. Her condition improved after starting her on plasmapheresis without considering hepatic transplantation. We emphasize distinguishing the overlap of symptoms between HELLP syndrome vs. acute fatty liver of pregnancy and the outcomes of plasmapheresis in managing HELLP syndrome without needing hepatic transplantation.

When Sight and Cancer Collide: A Rare Case of Paraneoplastic Bilateral Optic Neuritis.

Bilateral acute optic neuritis is a rare and challenging clinical presentation, often associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. We present the case of a 40-year-old woman with a complex medical history, including poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix (stage IIIC), who presented with a swift and profound bilateral vision loss. Despite initial treatment with high-dose methylprednisolone and therapeutic plasma exchange, her optic nerve enhancement on MRI and negative autoantibody results raised suspicion of paraneoplastic optic neuritis. This prompted consultation with oncology, and the patient initiated chemotherapy. The rapid onset and progression of bilateral optic neuritis in the context of cervical carcinoma emphasize the importance of considering paraneoplastic syndromes in such cases. A multidisciplinary approach involving neurology, ophthalmology, and oncology specialists is vital for the diagnosis and management of these complex presentations. This case underscores the need for heightened awareness of paraneoplastic etiologies in patients with malignancies and unexplained neurological symptoms.

A Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura-Like Syndrome in HIV and Streptococcus pneumoniae Meningitis.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a disorder characterized by the formation of diffuse thromboses in small blood vessels, which can result in neurological and renal impairment, fever, and purpura, among additional sequelae. TTP-like syndromes are disease processes that have similar signs and symptoms as TTP but without a severe deficiency in ADAMTS13 levels. We present a case of a young male with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis presenting with a thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Although his ADAMTS13 level was not suggestive of TTP, at 54.4% (normal low ADAMTS13: >66.8% activity; severe ADAMTS13 deficiency: ≤10% activity), he improved only after plasmapheresis was initiated, supporting a diagnosis of a TTP-like syndrome likely due to his streptococcal meningitis. We discuss the importance of treating patients with TTP-like syndromes and advanced HIV with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We also highlight the increased prevalence of TMA and TTP among HIV patients and that many of these patients do not have a severe deficiency in levels of serum ADAMTS13.

The Unique Case of Lumbar Dural Metastasis From Cervical Carcinoma on Pembrolizumab.

Lumbar metastasis is a rare manifestation of cervical carcinoma which may present as lower extremities symptoms. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab, used for the treatment of various metastatic carcinomas, have been linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), which is characterized by ascending weakness and areflexia. A 52-year-old female with metastatic cervical cancer on pembrolizumab for two months presents with lower back pain, progressive bilateral lower extremities ascending weakness, and areflexia of affected limbs. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed albuminocytologic disassociation. Spine magnetic resonance imaging showed L4-L5 fracture associated with metastasis and contrast-enhancing adjacent dura and nerve roots. Despite the clinical presentation being consistent with lumbar metastasis, the possibility of masked pembrolizumab-induced GBS presented a therapeutic challenge. Plasmapheresis conferred no clinical improvement and later nerve conduction study was unrevealing for GBS. Subsequently, laminectomy of lumbar vertebrae improved the symptoms. The unique clinical scenario of lumbar dural metastasis from cervical cancer on pembrolizumab, a condition with a similar clinical presentation, is explored in this case.

Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis Presenting With Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a systemic disease that has variable clinical expression. GPA is the most common antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is one of the least common pulmonary manifestations in patients with GPA. DAH is clinically marked by hemoptysis, anemia, and diffuse alveolar infiltrates on imaging as well as hypoxemic respiratory failure. The diagnosis and treatment are challenging. Recommendations for ANCA-associated vasculitis, in general, are already established; however, there is a knowledge gap that addresses the association of GPA and DAH. The aim of this systematic review is to focus on the main clinical aspects and treatment of patients with GPA who present with DAH. Thorough research of available literature was performed, including studies published in the last 10 years, following the Preferred Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 recommendations. The following databases were included: PubMed, Medline, Embase, ClinicalTrials.com, Google Scholar, and Prospero. The search terms included: [granulomatosis] AND [polyangiitis] AND [diffuse alveolar hemorrhage] OR [diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage] NOT [microscopic polyangiitis] NOT [eosinophilic granulomatosis]. NOS was used to assess the internal validity of the study in four domains, including selection, ascertainment, causality, and reporting. Our initial search identified 8989 studies. After excluding duplicated data and using our predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, we were able to retrieve 18 studies. Twelve out of 18 (67%) studies were case reports. Five were retrospective cohorts and one controlled trial. The average age of patients with GPA with DAH was 49.55 ± 17.54 years (18 - 76). Male individuals had a slight predominance (59%) in comparison to female individuals (41%). The hemoglobin level at the time of presentation was 8.86 mg/dL ± 1.43. The majority of patients (61.5%) reported hemoptysis. Renal involvement was present in 66.7%. Patients who required mechanical ventilation represented 61.5%. Plasmapheresis was used in 71.4%. Mortality was 20%, and gender was not associated with mortality (p = 0.822). Hemoptysis was not associated with the need for mechanical ventilation (p = 0.928). Renal impairment was not a predictor of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.207). In summary, patients with GPA and DAH were severely ill, frequently had renal impairment upon admission, and frequently required mechanical ventilation. Steroids, rituximab, and cyclophosphamide are the first-line treatment, and plasmapheresis is still in use. Eventually, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be the salvage therapy. Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) are needed to address the best therapeutic options for this population.

Visual Outcome of Plasma Exchange in Optic Neuritis Associated With Flu Vaccination: A Case Report.

Post-flu-vaccination optic neuritis is an extremely rare condition with an incidence ranging from 0.003 cases to 0.89 per 100 000 population. The exact pathophysiology is not clearly defined. Most of the patients with post-flu-vaccination optic neuritis tend to present with progressive worsening of vision in 2-3 weeks post-vaccine administration. A prompt fundus examination supplemented with MRI imaging of the orbit is required to establish the diagnosis. On diagnosis, early initiation of high-dose oral or IV steroids is recommended to prevent optic atrophy or worsening of vision. Most patients tend to have complete recovery of vision when started on steroids. However, if the patient continues to have worsening symptoms while being treated with a high dose of steroids, plasmapheresis (PLEX) is an effective intervention.

Acute Necrotizing Encephalitis as an Early Manifestation of COVID-19.

In addition to respiratory symptoms, SARS-CoV-2 infection has been linked to numerous neurologic sequelae including acute necrotizing encephalopathy. Here we present the case of a 33-year-old woman infected with SARS-CoV-2 who arrived at the hospital unresponsive. She was comatose with intact brainstem reflexes, and brain imaging was consistent with acute necrotizing encephalopathy affecting the bilateral thalami, medial temporal lobes, and pons. She was treated quickly with intravenous corticosteroids and plasmapheresis and regained neurologic function over weeks. Acute necrotizing encephalopathy is a rare para-infectious syndrome characterized by rapidly progressing encephalopathy, seizures, and/or coma caused by multifocal inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) lesions. The mechanism(s) underlying this condition remain unclear, though cytokine storm and disruption of the blood-brain barrier has been proposed as initiating event. This report presents a case of adult acute necrotizing encephalopathy in the early period after SARS-CoV-2 infection, adding to the literature on this rare condition and its relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also report on the clinical outcome of treatment with prompt immunosuppression.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Sequela of the Original COVID-19 Infection or Vaccination.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many studies have reported the association between Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), COVID-19 infection, and vaccination. We present a case of a 62-year-old male who, six days after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination, presented with acute unilateral limb weakness progressing to flaccid quadriparesis and decreased deep tendon reflexes. Of note, he also had four days of diarrhea before receiving the COVID-19 booster shot and tested positive for COVID-19 upon admission. He received five days of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) followed by five cycles of plasmapheresis with minimal improvement in his neurological motor symptoms. Subsequently, he was discharged to an acute in-patient physical rehabilitation facility to improve his strength and mobility further. This case report sheds light on one of the neurological manifestations associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic, which may arise from either the viral infection, vaccination, or both.

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) After Consecutive Exposures to Mycoplasma and COVID Vaccine: A Case Report.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, commonly triggered by viral infections or after immunization. ADEM occurrences in adults are rare. Full spectrum of complications is unknown for novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccines. A previously healthy 44-year-old female presented to the emergency room (ER) with acute onset of tingling, numbness, and weakness of both lower extremities, urinary retention, blurred vision in right eye, and midline lower back pain. Physical examination revealed bilateral lower extremity weakness 1/5, absent deep tendon reflexes, and decreased sensation. She received the first dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine six days prior to presentation to ER. Imaging of her lumbar spine and head were consistent with an active demyelinating plaque consistent with demyelinating disease either multiple sclerosis (MS) or ADEM. The patient was started on SoluMedrol 500 mg IV twice daily for five days. Serological workup and CSF analysis were nonsignificant except for Mycoplasma pneumonia IgM, elevated myelin basic protein, and positive IgG, IgA, and IgM. Patient gradually improved and was transferred to rehabilitation. Repeat MRI brain and spine showed improvement in previous lesions. However, she had worsening left eye symptoms that prompted her transfer to another facility for plasmapheresis. Plasma exchange was done for five treatments for ADEM. Patient started noticing improvement in vision and was discharged on steroid taper. We report a case of a possible association between ADEM and SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis in any case suggestive of acute demyelination after COVID-19 vaccination.

[Therapeutic plasmapheresis procedures: An alternative to the disruption of the supply of polyvalent immunoglobulin in autoimmune pathologies. Medico-economic study]. / Les techniques de plasmaphérèse thérapeutique : une alternative à la rupture d'approvisionnement en immunoglobuline polyvalente dans les pathologies auto-immunes. Étude médico-économique.

INTRODUCTION: The supply of human polyvalent immunoglobulin has been under severe pressure for several years. This has led to a prioritisation of indications and a record increase in the amount of reimbursement without solving the problem of demand. Treatment by therapeutic plasmapheresis appears to be an alternative to be considered for the treatment of certain dysimmune diseseases. To discuss this alternative, we are conducting a medico-economic study comparing the polyvalent immunoglobulin strategy versus different therapeutic plasmapheresis system in the treatment of a chronic dysimmune disease. POPULATION AND METHOD: The medico-economic study was conducted using the example of a 75 kg patient with chronic polyradiculoneuritis dependent on chronic therapy with a comparison of sequential treatment with one session of therapeutic plasmapheresis versus a course of intravenous polyvalent immunoglobulin. The medico-economic study includes an evaluation from a public health care system perspective complemented by a hospital-based approach that justifies estimating the cost of different therapeutic plasmapheresis systems based on a bottom-up micro-costing approach. RESULTS: From the point of view of the care system, for information, a 20 g bottle of polyvalent immunoglobulin has a similar cost to a therapeutic plasmapheresis session. In our example, the cost of a maintenance treatment repeated every 2 to 4 weeks in chronic polyradiculoneuritis in a 75 kg patient is 1284.13 euros for a therapeutic plasmapheresis session versus 7331.60 to 9426.84 euros for a 1.5 to 2 mg/kg polyvalent immunoglobulin treatment. Furthermore, from the point of view of the hospital system, the cost of the different TT techniques evaluated varies moderately with the cost depending mainly on the quantity of albumin infused or the medical device used. CONCLUSION: In the chronic sequential treatment of chronic polyradiculoneuritis, the cost of therapeutic plasmapheresis could be lower than with polyvalent immunoglobulin from a healthcare system perspective. The cost to the health care facility between different therapeutic plasmapheresis techniques differs little. This study provides arguments suggesting that if therapeutic plasmapheresis can be implemented with a dedicated technical platform, it is a serious alternative to be considered without additional costs.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Rare Cause of Severe Acute Kidney Injury.

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a serious and potentially fatal disorder, especially if there is a delay in diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) are the two main forms of TMA. Although severe acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common manifestation of TMA, it remains rarely described in reported TTP cases. We present a rare case of TTP in a 76-year-old African American male who presented with severe AKI (stage 3) and uremic symptoms. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of TTP with plasmapheresis followed by rituximab and caplacizumab were associated with the resolution of the AKI and avoidance of hemodialysis. This case highlights the need to consider TTP as a possible diagnosis even in the setting of severe AKI.

An Unfortunate Case of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy During Plasmapheresis for Myasthenia Crisis.

A literature review shows scarce reports of myasthenic crises (MC) complicated by Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC). This patient cohort (0.11%) has higher all-cause mortality and prolonged in-hospital course. We present a rare case of a 72-year-old man who developed cardiogenic shock post-plasmapheresis for myasthenia crisis. He became hemodynamically unstable and developed acute respiratory failure requiring intubation 30 minutes after completion of plasma exchange. Serum troponin peaked at 3.19 ng/mL while an emergent 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) showed new-onset diffuse ST-segment elevation. Hypokinesis of the entire apex, anterior septum, mid-and apical inferior septum, and mid-and apical inferior wall consistent with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was seen on bedside echocardiogram. The patient received a continuous infusion of norepinephrine and vasopressin. The hospital course was complicated by multiorgan failure and eventual demise. This case highlights MC and the potential of plasma exchange therapy to induce TC.

Overlap of Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis and IgA Nephropathy.

Acute glomerulonephritis is a constellation of renal disorders which are precipitated by an immunologic mechanism triggering inflammation and proliferation of glomerular tissue resulting in damage to the basement membrane, mesangium, or capillary endothelium. Two of the most well-known manifestations of glomerulonephritis are granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN). To our knowledge, these diseases are often found separately and are rarely diagnosed in the same patient. Here, we discuss a case of a 35-year-old male who presented and was diagnosed with simultaneous GPA and IgAN. His renal biopsy was significant for extensive, crescentic, and necrotizing glomerulonephritis and IgA staining on immunofluorescence indicating severe renal damage. Despite full immunosuppressive therapy, our patient failed to recover his renal function. In our case, we hope to raise awareness of these disorders and early recognition of the clinical features. We believe that this case would prompt providers to pursue diagnostic workups to detect these diseases early on, especially when symptoms progressively worsen and become systemic. As demonstrated in our patient, delay in diagnosis can lead to irreversible damage to a patient's renal function, especially when two types of glomerulonephritis are present.

Therapeutic Plasmapheresis: A Treatment Modality in Severe Hypertriglyceridemia in Adolescence.

Severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG) is defined as plasma triglycerides >1000 mg/dl. It is a rare and understudied condition in children and adolescents. SHTG in pediatric patients may occur as a result of certain genetic disorders of enzymes involved in triglyceride synthesis and metabolism, or it may be seen secondary to uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, or certain medications. SHTG can cause recurrent abdominal pain and acute pancreatitis. Rapid lowering of triglycerides is needed in SHTG to prevent these complications. However, there are no specific guidelines for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia in children and adolescents. Here we report a case of a 16-year-old boy, who was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome three years back. He had a family history of diabetes type 2 and dyslipidemia. In the current case presentation, the patient presented with SHTG-induced acute pancreatitis, who was successfully treated using plasmapheresis. To our knowledge, no such case has ever been reported in Pakistan. Our case findings highlight the use of a less conventional method for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia in children.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Beyond Ribavirin: A Systematic Review.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne virus endemic to a vast geographical area spanning from Africa to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and north to the Balkans. The infection carries a high case fatality rate, which prompts the development of new treatment and prophylactic measures. This review explores the different treatment and prophylactic measures found in recent literature. For this purpose, we used Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) as well as PubMed advanced search. The inclusion criteria included full-text studies conducted on humans and in the English language. We found that plasma exchange was associated with a decrease in mortality rates. Similarly, the use of immunoglobulins proved effective in decreasing the severity and mortality risk. Ribavirin use was determined as a post-exposure prophylaxis drug with no statistically significant difference in oral or intravenous routes of administration. More studies should be conducted on CCHF as the number of outbreaks and endemic areas seem to be on the rise. For the time being, supportive therapy along with adjuvant antivirals appear to be the main course of management of CCHF. However, the need for definitive therapeutic agents and guidelines is warranted.