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Suhr Crosby posted an update 2 months ago
The quest for an effective treatment for endotoxemia, coupled with accurately measuring endotoxins in humans, remains fraught with difficulty. While strides have been made in elucidating how this uncomplicated molecule provokes a robust immune response, a substantial need for the creation of better treatments remains. Across multiple studies, the concentration of endotoxin in septic shock patients has been linked to adverse outcomes, following a clear dose-response relationship. Although a rapid assay for measuring endotoxin activity has been accessible for over a decade, there has been limited research on integrating it with a therapeutic intervention. Polymyxin B hemoperfusion, a technique employing a molecule with a strong affinity for endotoxin, effectively removes exposure. A cartridge containing polymyxin, chemically attached to fibers, facilitates extracorporeal veno-venous hemoperfusion therapy. Abundant but contradictory clinical evidence exists regarding its use, as demonstrated in studies measuring mortality within 28 days. We outline a strategy for selecting patients based on endotoxin activity testing and clinical profiling, subsequently employing PMX-HP for endotoxin removal in cases of endotoxemic sepsis.
Developments in sorbent technology have sparked renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of hemoperfusion (HP) in treating conditions, including cytokine release syndromes and sepsis. While conclusive proof and further research are needed to fully understand the role of nonselective HP in these situations, compelling arguments for its clinical use are undeniably surfacing. The increased biocompatibility and safety of these new sorbents are anticipated to support the safe and convenient use of HP in cases where the individual’s innate and adaptive immune responses are compromised. The outcomes of recent, smaller trials appear to support the likelihood of this therapeutic method’s success. The hypothesis regarding peak concentrations necessitates new studies and HP application in select patients to remove circulating mediator peaks driving conditions of hyperinflammation or immunodepression.
Intravenous alteplase at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg was evaluated in this study to determine its efficacy and safety for patients presenting with acute strokes of unknown or sudden onset in real-world clinical practice.
A multicenter observational study recruited acute ischemic stroke patients whose last known well time exceeded 45 hours, demonstrating a discrepancy between diffusion-weighted imaging and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images, who received intravenous alteplase treatment. Safety was assessed via symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) after thrombolysis, mortality from all causes, and all adverse events recorded. Favorable efficacy outcomes included an mRS score of 0-1, or recovery to the previous mRS score, complete independence (mRS score of 0-1 at 90 days), and the change in NIHSS score at 24 hours from the baseline measurement.
Enrollment at fifteen hospitals involved sixty-six patients, including 35 females, averaging 74 years and 11 months in age; 54 (82%) patients exhibited complete pre-morbid independence; and the median NIHSS score on admission was 11. Three percent of the patients (two individuals) experienced sICH. Prior to alteplase administration, the median NIHSS score was measured at 11 (IQR 675-1625). At 24 hours post-treatment, the score had decreased to 5 (3-1225), demonstrating a noteworthy change of -4881. Upon their release, 31 patients (representing 47% of the total) experienced a positive outcome, while 29 (44%) achieved full independence. During the initial three months, no one passed away. Mechanical thrombectomy was performed on 23 (35%) patients, of whom 11 (48%) were completely independent upon discharge; these patients experienced no symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and a NIHSS score improvement of -8573.
In the real-world application of clinical stroke care, intravenous alteplase administered to patients with uncertain stroke onset and demonstrating diffusion-weighted imaging/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (DWI-FLAIR) mismatch resulted in safety and efficacy outcomes comparable to those observed in earlier clinical trials. A supplementary mechanical thrombectomy procedure was performed successfully and safely in them.
In real-world clinical stroke care, intravenous alteplase administration for patients with an unclear onset of stroke symptoms, characterized by a DWI-FLAIR mismatch, showed equivalent efficacy and safety outcomes compared with prior trials. In them, a secure additional mechanical thrombectomy was performed.
Despite the advancement of dialysis treatments over the last several decades, the mortality rate of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring dialysis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) unfortunately remains unacceptably high. Studies performed in preclinical models have expanded our knowledge base regarding the key mechanisms implicated in the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Moreover, the creation of efficient and precise sorbent systems for renal replacement therapies, removing unwanted compounds, has facilitated the treatment of kidney diseases and the pathological issues that cause them. Several novel blood purification materials in the biomedical field have been designed to effectively eliminate waste products and inflammatory molecules, resulting in improved treatment quality and a shorter treatment period. This chapter examines the core mechanisms driving acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), and explores the cutting edge of blood purification strategies, to ascertain the most practical method for minimizing immunological disruption and enhancing waste product elimination. From this perspective, the current body of research emphasizes the high efficiency of polymethyl methacrylate membrane hemofilters in resolving the shortcomings of current approaches in removing excessive metabolic waste and inflammatory mediators from the blood. Hence, this chapter seeks to improve physicians’ awareness of PMMA.
CytoSorb adsorbent-assisted direct hemoperfusion has become a prevalent treatment in critical care settings, encompassing conditions like sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction. The conditions of clinical usage reported and the consequent outcomes reveal considerable differences. The study intended to present a summary of current treatment approaches, supported by the available body of clinical evidence. We reviewed pertinent clinical data on CytoSorb utilization in septic shock patients, sourced from PubMed/MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.gov, which included parameters such as inclusion and exclusion criteria, treatment initiation, dosage regimens, and their effect on patient outcomes. gf120918 inhibitor Key search phrases used in the literature review covered 6 liters of blood per kilogram of body weight and the need for early adsorbent change procedures, for example, every 12 hours. Importantly, a rationale supports the practice of therapeutic drug monitoring when possible, the avoidance of drug introduction at the commencement of treatment, and/or the usage of higher antibiotic doses. However, the later recommendations were not accompanied by any data on clinical results. The best available knowledge underpins all recommendations. Future clinical investigation is required to confirm the observed effects. Clinical data currently available on CytoSorb’s application in septic patients indicates that, in carefully selected patients, early, intensive treatment enhances the likelihood of survival. Current practice in the clinic and future trial design will be influenced by the results of the analysis.
Acupuncture has experienced a surge in international interest in recent decades. The adoption of acupuncture into China’s COVID-19 protocols motivated us to scrutinize the 100 most impactful articles over the previous two decades, thereby gaining insights into the current state and evolving nature of acupuncture.
In the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Core Collection, articles on acupuncture were sought, encompassing the duration from January 1, 2001, to July 4, 2022. Information was drawn from the collection of the top 100 most cited publications. The extracted data was visualized and analyzed using the software applications VOSviewer, GraphPad Prism, Scimago Graphica, and CiteSpace.
The 100 most cited articles demonstrated an average citation count of 218, fluctuating between 131 and 625 citations. Out of the top 100 articles, 53 were published in the United States. Harvard University’s contribution to the body of highly cited research material is substantial, with 16 publications. Undeniably, Klaus Linde’s team possessed the most profound influence. Pain magazine led the pack in terms of the number of publications, achieving the top position. Acupuncture, electroacupuncture analgesia, and functional MRI responses in brain imaging to acupuncture stimulation formed the central themes within the largest co-occurrence clusters identified by the keyword analysis. Of the strongest burst keywords, randomized controlled trials and osteoarthritis ranked highest; randomized controlled trials have been a frequent top keyword from 2011 to the present time.
Historical acupuncture articles are examined through bibliometric analysis in this study, offering valuable insights. Future directions concerning acupuncture are demonstrably indicated within these data for clinicians and researchers.
Historical acupuncture articles are examined in this study, employing a bibliometric approach. These data furnish clinicians and researchers with insight regarding future directions of acupuncture.
Urban areas in tropical and subtropical regions frequently experience leptospirosis outbreaks, a common zoonosis, during rainy seasons when contaminated floodwaters, carrying the urine of infected rats, expose humans. The toxicity of leptospires, while direct, is compounded by the role of an overwhelming immune response to the infection, leading to secondary organ damage. In summary, our current treatment protocol for patients exhibiting severe leptospirosis, including renal failure, acute liver dysfunction, and lung hemorrhage, now mandates a short course of methylprednisolone and intravenous cyclophosphamide.