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1.
Effect of montelukast combined with methylprednisolone for the treatment of mycoplasma pneumonia.
Wu, H, Ding, X, Zhao, D, Liang, Y, Ji, W
The Journal of international medical research. 2019;(6):2555-2561
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of the leukotriene receptor agonist montelukast combined with methylprednisolone on inflammatory response and peripheral blood lymphocyte subset content in children with mycoplasma pneumonia. METHODS Seventy-four children were enrolled and randomly divided into a standard treatment group and a montelukast plus methylprednisolone group. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and corresponding cytokines of T lymphocyte subsets were measured, and peripheral blood was collected to determine the T cell subset content. RESULTS At 3 days and 7 days after treatment, serum MCP-1, PCT, ICAM-1, CXCL8, CRP, IFN-γ, and IL-17 levels and peripheral blood Th1 and Th17 content were significantly decreased in both groups, while serum IL-4 and TGF-β levels and peripheral blood Treg and Th2 content were significantly increased. However, serum MCP-1, PCT, ICAM-1, CXCL8, CRP, IFN-γ, and IL-17 levels and peripheral blood Th1 and Th17 content were significantly lower while serum IL-4 and TGF-β levels and peripheral blood Treg and Th2 content were significantly higher in the montelukast plus methylprednisolone group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION Montelukast combined with methylprednisolone for the treatment of mycoplasma pneumonia can inhibit inflammatory responses and regulate levels of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cells.
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Montelukast and Nasal Corticosteroids to Treat Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Liming, BJ, Ryan, M, Mack, D, Ahmad, I, Camacho, M
Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 2019;(4):594-602
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review the literature on anti-inflammatory medications for treating pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and perform meta-analysis of the available data. DATA SOURCES PubMed/MEDLINE and 4 additional databases. REVIEW METHODS Three authors independently and systematically searched through June 28, 2018, for studies that assessed anti-inflammatory therapy for treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Data were compiled and analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 (Nordic Cochrane Centre). RESULTS After screening 135 studies, 32 were selected for review with 6 meeting inclusion criteria. In total, 668 patients aged 2 to 5 years met inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Of these, 5 studies (166 children) that evaluated montelukast alone as treatment for pediatric OSA found a 55% improvement in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (mean [SD] 6.2 [3.1] events/h pretreatment and 2.8 [2.7] events/h posttreatment; mean difference [MD] of -2.7 events/h; 95% confidence interval [CI], -5.6 to 0.3) with improvement in lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) from 89.5 (6.9) to 92.1 (3.6) (MD, 2.2; 95% CI, 0.5-4.0). Two studies (502 children) observing the effects of montelukast with intranasal corticosteroids on pediatric OSA found a 70% improvement in AHI (4.7 [2.1] events/h pretreatment and 1.4 [1.0] events/h posttreatment; MD of -4.2 events/h; 95% CI, -6.3 to -2.0), with an improvement in LSAT from 87.8 (3.1) to 92.6 (2.2) (MD, 4.8; 95% CI, 4.5-5.1). CONCLUSIONS Treatment with montelukast and intranasal steroids or montelukast alone is potentially beneficial for short-term management of mild pediatric OSA.
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Lenvatinib complementary with radioiodine therapy for patients with advanced differentiated thyroid carcinoma: case reports and literature review.
Sheu, NW, Jiang, HJ, Wu, CW, Chiang, FY, Chiou, HC, Hsiao, PJ
World journal of surgical oncology. 2019;(1):84
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis for patients with advanced differentiated thyroid carcinoma (ADTC) with disseminated distant metastases is very poor. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting tumor angiogenesis have been shown to improve progression-free survival in patients with advanced thyroid carcinoma and progressive radioiodine-refractory thyroid carcinoma. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor has been reported as a successful neoadjuvant for total thyroidectomy to reduce tumor burden. However, the special indications for prompt treatment with lenvatinib as a rescue therapy to reduce tumor burden and prolong a durable response to radioiodine therapy have not been explored. CASE PRESENTATION Here, we present two ADTC cases with distant metastases who were effectively treated by total thyroidectomy combined with lenvatinib to prolong a durable response to radioiodine therapy. Case 1 was a 66-year-old male diagnosed with ADTC and disseminated brain, lung, and bone metastases. Lenvatinib was initiated via compassionate access because of rapidly progressive tumor growth even after second doses of radioiodine therapy and external beam radiation therapy for his brain metastases. The result was a durable response to lenvatinib, slowing progressive tumor growth for 3 years and allowing a third course of radioiodine therapy to treat the bone metastases. Case 2 was a 45-year-old male diagnosed with ADTC and diffuse disseminated lung metastases. Respiratory failure ensued after total thyroidectomy, requiring mandatory support by respirator. Lenvatinib was started as a rescue therapy to reduce tumor burden rapidly. The patient was successfully weaned off the respirator only 1 week after using lenvatinib. The patient was then maintained on a low dose of lenvatinib, allowing three subsequent courses of radioiodine therapy. Currently, his lung metastasis remains well controlled with decreased lung infiltrating nodules and the patient can tolerate exercise well. CONCLUSION Our case experience indicated that lenvatinib has significant value as salvage therapy, reducing tumor burden, producing a durable response and maintaining quality of life. For ADTC patients with progressive life-threatening metastases, our experience suggests that lenvatinib treatment can be used as an urgent rescue therapy as well as a complement to radioiodine therapy to improve tumor eradication.
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African isolates show a high proportion of multiple copies of the Plasmodium falciparum plasmepsin-2 gene, a piperaquine resistance marker.
Leroy, D, Macintyre, F, Adoke, Y, Ouoba, S, Barry, A, Mombo-Ngoma, G, Ndong Ngomo, JM, Varo, R, Dossou, Y, Tshefu, AK, et al
Malaria journal. 2019;(1):126
Abstract
BACKGROUND Today, the development of new and well-tolerated anti-malarial drugs is strongly justified by the emergence of Plasmodium falciparum resistance. In 2014-2015, a phase 2b clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a single oral dose of Artefenomel (OZ439)-piperaquine (PPQ) in Asian and African patients presenting with uncomplicated falciparum malaria. METHODS Blood samples collected before treatment offered the opportunity to investigate the proportion of multidrug resistant parasite genotypes, including P. falciparum kelch13 mutations and copy number variation of both P. falciparum plasmepsin 2 (Pfpm2) and P. falciparum multidrug resistance 1 (Pfmdr1) genes. RESULTS Validated kelch13 resistance mutations including C580Y, I543T, P553L and V568G were only detected in parasites from Vietnamese patients. In Africa, isolates with multiple copies of the Pfmdr1 gene were shown to be more frequent than previously reported (21.1%, range from 12.4% in Burkina Faso to 27.4% in Uganda). More strikingly, high proportions of isolates with multiple copies of the Pfpm2 gene, associated with piperaquine (PPQ) resistance, were frequently observed in the African sites, especially in Burkina Faso and Uganda (> 30%). CONCLUSIONS These findings were considered to sharply contrast with the recent description of increased sensitivity to PPQ of Ugandan parasite isolates. This emphasizes the necessity to investigate in vitro susceptibility profiles to PPQ of African isolates with multiple copies of the Pfpm2 gene and estimate the risk of development of PPQ resistance in Africa. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov reference: NCT02083380. Study title: Phase II efficacy study of artefenomel and piperaquine in adults and children with P. falciparum malaria. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=NCT02083380&cntry=&state=&city=&dist= . FSFV 23-Jul-2014; LSLV 09-Oct-2015.
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Ocular allergy: update on clinical trials.
Bielory, L, Schoenberg, D
Current opinion in allergy and clinical immunology. 2019;(5):495-502
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this article is to provide an update on the advances made through recent clinical trials regarding the treatment of the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis and its associated conditions. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies have demonstrated significant advancement in the various forms of immunotherapy treatments. Nutritional interventions such as probiotics have surfaced as a viable complementary treatment option. Novel delivery methods such as contact lenses have been further studied along with a new tacrolimus formulation to improve ocular levels of the drug. SUMMARY Currently, the primary advances in treatment for allergic conjunctivitis has shifted from new ophthalmic agents to immunotherapy and improvement of drug delivery. This includes the classic subcutaneous and sublingual and the novel epicutaneous and intralymphatic immunotherapy delivery systems as well as an edible rice vaccine. New targets for treatment have spurred research into new antagonist drugs such as (OC000459), a prostaglandin D2 antagonist. The Marinosolv formulation using tacrolimus shows promise and may be considered for other ophthalmic agents in the future. Other nonpharmacological treatments such as stenting and mechanical barrier gel have demonstrated their usefulness in treating ocular symptoms.
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Urine protein:creatinine ratio vs 24-hour urine protein for proteinuria management: analysis from the phase 3 REFLECT study of lenvatinib vs sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Evans, TRJ, Kudo, M, Finn, RS, Han, KH, Cheng, AL, Ikeda, M, Kraljevic, S, Ren, M, Dutcus, CE, Piscaglia, F, et al
British journal of cancer. 2019;(3):218-221
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Proteinuria monitoring is required in patients receiving lenvatinib, however, current methodology involves burdensome overnight urine collection. METHODS To determine whether the simpler urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPCR) calculated from spot urine samples could be accurately used for proteinuria monitoring in patients receiving lenvatinib, we evaluated the correlation between UPCR and 24-hour urine protein results from the phase 3 REFLECT study. Paired data (323 tests, 154 patients) were analysed. RESULTS Regression analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between UPCR and 24-hour urine protein (R2: 0.75; P < 2 × 10-16). A UPCR cut-off value of 2.4 had 96.9% sensitivity, 82.5% specificity for delineating between grade 2 and 3 proteinuria. Using this UPCR cut-off value to determine the need for further testing could reduce the need for 24-hour urine collection in ~74% of patients. CONCLUSION Incorporation of UPCR into the current algorithm for proteinuria management can enable optimisation of lenvatinib treatment, while minimising patient inconvenience. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01761266.
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Comparison between montelukast and tiotropium as add-on therapy to inhaled corticosteroids plus a long-acting β2-agonist in for patients with asthma.
Hoshino, M, Akitsu, K, Ohtawa, J
The Journal of asthma : official journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma. 2019;(9):995-1003
Abstract
Objective: Asthma often remains uncontrolled despite treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) alone or with ICS plus a long-acting β2-agonist (LABA). The recommended alternative is the addition of either montelukast or tiotropium. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of montelukast and tiotropium on airway inflammation and remodeling in persistent asthma. Methods: Eighty-seven patients with asthma were treated with budesonide and formoterol (640/18 μg); then, the patients were randomly allocated to three groups to receive oral montelukast (10 mg/day), inhaled tiotropium (5 μg/day), or no add-on to the maintenance therapy for 48 weeks. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and pulmonary function were measured, and quantitative computed tomography was performed. Results: Compared to the maintenance therapy, add-on montelukast significantly decreased FeNO (p < 0.05) and improved airflow obstruction (p < 0.05), whereas airway dimensions remained unchanged. Changes in FeNO were significantly correlated with changes in FEV1 (r = -0.71, p < 0.001). In contrast, the addition of tiotropium significantly decreased airway wall area corrected for body surface area (WA/BSA) (p < 0.05), decreased wall thickness (T/√BSA) (p < 0.05) and improved airflow obstruction (p < 0.05) with no change in FeNO. Changes in WA/BSA and T/√BSA were significantly correlated with the change in percentage predicted FEV1 (r = -0.84, p < 0.001 and r = -0.59, p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions:Adding either montelukast or tiotropium to ICS/LABA may provide additive benefits with respect to the pulmonary function and airway inflammation or remodeling in patients with asthma.
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Combination therapy with montelukast and loratadine alleviates pharyngolaryngeal symptoms related to seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Imoto, Y, Takabayashi, T, Sakashita, M, Tokunaga, T, Morikawa, T, Ninomiya, T, Okamoto, M, Narita, N, Fujieda, S
The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice. 2019;(3):1068-1070.e3
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Intermediate-advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in Argentina: Treatment and survival analysis.
Piñero, F, Marciano, S, Fernández, N, Silva, J, Anders, M, Zerega, A, Ridruejo, E, Romero, G, Ameigeiras, B, D'Amico, C, et al
World journal of gastroenterology. 2019;(27):3607-3618
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the sixteenth most frequent cancer in Argentina. The rise of new therapeutic modalities in intermediate-advanced HCC opens up a new paradigm for the treatment of HCC. AIM: To describe real-life treatments performed in patients with intermediate-advanced HCC before the approval of new systemic options. METHODS This longitudinal observational cohort study was conducted between 2009 and 2016 in 14 different regional hospitals from Argentina. Included subjects had intermediate-advanced Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) HCC stages (BCLC B to D). Primary end point analyzed was survival, which was assessed for each BCLC stage from the date of treatment until last patient follow-up or death. Kaplan Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis were performed, with hazard ratios (HR) calculations and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS From 327 HCC patients, 41% were BCLC stage B, 20% stage C and 39% stage D. Corresponding median survival were 15 mo (IQR 5-26 mo), 5 mo (IQR 2-13 mo) and 3 mo (IQR 1-13 mo) (P < 0.0001), respectively. Among BCLC-B patients (n = 135), 57% received TACE with a median number of 2 sessions (IQR 1-3 sessions). Survival was significantly better in BCLC-B patients treated with TACE HR = 0.29 (CI: 0.21-0.40) than those without TACE. After tumor reassessment by RECIST 1.1 criteria following the first TACE, patients with complete response achieved longer survival [HR = 0.15 (CI: 0.04-0.56, P = 0.005)]. Eighty-two patients were treated with sorafenib, mostly BCLC-B and C (87.8%). However, 12.2% were BCLC-D. Median survival with sorafenib was 4.5 mo (IQR 2.3-11.7 mo); which was lower among BCLC-D patients 3.2 mo (IQR 2.0-14.1 mo). A total of 36 BCLC-B patients presented tumor progression after TACE. In these patients, treatment with sorafenib presented better survival when compared to those patients who received sorafenib without prior TACE [HR = 0.26 (CI: 0.09-0.71); P = 0.013]. CONCLUSION In this real setting, our results were lower than expected. This highlights unmet needs in Argentina, prior to the introduction of new treatments for HCC.
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Montelukast and Budesonide for Childhood Cough Variant Asthma.
Sun, W, Liu, HY
Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP. 2019;(4):345-348
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of combined treatment of montelukast and budesonide on young children with cough variant asthma, and their serum inflammatory factors of serum hypersensitive c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and pulmonary function. STUDY DESIGN An experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China, from January 2016 to January 2017. METHODOLOGY A total of 112 children with cough variant asthma were randomly divided into observation group and control group with 56 cases in each group. All children were treated with antibiotics and resolving phlegm. The control group were given budesonide, while the observation group was treated additionally with montelukast. After the course, improvement time of clinical symptoms of cough, asthma, etc., changes in levels of serum inflammatory factors of hs-CRP, TNF-α and IL-6, and pulmonary function indexes of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at the end of the first 1s (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and observe concurrence of untoward effects in the two groups of sick children were compared. RESULTS After treatment, extinction time for cough and for asthma of the observation group was less than those in the control group (all p<0.001). Levels of serum hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 in the observation group were all lower than those of the control group (all p<0.001). Pulmonary function indices of FVC, FEV1 and PEF of the two groups of sick children were all higher than those of the control group (all p<0.001). During the treatment, there was no difference in the comparison of untoward effect rate of the two groups (p=0.696). After follow-up observation on the two groups of sick children for 1 year, the recurrence rate of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (p=0.026). CONCLUSION Curative effects on young children with cough variant asthma of montelukast combined with budesonide are significant. The therapy may improve clinical symptoms and pulmonary function and reduce serum inflammatory factor level of sick children, with high application value and worthy of application and promotion.