Discovery medicine
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In recent years, knowledge about the etiological mechanisms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has evolved significantly, allowing for a better understanding of this pain syndrome. Some studies have demonstrated that patients with CTS exhibit sensory symptoms not only within the areas innervated by the median nerve but also in extra-median regions, i.e., forearm or shoulder. It has also been demonstrated that patients with CTS may exhibit widespread pressure hypersensitivity and generalized thermal hyperalgesia, but not hypoesthesia, which is not related to electro-diagnostic findings. ⋯ All these data suggest that central sensitization mechanisms are involved in the somato-sensory and motor disturbances found in CTS, probably related to cortical plastic changes. The presence of sensitization mechanisms could play an important role in the development of bilateral sensory symptoms in CTS and also can determine the therapeutic strategies for this condition. We propose that therapeutic interventions applied to individuals with CTS should include approaches that would modulate nociceptive barrage into the central nervous system.
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Review Case Reports
Evolving paradigms for desensitization in managing broadly HLA sensitized transplant candidates.
The broadly human leukocyte antigen (HLA) sensitized patient awaiting organ transplantation remains a persistent and significant problem for transplant medicine. Sensitization occurs as a consequence of exposure to HLA antigens through pregnancy, blood and platelet transfusions, and previous transplants. Early experience with desensitization protocols coupled with improved diagnostics for donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) and renal pathology have greatly improved transplant rates and outcomes for patients once considered un-transplantable or at high risk for poor outcomes. ⋯ Current desensitization therapies include high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), plasma exchange (PLEX) with low-dose IVIG, and IVIG combined with rituximab. Developing therapies include proteasome inhibitors aimed at plasma cells and modifiers of complement-mediated injury. Here we discuss the important advancements in desensitization including defining the risk for antibody-mediated rejection prior to transplantation and the evolution of therapies aimed at reducing the impact of antibody injury on allografts.
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Elevated numbers of blood and tissue eosinophils are present in allergic diseases and experimental evidence suggests that eosinophils play an important pathogenic role in these conditions. Regulation of eosinophil maturation, recruitment, and survival is under the control of a small group of factors, including interleukin-5 (IL-5). Given the probable importance of eosinophils to allergy and other associated disorders, IL-5 has been proposed as a potential molecular target in the treatment of these diseases. ⋯ In patients with severe, refractory asthma associated with eosinophilia, however, clinical trials have demonstrated significant reductions in asthma exacerbations. Clinical studies in other disorders, particularly eosinophilic esophagitis and hypereosinophilic syndrome, have also shown significant improvements in blood and/or tissue eosinophilia and variable alterations in clinical disease activity. Strategies aimed at the inhibition of IL-5 may hold great promise in the treatment of eosinophilic diseases.
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The prevalence of type 1 diabetes is escalating worldwide. Novel therapies and management strategies are needed to reduce associated morbidity. Aggressive blood glucose lowering using conventional insulin replacement regimens is limited by the risk of hypoglycemia. ⋯ So far, closed-loop prototypes have been evaluated under controlled conditions suggesting improved glucose control and a reduced risk of hypoglycemia. Limitations include suboptimal accuracy and reliability of continuous glucose monitors and delays associated with subcutaneous insulin delivery. Outpatient evaluation is required as the next step, leading to deployment into clinical practice.
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Rapid advances in brain imaging chronic pain patients have yielded exciting data sets that could provide the basis for the development of chronic pain biomarkers that could increase the probability of success in analgesic drug development, aid clinicians in understanding, tracking, and treating disease, and link patients to the most effective therapies for their pain conditions. This review explores the potential of brain imaging techniques to detect functional, morphometric, and chemical changes that could serve as biomarkers for disease state and therapeutic efficacy. An important area for future research is to image clinical ongoing pain to further our knowledge of brain function in different pain states and the effects of treatment.