The Journal of infection
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The Journal of infection · Jun 2010
ReviewThe diagnostic role of procalcitonin and other biomarkers in discriminating infectious from non-infectious fever.
Fever is not only observed in the course of a bacterial or viral infection, but can be a symptom of, for instance, auto-immune, malignant or thromboembolic disease. Determining the etiology of fever in a fast and reliable way is of pivotal importance, as different causes of fever may ask for different therapies. ⋯ In this review we focus on the value of traditional and newer biomarkers in non-infectious febrile diseases. Procalcitonin (PCT) seems to be the most helpful laboratory marker for the differentiation of causes of fever, particularly in autoimmune, autoinflammatory and malignant diseases.
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The Journal of infection · Jun 2010
Case ReportsParadoxical vision loss associated with optochiasmatic tuberculoma in tuberculous meningitis: a report of 8 patients.
Paradoxical appearance of new or expansion of existing optochiasmatic tuberculoma, leading to severe vision loss, is a devastating complication in patient with tuberculous meningitis. ⋯ Prompt recognition of paradoxical optochiasmatic tuberculoma with the help of vision assessment and neuroimaging is vital for patient's life and vision. Paradoxical reactions should not be labeled as a new or resistant infection. The prior treatment schedule should continue, and dexamethasone may be added or its dose enhanced.