La Revue de médecine interne
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Seric hyperviscosity syndrome is a medical emergency linked to hyperproteinemia. The clinical diagnosis hinges on a triad of symptoms: mucosal hemorrhages, visual disturbances, and neurological disorders, observed in the most severe cases. ⋯ Laboratory tests predominantly identify the syndrome's etiology, with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (characterized by a marked IgM peak) being the most common cause, followed by multiple myeloma and cryoglobulinemias. To prevent recurrence, targeted treatment of the underlying cause is implemented following plasma exchange sessions.
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Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by painful edema and induration of the limbs and trunk, likely associated with hypereosinophilia and hypergammaglobulinemia. EF causes arthralgia and range of motion limitation, leading to significant functional impairment and poor quality of life. Since its description by Shulman in 1974, over 300 cases have been reported. ⋯ The pathophysiology of the disease remains poorly understood, and its management lacks randomized, controlled, blinded trials. First-line treatment consists in oral corticosteroid therapy, sometimes combined with an immunosuppressant, mainly methotrexate. A better understanding of the pathophysiology has opened new therapeutic perspectives and clarified the role of targeted therapies in the management of EF, such as interleukin-6 inhibitors, whose efficacy has been reported in several cases.
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The history of anticoagulation has evolved considerably, from non-specific drugs to molecules that directly target specific coagulation factors, such as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Since last decade, DOACs are widely used in clinical practice because of their ease to use with favorable pharmacological profile and not requiring monitoring. ⋯ Factor XII, being at the crossroads between hemostasis and inflammation, appears to be an interesting target that could limit thrombo-inflammation without increasing bleeding risk. The aim of this article is to summarize the main information concerning FXII inhibitors and to review the results of various clinical trials available to date, focusing on applications beyond hemostasis, such as in the management of hereditary angioedema.
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Patients with chronic illnesses, especially rare autoimmune and/or systemic diseases associated with significant diagnostic uncertainty, have a representation of their illness and a sometimes prolonged hospitalization experience that can be traumatic and anxiety-provoking. ⋯ This study suggests that medical hypnosis is a promising non-medicinal supportive intervention for reducing perceived stress and improving the experience of stress in patients hospitalized on an internal medicine ward.