Drugs
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Review
Histamine and leukotriene receptor antagonism in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: an update.
Allergic rhinitis represents a global health burden. The disease can seriously affect quality of life and is associated with multiple co-morbidities. Histamine and leukotrienes are important pro-inflammatory mediators in nasal allergic inflammation. ⋯ Data on the combination of H(1) antihistamines and leukotriene antagonists in allergic rhinitis are limited. The available evidence shows that a combined mediator inhibition has additional benefits over the use of each agent alone, but is still inferior to intranasal corticosteroids. More well designed studies are needed to fully understand the benefits of a concomitant use of these agents.
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With the introduction of ciclosporin (cyclosporine) into routine clinical practice 20 years ago, lung transplantation has become an established treatment for patients with advanced lung disease. Most lung transplant recipients routinely continue to receive a triple-drug maintenance immunosuppressive regimen consisting of a calcineurin inhibitor, an antimetabolite and corticosteroids. The use of antibody-based induction therapy remains common, although there has been a shift away from T cell-depleting agents, such as antithymocyte globulin, towards anti-interleukin-2 receptor monoclonal antibodies. ⋯ While the newer immunosuppressive drugs have been rigorously evaluated in large randomised trials in kidney, liver and cardiac transplantation, such studies are lacking in lung transplantation. Despite a shift towards more potent immunosuppressive regimens that incorporate tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, the development of chronic allograft rejection, as manifested by the bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome continues to negatively impact on the long-term survival of lung transplant recipients. This article reviews the evidence for the immunosuppressive regimens used during induction and maintenance of patients undergoing lung transplantation, and discusses current strategies in the management of chronic rejection.
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Pain is an unpleasant sensation that originates from ongoing or impending tissue damage. Management of different types of pain (acute, postoperative, inflammatory, neuropathic or cancer) is the most frequent issue encountered by clinicians and pharmacological therapy is the first line of approach for the treatment of pain. This review presents and discusses recent clinical advances regarding both the improvements in delivery of analgesic drugs and improvements in the design of analgesic molecules. ⋯ New insights are then presented on standard drugs used to relieve pain, such as opioids (including tramadol), NSAIDs including selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors, paracetamol (acetaminophen), local anaesthetics and adjuvant analgesics such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants (gabapentin and pregabalin), cannabinoids, ketamine and others (e.g. nefopam). Although the understanding of pain mechanisms has improved significantly recently, much more is yet to be discovered and awaited. Broadening of our knowledge is needed to improve basic and clinical research in this field in order to better alleviate pain in millions of people.
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Managing epilepsy during pregnancy is to balance the maternal and fetal risks associated with uncontrolled seizures against the potential teratogenic effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). A rational approach requires knowledge of such risks as well as an understanding of the effects of pregnancy on seizure control and of gestational effects on AED disposition. Uncontrolled tonic-clonic seizures are potentially hazardous to the mother and, although strict evidence is lacking, are generally also assumed to be more harmful to the fetus than are AEDs. ⋯ Valproic acid should be avoided if possible. Any major change in the treatment of a woman with epilepsy should ideally be completed before conception. Regular monitoring of drug concentrations is recommended during pregnancy, in particular for lamotrigine and oxcarbazepine.
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Bronchiectasis is characterised by permanent dilatation of the bronchi that arises from chronic inflammation predominantly caused by bacterial infection. This condition remains a major cause of excess respiratory morbidity and treatment is generally only partly successful. There is an urgent need for improved anti-inflammatory medication to treat bronchiectasis. ⋯ There are concerns about the development of resistance, especially to non-tuberculous mycobacteria, with prolonged macrolide use. The evidence available suggests that both medications have a role in the management of bronchiectasis. More definitive trials of ICS and macrolides in bronchiectasis will clarify the likely benefit of these therapies.