Eur Rev Med Pharmaco
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Eur Rev Med Pharmaco · Dec 2012
ReviewIL-17 and IFN-γ production in peripheral blood following BCG vaccination and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in human.
During Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, cells of the immune system rely on cytokines to regulate the activity of other immune and structural cells such as IFN-gamma and IL-4. Recent studies suggest that Th17 cells secreting IL-17 may play a potential role in tuberculosis (TB) development. ⋯ IL-17 acts as an effector molecule similar to IFN-gamma after BCG vaccination and Mtb infection to protect human against TB. The current findings do not support IL-17 as an inducer of tissue damage in TB.
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Eur Rev Med Pharmaco · Nov 2012
ReviewThe patient with chronic ischemic heart disease. Role of ranolazine in the management of stable angina.
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major cause of death in Western Countries and accounts for very high costs worldwide. In this review we discussed the pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and management of chronic IHD. In particular, we discussed about the percutaneous coronary interventions and coronary artery bypass grafting, as well as to clinical trials that evaluated the advantages of one approach versus another. Pharmacological treatment is among major objectives of the review and for each class of therapeutic agents an evaluation of well-conducted clinical trials is provided. ⋯ In addition to these agents, also new treatment options are evaluated in patients with stable IHD. Ranolazine, in particular, is a innovative anti-anginal drug with a great successful in the management of patients with refractory angina. A pharmacological as well as clinical profile of this drug is provided.
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Eur Rev Med Pharmaco · Jul 2012
ReviewCongenital cytomegalovirus infection: current strategies and future perspectives.
Cytomegalovirus is the most common cause of congenital infections in humans and it produces considerable morbidity in newborns. ⋯ Studies evaluating treatment and long-term follow-up of infants with both symptomatic and asymptomatic infection are necessary, in order to definitely evaluate the short and long-term effectiveness and safety of both ganciclovir and valganciclovir and to identify risk factors associated to the development of long-term sequelae. In this way it will be possible to select those children that might benefit for treatment.
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The therapy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) has evolved in the recent past. In certain cases therapy for ITP remains inadequate. ⋯ While romiplostim was the first second generation thrombopoietin agonist to become available, eltrombopag is particularly attractive as it is an orally bioavailable agent. This review focuses on the use, safety and efficacy of eltrombopag in various clinical conditions.
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Most patients affected by spinal tuberculosis can be successfully treated conservatively with chemotherapy, external bracing and prolonged rest. Nevertheless, kyphotic deformity, spinal instability and neurological deficit remain a common complication associated with conservative approach. ⋯ Since surgery for spinal tuberculosis is demanding, it should be performed only after taking into account the risks and benefits in operable patients. Various surgical procedures are recommended to treat spinal tuberculosis but the common goals are to eradicate the infection and to prevent or to treat neurologic deficits or spinal deformity.