Clinical medicine (London, England)
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Monoclonal antibody therapeutics have been approved for over 30 targets and diseases, most commonly cancer. Antibodies have become the new backbone of the pharmaceutical industry, which previously relied on small molecules. Compared with small molecules, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have exquisite target selectivity and hence less toxicity as a result of binding other targets. ⋯ New applications of mAbs are being tested and mAbs have now been designed to target two (bi-specific, eg TNF-α and IL-17) or more targets simultaneously, augmenting their therapeutic potential. Because of space limitations and the wide ranging scope of this review there are regrettably, but inevitably, omissions and missing citations. We have chosen to highlight the first successes in inflammatory diseases and cancer, but a broader overview of approved mAbs and related molecules can be found in Table 1.
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The prevalence of medical problems in pregnancy is increasing because of a complex interplay between demographic and lifestyle factors, and developments in modern medicine. Maternal mortality and morbidity resulting from treatable medical conditions, such as venous thromboembolism, epilepsy and autoimmune disease, have not decreased in recent years. ⋯ This includes prepregnancy measures such as counselling and optimisation of medical therapy, as well as multidisciplinary management throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Prompt recognition and treatment of acute and chronic illness is of clear benefit, and most drugs and many radiological investigations may be used in pregnancy.
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Hyponatraemia is the most common electrolyte disturbance encountered in clinical practice. It is associated with -significant morbidity and mortality, thus appropriate investigation and treatment is essential. ⋯ Hyponatraemia has multiple aetiologies and distinguishing the underlying aetiology facilitates appropriate treatment. This review provides an overview of the presentations and approaches to management of this common clinical condition.
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Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is thrombosis of the portal -circulation, which may present with varied symptoms. However, increased use of abdominal imaging has noted a large number of incidental PVT. ⋯ More recently, a JAK2 mutation has been recognised as a cause of PVT. Anticoagulation is the mainstay of treatment, but can pose a dilemma because of the associated coagulopathy, the presence of varices and thrombocytopenia.
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Hypercalcaemia is a common disorder normally caused by primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) or malignancy. A proportion of cases present as an emergency, which carries a significant mortality. ⋯ Although parathyroidectomy is the only curative treatment for PHPT, this is indicated in a minority of cases. Many cases can be adequately managed conservatively and guidance from the 4th international workshop on the management of asymptomatic PHPT has recently been updated in a consensus statement.