Articles: disease.
-
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease, it causes functional degradation of multiple organs and systems throughout the body. Astragalus membranaceus (AM), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to improve muscle wasting-related disorders for a long history. In this study, we used network pharmacology and molecular docking to predict the mechanism underlying AM for the treatment of MSA. ⋯ Molecular functions are mainly associated with apoptosis, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. Molecular docking results show good and standard binding abilities. This study illustrates that AM treats MSA through multiple targets and pathways, and provides a reference for subsequent research.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The clinical efficacy of a mixture of ivy leaf extract and coptidis rhizome in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease with poor prognosis and cough is the one of most common and major symptoms in IPF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a Mixture of Ivy Leaf Extract and Coptidis rhizome (Synatura®) in patients with IPF. This was a prospective, open-label, single-center, and single-arm study in Korea from October 2019 to September 2020. ⋯ In terms of SGRQ, 6 patients (20%) reached MCID (4.0) without significant predictive factors. In our study, use of Synatura® during 8 weeks improved cough-specific life quality in one third patients with IPF. Large-scale, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed.
-
Kaposi sarcoma is an angioproliferative disease associated with human herpes virus 8 infection. Classic Kaposi sarcoma (CKS) usually develops in older age. Although CKS often does not require systemic therapy, systemic therapy can be administered in progressively symptomatic patients. ⋯ No patient had grade 3 to 4 allergic reaction. There was no drug-related death. According to our results, paclitaxel is an effective therapy option with an acceptable safety profile for patients with advanced CKS.
-
Epidemiological studies have shown that people having hyperuricemia are at increased risk of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. This research aimed to study the relation of ischemic cerebrovascular disease with benzbromarone use among persons with gout-related disorders. This was a retrospective cohort design utilizing a 2003 to 2015 national health insurance database in Taiwan. ⋯ No significant association can be detected between benzbromarone use and the probability of ischemic cerebrovascular disease among persons with gout-related disorders. We think that reduction of the serum uric acid by use of benzbromarone could not be related to the probability of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Further research is suggested to clarify this issue.
-
Case Reports
Pharmaceutical care of rituximab in the treatment of children with refractory anti-NMDAR encephalitis: A case report.
Anti- N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a rare disease of nervous system, which is mediated by autoimmune mechanisms. The treatment of anti-NMDAR encephalitis includes Immunotherapy, symptomatic and supportive treatment for seizures and psychiatric symptoms. There are many kinds of drugs, so drug treatment management and pharmaceutical care for children are particularly important. At present, there are few reports on pharmaceutical care for children with this disease. Clinical pharmacists participated in the pharmaceutical care of a child with refractory anti-NMDAR encephalitis treated with rituximab, conducted drug treatment management on the dosage, administration method, complications and other aspects of off-label use of rituximab, combined with the children's clinical manifestations, inflammatory indicators, pathogenic detection, blood concentration, liver and kidney functions, drug interactions and other factors. The treatment plan of anti-infective drugs shall be adjusted, and attention shall be paid to whether there are adverse reactions during the treatment. ⋯ Clinical pharmacists ensure the safety, effectiveness and economy of patients' medication by carrying out the whole process of individualized drug treatment management and care for patients.