scholarly journals Effect of Statin Use on the Clinical Manifestations, Laboratory Test Results and Outcome of Lyme Neuroborreliosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2995
Author(s):  
Katarina Ogrinc ◽  
Andrej Kastrin ◽  
Stanka Lotrič-Furlan ◽  
Petra Bogovič ◽  
Tereza Rojko ◽  
...  

Statins have anti-inflammatory and potentially antimicrobial activity, but whether they have a beneficial effect on the course of infectious diseases is controversial. In this study, we assessed the impact of pre-existing statin use on the course and outcome of Lyme neuroborreliosis manifested as meningoradiculitis (Bannwarth’s syndrome). One hundred and twenty three consecutive patients with Bannwarth’s syndrome, of whom 18 (14.6%) were being treated with statins, were included in the study. To assess the influence of statin use on the course and outcome of the disease, univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. No statistically significant association was found between statin pre-treatment and the clinical manifestations, laboratory test results, and outcome of Bannwarth’s syndrome. In conclusion, pre-existing use of statins did not significantly impact either the clinical presentation or the outcome of Bannwarth’s syndrome.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron M Scherer ◽  
Holly O Witteman ◽  
Jacob Solomon ◽  
Nicole L Exe ◽  
Angela Fagerlin ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Most displays of laboratory test results include a standard reference range. For some patients (eg, those with chronic conditions), however, getting a result within the standard range may be unachievable, inappropriate, or even harmful. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to test the impact of including clinically appropriate goal ranges outside the standard range in the visual displays of laboratory test results. METHODS Participants (N=6776) from a demographically diverse Web-based panel viewed hypothetical glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test results (HbA1c either 6.2% or 8.2%) as part of a type 2 diabetes management scenario. Test result visual displays included either a standard range (4.5%-5.7%) only, a goal range (6.5%-7.5%) added to the standard range, or the goal range only. The results were displayed in 1 of the following 3 display formats: (1) a table; (2) a simple, two-colored number line (simple line); or (3) a number line with diagnostic categories indicated via colored blocks (block line). Primary outcome measures were comprehension of and negative reactions to test results. RESULTS While goal range information did not influence the understanding of HbA1c=8.2% results, the goal range only display produced higher levels of comprehension and decreased negative reactions to HbA1c=6.2% test results compared with the no goal range and goal range added conditions. Goal range information was less helpful in the block line condition versus the other formats. CONCLUSIONS Replacing the standard range with a clinically appropriate goal range could help patients better understand how their test results relate to their personal targets.


2021 ◽  
Vol 62 (11) ◽  
pp. 1553-1559
Author(s):  
Jungyul Park ◽  
Hee-young Choi

Purpose: To demonstrate the efficacy of subcutaneous tocilizumab (TCZ-SC) treatment for recalcitrant thyroid eye disease (TED) refractory to intravenous methylprednisolone (MP) and oral methotrexate (MTX).Case summary: (Case 1) A 52-year-old man, smoker, with hyperthyroidism presented with a 3-months history of TED. The initial clinical activity score (CAS) was 5 (total score of 7). High-dose intravenous MP and oral MTX failed to improve the symptoms. He was treated with four doses of 162 mg TCZ-SC at an interval of 2 weeks. Pre-treatment laboratory test results were within normal limits. CAS was reduced to 2 weeks after the final injection, and there were no recurrences during the 6-month follow-up. (Case 2) A 37-year-old woman, non-smoker, with a 3-months history of hyperthyroidism presented with conjunctival injection and upper eyelid erythema. The initial CAS was 4, and thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin level was raised (475% of normal). The symptoms did not improve with 7.5 g intravenous MP and oral MTX. The patient was treated with 162 mg TCZ-SC. Pre-treatment laboratory test results were within normal limits. CAS was reduced to 1 after the final injection, and there were no recurrences during the 6-months follow-up.Conclusions: TCZ-SC improves symptoms of corticosteroid-resistant TED, and may be a reasonable option in recalcitrant TED cases. However, further studies are required to justify the use of TCZ-SC for TED.


Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Gajda ◽  
Anna Klisiewicz ◽  
Vadym Matsibora ◽  
Dorota Piotrowska-Kownacka ◽  
Elżbieta Katarzyna Biernacka

The impact of ultramarathon (UM) runs on the organs of competitors, especially elite individuals, is poorly understood. We tested a 36-year-old UM runner before, 1–2 days after, and 10–11 days after winning a 24-h UM as a part of the Polish Championships (258.228 km). During each testing session, we performed an electrocardiogram (ECG), transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cardiac 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS), and blood tests. Initially, increased cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were identified. The day after the UM, increased levels of white blood cells, neutrophils, fibrinogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, and N-terminal type B natriuretic propeptide were observed. Additionally, decreases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, cholesterol, LDL-C, and hyponatremia were observed. On day 10, all measurements returned to normal levels, and cholesterol and LDL-C returned to their baseline abnormal values. ECG, TTE, MRI, and 31P MRS remained within the normal ranges, demonstrating physiological adaptation to exercise. The transient changes in laboratory test results were typical for the extreme efforts of the athlete and most likely reflected transient but massive striated muscle damage, liver cell damage, activation of inflammatory processes, effects on the coagulation system, exercise-associated hyponatremia, and cytoprotective or growth-regulatory effects. These results indicated that many years of intensive endurance training and numerous UMs (including the last 24-h UM) did not have a permanent adverse effect on this world-class UM runner’s body and heart. Transient post-competition anomalies in laboratory test results were typical of those commonly observed after UM efforts.


2010 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 354-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Lindner ◽  
Wayne Schmedel ◽  
Marian Martin ◽  
Mickey Heidt ◽  
Carrie McMahon ◽  
...  

1983 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 1025-1034
Author(s):  
Carol L. Colvin ◽  
Raymond J. Townsend ◽  
William R. Gillespie ◽  
Kenneth S. Albert

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document