The Interaction Between Pulmonary Fibrosis and COVID-19 and the Application of Related Anti-Fibrotic Drugs

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease, which mainly affects the lungs. Critically ill patients are easily complicated by cytokine storms, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and respiratory failure, which seriously threaten their lives. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a common interstitial lung disease, and its pathogenesis may involve the participation of a variety of immune cells and inflammatory factors. Current studies have shown that patients with COVID-19 may be complicated by pulmonary fibrosis, and patients with pulmonary fibrosis may also be at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 than healthy people. Pulmonary fibrosis is an important risk factor leading to the aggravation of COVID-19 disease. COVID-19 complicated by cytokine storm and ARDS mechanism pathways are similar to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. The potential interaction between pulmonary fibrosis and COVID-19 can cause acute exacerbation of the patient’s condition, but the potential mechanism between the two has not been fully elucidated. Most of the drug treatment programs for COVID-19-related pulmonary fibrosis are currently formulated about the relevant guidelines for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and there is no clear drug treatment program recommendation. This article aims to summarize the relevant mechanism pathways of COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis, explore the interrelationships and possible mechanisms, and discuss the value and risks of existing and potential COVID-19-related pulmonary fibrosis treatment drugs, to provide reference for anti-fibrosis treatment for patients.

Persistent Urinary Ethyl Sulfate in the Absence of Urinary Ethyl Glucuronide in a Patient with Alcohol Use Disorder Who Claimed Abstinence

A 48-year-old nurse with an alcohol use disorder history was being monitored in a professional health program. She consistently produced low-to-moderate urinary ethyl sulfate (EtS) concentrations in the absence of detectable urinary ethyl glucuronide (EtG), blood phosphatidylethanol and breath alcohol. She denied intentional ethanol consumption. After prolonged monitoring in a drug treatment program, including a period in a controlled environment, we concluded that this individual’s urinary EtS likely resulted from anatomical and microbial factors related to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, with possible contributions from hidden dietary sources of ethanol. We have no definitive explanation for the lack of urinary EtG.

The effectiveness of military hospital-based drug treatment program (PMK) when compared with the traditional community-based drug treatment program (FAST)

Background In Thailand, two community-based drug treatment approaches are common. The first one is the traditional community-based treatment program (FAST) which brings the principles of community therapy as a guideline for treatment. The second one is the military hospital-based drug treatment program (PMK), derived from the basic military training, the Buddhist Twelve Steps, CBT and the Minnesota Rehabilitation Model. This study aimed to investigate and compare the efficacy of PMK vs. FAST. Method The experiment was conducted from January–March 2016 at the rehabilitation center for patients with drug addiction in Thailand. Quasi-experimental methods were introduced, and ASSIST, WHOQOL-BRIEF-THAI and self-efficacy interview form were applied. After completing the drug rehabilitation program at a total duration of 120 days, the researcher continued at follow up times at 3 and 6 months. Results Compared with baseline scores, both programs significantly reduced the severity of drugs and increased self-efficacy at 6-month follow-up. PMK had better improved scores in the relationship and environment dimensions of quality of life at 3-month follow-up (P = 0.026, 0.006). The mean quality of life scores in PMK at 3 and 6 months showed better results than mean scores at baseline (P = < 0.001). Conclusion Both community-based programs in Thailand significantly reduced the severity of drugs and increased self-efficacy scores at 6-month follow-up. PMK and FAST has not shown any significant difference in treatment outcome results in the aspects of self-efficacy and reduced severity of drugs used. However, PMK had significant positive effects on the quality of life.

An Overview of Microfilariae on Patients who have received treatment in Batuah Village, Kotawaringin Timur District 2015

Filariasis is a chronic infectious disease, caused by filarial worms in the lymph and lymph nodes cause lymphangitis and elephantiasis. Batuah Village is the area in Sampit with the largest percentage of microfilariae compared to the surrounding area. From 196 the number of Batuah villagers examined by the filariasis elimination officer of Kotawaringin Timur District Health Office in 2013 obtained 5 positive cases of filariasis with 2.55% microfilaria number which is dominated by filaria worm Brugia malayi. From the local health center has also conducted a mass drug treatment program with DEC medication, combined with albendazole for 12 days on 14-16 July 2014. The aim of this study was to determine the success rate of treatment conducted by the health officer against filariasis patients in the Batuah village. The method used in this microfilariae examination is a microscopic method. Capillary blood was taken on 4 filarial patients who tested positive on the previous examination who had been given DEC + Albendazole treatment, the result from 4 samples that examined 1 positive sample of 4 patients. The implementation of medication that has been done by public health office was successful because there was a decrease of microfilaria rate which was previously 2.55% to 0,51% (<1%).