Clinical
RSSArticles
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Treatment of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy With Pembrolizumab
These authors evaluated the effect of pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody that functions as a down-regulator of PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1), on patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. In five of eight treated patients, clinical stabilization or improvement was seen in association with reduced cerebrospinal fluid JC viral load. This is the first reported effective treatment for this disease with a therapeutic agent targeting the JC virus.
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Tau PET Is Promising as a Diagnostic Agent in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Former NFL players with symptoms consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy had increased tau tracer uptake that was associated with years of playing football but not with cognitive or neuropsychological measures.
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Late Sunsets, Sleep Deprivation, and Adverse Outcomes
All living organisms have 24-hour circadian rhythms. A body of evidence is accumulating that chronic disruption of this important rhythm may result in poor health outcomes. These negative consequences of disrupted circadian rhythms might be prevented by modifying work and sleep schedules.
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Neuropathy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus may be associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric syndromes, including peripheral neuropathy, mostly sensorimotor types. However, all parts of the peripheral and central nervous system may be affected, and careful and repeated neurological evaluation is important.
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Eculizumab Shows Benefit in a Treatment Trial of NOSD
In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of aquaporin-4 antibody-positive patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, eculizumab demonstrated a decrease in the risk of a relapse. Patients could continue their other stable-dose immune suppressive therapies while enrolled in the trial.
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Osteoporosis Review
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder in which bone density and quality are reduced. Patients experience loss of bone mass, deterioration of bone tissue, and a decline in bone quality, which leads to increased bone fragility and a higher risk of fractures. It is imperative that primary care providers address this challenge by implementing practices to screen patients for onset of osteoporosis to prevent and/or treat the disorder.
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Infectious Disease Alert Updates
California Inmates With Cocci Lose Appeal; Tuberculosis Testing in Small Children
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Omadacycline (Nuzyra)
Omadacycline was approved in 2018 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP).
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Histoplasmosis — Expansion of Risk Areas and Need for More Standardized Practice
Histoplasmosis is increasingly seen beyond the previous risk areas of the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys. Diagnostic and treatment practices vary widely.
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Vancomycin for MRSA Pneumonia Following Influenza in Children
Coinfection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in children with influenza is associated with high fatality. Data support the addition of a second anti-MRSA antibiotic to vancomycin in severely ill children.