Publications by authors named "Shikha Walia"

The occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic has raised new uncertainties for dermatologists and their patients, importantly concerning initiation and continuation of immunosuppressants for dermatological conditions at this time. We review two phase III trials of rituximab, a chimeric CD20 monoclonal antibody, used for the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris. Without specific data studying rituximab use and susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2, we hope to utilize available data in order to assist clinician decision making for rituximab in the context of the pandemic.

This article aims to address updates on recent clinical trial findings (April 2019 to April 2020) regarding biologic therapy initiation and maintenance for adult patients. Prescribers should use this update as guidance for determining the appropriate biologic class based on patient characteristics and for approaching biologic-experienced patients with refractory psoriasis. This update also may serve as a reference for the recommended dosing regimens of the 11 approved biologics.

Objective: We correlated the prenatal severity with the postnatal outcome of prenatally detected renal pelvic dilatation (RPD).

Methods: Cases of prenatally detected RPD referred between January 2002 and December 2008 were included. Severe RPD was defined as an anterior-posterior diameter of 15 mm, mild and moderate dilatation was defined as 6 to <10 mm and 10 to <15 mm, respectively. Postnatal diagnosis, the need for surgery and the correlation with the prenatal severity was ascertained.

Results: Of the 762 patients with RPD, 492 (64.5%) were mild, 167 (21.9%) were moderate, and 103 (13.5%) were severe. The male:female ratio for the severe cohort was 5:1. Of the sever cases, 68% had progressive dilatation. Of the mild/moderate cases, 5% progressed to severe dilatation. PUJ obstruction was confirmed in 48 cases (60.8%), severe VUR in 11 cases (14%), VUJ obstruction in 5 cases (6%), PUV in 2 cases (2.5%), and a nonidentifiable cause in 13 cases (16.5%). Ten of the 48 (20.8%) babies with PUJ obstruction required surgery within the first year of life.

Conclusion: An obstructive cause is usually present in severe cases, which are more likely to require surgery if there is PUJ obstruction. A high male:female ratio was present in this group.