J Cutan Med Surg 2017 Jun 1:1203475417716364. Epub 2017 Jun 1.

2 Skin Centre for Dermatology, Peterborough, ON, Canada.

Anticoagulants are amongst the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide. Although rare, localised and systemic drug reactions have been reported with anticoagulants that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Some of the first signs of drug reactions to anticoagulants are cutaneous changes that, when recognised early, can prevent significant complications. Read More

Eur J Dermatol 2017 Jun;27(3):271-274

Department of Dermatology, Saint-André Hospital CHU Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France, INSERM U1053, Bordeaux Research in Translational Oncology University Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France, French Study Group of Cutaneous Lymphoma (GFELC).

Hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) to pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD; Caelyx(®)) have been reported, and symptoms usually resolve with drug withdrawal. However, the risk of relapse of severe HSR and prevention remain poorly described. To report the management and outcome in four patients with HSR due to PLD. Read More

BMC Res Notes 2017 May 8;10(1):179. Epub 2017 May 8.

Presbyterian General Hospital Acha-Tugi, Acha, Cameroon.

Background: Stevens-Johnson syndrome is one of the manifestations of mucocutaneous adverse drug reactions. Although antimicrobials are responsible for greater than 50% of these adverse drug reactions, there is no documented case implicating ivermectin as the culprit. A 38 year old adult Cameroonian male presented to our health facility with facial rash, painful oral sores, black eschars on lips and red tearing eyes 3 days following ingestion of ivermectin received during a nationwide anti-filarial campaign. Read More

Am J Clin Dermatol 2017 Aug;18(4):541-553

Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Jena, Erfurter Straße 35, 07740, Jena, Germany.

Diabetes mellitus is a widespread endocrine disease with severe impact on health systems worldwide. Increased serum glucose causes damage to a wide range of cell types, including endothelial cells, neurons, and renal cells, but also keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Skin disorders can be found in about one third of all people with diabetes and frequently occur before the diagnosis, thus playing an important role in the initial recognition of underlying disease. Read More

Chin J Traumatol 2017 Apr 21;20(2):84-86. Epub 2017 Feb 21.

Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur, Nepal.

Purpose: Despite the prevalence and cost of traumatic brain injury related disabilities, there is paucity in the literature on modern approaches to pharmacotherapy. Medications may promote recovery by enhancing some neurological functions without impacting others. Herein we discussed the role of bromocriptine in neurorehabilitation for patients with traumatic brain injury. Read More

Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2016 Oct 18;30(5):826-850. Epub 2016 Nov 18.

Birmingham Behçet's Syndrome Centre of Excellence, Sheldon Block, Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, City Hospital, Dudley Road, Birmingham, B18 7QH, UK. Electronic address:

The main orofacial manifestation of the inflammatory rheumatic diseases is that of Sjögren's syndrome. In addition, there is a constellation of orofacial manifestations of the inflammatory rheumatic diseases, many of which are extra-articular with some constituting presenting signs of the underlying rheumatic disease. This review will discuss the orofacial manifestations in a variety of connective tissue diseases and will also allude to the oral adverse drug reactions that may occur as a consequence of therapy. Read More

Dermatol Ther 2017 Jan 9;30(1). Epub 2016 Oct 9.

Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, 646000, China.

Behçet's disease (BD) involves oxidative stress (OS) aggression and imbalanced oxidant/antioxidant status. Owing to its antioxidant property, allicin is proposed for treating BD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of allicin on patients with BD with mucocutaneous involvement. Read More

Eurasian J Med 2016 Jun;48(2):107-11

Department of Dermatology, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey.

Objective: Diagnoses of skin, mucosae, hair and nail manifestations in malignant diseases are often challenging because of life-threatening drug reactions, opportunistic infections or skin involvement of primary processes. Description of morphology, configuration and distribution of lesions is important in order to differentiate the self-healing eruptions from serious side effects of chemotherapy. There are case reports from Turkey including dermatological manifestations of malignancies and case series in adult patients but there are no published large group studies assessing all manifestations in children. Read More

Front Pharmacol 2016 20;7:215. Epub 2016 Jul 20.

Allergy Service, Infanta Leonor University Hospital Madrid, Spain.

In subjects with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)- exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) symptoms are triggered by acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) and other strong COX-1 inhibitors, and in some cases by weak COX-1 or by selective COX-2 inhibitors. The mechanism involved is related to prostaglandin pathway inhibition and leukotriene release. Subjects who react to a single NSAID and tolerate others are considered selective responders, and often present urticaria and/or angioedema and anaphylaxis (SNIUAA). Read More

Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2017 Jan - Feb;45(1):40-47. Epub 2016 Jul 27.

Dona Estefânia Hospital, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Rua Jacinta Marto, 1169-045 Lisbon, Portugal; CEDOC, Respiratory Research Group, Nova Medical School, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal.

Introduction: There are rather few publications about hypersensitivity reactions to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) in the paediatric age. In this study, we aimed to assess the frequency of confirmed NSAID hypersensitivity in children with a previous reported reaction to NSAID in order to investigate the role of the drug provocation test (DPT) in the diagnostic workup and to explore the factors associated with confirmed NSAID hypersensitivity.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical files from every patient under 18 years old who attended two Portuguese paediatric allergy outpatient clinics, from January 2009 to August 2014, due to a suspected NSAID hypersensitivity. Read More

World J Gastroenterol 2016 Jul;22(25):5655-67

Miranda Muhvić-Urek, Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.

The incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) - Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) - has been increasing on a global scale, and progressively, more gastroenterologists will be included in the diagnosis and treatment of IBD. Although IBD primarily affects the intestinal tract, extraintestinal manifestations of the disease are often apparent, including in the oral cavity, especially in CD. Specific oral manifestations in patients with CD are as follows: indurate mucosal tags, cobblestoning and mucogingivitis, deep linear ulcerations and lip swelling with vertical fissures. Read More

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2016 Nov-Dec;82(6):626-640

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, BLDE University, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

Anticoagulants are the cornerstone of treatment of venous thromboembolism associated with various medical conditions and surgical procedures. They act on different steps of the coagulation pathway and are broadly categorized into heparins, vitamin K antagonists, and inhibitors of thrombin and factor Xa. The classification is evolving as newer and better oral and parenteral anticoagulants are being added. Read More

Acta Dermatovenerol Croat 2016 Apr;24(1):70-2

Daška Štulhofer Buzina, MD, PhD, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Šalata 4, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;

Dear Editor, Inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a new strategy in treatment of a variety of solid tumors, such as colorectal carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and pancreatic cancer (1). Cetuximab is a chimeric human-murine monoclonal antibody against EGFR. Cutaneous side effects are the most common adverse reactions occurring during epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRI) therapy. Read More

J Adv Pharm Technol Res 2016 Apr-Jun;7(2):64-8

Department of Restorative Sciences, Al Farabi Colleges, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Drug reactions are a group of reactionary lesions generally show their manifestations in the oral cavity. The drug reactions may vary from local rashes to well-developed swellings in the oral cavity especially involving the gingiva. Most of the drug reactions are asymptomatic and commonly triggered from the active metabolite of a drug used for a long time. Read More

Curr Opin Oncol 2016 Jul;28(4):254-63

aDepartment of Medical Oncology and Clinical Research bDepartment of Oncodermatology cDepartment of Pathology dDepartment of Oral Medicine, Institut Claudius Regaud, Institut Universitaire du Cancer, Toulouse Oncopole eDepartment of Oncopneumology, Hopital Larrey, Toulouse University, Toulouse, France.

Purpose Of Review: The therapeutic use of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) is rapidly increasing. Given their mechanism of action that triggers T-cell activation, these immune checkpoint inhibitors induce specific adverse events that are mostly of immunologic origin. In this way, cutaneous toxicities represent the most frequent immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Read More

Curr Oncol Rep 2016 Jun;18(6):35

Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, UCLA Medical Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Fluoropyrimidines-5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine-have been implicated as cardiotoxic chemotherapy agents. This rare, albeit potentially serious toxicity has been described in nearly four decades of case reports, case series, and in vitro modeling; however, there is a paucity in clinical trials and prospective analyses focused on cardioprotective strategies and cardiotoxic surveillance of these agents. While much attention has focused on the well-known cardiac toxicity of anthracyclines and monoclonal antibody agents such as trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidines remain one of the most common causes of chemotherapy-associated cardiotoxicity. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2016 Jan 15;22(1). Epub 2016 Jan 15.

Massachusetts General Hospital.

Scurvy results from a deficiency of vitamin C, a nutrient otherwise known as ascorbic acid. Today, scurvy is rare yet emerges in select patients. The patient reported herein developed scurvy secondary to deliberate avoidance of vitamin C-rich foods. Read More

J Community Support Oncol 2016 Feb;14(2):54-65

Southern Network on Adverse Reactions (SONAR), South Carolina Center of Economic Excellence for Medication Safety, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.

Background: The 3 fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics - ciprofoxacin, levofoxacin, and moxifoxacin - are commonly administered to oncology patients. Although these oral antibiotics are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of urinary tract infections, acute bacterial sinusitis, or bacterial infection in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, they are commonly prescribed off-label to neutropenic cancer patients for the prevention and treatment of infections associated with febrile neutropenia. New serious FQ-associated safety concerns have been identified through novel collaborations between FQ-treated persons who have developed long-term neuropsychiatric (NP) toxicity, pharmacovigilance experts, and basic scientists. Read More

Molecules 2016 Feb 23;21(3):190. Epub 2016 Feb 23.

Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz 55128, Germany.

Sodium aescinate (SA) is a widely-applied triterpene saponin product derived from horse chestnut seeds, possessing vasoactive and organ-protective activities with oral or injection administration in the clinic. To date, no toxicity or adverse events in SA have been reported, by using routine models (in vivo or in vitro), which are insufficient to predict all aspects of its pharmacological and toxicological actions. In this study, taking advantage of transparent zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio), we evaluated cardiovascular toxicity of SA at doses of 1/10 MNLC, 1/3 MNLC, MNLC and LC10 by yolk sac microinjection. Read More

Clin Exp Allergy 2016 Apr;46(4):631-9

Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Background: Histamine H2 receptor antagonists are commonly prescribed medications and are known to be well tolerated. However, 99 cases of ranitidine-induced anaphylaxis occurred in Korea from 2007 to 2014.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, clinical features, and diagnostic methods for ranitidine-induced anaphylaxis. Read More

Head Face Med 2015 Dec 28;11:38. Epub 2015 Dec 28.

Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.

A South African girl with CANDLE Syndrome is reported with emphasis on the orodental features and dental management. Clinical manifestations included short stature, wasting of the soft tissue of the arms and legs, erythematous skin eruptions and a prominent abdomen due to hepatosplenomegaly. Generalized microdontia, confirmed by tooth measurement and osteopenia of her jaws, confirmed by digitalized radiography, were previously undescribed syndromic components. Read More

Neth J Med 2015 Dec;73(10):471-7

Internal Medicine, section Clinical Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Introduction: Behçet's disease is most prevalent in countries along the former Silk Road. Prevalence varies from 70-420 per 100,000 in Turkey, and 13.5-20 and 1-2 per 100,000 in Asia and Western Europe, respectively. Read More

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 2015 May;40(10):2037-41

With patients' general situation, medication use, occurrence time of adverse drug reaction/event (ADR/ADE), clinical manifestations and prognosis as reference items, a retrospective study was made for 315 cases with ADR/ADE induced by Gastrodin in Chongqing from January 2008 to June 2014, in order to analyze the characteristics of ADR/ADE and provide reference for rational clinical medication. The results showed that among the 315 cases with ADR/ADE, 143 cases (45.4%) were males and 172 cases (54. Read More

Ear Nose Throat J 2015 Jul;94(7):282-4

Southeastern Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center, 10071 Pines Blvd., Ste. C, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024, USA.

Sweet syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis) is a disorder of unknown etiology. It has been associated with autoimmune processes, malignancies, infections, drug reactions, and gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease. We describe the case of a 51-year-old man who presented with severe pain in his tongue and throat and referred pain in his right ear, along with odynophagia, fever, and hoarseness of 48 hours'duration. Read More

Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2015 Sep 23;115(3):178-182.e3. Epub 2015 Jul 23.

Allergy & Immunology Section, Louisiana State University Health, Shreveport, Louisiana. Electronic address:

Objective: To review the literature on immediate hypersensitivity reactions to corticosteroids and classify them according to manifestations, routes of exposure, causative preparations, diagnostic tests, and management.

Data Sources: PubMed search for English-language publications from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2014 using search terms corticosteroid, glucocorticoid, or steroid combined with hypersensitivity, allergy, or anaphylaxis.

Study Selection: Only reports of immediate hypersensitivity reactions that occurred sooner than 24 hours after administration of a corticosteroid were included. Read More

Rheumatol Int 2015 Dec 18;35(12):2103-7. Epub 2015 Jun 18.

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, 07059, Antalya, Turkey.

Our goal was to determine, retrospectively, the occurrence of the symptoms of Behçet's disease in chronological order and the course of the disease. Additionally, probable factors affecting the clinical severity were investigated. A total of 368 patients (171 females and 197 males; aged 41. Read More

J Pak Med Assoc 2015 Jan;65(1):62-4

Objective: To describe the ocular manifestations of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrosis among inpatients at a tertiary care hospital.

Methods: The retrospective observational descriptive study was carried out at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data on age, gender, aetiology and ocular findings related to patients diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrosis between January 2000 and December 2011. SPSS 19 was used for statistical analysis. Read More

Toxicol Ind Health 2016 Aug 29;32(8):1391-1404. Epub 2014 Dec 29.

Division of Regulatory Toxicology, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior, India

Silver (Ag) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have wide applications. They are increasingly being used in the medical devices, biosensors, cancer cell imaging, and cosmetics. Increased applications of these NPs in the technological advances have also led to the risk of exposure to these particles. Read More

Int J Rheum Dis 2015 Feb 19;18(2):154-63. Epub 2014 Dec 19.

Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by periods of flares and remission, resulting in organ damage over time caused by persistent disease activity and treatment-related complications. Conventional therapies are not ideal in terms of efficacy and safety. Novel biological therapies are being developed to enhance therapeutic efficacy, minimize disease exacerbation and reduce toxicities. Read More

Retin Cases Brief Rep 2014 ;8(2):150-2

Departments of *Ophthalmology, and †Pathology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Purpose: To report a case of drug reaction (or rash) with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome in association with intraretinal hemorrhages and intermediate uveitis.

Methods: Single case report.

Results: A 22-year-old Hispanic woman developed a facial rash and blurry vision after the use of oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for a urinary tract infection. Read More

Pneumologia 2014 Apr-Jun;63(2):74-7

Hypersensitivity reactions to aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a challenge to the clinicians, due to their severity. In susceptible individuals, NSAIDs induce a wide spectrum of reactions with various timing and organ manifestations, involving immunological and non-immunological mechanisms. Diagnosis of hypersensitivity to NSAID is based on characteristic symptoms precipitated with ASA/NSAIDs. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014 Sep 18;8(9):e3094. Epub 2014 Sep 18.

Laboratório de Dermatologia Infecciosa, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Background: There have been several recent changes in the taxonomy of Sporothrix schenckii as well as new observations regarding the clinical aspects of sporotrichosis. In this study, we determined the identification of the Sporothrix species associated with both classic and unusual clinical aspects of sporotrichosis observed in the endemic area of sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Methodology/principal Findings: To verify whether S. Read More

Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014 Sep 4;10(9):1263-8. Epub 2014 Aug 4.

Allergy and Immunology Section, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA.

NSAIDs are the most commonly used medications worldwide and are responsible for almost 25% of adverse drug reactions. Such reactions can have different manifestations and can be immunologic or non-immunologic. The diagnosis is primarily based on the medical history, which can be difficult in patients receiving multiple medications. Read More

Arkh Patol 2014 Mar-Apr;76(2):26-30

Experiments on 62 male albino outbred rats investigated the impact of 14-day use of the oral hepatotropic agents ademethionine and runihol in different doses in liver damage caused by a antituberculosis combination (HRZ). HRZ-induced liver damage was shown to be accompanied by the development of cytolysis and cholestasis. The test drugs in the doses under study had a mixed effect, by reducing the magnitude of biochemical manifestations of these syndromes. Read More

Food Funct 2014 Aug;5(8):1795-803

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, Radoja Domanovića 12, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.

The objective of this work was to investigate the effects of the methanol extracts of Gentiana cruciata L. aerial parts (GCA) and roots (GCR) against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats. Pretreatment with GCA and GCR, containing sweroside, swertiamarin and gentiopicrin in high concentrations, dose-dependently and significantly decreased the levels of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin, whereas an increase in the level of total protein was found compared with the CCl4-treated group. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2014 Nov 29;105(9):e55-60. Epub 2014 Apr 29.

Servicio de Patología Digestiva, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, España.

We present a series of 12 patients with telaprevir-induced skin toxicity. Some patients presented eczematous lesion, while others presented nonscaling macular lesions that became more purpuric in the lower limbs. Seven of the 12 patients had skin lesions affecting more than 50% of the body surface area, but none had systemic manifestations. Read More

Int J Dermatol 2015 16;54(5):537-42. Epub 2014 Apr 16.

Department of Dermatology, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences(SKIMS) Medical College, Srinagar, Kashmir, India.

Background: Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) or drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a rare type of adverse drug reaction with complex clinical features involving multiple systems of the body.

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the clinical features, course, response to treatment, and outcome of DRESS.

Methods: The study involved a retrospective analysis of data collected over a period of four years in 17 patients with DRESS. Read More

Ann Intern Med 2014 Feb;160(4):233-42

Background: Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by ocular and oral dryness or systemic manifestations.

Objective: To evaluate efficacy and harms of rituximab in adults with recent-onset or systemic pSS.

Design: Randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial conducted between March 2008 and January 2011. Read More

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2014 Jun;14(6):441

Center for Rhinology and Allergology, An den Quellen 10, 65183, Wiesbaden, Germany,

Aspirin intolerance syndrome is due to disturbances in the arachidonic acid metabolism implicating both the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways. This results in imbalances of eicosanoid, leukotriene and prostaglandin synthesis. Thus, preinflammatory cysteinyl leukotrienes increase and antiinflammatory prostaglandins (PG) such as PGE2 decrease. Read More

J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2014 Apr 22;72(4):660-5. Epub 2013 Nov 22.

Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT; and Private Practice, Milford, CT.

Oral maxillofacial surgeons direct invasive procedures that often cause significant bleeding. Uncontrolled hemorrhage is a rare, yet serious, complication that can be seen in patients with thrombocytopathy. Platelets have 3 distinct roles in coagulation: initial adhesion, phospholipid externalization, and platelet aggregation. Read More

Acta Reumatol Port 2013 Oct-Dec;38(4):274-85

Objective: To define the pattern of disease expression and to gain better understanding in patients with juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Portugal.

Methods: The features of unselected patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who had disease onset before the age of 18 years were retrospectively analysed in three Portuguese centres with Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic over a 24-year period (1987-2011). Demographic, clinical and laboratory manifestations, therapy and outcome were assessed. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014 Jan 13(1):CD003559. Epub 2014 Jan 13.

Population Health Sciences and Education, St George's, University of London, London, UK.

Background: Asthma is a respiratory (airway) condition that affects an estimated 300 million people worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Omalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds and inhibits free serum immunoglobulin E (IgE). It is called an 'anti-IgE' drug. Read More

Int J Dermatol 2015 Jul 10;54(7):819-22. Epub 2013 Dec 10.

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra (Tanda), India.

J Hepatol 2014 Apr 23;60(4):872-84. Epub 2013 Nov 23.

Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States. Electronic address:

Studies of boceprevir and telaprevir based antiviral therapy in liver transplant (LT) recipients with hepatitis C genotype 1 infection have demonstrated dramatic increases in tacrolimus, cyclosporine, and mTOR inhibitor exposure. In addition to empiric dose reductions, daily monitoring of immunosuppressant blood levels is required when initiating as well as discontinuing the protease inhibitors to maximize patient safety. Although improved suppression of HCV replication is anticipated, 20 to 40% of treated subjects have required early treatment discontinuation due to various adverse events including anemia (100%), infection (30%), nephrotoxicity (20%) and rejection (5 to 10%). Read More

Allergy Asthma Proc 2013 Nov-Dec;34(6):488-96

Allergy/Immunology Section, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA.

Antihistamines are the cornerstone of allergy therapy and are not expected to cause hypersensitivity reactions. We describe two cases, one had urticaria to multiple anti-H1-preparations and the other had anaphylaxis to hydroxyzine. We also provide a review of the English literature on reported reactions regarding causative preparations and manifestations. Read More

Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 2013 Oct 1;14(5):355-8. Epub 2013 Oct 1.

Human Pathology Department, Dental School, Messina University, Via Consolare Valeria, 98100, Messina, Italy,

Background: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare genetic disorder. The syndrome presents with severe purulent conjunctivitis, stomatitis with mucosal necrosis, and purpuric macules. This syndrome is associated with hypersensitive reaction usually stimulated by infection, vaccination, systemic diseases, physical agents, foods or drugs. Read More

Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2013 Nov-Dec;35(6):682.e5-6. Epub 2013 Jul 29.

Department of Psychiatry, Seth G. S. Medical College & K. E. M. Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India - 400012. Electronic address:

Cannabis in its various forms has been known since time immemorial, the use of which has been rising steadily in India. 'Bad trips' have been documented after cannabis use, manifestations ranging from vague anxiety and fear to profoundly disturbing states of terror and psychosis. Cannabis is known to affect various neurotransmitters, but 'bad trip' due to its anticholinergic effect has never been described in literature to the best of author's knowledge. Read More

Int J Dermatol 2013 Dec 24;52(12):1561-6. Epub 2013 Jul 24.

Department of Health Informatics and Technologies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of azithromycin on mucocutaneous manifestations and ex vivo intracellular cytokine responses in patients with Behçet's disease (BD).

Methods: Ten BD patients with active manifestations and nine healthy controls (HCs) were included in the study. Patients were treated with azithromycin (1500 mg/week) for four weeks. Read More

Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2013 Apr-Jun;26(2):575-8

Institute of Internal Medicine, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Universita' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.

Lichen planus is an uncommon inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder affecting the skin and its appendages, as well as oral and genital mucosa. Involvement of the esophageal mucosa is rare and causes significant morbidity, with dysphagia and risk of long-term complications, such as esophageal strictures and stenosis. Esophageal lichen planus is an underreported condition in the spectrum of lichenoid tissue reactions, presenting the risk of systemic manifestations. Read More

World J Gastroenterol 2013 May;19(20):3165-8

Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita 879-5593, Japan.

Aseptic abscesses are an emergent entity and have been described in inflammatory bowel disease, especially in Crohn's disease, and in other diseases. However, aseptic abscesses associated with Behçet's disease are extremely rare. We report a Japanese male diagnosed with an incomplete type of Behçet's disease who developed multiple aseptic abscesses of the spleen and liver. Read More