Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is prevalent worldwide and is associated with dramatic levels of morbidity and mortality. Isolated anti-HBc (IAHBc) is a particular serological pattern that is commonly found in immunocompromised patients. There is ongoing debate regarding the management of patients with IAHBc. Herein, we summarize the current guidelines and the newest evidence. The frequency of IAHBc is variable, with a higher prevalence in some populations, such as persons living with HIV and others immunocompromised patients. The risk of HBV reactivation depends on host factors (including immunosuppression) and viral factors. It is now well established that immunocompromised patients can be classified into three groups for risk according to the type of immunosuppression and/or treatment. In patients at high risk, HBV therapy has to be considered systematically. In patients at moderate risk, the decision is based on the level of HBV DNA (preemptive treatment or monitoring and vaccination). In patients with low risk, HBV vaccination is another possible approach, although further studies are needed to assess the type of preemptive strategy.
Dapsone is recommended as a second line therapy in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), but is underused because of its potential side effects. The medical charts of 42 ITP patients treated with dapsone (100 mg/day) were retrospectively reviewed in order to assess its efficacy and safety in daily clinical practice. The overall response rate was 54.8% (n = 22, with a complete response in 38.1%) with a median time to response of 29 days (24–41 days). Patients with complete response had shorter disease duration whereas no difference was observed between responders and non-responders regarding age, sex or previous treatments received. Importantly, after dapsone withdrawal, a sustained response was observed in 5 patients, representing 12% of the whole cohort. Twenty percent of patients (n = 8) relapsed on therapy after 8.1 (6.5–13.6) months. Side effects occurred in 31% (n = 13) of patients, and required dapsone withdrawal in 22% (n = 9) or dosage reduction in 10% (n = 4) of the cases. Side effects resolved in all but one case. Overall, these data support dapsone as an interesting second line therapy in ITP, with a good safety and efficacy profile at a low cost.
Background: Debate continues regarding the usefulness and benefits of wide prescription of antibiotics in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: All patients hospitalized in the
The rapidly increasing number of PCR-based SARS-CoV-2 tests as COVID-19 control measures has been leading not only to the discovery of positive results in asymptomatic individuals, but also to the re-testing of persons having contracted (proven or unproven) COVID-19 or having previously tested positive. In the face of interrogations as to the interpretation and management of these types of situations, and given the need to weigh collective and individual risks, we have carried out a review of the literature aimed at responding to the six following questions. Can PCR-based SARS-CoV-2 testing lead to false positives? For how long do the results remain positive? For how long can the results be associated with an actual risk of transmission / with infectivity in a symptomatic person? Is a newly positive PCR-based SARS-CoV-2 test result following one or more negative test results to be associated with a risk of transmission? Is a positive PCR-based SARS CoV-2 test result to be associated with a genuine risk of transmission / with infectivity in an asymptomatic person? Does the presence of antibodies detected by serology attest to control of the infection and consequently to non-contagiousness, even in the event of positive PCR-based SARS-CoV-2 test results? Having been initiated prior to the recently issued recommendations of the Haut Conseil de la Santé Publique (French public health council), this review is aimed at synthesizing practical proposals liable to evolve according to the advancement of scientific knowledge and the overall epidemic context.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.