A 56-year-old woman with mycosis fungoides developed acrocyanosis each time treatment with interferon α_2a was started. Acrocyanosis disappeared after discontinuing therapy. Immunological study performed while acrocyanosis was present showed elevated antinuclear antibody (ANA) titers and circulating immune-complex levels. Long-term interferon treatment has been related to autoimmune side effects. Raynaud’s phenomenon has been observed in patients undergoing interferon treatment associated with elevated ANA titers, to cryoglobulinemia or to arterial occlusion. Acrocyanosis has never before been described as side effect in patients undergoing this treatment. We believe that our patient’s acrocyanosis must be considered a side effect of interferon.

In this report we describe a case of a nonatopic patient who developed an anaphylactoid reaction immediately after receiving intravenous hydrocortisone. The patient recovered after reanimation techniques and intravenous administration of atropine, epinephrine and plasma expanders. Although allergic reactions to corticosteroids appear to be rare there are a few case reports in the literature. This case is presented to draw the attention of clinicians to the occasional hazard of intravenous corticosteroid preparations, specially hydrocortisone.

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Background Few studies assess the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in daily practice for the prevention of thromboembolic complications associated to nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Objectives Describe NOACs' use and analyze its prescribing pattern. Evaluate possible factors associated to adverse events (AEs) and the applicability of prescription support forms. Methods We included patients with AF treated with a NOAC during 2014 in three primary healthcare centers in Barcelona, Spain. Demographic and clinical data was collected, as well as embolic and bleeding risk and reported AEs. Results A total of 101 patients were included, with a median age of 75 years. The NOACs most frequently prescribed were dabigatran and rivaroxaban. An 87.2% of the patients were receiving the recommended dosage. A potential bleeding risk was present in 47% of the subjects. Ten AEs were reported, of which eight hemorrhages. Patients who presented an AE were >65 years and had a higher proportion of concomitant treatment and/or co-morbidities that could prompt to bleeding (p < 0.001). Conclusions Current treatment practice is according to regulatory agencies' recommendations. Close monitoring is especially needed in patients >65 years and at higher risk of bleeding. Prescription support forms help good prescribing and identifying potential individuals at high risk of AEs.

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