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Background: Psychosocial factors have been informally associated with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU); however, the relationship between psychosocial factors and CSU remains relatively unexplored in the scientific literature., Objective: This review aims to provide an evaluation of peer reviewed studies exploring psychosocial factors and CSU., Methods: A systematic search was performed over four databases identifying studies exploring psychosocial factors in relation to CSU published between the years 1995 and 2022., Results: Eighteen studies were included for narrative analysis, and 33 psychosocial factors were identified. These were split into two subgroups: psychosocial factors that were associated with CSU symptoms aggravation/onset (n = 20), and psychosocial factors expected to be impacted by CSU symptoms (n = 13)., Conclusion: This review has highlighted a need for more research and interventions to support individuals with psychosocial factors involved in CSU., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Non-islet cell tumour hypoglycemia (NICTH) is rarely encountered in clinical practice. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is the most common cause of NICTH observed in the setting of mesenchymal and epithelial neoplasia. This is a paraneoplastic syndrome caused by IGF2 activation of the insulin receptor., Case Presentation: An 80 year old female presented with a short history of recurrent episodes of confusion with laboratory confirmed hypoglycemia with a plasma glucose of 2.7 mmol/L on fasting which fulfilled Whipple's triad. Diagnostic clues to the aetiology at presentation include the fasting pattern of hypoglycemia, hypokalaemia and the absence of weight gain. A 72 hour fast with results showed early hypoglycemia and suppression of serum insulin, c-peptide, and proinsulin. Serum insulin antibody was not detected. Subsequent measurement of the serum IGF2:IGF1 ratio was elevated at 22.3 and consistent with IGF-2 mediated hypoglycemia and imaging studies demonstrated a pelvic mass. Dietary intervention and oral prednisolone abated hypoglycemia prior to surgery. Ultimately, hypoglycemia resolved following operative intervention and steroid therapy was successfully withdrawn. Histopathology was remarkable for dual neoplastic processes with uterine solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) confirmed as the source of IGF2 hypersecretion on IGF-2 immunohistochemistry and a coincidental invasive high grade serous carcinoma involving the fimbria of the right fallopian tube., Conclusion: The paradox in this case is that the benign solitary fibrous tumour accounted for patient morbidity through secretion of IGF2 and without treatment, posed a mortality risk. This is despite the synchronous presence of a highly malignant fallopian tube neoplasm. This case reinforces the need for thorough clinical evaluation of hypoglycemia to allow prompt and definitive management., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria is a common disorder that is poorly understood and frequently misdiagnosed. Psychological difficulties are a significant factor in dermatological diseases and may also aggravate symptom burden. Mind-body interventions are used as a complementary approach to alleviate symptoms in chronic diseases and may represent a valuable non-pharmacological approach in CSU., Methods: We sought to develop and evaluate the feasibility of an 8-week attention-based training (ABT) programme, coupled to biofeedback technology for CSU. Through convergent interviews, we gathered information from individuals with urticaria about possible links between stress, mood and skin symptoms. Using these data, we recruited 12 participants to engage in an amended ABT programme for patients with CSU, comprising eight 90-min sessions held weekly. Participants completed psychometric measures and measures of urticaria symptomatology as assessed by the urticaria control test, prior to and after the intervention. Adherence to ABT practice was measured using individual inner balance devices which tracked heart rate variability. We completed qualitative interviews after the intervention to obtain feedback on participant experience of the programme., Results: Participants with CSU described how their psychological wellbeing can be linked to skin symptoms, poor sleep and difficulty concentrating. An amended ABT programme was found to be an acceptable component of care in the management of CSU. Retention of participants in the programme was challenging with 33% participants dropping out of the programme. For those who did complete the programme, three participants exceeded weekly practice at week 8. A decrease in severity of urticaria symptomatology as measured by the urticaria control test was observed upon completion of the intervention. The most commonly cited barrier to implementation of the programme was the time commitment required., Conclusions: Integrating an ABT programme into routine clinical care for CSU patients is feasible and was deemed acceptable and valuable by individuals who took part. Further formal evaluation of ABT for CSU including the analysis of biochemical parameters is required to determine its role in the management of this distressing condition., Trial Registration: This trial is registered with ISRCTN with study ID ISRCTN13672947 . Registration took place on 22/09/2020 (retrospectively registered).

Background: Intrathecally administered morphine is effective as part of a postoperative analgesia regimen following major hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery. However, the potential for postoperative respiratory depression at the doses required for effective analgesia currently limits its clinical use. The use of a low-dose, prophylactic naloxone infusion following intrathecally administered morphine may significantly reduce postoperative respiratory depression. The NAPRESSIM trial aims to answer this question., Methods/design: 'The use of low-dose, prophylactic naloxone infusion to prevent respiratory depression with intrathecally administered morphine' trial is an investigator-led, single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, double-arm comparator study. The trial will recruit 96 patients aged > 18 years, undergoing major open hepatopancreaticobiliary resections, who are receiving intrathecally administered morphine as part of a standard anaesthetic regimen. It aims to investigate whether the prophylactic administration of naloxone via intravenous infusion compared to placebo will reduce the proportion of episodes of respiratory depression in this cohort of patients. Trial patients will receive an infusion of naloxone or placebo, commenced within 1 h of postoperative extubation continued until the first postoperative morning. The primary outcome is the rate of respiratory depression in the intervention group as compared to the placebo group. Secondary outcomes include pain scores, rates of nausea and vomiting, pruritus, sedation scores and adverse outcomes. We will also employ a novel, non-invasive, respiratory minute volume monitor (ExSpiron 1Xi, Respiratory Motion, Inc., 411 Waverley Oaks Road, Building 1, Suite 150, Waltham, MA, USA) to assess the monitor's accuracy for detecting respiratory depression., Discussion: The trial aims to provide a clear management plan to prevent respiratory depression after the intrathecal administration of morphine, and thereby improve patient safety., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02885948 . Registered retrospectively on 4 July 2016. Protocol Version 2.0, 3 April 2017. Protocol identification (code or reference number): UCDCRC/15/006 EudraCT registration number: 2015-003504-22. Registered on 5 August 2015.