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Experience sampling methods (ESM) using mobile health (mHealth) technology with a smartphone application are increasingly used in clinical practice and research. Still, recommendations are limited in young people, and adaptations may be necessary. Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are chronically treated with steroids from a young age. However, the impact of intermittent treatment schedules on fluctuations in somatic, cognitive and behavioural symptoms is poorly investigated. Existing studies are often cross-sectional and occur in controlled clinical settings, which do not provide sufficiently detailed insights into possible correlations. ESM might alleviate these problems. ESM innovates data collection with a smartphone application, which repeatedly assesses specific symptoms and contextual factors at random moments in daily life. We aimed to evaluate its feasibility in adolescents with DMD. In three (without/with/without steroids) 4-day periods of ESM, that were nested in 10/10 or 11/9 day on/off-medication periods, we evaluated its user-friendliness and compliance, and explored its ability to objectify fluctuations in somatic, cognitive and behavioural symptom severity and their relationship with contextual factors in seven DMD patients (age range 12–18 years) using intermittent corticosteroid treatment (dosage range 0.3–0.6 mg/kg/day). Patients reported that ESM was convenient and user-friendly. We were able to capture extensive intra-individual symptom fluctuations during intermittent corticosteroid treatment that were not revealed by routine clinical assessment. Implementing ESM to evaluate symptom fluctuation patterns in relation to treatment effects shows promise in adolescents with DMD. Optimization in further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Unexplained vision loss after silicone oil removal is a well-documented but incompletely understood entity for which there is no effective treatment described in the existing literature. We present a case where intensive oral and periocular steroid treatment resulted in significant subjective and objective clinical improvement. Observations: After successful pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil endotamponade to repair a macula sparing retinal detachment, the patient's best corrected visual acuity was 20/20 with silicone oil in the operative eye. However, seven weeks after uncomplicated combined silicone oil removal and cataract extraction with intraocular lens insertion, best corrected visual acuity was 20/250 with no new ophthalmic pathology to explain the vision loss. After a four week course of oral prednisone and three periocular triamcinolone injections over a period of nine weeks, visual acuity improved to 20/25 -2 in the operative eye. Serial multifocal electroretinography initially showed severely diminished amplitudes but improved markedly over the course of steroid treatment. Conclusions and Importance: Although no effective treatments are described in the existing literature, improvement in visual acuity, visual field, and electroretinogram in this case suggests that intensive steroid treatment (periocular and systemic) may be efficacious in treating unexplained vision loss after silicone oil removal.

Paint thinners are organic hydrocarbons that contain a mixture of chemicals such as acetone, toluene, and xylene. Thinner poisoning is most common in children due to accidental ingestion. Acute poisoning can lead to various systemic manifestations such as chemical pneumonitis, arrhythmia, dermatitis, and metabolic acidosis. Chronic toxicity leads to encephalopathy and weakness. Usually, management of chemical pneumonitis following hydrocarbon aspiration is symptomatic and the role of steroids is controversial. We report the case of a 47-year-old female who presented with ingestion of paint thinner with suicidal intention and developed chemical pneumonitis. She was initially managed symptomatically but due to persistent symptoms, was started on intravenous steroids and antibiotic. The patient showed symptomatic and radiological resolution.

This study investigates the correlation between COVID-19 and avascular necrosis of the femoral head, considering the potential contribution of medication-induced effects. This research spans the period from August 2022 to January 2024 and includes 32 patients diagnosed with avascular necrosis. While steroid usage, particularly in high doses, is known to predispose individuals to this condition, this study aims to discern if COVID-19 itself plays a role beyond the influence of medication. Notably, COVID-19 is associated with disturbances in the coagulation system, potentially leading to thromboembolic complications. Of the patients, six did not have COVID-19, while seven had the virus but did not receive steroid treatment. However, 19 patients with COVID-19 exhibited severe pulmonary involvement and were administered both high-dose steroids and antiviral medication. Among the observed patients, 14 were female and 18 were male. Notably, three patients presented bilateral necrosis, all of whom had COVID-19 and significant pulmonary involvement. Diagnostic assessments included frontal and profile X-rays, as well as MRI scans for all patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a benign inflammatory breast disease of unknown etiology that affects women in their reproductive period. The most commonly preferred option as first-line treatment is steroids, but the lack of a standard treatment protocol and high recurrence rate after treatment constitutes a recurring challenge during its management. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the decision to end the treatment should be made radiologically or clinically. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included IGM patients who had complete clinical recovery with steroids and were followed for a minimum of 30 months. Patient demographics, disease severity and findings, treatment regimens and duration, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings at clinical recovery were assessed for their relation to recurrence. Results: Eighty-nine patients who were clinically completely healed after steroid treatment for IGM were included in the study. At the time of clinical healing, 51 (57.3%) patients had a complete radiological response and 38 (42.7%) had a partial radiological response (PRR) on MRI. Overall, recurrence developed in 22 (24.7%) patients after a median 38.6-month follow-up. Patients who experienced recurrence were significantly older and had PRR when their treatment was stopped upon clinical healing. Conclusion: During the process of clinical healing, the imaging findings revealed that the remaining disease seems to be a significant predictor for recurrence in IGM patients. In patients with PRR, extending the treatment with either prolonged steroid therapy or by surgical excision of the occult residual disease may prevent recurrences in IGM patients.

Aim: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare chronic inflammatory breast disease. Histopathology is characterized by noncaseating granulomas. Although oral contraceptive use, pregnancy, breastfeeding history, high prolactin levels, smoking, and chemical irritation have been blamed for its etiology, it has not been fully elucidated. We studied the responses obtained using intralesional (IL) steroid application in addition to conventional treatments in patients with IGM referred to the rheumatology and radiology departments of Fırat University Research Hospital. Material and Methods: Seventy-six female patients diagnosed with IGM who were followed between January 2021 and May 2023 were included in the study. The pathologies of the patients, whose average age was 36.5±6.8 years, were compatible with IGM. In terms of differential diagnoses, other conditions that could cause granulomatous mastitis were excluded. The data obtained were analyzed with appropriate statistical methods using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) for Windows 25. Results: Remission was achieved in 55.3% of patients (42 patients). While remission was observed in 61.6% of the patients who received IL steroids, remission was achieved in only 23.1% of the patients who did not receive IL steroids, and this rate was found to be statistically significant (p=0.010). There was no statistically significant difference between the treatments received by patients who achieved remission and those received by patients whose treatment continued (p>0.05). Conclusion: In our study, the treatments received by patients who were and were not administered IL steroids were similar, but a significant difference was observed in patients who were administered IL steroids in terms of achieving remission. This suggested that IL steroid administration would have a positive contribution to the treatment response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a benign inflammatory breast disease of unknown etiology that affects women in their reproductive period. The most commonly preferred option as first-line treatment is steroids, but the lack of a standard treatment protocol and high recurrence rate after treatment constitutes a recurring challenge during its management. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the decision to end the treatment should be made radiologically or clinically. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included IGM patients who had complete clinical recovery with steroids and were followed for a minimum of 30 months. Patient demographics, disease severity and findings, treatment regimens and duration, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings at clinical recovery were assessed for their relation to recurrence. Results: Eighty-nine patients who were clinically completely healed after steroid treatment for IGM were included in the study. At the time of clinical healing, 51 (57.3%) patients had a complete radiological response and 38 (42.7%) had a partial radiological response (PRR) on MRI. Overall, recurrence developed in 22 (24.7%) patients after a median 38.6-month follow-up. Patients who experienced recurrence were significantly older and had PRR when their treatment was stopped upon clinical healing. Conclusion: During the process of clinical healing, the imaging findings revealed that the remaining disease seems to be a significant predictor for recurrence in IGM patients. In patients with PRR, extending the treatment with either prolonged steroid therapy or by surgical excision of the occult residual disease may prevent recurrences in IGM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blau syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the a mix of granulomatous arthritis, uveitis, and dermatitis. Patients typically manifest multisystem involvement, including ocular, skin, and skeletal abnormalities. Blau syndrome is extremely rare, with a global incidence of less than one in a million among children. In this multidisciplinary consultation, we present a case of a 21-year-old young female patient having multisystemic involvement since early childhood. She was presented with multiple joint swelling, skin lesions, increased eye discharge, and accompanied by hypertension and arterial abnormalities, and received a diagnosis of uveitis. The patient had been receiving steroid treatment since the age of 6 and has tried various medications, with some improvement in joint swelling and ocular symptoms. Through this rare disease multidisciplinary consultation, we aim to provide guidance in the molecular diagnosis of the patient, multisystem assessment, and the selection and formulation of treatment plans. Additionally, we hope that by reporting this case, clinical physicians can gain a better understanding of the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment strategies for Blau syndrome, thereby improving the management and treatment of rare diseases.

Simple Summary: C-reactive protein (CRP) can be measured in serum and is a useful biomarker to diagnose inflammatory conditions (e.g., autoimmune diseases) and monitor the response to treatment in dogs. Because dogs with autoimmune diseases are often treated with high doses of glucocorticoids, a potential effect of this treatment on serum CRP concentrations—apart from the disease process—cannot be excluded. To address this knowledge gap, we measured serum CRP concentrations in five different time points in healthy dogs that were given either a high dose of a glucocorticoid (hydrocortisone) or a placebo over 28 days. We observed fluctuations in serum CRP concentrations in individual dogs during the study period, but the treatment did not significantly influence these fluctuations. Thus, confounding effects of corticosteroid administration on the interpretation of serum CRP concentrations as an inflammatory biomarker in dogs is unlikely, but this warrants confirmation by further studies. Measuring C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum is a useful surrogate marker for assessing disease progression and treatment response in dogs with autoinflammatory diseases. Affected dogs often receive high-dose glucocorticoid treatment, but the effect of such treatment alone on serum CRP concentrations is unknown. We evaluated serum CRP concentrations via immunoassay (sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay) in 12 healthy beagle dogs administered high-dose hydrocortisone (8 mg/kg q12 h) per os vs. placebo over 28 days (days 0, 1, 5, and 28) in a randomized parallel study design. Serum CRP concentrations slightly decreased during treatment or placebo but without a significant association with hydrocortisone administration (p = 0.761). Compared to baseline, serum CRP concentrations were decreased by >2.7-fold (minimum critical difference) in three hydrocortisone-treated dogs and two dogs in the placebo group on day 28, whereas an increase to >2.7-fold was seen in one dog receiving placebo. These results suggest a lack of confounding effects of high-dose hydrocortisone administration on serum CRP concentrations in healthy dogs. This might also hold in dogs with autoinflammatory conditions and/or administration of other high-dose corticosteroids, suggesting that CRP presents a suitable biomarker to monitor inflammatory disease processes. However, this needs confirmation by further studies evaluating corticosteroid-induced cellular (e.g., hepatic) transcriptome and proteome changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mondor's disease (MD) is a rare disorder characterized by superficial thrombophlebitis or subcutaneous venous thrombosis. It is commonly seen on the anterior chest wall. Penile Mondor's disease (PMD) is seen less frequently than thoracic MD and presents as an indurated cord-like lesion along the vein tract. A 47-year-old patient presented to our outpatient clinic with a complaint of a painless, indurated, and suddenonset lesion on the penis shaft that lasted for 15 days. He was using systemic steroids and antidiabetics for pemphigus and diabetes. He had a cord-like lesion along the penis shaft, becoming more prominent by stretching the skin. He was clinically diagnosed with PMD, regressing spontaneously after 1-week of sexual rest. He denied other triggering factors except for strenuous sexual activity. In this case, we think that diabetic angiopathy and the prothrombotic effect of steroids may have contributed to the development of PMD besides vigorous sexual activity. We found it valuable to share because of its rarity.

This study investigates the correlation between COVID-19 and avascular necrosis of the femoral head, considering the potential contribution of medication-induced effects. This research spans the period from August 2022 to January 2024 and includes 32 patients diagnosed with avascular necrosis. While steroid usage, particularly in high doses, is known to predispose individuals to this condition, this study aims to discern if COVID-19 itself plays a role beyond the influence of medication. Notably, COVID-19 is associated with disturbances in the coagulation system, potentially leading to thromboembolic complications. Of the patients, six did not have COVID-19, while seven had the virus but did not receive steroid treatment. However, 19 patients with COVID-19 exhibited severe pulmonary involvement and were administered both high-dose steroids and antiviral medication. Among the observed patients, 14 were female and 18 were male. Notably, three patients presented bilateral necrosis, all of whom had COVID-19 and significant pulmonary involvement. Diagnostic assessments included frontal and profile X-rays, as well as MRI scans for all patients.

ABSTRACT Objective: COVID-19 is a multisystem immunoinflammatory disorder, and the hypothalamo–pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may be affected by SARS-CoV-2 as well as by steroid treatment during the illness. Information on the HPA axis after recovering from COVID-19, especially in those treated with steroids, is sparse. Hence, this study was performed to evaluate the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis during the post-COVID-19 period in patients treated with steroids during the illness. Subject and methods: This prospective study involved 60 patients aged 18-60 years who had recovered from moderate or severe COVID-19 and had received steroid treatment during the illness. The HPA axis was assessed with a low-dose (1 mcg) adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test at 3, 6 and 9 months in the post-COVID period. Results: The HPA axis was suppressed in 31.66% of the patients at 3 months and 5% at 6 months; however, all patients recovered at 9 months. Cumulative steroid use during the illness was inversely correlated with stimulated cortisol at 3 months in the post-COVID period. Fatigue was present in 58.33% of the patients at 3 months and was more prevalent in those with HPA axis suppression. Conclusion: Nearly one-third of the patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 who were treated with steroids had suppressed HPA axis at 3 months, with gradual recovery over a period of 9 months. Cumulative steroid equivalent dose, but not disease severity, was predictive of HPA axis suppression at 3 months.

Background: Optimal steroid treatment at onset of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is still debated. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical outcome at 24 months of follow-up in patients admitted to our unit for the first episode of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome comparing two different steroid regimens. Methods: We collected data on patients treated from 1992 to 2007 with prednisone according to the International Study on Kidney Diseases in Children 8-week regimen and since 2008 according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Padiatrische Nephrologie 12-week regimen. The primary outcome was to evaluate cumulative prednisone dosage at 12 and 24 months of follow-up in the two groups. As secondary outcomes, we considered mean relapse rate per patient; number of children without relapses at 6, 12, and 24 months; and number of patients who developed frequent relapses and steroid-dependent disease. Results: Data were collected on 127 patients. Sixty-one subjects received the 8-week regimen and 66 the 12-week regimen. The mean cumulative prednisone dose at 12 and 24 months was not different, and the rate of patients without relapses was lower at 6 and 12 months in patients treated with the 8-week course, while no difference was observed at 24 months. Conclusions: Despite the limitations of a retrospective study with limited follow-up, our data indicate that switching treatment from a shorter to a longer scheme did not improve the clinical outcome at 24 months of observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abdominal cocoon syndrome is a rare condition that defines the total or partial encapsulation of the small bowel loops by a fibcrocollagenous membrane, primarily or secondarily, with inflammatory infiltrate that leads to acute or chronic obstruction. While this condition may become manifest in an idiopathic-primary form, it can also occur secondary to interventions such as abdominal surgery, chronic peritoneal dialysis, liver transplantation, ventriculoperitoneal shunt or medications. We aimed to present a case diagnosed with abdominal cocoon syndrome induced by peritoneal dialysis, who showed a good clinical response to steroid treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mondor's disease (MD) is a rare disorder characterized by superficial thrombophlebitis or subcutaneous venous thrombosis. It is commonly seen on the anterior chest wall. Penile Mondor's disease (PMD) is seen less frequently than thoracic MD and presents as an indurated cord-like lesion along the vein tract. A 47-year-old patient presented to our outpatient clinic with a complaint of a painless, indurated, and sudden-onset lesion on the penis shaft that lasted for 15 days. He was using systemic steroids and antidiabetics for pemphigus and diabetes. He had a cord-like lesion along the penis shaft, becoming more prominent by stretching the skin. He was clinically diagnosed with PMD, regressing spontaneously after 1-week of sexual rest. He denied other triggering factors except for strenuous sexual activity. In this case, we think that diabetic angiopathy and the prothrombotic effect of steroids may have contributed to the development of PMD besides vigorous sexual activity. We found it valuable to share because of its rarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: There may be a role of reducing the total steroid doses for the treatment of relapses of nephrotic syndrome in children with milder and more stable disease. The primary objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a low-dose prednisolone regimen with standard therapy for the treatment of relapses in steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) at the end of treatment, the secondary objectives being time to remission and sustained remission after 3 months. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included a total of 40 children (20 in each group) with SSNS (presently infrequently relapsing course) and with a relapse. Both groups received prednisolone at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day until remission; subsequently, the patients in the study group received 1 mg/kg, and the control group participants received 1.5 mg/kg prednisolone on alternate days for 4 weeks. The patients were followed up till 3 months after stopping the therapy. Results: The median (IQR) age of children enrolled was 7.5 (range: 5-9.65) years, and the age at onset of nephrotic syndrome was 4 (range: 2.3-5.5) years. The median time to achieve remission was 9 days (comparable in low dose vs. standard therapy group; P = 0.14). All patients were in remission at the end of therapy; 85% of patients were in the low-dose group and 90% in the standard therapy group after 1 month (P = 0.32). At the end of 3 months, 60% continued to be in remission in the low-dose group and 65% with standard therapy (P = 0.37). Hazard ratios for relapse at the end of 1, 2, and 3 months were 1.05, 1.08, and 1.13, respectively. Patients who were infrequently relapsing (79%) from the onset of nephrotic syndrome had higher remission rates at the end of 3 months (80% in the low-dose group vs. 76.9% in the standard therapy group). Hazard ratios for relapse in these patients at the end of 1, 2, and 3 months were 1.01, 1.03, and 1.08, respectively. Conclusions: Lower doses of prednisolone can be used for the treatment of relapse of steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome, with an infrequently relapsing course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corticosteroids are the preferred first‐line treatment in ITP in guidelines. The analyses by Wang et al. shows that hospital‐registered steroid‐related toxicity occurs frequently and emphasizes that exposure should be for a limited duration of time. Commentary on: Wang et al. Longitudinal evaluation of adverse events due to steroid use in primary immune thrombocytopenia: a population‐based study. Br J Haematol 2024;204:1986‐1993. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative adjuvant steroid therapy is regarded as the conventional treatment for patients with biliary atresia (BA) who have undergone Kasai portoenterostomy (KP). However, whether the steroid therapy can improve BA outcomes is controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of adjuvant steroid therapy on the surgical prognosis of BA. Methods: We searched related studies published in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure database up to May 2022. Data on the effect of steroid use on the clinical prognosis of the patients, including the jaundice clearance rate (JCR), native liver survival rate (NLSR) at 6, 12, and 24 months after KP, and the incidence of cholangitis, were extracted. Subgroup analyses based on age at KP, administration method, initial dosage, and steroid type were conducted. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata/SE 12.0. Results: Eleven articles (a total of 1,032 patients) were included in the present meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that postoperative adjuvant steroid therapy improved JCR at the 6/12/24-month follow-up (RR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.18-1.55, p < 0.001; RR:1.49, 95% CI, 1.12-1.99, p = 0.006; RR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.14-1.75, p = 0.002) and improved NLSR at the 24-month follow-up (RR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.03-1.68, p = 0.028). However, steroids could not significantly improve NLSR at the 6/12-month follow-up (RR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.98-1.15; p = 0.17; RR: 1.22; 95% CI: 0.97-1.54; p = 0.095), and might not decrease the incidence of postoperative cholangitis (RR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.60-1.01, p = 0.058). Furthermore, subgroup analyses confirmed that three variables (age at KP, administration method, and initial dosage) could affect the efficacy of steroids in BA patients. Conclusion: Postoperative adjuvant steroid therapy can significantly improve bile flow. The superiority of steroid therapy was more remarkable in patients aged =70 days at KP than in those aged >70 days. Additionally, intravenous followed by oral steroid administration method and medium initial dosage seemed to have the more reliable efficiency on bile flow. And patients treated by steroid had better long-term (24-month) native liver survival, but there is no significant effect on short-term native liver survival and postoperative cholangitis. Further studies are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The efficacy of pharmacological interventions for acute lumbar radicular pain (ALRP) is limited, and systemic steroid use remains controversial. We evaluated the effectiveness and tolerance of systemic steroid use in a cohort of patients with ALRP. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 56 patients (including 24 females) were admitted with intractable ALRP resistance to conservative treatment of NSAIDs and opiates between the years 2016 and 2018. Medical records were studied for demographics, physical examination findings, Visual Analogue Score (VAS), IV steroids side effects, and recent imaging findings. All patients received a daily dose of IV 24 mg Dexamethasone until discharge, SNRB, or surgery. Results: The average IV steroid treatment was 3.9 (±2.8) days, with most patients showing significant pain relief allowing discharge (69.7%). SNRB was required in 19.6% and surgical intervention in 10.7% within the same admission. Multivariate analysis did not find any parameter to predict treatment failure (age, gender, motor/sensory deficit, CT/MRI findings). The motor deficit, positive straight leg raising (SLR), and dural sac compression on CT were higher in the intervention group but did not reach statistical significance. One patient required discontinuation of IV steroids due to elevated blood pressure. Conclusions: Despite the insufficient evidence in the literature, IV steroid treatment is still a viable option in ALRP treatment, with pain relief allowing discharge in 70% of patients and a low complication rate. Our study found daily 24 mg IV dexamethasone for ALRP to be an effective treatment and helpful in most patients admitted. This study supports the common practice used by spine units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) can clinically and radiographically mimic an abscess or breast cancer. Although IGM is benign, it can cause the breast skin to appear “riddled with holes” and can even result in the loss of the breast. The optimal treatment has not been established. Methods We retrospectively studied the medical records of 200 patients with IGM who were treated for skin rupture from June 2015 to June 2017 in our institute. The patients’ treatment modalities (including surgery after steroid therapy and steroid therapy alone), outcomes, and scores of satisfaction questionnaires were analyzed. The time to healing and recurrence rate were compared with a focus on the treatment modalities to identify the most effective treatments for IGM. Results The median follow-up time was 15.64 months (range, 12–36 months). In total, 156 patients were treated with surgery after steroid therapy and 44 were treated with steroid therapy alone. The median times to healing in the surgical and nonsurgical groups were 25 and 258 days, respectively (p = 0.003). Four of 156 (2.56%) patients developed post-excision wound complications. Eight of 156 patients (5.1%) in the surgical group and 10 of 44 (22.7%) patients in the nonsurgical group developed recurrence (p

Background: Primary hypophysitis is a rare condition, usually diagnosed retrospectively after surgery for a suspected pituitary adenoma. Improved awareness of the condition and better imaging have resulted in more patients being diagnosed without surgery. Objective: A retrospective chart analysis study of hypophysitis from a single secondary endocrine and neurosurgical referral center in eastern India was conducted between 1999 and 2021 to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by these patients. Methods and Material: Fourteen patients presented to the center between 1999 and 2021. All patients had an MRI of the head with contrast and a full clinical workup. Twelve patients had headache, of whom one had progressive visual impairment. One patient had severe weakness, attributed later to hypoadrenalism and one had sixth nerve palsy. Results: Six patients had glucocorticoids as their primary treatment, four refused treatment, and one was on glucocorticoid replacement. One patient had decompressive surgery because of progressive visual loss, and two had surgery because of a presumptive diagnosis of pituitary adenoma. There was no difference between the patients who had glucocorticoids and those who did not. Conclusions: Our data suggest that it is possible to identify most patients with hypophysitis on clinical and radiological grounds. In the largest published series on this subject and in ours, glucocorticoid treatment did not alter the outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the Herpesviridae family that infects humans. It infects approximately 90% of adults. It is an opportunistic pathogen, common among immunosuppressed patients and can affect multiple organs. To date, there has been only one reported case of a CMV-related tongue ulcer that occurred during steroid treatment. Case Presentation: We report a case of CMV tongue ulcer in an elder, immunodeficient patient under prolonged steroid treatment. Management and Prognosis: A 67-year-old man under chronic steroidal treatment due to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with chronic ischemic heart disease (CIHD) and poorly treated diabetes mellitus (DM) was hospitalized in Soroka university medical center. He suffered from an ulcerative wound about 10 mm in its greater diameter with raised margins on the left lateral tongue. Daktarin Oral Gel treatment showed no improvement. On histopathological examination, a diagnosis of CMV-related tongue ulcer was given. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the most detailed case report of CMV tongue ulcer due to prolonged steroid treatment. An early diagnosis of CMV infection in patients with oral lesions is crucial because CMV infection can increase immunosuppression, and is associated with opportunistic infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the rarity of significant first-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) after Occlutech Figulla Flex II atrial septal defect occluder (OFF II, Occlutech International AB, Helsingborg, Sweden) placement, its management and predictors of recovery have not been established. We report a 9-year-old boy who developed significant first-degree AVB a day after OFF II deployment. Thereafter, oral prednisolone was initiated at 1.5 mg/kg/day. On day 2 of steroid treatment, normal sinus rhythm without conduction delays was occasionally observed, while the prolonged PR interval on the exercise stress test was ameliorated. After 5 days of steroid administration, normal sinus rhythm without conduction delays was completely achieved. An increase in the frequency of normal sinus rhythm and the absence of conduction delays on electrocardiogram monitoring and exercise stress test play an important role in predicting recovery from prolonged PR interval. Thus, steroid treatment can be effective and should be considered for patients who develop first-degree AVB after undergoing OFF II placement for transcatheter device closure of atrial septal defect. < Learning objective: Given the infrequency of atrioventricular block (AVB) after transcatheter device closure of atrial septal defect (ASD), its management remains unclear. To determine the management of and predictors of recovery from AVB after transcatheter closure of ASD, assessing the clinical course during recovery to normal sinus rhythm after steroid treatment is imperative.> [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: To evaluate potential clinical parameters having an impact on visual outcome after endoscopic optic nerve decompression in acute optic neuropathy patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients with acute optic neuropathy, who underwent endoscopic optic nerve decompression between June 2001 and November 2018 at an academic center was performed. Patients were divided into groups according to visual improvement after surgical treatment (yes/no). Following clinical parameters were compared between groups: perioperative steroid use, evidence of optic nerve affection in preoperative neuroimaging, additional optic nerve sheath incision, surgery delay and preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Further subgroups analyses were conducted based on etiology (trauma/tumor). Results: Among 32 included cases, 16 patients (50%) reported visual improvement after endoscopic optic nerve decompression. There was no significant difference in visual improvement between etiology subgroups (trauma: n = 9/20 (45%) vs. tumor: n = 7/12 (58.3%), p = 0.465). Tumor subgroup patients with visual improvement had a significantly higher prevalence of optic nerve affection in preoperative neuroimaging than those without visual improvement (p = 0.018, φ = 0.683). Perioperative steroid administration was negatively associated with visual outcome (p = 0.034, φ = 0.375). Nerve sheath incision, surgery delay and preoperative CRP levels did not have a significant impact on visual outcome (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Radiological findings can help as an indicator for surgical treatment since an affected optic nerve in preoperative neuroimaging resulted in better visual outcome after surgery. The use of steroids should be considered more carefully since it did not show any beneficial effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is accepted that 2-3% of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are due to drugs, and that 70% of drug-induced lung diseases are due to ILD. We present here the case of a 51-year-old female patient who had been taking aripiprazole for bipolar disorder for 3 years and had been undergoing asthma treatment for 2 years. ILD was considered based on the patient's clinic, a restrictive pattern in the pulmonary function test (PFT), a decreased carbon monoxide diffusion test, laboratory results, radiological findings and biopsy. The possible etiologies of infection, aspiration, heart failure, pet feeding status and exposure to hazardous respiratory substances were excluded. The suspected drug was discontinued and oral corticosteroid treatment was started. Lung toxicity can develop with drug treatments, and so drug history should be questioned in detail and discontinued immediately in case of any doubt. ILD is rare, and if the drug is not suspected and continued, the disease may become chronic and progress to respiratory failure. We present this case to increase awareness of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Steroid therapy is an immunosuppressive treatment and may have possible side effects in a pandemic period. However, the number of studies on the use corticosteroids for the treatment of idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis (IGM) especially during the pandemic is almost negligible. METHODS: The data of patients with the diagnosis of IGM between January–December 2020 in the General Surgery Clinic were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were explained in detail that steroid therapy is an immunosuppressive treatment and it may have possible side effects. Prednisolone 0.5–1 mg/kg/day was given as steroid therapy. The treatment was planned for 4–6 months according to the severity of the symptoms and was completed by reducing it to a total dose of 10 mg/month. RESULTS: Eleven patients were included in the study. Five patients had completed steroid treatment and continued their follow-up. In our study, a total of six patients were receiving steroid therapy. CONCLUSIONS: There is no consensus yet on the use of the steroid in the COVID-19 pandemic. Low doses Corticosteroids (<1 mg/kg/day) don't have an effect on increase mortality in patients with severe COVID-19. We can think that low-dose corticosteroids used by many centers in IGM treatment do not have a negative effect on mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: High-dose steroid has been shown to reduce the mortality rate in Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients who need oxygen support. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of pulse-steroid in case of unresponsiveness to treatment with high dose steroid. Materials and methods: The study is a retrospective controlled trial. We divided the patients in 3 groups: standard-care therapy alone, high-dose steroid treatment (6 mg/day dexamethasone equivalent), and pulse-steroid treatment (250 mg/day methyl-prednisolone). One hundred and fifty patients were enrolled in each group. All patients were hospitalized and needed oxygen support. We matched the patients according to disease severity at the onset of hypoxia, weight of co-morbidities, age, and sex. We then compared 3 groups in terms of mortality, length of hospitalization, need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mechanical ventilation (MV), length of stay in ICU, and duration of MV. Results: The pulse-steroid group had shorter ICU stay. The median ICU stay was 9.0 (CI 95% 6.0–12.0) days in standard-care group, 8.0 (CI 95% 5.0–13.0) days in high-dose steroid group and 4.5(CI %95 3.0–8.0) days in pulse-steroid group. Moreover, although patients in pulse-steroid group were initially unresponsive to high dose steroid therapy, they achieved similar results compared to the high-dose steroid group in other outcomes except for length of hospital stay. Conclusion: Pulse-steroid treatment would be an option for COVID-19 patients who do not respond to the initial high-dose steroid treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of adjunctive corticosteroids in reducing morbidity and mortality of viral CNS infections remains poorly defined. Clinicians are often left in a quagmire regarding steroid use in complex and rapidly evolving viral CNS infections. Limited studies have explored the underlying mechanisms behind the potential benefit of steroids. Here, we describe steroid use in three cases of viral CNS disease: varicella zoster virus (VZV), Powassan virus, and influenza A-associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A great majority of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome will relapse after successful treatment of the initial episode. The possibility that different steroid dosing regimens at onset, adjusted for risk factors, can reduce the rate of relapse represents an interesting option to investigate.Objectives: To evaluate the effect of the initial steroid regimen, adjusted for time to remission (TTR), on the frequency of relapses and steroid dependence, and to verify the influence of prognostic factors on disease course.Methods: A multicentre, prospective, cohort study. Children with nephrotic syndrome, with TTR ≤ 10 days (Group A), were given a 20-week prednisone regimen (2,828 mg/m2) and those with a TTR >10 days, a 22-week regimen (3,668 mg/m2) (Group B). Previously published retrospective data from the same centers were also evaluated. Main outcomes were: relapse rate, number of frequent relapsers + steroid dependent children and total prednisone dose after induction.Results: 143 children were enrolled. Rate of relapsed subjects (77 vs. 79%) and frequent relapsers + steroid dependent subjects (40 vs. 53%) did not differ between Groups A and B, or between the retrospective and prospective cohorts. The cumulative prednisone dose taken after the induction treatment was similar in both groups and in the retrospective and prospective cohorts. TTR was not associated with relapse risk. Age at onset and total serum protein were significantly lower in relapsing patients. At ROC analysis, the best cut-off was 5.3 years for age at onset and 4.2 g/dL for total serum protein. According to these cut-offs, older children with higher total serum protein had a higher relapse free survival rate (58%) than younger children with lower total serum protein (17%).Conclusions: TTR was not found to be a prognostic factor of relapse; because of this, different steroid regimens, adjusted for TTR, did not modify the relapse rate in any relevant measure. Conversely, younger age and low total serum protein were independent predictors of relapse risk, however this outcome was not modified by higher prednisone regimens.Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.ClinicalTrials.gov/, identifier: NCT01386957 (www.nefrokid.it).

Background: Clinical data on male neuromyelitis optica spectrum (NMO) patients remain limited to date. Objective: To analyze clinical characteristics, therapeutic responses, and outcomes in Chinese male NMOSD patients. Methods: We retrospectively assessed clinical, demographic, treatment, and outcome data of male patients with NMOSD. Results: We identified 52 male patients among 471 NMOSD patients. Male patients had more frequent optic neuritis (ON) attacks and less frequent myelitis than female patients. No-remission rates of high-dose intravenous steroid therapy were higher in male patients than in female patients. Conclusion: Male NMOSD patients had different clinical characteristics and worse response to high-dose intravenous steroid therapy than female patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) can clinically and radiographically mimic an abscess or breast cancer. Although IGM is benign, it can cause the breast skin to appear "riddled with holes" and can even result in the loss of the breast. The optimal treatment has not been established. We retrospectively studied the medical records of 200 patients with IGM who were treated for skin rupture from June 2015 to June 2017 in our institute. The patients' treatment modalities (including surgery after steroid therapy and steroid therapy alone), outcomes, and scores of satisfaction questionnaires were analyzed. The time to healing and recurrence rate were compared with a focus on the treatment modalities to identify the most effective treatments for IGM. The median follow-up time was 15.64 months (range, 12–36 months). In total, 156 patients were treated with surgery after steroid therapy and 44 were treated with steroid therapy alone. The median times to healing in the surgical and nonsurgical groups were 25 and 258 days, respectively (p = 0.003). Four of 156 (2.56%) patients developed post-excision wound complications. Eight of 156 patients (5.1%) in the surgical group and 10 of 44 (22.7%) patients in the nonsurgical group developed recurrence (p < 0.01). The scores of the satisfaction questionnaire were 36 ± 4.28 in the surgical group and 24 ± 8.62 in the nonsurgical group (p = 0.017). IGM is a benign disease but can have serious consequences. Surgery after steroid therapy is an effective and more satisfactory treatment than steroid therapy alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and seronegative elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (SEORA) are two of the most frequent inflammatory rheumatologic diseases in elderly patients. At first presentation, there are many similarities between PMR and SEORA, that may lead to a real diagnostic conundrum. The most relevant similarities and differences between PMR and SEORA are discussed in this review. In addition to the acute involvement of the shoulder joints, important features characterising both diseases are morning stiffness longer than 45 minutes, raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and a good response to low doses of prednisone. Some findings (such as erosive arthritis or symmetrical involvement of metacarpophalangeal and/or proximal interphalangeal joints) can help to make the diagnosis of SEORA, whereas shoulder and hip ultrasonography and 18-FDG PET/CT seem to be less specific. However, in several patients only long-term follow-ups confirm the initial diagnosis. A definite diagnosis of PMR or SEORA has significant therapeutic implications, since patients with PMR should be treated with long-term glucocorticoids, and sometimes throughout life, which predisposes the patients to serious side effects. On the contrary, in patients with SEORA, short-term treatment with glucocorticoids should be considered when initiating or changing disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, followed by rapid tapering.

Abstract Background Acute renal failure is a rare occurrence in a patient with an unremarkable past medical history and should always lead to an in depth clinical study. The occurrence in the same healthy young subject, of consecutive episodes of heart failure and of acute renal failure is an even rarer event and should prompt diagnostic tests and restrict the diagnostic hypotheses. Case presentation We present the case of a 28 year-old man who, while waiting to undergo assessment for a mild chronic kidney disease, was diagnosed with decompensated dilated cardiomyopathy and placed on diuretics and β-blockers. After few weeks he developed a non oligoanuric acute renal failure with a slight elevation of serum calcium. Renal biopsy proved suggestive for renal sarcoidosis; thus the hypothesis of systemic sarcoidosis with cardiac and renal involvement was possible avoiding further delay in initiation of therapy. Conclusions Cardiac sarcoidosis is usually silent but the majority of cases are diagnosed when cardiac symptoms are present in a patient with systemic sarcoidosis. Renal involvement with granulomatous interstitial nephritis is also quite rare and can be an unexpected finding at kidney biopsy. This case highlights the need to evaluate thoroughly clinical problems that do not fit in a specific scenario and emphasizes the importance of performing a kidney biopsy in case of kidney failure of unknown etiology.

Background : Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare disease characterized by fibroinflammatory tissue in the periaortic or periiliac retroperitoneum, where it frequently encases ureters. There is emerging evidence that a subset of this disease is part of a spectrum of multisystemic autoimmune diseases collectively referred to as “immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease”. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed 27 idiopathic RPF patients and identified a subset as IgG4-related RPF, which we categorized according to recently published comprehensive diagnostic criteria. We compared clinical and laboratory characteristics and response to treatment between the two groups. Results : Of 27 total patients, 16 (59.3%) were diagnosed as having IgG4-related RPF, and these were predominantly male. They were also significantly older and more likely to have other organ involvement, hydronephrosis, and postrenal acute kidney injury (AKI) compared to those with idiopathic RPF. However, there was no difference in response rate to systemic steroid treatment. Conclusion : IgG4-related RPF accounts for a substantial portion of RPF cases previously identified as “idiopathic RPF” in Korea. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of IgG4-related RPF are similar to those of idiopathic RPF except for a striking male predominance, older age, and higher incidence of postrenal AKI in IgG4-related RPF. More comprehensive, prospective studies are needed to clearly distinguish IgG4-related RPF from idiopathic RPF based on clinical manifestation and to further assess treatment response and long-term prognosis.

The recent global outbreak of coronavirus disease-19, also known as COVID-19, has infected more than 142 million people worldwide, causing more than 3 million deaths. It has been shown that up to 40% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients may develop ARDS. Although not proven, anti-inflammatory and anti-cytokine treatments are recommended to suppress the cytokine storm that develops in the early stages of the disease. In this case report, a case of pulmonary aspergillus developed as a complication of treatment for ARDS caused by covid 19 in a 50-year-old male patient will be presented in the light of current literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The authors review the clinical outcomes of patients with primary hypophysitis (PH). Methods Patients with PH who were followed up between 2007 and 2018 at our clinic were evaluated. Clinical, endocrinologic, pathologic, radiologic findings and treatment modalities were assessed. Results Seventeen patients with PH were assessed. The median follow-up was 24 (range, 6–84) months. Histologic confirmation was available in 8 patients (6 lymphocytic hypophysitis, 1 lymphocytic-granulomatous hypophysitis, 1 xanthomatous hypophysitis). None of the cases were diagnosed after pregnancy. Two patients had an autoimmune disease. The most commonly seen symptom was headache. The most common anterior pituitary deficiencies were hypocortisolemia and hypothyroidism. The radiologic findings of the patients at the time of diagnosis revealed various results including space-occupying lesion (41.2%), loss of posterior hypophysis bright spot (47.1%), pituitary stalk thickening (41.2%), uniform contrast enhancement (17.6%), partially empty sella (11.8%), optic chiasm compression (11.8%). The most frequent initial treatment modality was observation. Ten patients who were followed up conservatively had no endocrinologic deterioration; additional treatment was not needed in 8 of these 10 patients. The second most frequent initial treatment modality was pituitary surgery. Five patients received steroid treatment. We found serious adverse effects during steroid treatment in 3 of 5 (60%) patients; unilateral avascular necrosis of the femoral head (n=2), diabetes mellitus(n=1). Conclusion Correctly diagnosing PH and giving appropriate treatment is challenging. It is unclear whether active treatment with steroids improves clinical outcomes. The serious adverse effects of steroids are also taken into account. Observation, surgery and/or radiotherapy can be appropriate treatment modalities for selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optic neuritis (ON) is a rare condition in the pediatric age group. Patients with optic neuritis can manifest with a wide range of drops in vision, ranging from mild loss to complete loss of vision. Knowing the cause of optic neuritis is an important point that will affect management and prognosis. Anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (anti-MOG) antibody is an autoantibody that causes demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS). Treatment with a high dose of IV steroids followed by oral steroids is the best regimen that shows a favorable vision outcome. We aim to report this case of isolated optic neuritis with a positive anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody to highlight the prognosis of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein disease with isolated optic neuritis and how early diagnosis and treatment can affect the visual outcome., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Albuainain et al.)

Cranial nerve III palsy, also known as oculomotor nerve palsy, may result from various causes; however, the etiology remains unknown in some instances. The aim of this case report is to present the authors' experience with two cases of idiopathic cranial nerve III palsy, together with a review of the literature. Case 1 is a 78-year-old woman and case 2 is a 75-year-old man, both having no history of trauma and no vascular risk factors. They presented to the authors' hospital with diplopia and palpebral ptosis and were diagnosed with idiopathic unilateral cranial nerve III palsy. They received oral steroids for treatment. One patient recovered completely within 3 months, while the other patient did not recover regardless of long-term follow-up. Idiopathic cranial nerve III palsy can occur in otherwise healthy individuals and often recover in several months. Careful examinations to rule out other causes and then steroid treatment should be considered after early diagnosis.

We report a case of a 59-year-old man with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). He had visited a hospital for fever and cough and been treated with antibiotics for pneumonia in the right upper lobe. However, he gradually progressed to dyspnea and consulted our hospital. His chest radiographs showed bilateral pneumonia shadows and his CT showed ground glass opacities and consolidation. Although we treated him with broad-spectrum antibiotics, the pneumonia shadow rapidly progressed and mechanical ventilation was administered. We collected sputum from the bronchus using bronchoscopy to detect microorganisms, and RT-PCR tests confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia. He was transferred to a designated hospital.In order to prevent the occurrence of nosocomial infections, close contacts within the hospital and medical staff were suspended from their work for two weeks. No secondary infection with COVID-19 appeared. This was the first case of COVID-19 occurring as community-acquired pneumonia in Hokkaido, Japan.

Background: The best way to administer steroids for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is still unclear. The present study was aimed at estimating the efficacy of steroids by intratympanic, systemic, and combined therapy (CT) routes.Methods: A systematic literature search was performed from 1950 to October 2019 for randomized controlled trials comparing the use of intratympanic, systemic, and combined steroid therapy for SSHL. The outcomes of recovery rate and pure tone average (PTA) improvement were assessed by random-effects and fixed-effects meta-analysis.Results: A total of 20 articles identified from 7 countries were eligible for analysis. Although no significant difference in recovery rate was observed between intratympanic steroid therapy (IST) and systemic steroid therapy (SST), IST did demonstrate better hearing improvement, as evidenced by a higher PTA than SST. Compared with SST, CT comprising IST and SST had significant recovery rate improvement. Patients treated with CT had a significantly higher PTA than those treated with SST. Through subgroup analysis based on the equivalent dose of prednisone, it was shown that CT led to a significantly higher PTA than SST only in the high-dose CT versus high-dose SST groups and moderate-dose CT versus high-dose SST groups.Conclusion: Moderate and high dose of CT could accelerate hearing improvement in SSHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft tissue ulceration resulting from chronic venous insufficiency is a common condition that requires standardised long-term therapy, which has been thoroughly established. We report a patient with a five-year history of persistent venous stasis ulcers despite treatment consistent with traditional wound care. Resolution of the ulcers began only upon deviation from conventional therapy. This report considers non-standard treatments in patients with venous ulcers that do not progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is the most common glomerular disease in children. Approximately 80% of INS is steroid sensitive (SSNS), and half of SSNS patients are steroid dependent (SDNS). This study determines the risk factors that may predict steroid dependence in patients with SSNS. Material and Method: Patients with SSNS who followed in our Pediatric Nephrology clinic between September 2016 and September 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. The demographic characteristics, albumin, creatinine values, blood pressure, white blood cell, lymphocyte count, lymphocyte/white blood cell ratio, urine protein-creatinine ratio, time to remission, and triggers of the attack were recorded. Results: Twenty-three patients were diagnosed as SSNS and 16 as SDNS. The mean age at presentation was 77.34±32 months in the SSNS group and 73.62±27.32 months in the SDNS group (p=0.690). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of blood albumin, creatinine, lymphocyte count, and lymphocyte/white blood cell ratio. Trigger initiating the attack was more common in the SDNS group (p=0.001). The most common trigger was upper respiratory tract infection. Urine protein/creatinine ratio and white blood cell levels were significantly higher in the SDNS group (p=0.014, p=0.004, respectively), and the time to remission was also longer in the SDNS group (p=0.001). Conclusion: Upper respiratory tract infection may be a trigger, and severe proteinuria and late remission time may be risk factors for the development of SDNS in INS. Early use of steroid-sparing agents in these patients can prevent long-term adverse effects of steroid therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Children with infantile spasms are often treated with hormonal therapies including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and prednisolone. These have numerous systemic side effects including hypertension and, rarely, fatal cardiomyopathy; however, the incidence of these side effects has not been well described. This study aims to quantify the incidence and short-term sequelae of hypertension in this population. A retrospective chart review was performed at a single institution. Children 2 months to 2 years old with newly diagnosed infantile spasms treated from 2013 to 2017 were included. Variables collected included age, sex, etiology and treatment of infantile spasms, documented or missed diagnosis of hypertension, treatment of hypertension, echocardiogram results, referrals for hypertension, and persistence of hypertension 2 to 4 months after treatment. Analyses included descriptive statistics with percentiles, means, and medians. Differences between groups were assessed using Fisher exact tests. Hypertension occurred in 34/77 children (44%) during treatment with ACTH and 4/11 children (36%) during treatment with prednisolone. No child developed hypertension during treatment with nonhormonal therapies. The incidence of hypertension between ACTH and prednisolone groups was not significantly different (P =.75). The incidence of hypertension was significantly higher in the ACTH and prednisolone groups compared to the nonhormonal group (P <.001 for each). Sixteen children received echocardiograms, with no cases of cardiomyopathy. Two children had persistent hypertension at 2 months after discontinuation of hormonal therapy. Hypertension is a very common side effect of hormonal therapy for infantile spasms; however, few developed long-term hypertension and none developed cardiomyopathy. Further study is needed to determine the role of antihypertensive treatment for hormone-related hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relapses of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome are traditionally treated with prednisone 2 mg/kg/day or 60 mg/m2/day. Retrospective data support the use of lower doses. We designed a prospective randomized pilot study to investigate the efficacy of different doses in achieving remission of steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome relapse. The cohort included 30 children with relapsed steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome, mean age 6.3 ± 3 years and mean disease duration 2.2 ± 1.8 years. The children were randomized to receive 2, 1.5, or 1 mg/kg/day prednisone. The corresponding times to response, defined as the first of 3 consecutive days without proteinuria, were 7.2 ± 1.4, 10.2 ± 5.1, and 9 ± 3.3 days; the difference between the 1.5 and 2 mg/kg/day groups was statistically significant. One patient each in the 1 mg/kg/day and the 1.5 mg/kg/day groups failed to respond and were switched to 2 mg/kg/day, leading to a response after 3 and 10 days, respectively. Mean cumulative prednisone doses in the 3 groups were 45.5 ± 3.4, 42.7 ± 25.9, and 24.9 ± 7.4 mg/kg, respectively (P < 0.05).Conclusion: In the present study, treatment of childhood steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome relapse with prednisone 1-1.5 mg/kg/day led to a significantly lower cumulative dose than the standard dose. Treatment with a lower dose may be equally safe and effective to the standard dose.What is Known:• Relapses of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome are traditionally treated with standard-dose steroids.• Treatment with corticosteroids may have significant adverse effects mainly with long-term use.What is New:• Treatment of steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome relapse with 1-1.5 mg/kg/day prednisone may lead to a significantly lower cumulative dose.• Treatment with a lower steroid dose may be as effective as the standard dose in achieving remission of steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]