Showing papers in "Dm Disease-a-month in 2019"

A comprehensive review and update on ulcerative colitis.

Abstract: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disorder of the colon that causes continuous mucosal inflammation extending from the rectum to the more proximal colon, with variable extents. UC is characterized by a relapsing and remitting course. UC was first described by Samuel Wilks in 1859 and it is more common than Crohn's disease worldwide. The overall incidence and prevalence of UC is reported to be 1.2-20.3 and 7.6-245 cases per 100,000 persons/year respectively. UC has a bimodal age distribution with an incidence peak in the 2nd or 3rd decades and followed by second peak between 50 and 80 years of age. The key risk factors for UC include genetics, environmental factors, autoimmunity and gut microbiota. The classic presentation of UC include bloody diarrhea with or without mucus, rectal urgency, tenesmus, and variable degrees of abdominal pain that is often relieved by defecation. UC is diagnosed based on the combination of clinical presentation, endoscopic findings, histology, and the absence of alternative diagnoses. In addition to confirming the diagnosis of UC, it is also important to define the extent and severity of inflammation, which aids in the selection of appropriate treatment and for predicting the patient's prognosis. Ileocolonoscopy with biopsy is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis of UC. A pathognomonic finding of UC is the presence of continuous colonic inflammation characterized by erythema, loss of normal vascular pattern, granularity, erosions, friability, bleeding, and ulcerations, with distinct demarcation between inflamed and non-inflamed bowel. Histopathology is the definitive tool in diagnosing UC, assessing the disease severity and identifying intraepithelial neoplasia (dysplasia) or cancer. The classical histological changes in UC include decreased crypt density, crypt architectural distortion, irregular mucosal surface and heavy diffuse transmucosal inflammation, in the absence of genuine granulomas. Abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scanning is the preferred initial radiographic imaging study in UC patients with acute abdominal symptoms. The hallmark CT finding of UC is mural thickening with a mean wall thickness of 8 mm, as opposed to a 2-3 mm mean wall thickness of the normal colon. The Mayo scoring system is a commonly used index to assess disease severity and monitor patients during therapy. The goals of treatment in UC are three fold-improve quality of life, achieve steroid free remission and minimize the risk of cancer. The choice of treatment depends on disease extent, severity and the course of the disease. For proctitis, topical 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) drugs are used as the first line agents. UC patients with more extensive or severe disease should be treated with a combination of oral and topical 5-ASA drugs +/- corticosteroids to induce remission. Patients with severe UC need to be hospitalized for treatment. The options in these patients include intravenous steroids and if refractory, calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine, tacrolimus) or tumor necrosis factor-α antibodies (infliximab) are utilized. Once remission is induced, patients are then continued on appropriate medications to maintain remission. Indications for emergency surgery include refractory toxic megacolon, colonic perforation, or severe colorectal bleeding.

Effects of periodontal disease on systemic health.

Abstract: About one in two adults in the United States has periodontal disease. Chronic periodontitis is an oral disease affecting the supporting structures of the teeth leading to progressive loss of the attachment apparatus and bone around teeth. It is characterized by gingival pocket formation and/or gingival recession. The disease is initiated by bacteria and their components like lipopolysaccharide and causes a heightened host inflammatory response. This cascade of inflammatory response ultimately leads to an increased osteoclastic activity and bone loss. Individuals with periodontitis have increased systemic levels of acute phase proteins, plasma antibody levels, coagulation factor, total white blood cell count, neutrophils, C reactive protein (CRP), and cytokines such as INF- gamma (Interferon gamma), TNF-α (Tumor necrosis Factor- Alpha), IL (Interleukin)-1β, IL-2 and IL-6. As periodontitis works on the same chronic inflammation model seen in systemic diseases, there is sufficient evidence to suggest a bi-directional link between the two. This article summarizes the established associations between periodontal disease and systemic health.

Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis using the Caprini score.

Abstract: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) including pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is one of the leading causes of preventable cardiovascular disease in the United States (US) and is the number one preventable cause of death following a surgical procedure. Post-operative VTE is associated with multiple short and long-term complications. We will focus on reviewing the many faces of VTE in detail as they represent common challenging scenarios in clinical practice.

Biologics for the primary care physician: Review and treatment of psoriasis.

Abstract: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects approximately 7.5 million people in the United States. The disease results in significant suffering, morbidity, and economic impact. Psoriasis is a multifaceted disease with a strong genetic component. Genetic data has revealed the presence of particular risk alleles in patients with psoriasis. Triggers of the disease have been elucidated and include factors such as trauma, obesity, infection, stress, and medications. At its core, psoriasis is a result of a dysfunctional immune response with T-cells at the center of immunogenesis. Clinically, psoriasis is characterized by discrete, erythematous scaly plaques. These lesions are often found on extensor surfaces, especially the elbows and knees. Although extensor surfaces are the prototypical destination of lesions, psoriasis may affect any area of the skin including the scalp, intertriginous areas, nails, palms, and soles. Location of lesions are important in assessing the impact on quality of life for patients. Diagnosis of psoriasis can typically be made clinically based on characteristic history and physical examination findings. In rare cases, biopsy may be needed to rule out other papulosquamous disease. Histologic findings of psoriasis can be non-specific and include marked epidermal hyperplasia, dilated vessels within the dermal papilla, and elongated rete ridges. Importantly, psoriasis is a systemic disease and organ systems outside of the skin must be considered. Co-morbidities of psoriasis include psoriatic arthritis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric disease, inflammatory bowel disease, neoplasms, and ocular disease. Management of psoriasis depends on the severity of the disease. In mild to moderate cases, topical medications are the cornerstone of treatment. Topical corticosteroids are the most commonly used and have limited systemic effects due to the localized application of medication. In moderate to severe cases of psoriasis, topical medications are ineffective and not feasible. Phototherapy and non-biologic systemic medications have been useful treatments; however, phototherapy is time consuming and non-biologic systemics have only modest response rates. In the last decade, biologic medications have become an important component of care for treating moderate to severe psoriasis. These medications target various cytokines responsible for psoriasis manifestations such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-12, interleukin-23, and interleukin-17. In the past 15 years, numerous biologic medications have been granted FDA approval, with the majority approved in the past several years. Some of the commonly used biologics include etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, ixekizumab, secukinumab, brodalumab, guselkumab, ustekinumab, and tildrakizumab. Given the wealth of new biologics, current treatment guidelines have rapidly become outdated. This review provides summarized information of landmark trials that led to the approval of these medications.

Nutrition and oral health.

Abstract: To maintain health, the human body needs daily nourishment in the form of carbohydrates, proteins and minerals. The associations between oral health conditions, dietary practices and nutritional status, and general health status are complex with many interrelating factors. Inadequate nutrition can affect the oral health including dental caries, periodontal diseases, diseases of oralmucosa and infectious diseases. Compromised oral health can alter food choices and negatively impact food intake leading to suboptimal nutritional status which can lead to chronic systemic diseases. Recognizing and treating oral health and nutrition problems are important in improving the health and quality of life.

The value of harm reduction for injection drug use: A clinical and public health ethics analysis.

Abstract: The US is facing dual public health crises related to opioid overdose deaths and HIV. Injection drug use is fueling both of these epidemics. The War on Drugs has failed to stem injection drug use and has contributed to mass incarceration, poverty, and racial disparities. Harm reduction is an alternative approach that seeks to decrease direct and indirect harms associated with drug use without necessarily decreasing drug consumption. Although overwhelming evidence demonstrates that harm reduction is effective in mitigating harms associated with drug use and is cost-effective in providing these benefits, harm reduction remains controversial and the ethical implications of harm reduction modalities have not been well explored. This paper analyzes harm reduction for injection drug use using the core principles of autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice from both clinical ethics and public health ethics perspectives. This framework is applied to harm reduction modalities currently in use in the US, including opioid maintenance therapy, needle and syringe exchange programs, and opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution. Harm reduction interventions employed outside of the US, including safer injection facilities, heroin-assisted treatment, and decriminalization/legalization are then discussed. This analysis concludes that harm reduction is ethically sound and should be an integral aspect of our nation's healthcare system for combating the opioid crisis. From a clinical ethics perspective, harm reduction promotes the autonomy of, prevents harms to, advances the well-being of, and upholds justice for persons who use drugs. From a public health ethics perspective, harm reduction advances health equity, addresses racial disparities, and serves vulnerable, disadvantaged populations in a cost-effective manner.

Caring for the transgender adolescent and young adult: Current concepts of an evolving process in the 21st century

Abstract: The term transgender youth commonly refers to those whose gender identity, or personal core sense of self as a particular gender, differs from their assigned sex at birth; this is often designated by what external genitalia are present. These youths are presenting to multidisciplinary clinics worldwide at exponentially higher rates than in decades past, and clinics themselves have grown in number to meet the specialized demands of these youth. Additionally, the scientific and medical community has moved towards understanding the construct of gender dimensionally (i.e., across a spectrum from male to female) as opposed to dichotomous or binary "male or female" categories. This is reflected in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM 5); in this publication, the diagnostic classification of gender dysphoria, GD, (which has two subtypes: childhood and adolescence/adulthood) provides a set of criteria that many transgender people meet. GD describes the affective distress that arises as a result of the incongruence between gender identity and sex anatomy. The DSM uses language to indicate that a person may identify as another gender instead of the other gender, which further captures the complexity of the human experience of gender. Also, research regarding how current adolescents are describing their identity development and experience along this spectrum within today's society is only now being addressed in the literature. Therefore, the clinical needs of the transgender population have outpaced medical training and scientific advancement, which has opened up gaps on how to define best practices. This article provides current concepts of evaluation and management for transgender persons with emphasis on hormonal therapy (i.e., puberty blockers and gender affirming hormone therapy). Other management issues are briefly considered including gender confirming surgery and changes in the face as well as voice.

Evaluating the possible association between systemic osteoporosis and periodontal disease progression in postmenopausal women.

Abstract: To evaluate the association between systemic osteoporosis and periodontal diseases in postmenopausal women. A total of 300 women aged (50–70 years) were divided into an osteoporotic (OP) group (n = 150) and non-osteoporotic (NOP) group (n = 150) depending on BMD measured using (DXA) at the femoral neck and lumbar spine. Periodontal examination including PI, GI, PPD, and CAL was measured. A standard digital dental panoramic radiograph was taken for each patient and analyzed using specially developed software graphic program to assess the alveolar bone level and BMD. Elemental analysis of root surfaces of extracted teeth was done for detecting Ca, P, F, Mg, and K using (LIBS). Results showed the differences between both groups were not statistically significant in PI, GI, and PPD. A statistically significant difference was found between both groups in CAL, the distance between CEJ-AC and alveolar bone density. Elemental analysis of the root surfaces revealed that Ca was statistically significantly less in the OP group while the differences between both groups regarding F and P were not statistically significant. Mg and K found to be significantly more in the OP group than in the NOP group. To conclude osteoporosis is certainly a risk factor for periodontal disease and seems to plays a vital role in disease progression.

Reviewing the role of human papillomavirus in oral cancer using the Bradford Hill criteria of causation.

Abstract: Human papillomavirus is a well-established risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer, although its role in oral cancer is still debated. Inconclusive evidence of its role in oral cancer is due to conflicting data arising from methodological differences, mostly due to the use of diagnostic tests with varying sensitivity and specificity. In addition, there is a lack of experimental data linking HPV to oral cancer. Recent epidemiological studies provide data on HPV prevalence in oral squamous cell carcinoma and other potentially malignant oral disorders. Further, molecular data from in vivo and in vitro models have led to new insights into the role of human papillomavirus in oral cancer. The clinical significance of identifying HPV as an etiology for oral squamous cell carcinoma is that if proven, vaccination could be an effective prevention tool. Further, like oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, prognostic differences may exist between human papillomavirus positive and negative oral squamous cell carcinoma. This manuscript reviews data from the published literature using Bradford Hill criteria of causation to assess the role of human papillomavirus in oral cancer. Due to the advancement in molecular biology, the requirements of each of the Bradford Hill criteria of causation are modified to include integrated data from both epidemiological studies and experimental studies exploring molecular carcinogenesis.

Renal complications during pregnancy: In the hypertension spectrum.

Abstract: In pregnancy, there are numerous changes which occur to accommodate the needs of both the fetus and placenta. These changes present us with a unique set of clinical challenges particularly in the setting of any disease processes occurring during pregnancy. It is essential to understand that the systems profoundly affected are the cardiovascular and renal systems. The most predominant disease process occurring in pregnancy affecting both the cardiovascular and renal system is the spectrum of hypertensive disorders specifically pre-eclampsia. Due to its high incidence worldwide, it is considered as the most common cause of infant and maternal morbidity and mortality. While the international definition, classification scheme and diagnostic criteria for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy still must be agreed upon, hypertension has been the mandatory feature for all established guidelines. Pre-eclampsia particularly the severe form which is recognized as HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelet count) syndrome is the primary cause of acute kidney injury in pregnancy. In this review, we would primarily discuss the hemodynamic and vascular changes, anatomical and physiologic renal adaptations occurring during normal pregnancy and the complications which arise in the setting of hypertensive diseases. Mainly focusing on the pre-eclampsia spectrum, since knowledge of these is of clinical importance not only in understanding its role in the disease process but more so its implications for prevention, screening, diagnosis, and management.

The future of population medicine: Investigating the role of advanced practice providers and simulation education in special patient populations.

Abstract: Advanced practice providers (APPs) have come to play an increasingly significant role in the United States healthcare system in the past five decades, particularly in primary care. The first portion of this paper will explore the utilization of APPs in specific patient populations: pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics, and psychiatry. After a brief discussion of the demand for these specialties, the authors will outline the educational preparation and competencies that nurse practitioners and physician assistants must achieve before working with these special populations. Finally, the authors will discuss the current and future roles of APPs in pediatric, obstetric, geriatric, and psychiatric populations. Simulated patient interactions and scenarios have become integrated into clinical education for many health care providers. Although traditionally utilized only in emergency medicine education, medical simulation has grown to become a staple of training in nearly every area of medicine. Healthcare providers of all levels can benefit from both individual and team-based training designed to improve everything from patient communication to procedural competence. The flexible nature of simulation training allows for customized teaching that is directly relevant to a specific specialty. The second half of this paper will demonstrate simulation's versatilite applications in the specialty areas of urgent care, pediatrics, mental health, geriatrics, and obstetrics.

Obstetric and gynecologic causes of pleural effusions

Abstract: Obstetric and gynecologic pleural effusions may occur in the setting of different diseases and conditions, early and appropriate recognition of the different etiologies of these effusions will aid in appropriate treatment management. In this paper we will give an overview of the different pleural effusion etiologies that may be encountered including catamenial hemothorax, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, the different Meigs' syndromes and benign peripartum pleural effusion.