Wiener klinische Wochenschrift
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Jul 2021
ReviewImmunotherapy and vaccination against infectious diseases.
Due to the overuse of antibiotics, infections, in particular those caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, are becoming more and more frequent. Despite the worldwide introduction of antibiotic therapy, vaccines and constant improvements in hygiene, the burden of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections is increasing and is expected to rise in the future. The development of monoclonal therapeutic antibodies and specific immunomodulatory drugs represent new treatment options in the fight against infectious diseases. This article provides a brief overview of recent advances in immunomodulatory therapy and other strategies in the treatment of infectious disease.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Jul 2021
A data-driven framework for introducing predictive analytics into expanded program on immunization in Pakistan.
Pakistan has a nationwide expanded program on immunization (EPI), yet vaccination coverage in Pakistan is quite low. Recently, an analytical model has been proposed to improve the coverage by identifying children who are most likely to miss any of the vaccines included in the immunization schedule, known as defaulters; however, a number of limitations remain unresolved in the previously proposed model. Firstly, it only classified children into two stages: defaulters and non-defaulters, considering all children at high risk of defaulting even if only one dose is missed. Secondly, there was no categorisation of high and low coverage areas for prioritised vaccination. The aim of this study was to propose a prediction framework for the accurate identification of defaulters. ⋯ The proposed framework in this study is a step forward towards a data-driven approach and provides a set of machine learning techniques to utilise predictive analytics. Hence, this can reinforce immunization programs by expediting targeted action to reduce drop-outs.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Jul 2021
Hereditary pancreatitis in childhood: course of disease and complications.
Hereditary pancreatitis is rare. Pain therapy for juvenile symptom onset, child development and the risk of pancreatic carcinoma in adulthood must be considered. ⋯ Patients with genetically caused chronic pancreatitis are rare. Their care ranges from pain therapy in childhood and adolescence to questions concerning family planning and pancreatic cancer prevention from mid-adulthood onward. The disease is challenging for the interdisciplinary cooperation. We found the step-up strategy to be a good option for pain therapy. A national registry monitored by scientific societies with active recruitment for screening examinations will further improve and ensure care in the long term.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Jul 2021
Outcomes of an HCV elimination program targeting the Viennese MSM population.
Recent reports suggest an increasing incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among MSM (men-who-have-sex-with-men). Early treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) achieves high cure rates and prevents further HCV transmission. We offered barrier-free HCV screening in the Viennese MSM population and immediate access to DAA treatment. ⋯ A targeted HCV test-and-treat program revealed a high prevalence of HCV seropositivity among Viennese MSM, potentially associated with high-risk sexual behavior and drug use. Early DAA treatment seems warranted in viremic HCV-MSM as SVR was 100%, which in turn prevents further HCV transmission.