Internal medicine
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Objective This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of triple therapy with telaprevir (TVR), pegylated interferon α-2b (PegIFN-α-2b) and ribavirin (RBV) in Japanese patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b in real-world clinical practice. Methods A total of 106 consecutive patients with HCV genotype 1b were treated with triple therapy for 12 weeks followed by dual therapy with PegIFN-α-2b and RBV for 12 weeks. The primary end point was sustained virological response (SVR), defined as undetectable serum HCV RNA at 24 weeks after the end of treatment. ⋯ Discontinuation rates decreased in inverse proportion to the percentage of patients with an initial TVR dose of 1,500 mg/day. Conclusion For TVR-based triple therapy, continuation of therapy is the most important predictor of SVR. Patients who are likely intolerant of standard-dose TVR should receive reduced initial doses of TVR to avoid discontinuation of therapy.
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Leptospirosis is recognized as a zoonotic disease that is emerging worldwide. Severe manifestations are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates and may therefore pose an important risk to public health, especially in certain high prevalence areas like Taiwan. The severe pulmonary form of leptospirosis is a lesser known entity and is characterized by intra-alveolar hemorrhage and can lead to acute respiratory failure with resistant hypoxemia, which leads to high mortality rates despite maximally invasive mechanical ventilation and adequate treatment. We herein present a case of severe leptospirosis complicated by massive pulmonary hemorrhage, which was successfully managed by extra corporeal membrane oxygenation.
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Cerebral toxoplasmosis is a rare disease predominantly found in immunocompromised hosts. However, cerebral toxoplasmosis has not been frequently described in association with the use of immunosuppressive medications. We herein report a case of cerebral toxoplasmosis in a 76-year-old Caucasian woman on methotrexate and infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis. ⋯ Imaging studies were not conclusive; however, brain biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Serology was positive for anti-toxoplasma immunoglobulin G. Cerebral toxoplasmosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients under immunosuppressive medication who present with neurological manifestations.
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Editorial Comment
Corticosteroid Treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.