Internal medicine
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Objective Several studies have shown an increased risk of bullous pemphigoid (BP) when receiving dipeptidyl pepitidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) treatment. The present study explored the associations of DPP-4i treatment with the clinical phenotypes and clinical course of BP. Methods We analyzed data of 146 patients with BP at Tokai University School of Medicine from December 1, 2009, to December 31, 2021. ⋯ Of note, 69.2% of the patients who stopped DPP-4i treatment experienced complete remission, and the clinical course was more favorable in patients with lower scores for urticaria/erythema than among others. Conclusion These findings suggest that, in patients who developed BP while receiving DPP-4i treatment, a noninflammatory phenotype may indicate a high likelihood that DPP-4i treatment contributes to the development of BP. The discontinuation of DPP-4i should be carefully considered in close consultation with dermatologists.
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Observational Study
Baseline Blood Pressure and Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling in Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Spontaneous Mechanical Alternans.
Objective Spontaneous mechanical alternans (MA), or pulsus alternans, has been observed in heart failure patients with hypertension or tachycardia for 150 years and is considered a sign of a poor prognosis. However, in some dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients with MA, optimal medical therapy (OMT) brings left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR), a preferable prognostic indicator. This study examined the probability of LVRR in DCM patients with spontaneous MA and whether or not LVRR can be predicted by the baseline blood pressure or heart rate. ⋯ In contrast, in the non-MA group, LVRR was unrelated to the baseline aortic pressure or heart rate. Conclusion The probability of LVRR in newly-diagnosed DCM patients with spontaneous MA was similar to that in those without spontaneous MA. Spontaneous MA may not necessarily be a sign of a poor prognosis if observed in patients with a preserved blood pressure.
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We herein report a case of hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia (HAAA) that occurred after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination. In this patient, progressive pancytopenia observed two months after acute hepatitis following the second dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine indicated the development of HAAA. ⋯ SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in children has only started relatively recently, so the range of side effects in children has not yet been thoroughly described. Therefore, we need to strengthen surveillance for symptoms of children who are vaccinated.
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Case Reports
Mandibular Nodule Caused by Mycobacterium marinum with False Positive Interferon-γ Release Assay. A Case Report.
Mycobacterium marinum is a ubiquitous organism inhabiting both fresh and salt water. It can cause human diseases such as skin and soft tissue infection. ⋯ Here, we present a case of submandibular nodule caused by M. marinum with positive T-SPOT®. TB test, which was likely to be false positive.