Search

OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive overview of treatment strategies for systemic lupus erythematosus, focusing on disease severity-based management, glucocorticoid utilization, and novel approaches to reduce treatment-related harm. METHODOLOGY: An extensive analysis of current guidelines, studies, and evidence-based recommendations related to systemic lupus erythematosus treatment. We examined strategies proposed by EULAR and GLADEL for achieving remission and low disease activity based on SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores and medication doses. RESULTS: The treat to target strategy, emphasizing complete disease remission, is central in systemic lupus erythematosus management. Low disease activity has shown sustained patient adherence and protection against relapse and organ damage. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal management of systemic lupus erythematosus entails aligning treatment with disease severity, judicious glucocorticoid use, and integration of emerging approaches to mitigate treatment-associated harm. Regular follow-up and adherence to established guidelines are crucial for achieving favorable outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrasting with the lymphopenia classically reported after administration of glucocorticoids, a lymphocytosis has been sometimes observed in patients after glucocorticoid administration. We here determine prospectively the timing and magnitude of methylprednisolone (mPDN)-induced lymphocytosis and study the effects of concomitant propranolol administration on lymphocyte count (Ly). Ly was measured before and 24 to 72 hours after initiating mPDN treatment in 20 patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disorders (IMID). After one week, patients with increased Ly were divided in two groups receiving, in addition to mPDN, either propranolol or a placebo; Ly was determined 4 days later. Lymphocyte subpopulations and mPDN plasma levels were determined in subsets of the patients. Values are expressed as median with 25%–75% interquartile range. A 73.4% (37–305) increase of Ly was observed in 18/20 patients as soon as 48 (48–72) hours after initiating mPDN (32 mg; 16–32). Lymphocytosis (Ly ≥ 4000/μL) was observed in 7 patients and hyperlymphocytosis (Ly ≥ 5000/μL) in 4 of them. The increase in Ly was noted both for B and T cells. Median mPDN plasma levels (n = 13) were 97.4 ng/mL (IQR 67–489) and 3.2 (IQR 2.1–5.1) respectively 8 hours and 24 hours after oral mPDN administration. No significant change in Ly was shown under propranolol (p = 0.570). A morning lymphocytosis observed during mPDN treatment occurs in the very first days of mPDN administration. Our results do not support the hypothesis of an increased adrenergic tone responsible for this phenomenon. Identifying this unexpected etiology of lymphocytosis could mitigate the need for unnecessary supplementary investigations in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence evaluating the association between pre-frailty and frailty, and risk of adverse health outcomes in patients with Behçet's syndrome (BS) is limited in the literature. The aim of this study was to characterize the prevalence of frailty and associated factors in a single-centre cohort of patients with BS. Based on the International Study Group's criteria, this was a monocentric cross-sectional study of BS patients. The Fried frailty criteria were used to define frailty. The Turkish version of the Behçet's Disease Current Activity Form was used to measure the disease activity of BS. Damage index was assessed with the Behçet's Syndrome Overall Damage Index. Forty-four patients were enrolled. According to Fried frailty criteria, patients were classified as 13.6% frail, 59% pre-frail, and 27.2% robust, respectively. Compared to pre-frail and robust patients, frail patients had higher levels of inflammatory markers at the time of diagnosis. CRP levels at time of diagnosis and at the last visit were higher in the frail group than in the pre-frail and robust groups (p = 0.039 and p = 0.023, respectively). When active drugs for BS were evaluated, systemic glucocorticoid (50%, p = 0.030) and cyclophosphamide (33.3%, p = 0.006) treatments were higher in the frail group. Frailty and pre-frailty are commonly detected even in younger patients with BS. Inflammation can be described as potential determinants of frailty status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) in children is a rare condition characterized by deficient production of glucocorticoids and/or mineralocorticoids. The clinical manifestations are nonspecific and insidious. Providers need to know about this disorder to be able to make an early diagnosis, as appropriate management can be life-saving. Methods: We conducted a multicentre retrospective study including every patient aged less than 18 years given a diagnosis of PAI in the last 30 years at 5 Spanish hospitals. Objectives: The objective was to determine the aetiologies, signs, symptoms and laboratory findings of PAI in the paediatric age group. Results: Twenty nine patients received a diagnosis of PAI at a median age of 5.6 years. An aetiological diagnosis was established in 23 patients (79.3%): X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy in 8 (27.6%), autoimmune adrenalitis in 6 (20.7%), X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita in 4 (13.8%), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) resistance syndrome in 2 (6.9%), Pearson syndrome in 2 (6.9%) and Allgrove syndrome in 1 (3.4%). In the remaining 6 patients, no clear aetiology was identified. Sixteen patients (55.2%) had onset with an adrenal crisis. Twenty patients (69%) needed combination therapy (hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone). Conclusions: Asthenia, hyperpigmentation and hyponatraemia were the most prevalent sign, symptom and electrolyte abnormality at onset of PAI, although their absence does not rule out this disease. The elevation of ACTH persists despite adequate glucocorticoid replacement therapy. Resumen: Introducción: La insuficiencia suprarrenal primaria (ISP) es una enfermedad rara en niños caracterizada por la incapacidad en la producción de glucocorticoides y/o mineralocorticoides. Las manifestaciones clínicas son inespecíficas e insidiosas. Debemos conocer esta enfermedad para poder realizar un diagnóstico precoz, ya que el correcto manejo de la enfermedad puede salvar vidas. Diseño: Se ha realizado un estudio multicéntrico y retrospectivo, registrándose todos los pacientes diagnosticados de ISP (menores de 18 años) en los últimos 30 años de 5 hospitales españoles. Objetivos: Determinar la etiología, signos, síntomas y alteraciones analíticas en la insuficiencia suprarrenal primaria en la edad pediátrica. Resultados: Veintinueve pacientes fueron diagnosticados de ISP, con una mediana de 5,6 años. Se logró emitir un diagnóstico etiológico en 23 pacientes (79,3%): encontramos 8 casos de adrenoleucodistrofia ligada al cromosoma X (27,6%), 6 adrenalitis autoinmunes (20,7%), 4 hipoplasias suprarrenales congénitas ligadas al X (13,8%), 2 síndromes de resistencia a la ACTH (6,9%), 2 pacientes con síndrome de Pearson (6,9%) y un paciente con síndrome de Allgrove (3,4%). En los otros 6 pacientes, la etiología es desconocida por el momento. Dieciséis pacientes (55,2%) debutaron en forma de crisis adrenal. Veinte pacientes (69%) precisaron tratamiento combinado (hidrocortisona y fludrocortisona). Conclusiones: La astenia, la hiperpigmentación cutánea y la hiponatremia fueron el síntoma, el signo y la alteración electrolítica más frecuentes al debut, aunque su ausencia, no descarta una ISP. La ACTH (hormona adrenocorticotropa) permanece elevada a pesar de un correcto tratamiento con glucocorticoides.

Les glucocorticoïdes sont largement utilisés pour le traitement de diverses maladies et affections dans un certain nombre de spécialités. Les effets néfastes des glucocorticoïdes oraux sur la santé osseuse sont bien documentés et l'ostéoporose cortico-induite est la cause la plus répandue d'ostéoporose provoquée par des médicaments et de fractures. On ne sait toutefois pas avec certitude si, ni dans quelle mesure, les glucocorticoïdes administrés par d'autres voies ont des effets sur le squelette. Cette revue présente les résultats disponibles à propos des effets des glucocorticoïdes administrés par voie inhalée, épidurale, intra-articulaire et topique sur les paramètres osseux. Bien que les données probantes soient limitées et peu robustes, il semble qu'une petite proportion des glucocorticoïdes administrés puisse être absorbés, pénétrer dans la circulation systémique et avoir des effets néfastes sur le squelette. Les glucocorticoïdes puissants, les fortes doses et une longue durée de traitement pourraient entraîner un risque accru de perte osseuse et de fractures. On trouve peu de données, et celles qui sont disponibles concernent uniquement les glucocorticoïdes inhalés, sur l'efficacité des anti-ostéoporotiques chez les patients recevant une corticothérapie administrée par d'autres modes que la voie orale. Des études complémentaires sont nécessaires pour clarifier la relation entre les différentes voies d'administration des glucocorticoïdes et les paramètres osseux et contribuer à formuler des recommandations de prise en charge optimale de ces patients. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used by several specialties for the treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions. The unfavorable effect of oral GCs on bone health is well-documented. The ensuing from their use glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is the most common cause of medication-induced osteoporosis and fractures. It is uncertain, however, if, and in what extent, GCs administered by other routes affect the skeleton. In the present review, we quote current evidence on the effect of inhaled GCs, epidural and intra-articular steroid injections, and topical GCs on bone outcomes. Although evidence is limited and weak, it seems that a small proportion of the administered GCs may be absorbed, enter the systemic circulation, and adversely affect the skeleton. Potent GCs, higher doses, and longer treatment duration seem to infer the greater risk for bone loss and fractures. There are scarce data, and only for inhaled GCs, regarding the efficacy of antiosteoporotic medications in patients receiving GCs through routes other than oral. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between GC administration through these routes and bone outcomes and to help establishing guidelines for the optimal management of such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diseñar un protocolo asistencial en las artritis inflamatorias crónicas durante el período preconcepcional, el embarazo, el posparto y la lactancia. Este protocolo tiene como objetivo ser práctico y aplicable en las consultas donde se atienden a pacientes con enfermedades inflamatorias reumatológicas crónicas, ayudando así a un mejor control de estas pacientes. Asimismo, se ofrecen recomendaciones sobre en qué momento se podría consultar/remitir a las pacientes a un centro especializado por parte del facultativo. Un panel multidisciplinar de médicos expertos de diferentes especialidades identificó los puntos claves, analizó la evidencia científica y se reunió para elaborar el protocolo asistencial. Las recomendaciones elaboradas se han dividido en 3 bloques: reumatología, ginecología y pediatría. El primer bloque se ha dividido en visita pregestacional, gestación y posparto. Este protocolo intenta homogeneizar el seguimiento de las pacientes desde el momento del deseo gestacional hasta el año de vida de los lactantes. Es importante realizar análisis en las pacientes en edad fértil y usar fármacos compatibles con la gestación. Si procede, se debe derivar a la paciente a unidades especializadas. La multidisciplinariedad (reumatología, ginecología y pediatría) es fundamental para mejorar en el control y en el seguimiento de estas pacientes y sus recién nacidos. To design a care protocol in chronic inflammatory arthritis during the pre-conceptional period, pregnancy, postpartum and lactation. This protocol aims to be practical and applicable in consultations where patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatological diseases are treated, thus helping to better control these patients. Likewise, recommendations are offered on when patients could be consulted/referred to a specialized center by the physician. A multidisciplinary panel of expert physicians from different specialties identified the key points, analyzed the scientific evidence, and met to develop the care protocol. The recommendations prepared have been divided into three blocks: rheumatology, gynecology and pediatrics. The first block has been divided into pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and postpartum visits. This protocol tries to homogenize the follow-up of the patients from the moment of the gestational desire until the year of life of the infants. It is important to perform tests in patients of childbearing age and use drugs compatible with pregnancy. If appropriate, the patient should be referred to specialized units. Multidisciplinarity (rheumatology, gynecology and pediatrics) is essential to improve the control and monitoring of these patients and their offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trauma-focused treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are effective for many patients. However, relapse may occur when acquired extinction memories fail to generalize beyond treatment contexts. A subgroup of PTSD patients – potentially with substantial exposure to early-life adversity (ELA) – show dysregulation of the hypothalamic– pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which results in lower cortisol levels. Glucocorticoids, including cortisol, appear to facilitate strength and generalization of emotional memories. Objective: We describe the protocol of an integrated PTSD study. We investigate (A) associations between HPA-axis dysregulation, ELA, epigenetic markers, and PTSD treatment outcome (observational study); and (B) effects of exogenous glucocorticoids on strength and generalization of extinction memories and associated neural mechanisms [pharmacological intervention study with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)]. The objective is to provide proof of concept that PTSD patients with HPA-axis dysregulation often experienced ELA and may show improved strength and generalization of extinction learning after glucocorticoid administration. Method: The observational study (n = 160 PTSD group, n = 30 control group) assesses ELA, follow-up PTSD symptoms, epigenetic markers, and HPA-axis characteristics (salivary cortisol levels during low-dose dexamethasone suppression test and socially evaluated cold-pressor test). The pharmacological intervention study (n = 80 PTSD group, with and without HPAaxis dysregulation) is a placebo-controlled fMRI study with a crossover design. To investigate strength and generalization of extinction memories, we use a differential fear acquisition, extinction, and extinction recall task with spatial contexts within a virtual environment. Prior to extinction learning, 20 mg hydrocortisone or placebo is administered. During next-day recall, strength of the extinction memory is determined by recovery of skin conductance and pupil dilation differential responding, whereas generalization is assessed by comparing responses between different spatial contexts. Conclusion: The integrated study described in the current protocol paper could inform a personalized treatment approach in which these PTSD patients may receive glucocorticoids as a treatment enhancer in trauma-focused therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCCIÓN: durante la pandemia de COVID-19 se reportaron casos de hiperglucemia en pacientes hospitalizados con y sin diabetes mellitus. La hiperglucemia podría deberse al estado pro inflamatorio de la enfermedad, uso de corticoides, daño directo e indirecto del virus hacia las células pancreáticas, disfunción endotelial, entre otros. La hiperglucemia es una complicación muy común en las enfermedades infecciosas; incrementa la estadía hospitalaria, la mortalidad y complicaciones. OBJETIVO: determinar la frecuencia de hiperglucemia en pacientes con neumonía COVID-19 tratados con corticoides. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: estudio observacional, retrospectivo, descriptivo. Se evaluaron pacientes de ambos sexos mayores a 18 años, sin antecedentes de diabetes mellitus, internados en la Clínica Universitaria Reina Fabiola con diagnóstico de neumonía por infección por COVID-19 que recibieron tratamiento corticoideo. Para ello se revisaron las historias clínicas durante el período comprendido entre 1° de marzo de 2021 hasta el 31 de octubre de 2021. Se analizaron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, antecedente familiar de diabetes, índice de masa corporal (IMC), hiperglucemia en internado definida como glucemia plasmática mayor o igual a 140 mg/dl, índice de comorbilidad de Charlson, antecedente de diabetes gestacional y dosis de corticoide administrada. Las características de la muestra se presentaron con la estadística descriptiva; N y porcentaje para variables categóricas y medida de posición y dispersión para variables continuas. RESULTADOS: en este análisis se incluyeron 109 pacientes, los mismos tenían una edad media (desviación estándar, DE) de 54.24 (14.50) años de edad, con un predominio del género masculino (83%). La dosis media (DE) de dexametasona diaria utilizada fue de 8.03 (5.15) mg/día con una media de duración (DE) de 4.8 (2.2) días. Del total de los pacientes N= 76 (67.7%) presentaron hiperglucemia. Los pacientes con hiperglucemia tenían una edad media (DE) de 56.32 (14.06), de los cuales N= 58 (76.3%) eran hombres. En este grupo, el antecedente de diabetes mellitus familiar fue positivo en N= 50 (65.8%) pacientes y de diabetes gestacional en N=21 (27.6%). En N=51 (67%) pacientes con hiperglucemia el índice de comorbilidad de Charlson fue igual a 0. Finalmente, los pacientes con hiperglucemia tenían un IMC medio (DE) de 30 (5.9); N= 23 (30.3%) presentaban sobrepeso y N=41 (52.9%) obesidad. CONCLUSIONES: la frecuencia de hiperglucemia en pacientes con neumonía por COVID-19 hospitalizados y tratados con corticoides fue del 67%. La hiperglucemia se presentó con mayor frecuencia en hombres, de los cuales, en su mayoría presentan antecedentes familiares de diabetes y un índice de masa corporal elevado.

Introducción: la crisis hiperglucémica es la complicación aguda más grave en diabetes mellitus y los factores precipitantes suelen ser infección, intoxicación, inflamación, isquemia y yatrogenia. Esta última hace referencia a la ingesta de medicamentos como glucocorticoides, pues es paradójico que siendo uno de los efectos secundarios más conocidos, es de los más subestimados. Presentación del caso: mujer de 62 años con antecedente de púrpura trombocitopénica idiopática en tratamiento con prednisolona 50 mg/día, quién ingresó a urgencias por cuadro clínico de 5 días de evolución consistente en somnolencia, astenia e hiporexia. Se encontró somnolencia, deshidratación grado III, uroanálisis con cetonuria y osmolaridad de 320.48 mOsm/k, glucemia 1.035 mg/dL y gases arteriales con acidemia metabólica no compensada. Se consideró el cuadro como crisis hiperglucémica mixta de probable inducción por corticoides. Requirió insulinoterapia e hidratación endovenosa con evolución favorable. Discusión: los glucocorticoides tienen múltiples manifestaciones adversas, dentro de las que destaca el efecto deletéreo sobre el metabolismo de los carbohidratos, lo cual puede exacerbar la hiperglucemia en individuos con diabetes o en su defecto puede facilitar la aparición de diabetes sin diagnóstico previo. Conclusión: es necesario establecer la incidencia de los pacientes con enfermedades autoinmunes que reciben corticoterapia y desarrollan diabetes mellitus.

Objetivo: Comparar el nivel de control del asma mediante el uso del Asthma Control Test (ACT) y manifestaciones clínicas en dos grupos de pacientes tratados con diferentes corticosteroides inhalados (GCI). Materiales y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, observacional y prospectivo donde se registró en 521 niños del programa de asma del Hospital III Yanahuara (Arequipa, Perú) el Nivel de Control del Asma, durante el periodo de junio del 2020 a diciembre 2021, por medio de la consulta remota empleando el ACT y la recopilación de los hallazgos clínicos (síntomas diurnos, nocturnos, visita a emergencias y uso de broncodilatadores beta 2 agonistas), en dos momentos durante la pandemia COVID-19. Resultados. Ambos grupos tuvieron un control óptimo al inicio y final del estudio, con una mejoría significativa en el último control (P < 0.05). En las manifestaciones clínicas no hubo una diferencia estadística (P > 0.05) en ambos controles. El nivel promedio del ACT de la Fluticasona al egreso, tuvo una superioridad significativa frente a la Beclometasona (P = 0.03). Conclusiones. La Teleconsulta es una herramienta eficaz para el monitoreo de enfermedades crónicas como lo es el asma. Tanto Fluticasona cómo Beclometasona lograron un control óptimo de la enfermedad, destacando que el verdadero factor determinante para lograr un buen control es el uso continuo de cualquier GCI. Sin embargo, se encontró una diferencia estadística significativa a favor de la Fluticasona; no obstante, por su menor precio, la relación costo-eficacia favorece a Beclometasona como opción económica y eficiente para un óptimo control del asma.

Introduction: Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) in children is a rare condition characterized by deficient production of glucocorticoids and/or mineralocorticoids. The clinical manifestations are nonspecific and insidious. Providers need to know about this disorder to be able to make an early diagnosis, as appropriate management can be life-saving., Methods: We conducted a multicentre retrospective study including every patient aged less than 18 years given a diagnosis of PAI in the last 30 years at 5 Spanish hospitals., Objectives: The objective was to determine the aetiologies, signs, symptoms and laboratory findings of PAI in the paediatric age group., Results: Twenty nine patients received a diagnosis of PAI at a median age of 5.6 years. An aetiological diagnosis was established in 23 patients (79.3%): X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy in 8 (27.6%), autoimmune adrenalitis in 6 (20.7%), X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita in 4 (13.8%), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) resistance syndrome in 2 (6.9%), Pearson syndrome in 2 (6.9%) and Allgrove syndrome in 1 (3.4%). In the remaining 6 patients, no clear aetiology was identified. Sixteen patients (55.2%) had onset with an adrenal crisis. Twenty patients (69%) needed combination therapy (hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone)., Conclusions: Asthenia, hyperpigmentation and hyponatraemia were the most prevalent sign, symptom and electrolyte abnormality at onset of PAI, although their absence does not rule out this disease. The elevation of ACTH persists despite adequate glucocorticoid replacement therapy., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2024 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

The catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare life-threatening clinical condition that represents the most severe clinical presentation of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). It was first described in 1992 in a group of patients that presented with multiorgan involvement and microangiopathic features of APS. Most of the current knowledge of CAPS comes from the analysis of all cases collected at the "CAPS Registry" that was created in 2000 to perform studies on this condition. Most cases are triggered by a prothrombotic situation that leads to a multiorgan thrombosis and a cytokine storm. The analysis of cases included in the "CAPS Registry" has shown that the triple therapy with anticoagulation, glucocorticoids, and plasma exchange and/or intravenous immunoglobulins is associated to a better prognosis of CAPS. The improvement of the knowledge allowed a decrease from the 50% mortality rate reported in the first series to 25-30% in the most recent publications., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To study the physicochemical and microbiological stability over 90 days of two preservative-free methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MTPSS) 1 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml eye drops for use in ocular pathologies such as Sjögren's syndrome and dry eye syndrome., Method: The two eye drops were prepared from injectable MTPSS (Solu-moderin® and Urbason®), water for injection and normal saline solution. In accordance with ICH (International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use) guidelines, they were then stored in triplicate under refrigerated conditions (5 ±3 °C), at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C), and at 40 °C (±2 °C). In accordance with the USP (United States Pharmacopeia), physicochemical controls of the active ingredient content were carried out by HPLC-UV (High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet detection), together with controls of pH, osmolality, and visual examination. Microbiological sterility was also tested under refrigerated conditions up to 30 days in open containers and up to 90 days in closed ones., Results: The eye drops stored at 5 °C were the most stable; in the 1 mg/ml eye drops, degradation of the drug fell below 90% from day 21, and in the 10 mg/ml eye drops, from day 42. pH change did not vary by ≥1 unit in formulations stored at 5 °C, unlike the other formulations. Changes in osmolality did not exceed 5% on day 90 in any storage conditions. Samples of non refrigerate eye drops at 10 mg/ml, presented a white precipitate from day 14 and 28 respectively. Non-refrigerated 1 mg/ml eye drops presented suspended particles on day 90. There were no color changes. Microbiological analysis showed that sterility was maintained for over 90 days in the closed containers, although microbial contamination was detected from day 21 in the open containers., Conclusions: 1 mg/ml MTPSS eye drops show physicochemical and microbiological stability for 21 days under refrigeration, compared to 42 days for 10 mg/ml eye drops stored under the same conditions. However, since they do not include preservatives in their composition, they should not be used for more than 7 days after opening., (Copyright © 2024 Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria (S.E.F.H). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To study the physicochemical and microbiological stability over 90 days of two preservative-free methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MTPSS) 1 and 10 mg/mL eye drops for use in ocular pathologies such as Sjögren's syndrome and dry eye syndrome., Method: The two eye drops were prepared from injectable MTPSS (Solu-moderin® and Urbason®), water for injection and normal saline solution. In accordance with ICH (International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use) guidelines, they were then stored in triplicate under refrigerated conditions (5±3 °C), at room temperature (25±2 °C), and at 40 °C (±2 °C). In accordance with the USP (United States Pharmacopeia), physicochemical controls of the active ingredient content were carried out by HPLC-UV (High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet detection), together with controls of pH, osmolality, and visual examination. Microbiological sterility was also tested under refrigerated conditions up to 30 days in open containers and up to 90 days in closed ones., Results: The eye drops stored at 5 °C were the most stable; in the 1 mg/mL eye drops, degradation of the drug fell below 90% from day 21, and in the 10 mg/mL eye drops, from day 42. pH change did not vary by ≥1 unit in formulations stored at 5 °C, unlike the other formulations. Changes in osmolality did not exceed 5% on day 90 in any storage conditions. Samples of non refrigerate eye drops at 10 mg/mL, presented a white precipitate from day 14 and 28, respectively. Non-refrigerated 1 mg/mL eye drops presented suspended particles on day 90. There were no color changes. Microbiological analysis showed that sterility was maintained for over 90 days in the closed containers, although microbial contamination was detected from day 21 in the open containers., Conclusions: 1 mg/mL MTPSS eye drops show physicochemical and microbiological stability for 21 days under refrigeration, compared to 42 days for 10 mg/mL eye drops stored under the same conditions. However, since they do not include preservatives in their composition, they should not be used for more than 7 days after opening., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None of the co-authors had any conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2024 Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria (S.E.F.H). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To design a care protocol in Chronic Inflammatory Arthritis during the pre-conceptional period, pregnancy, postpartum and lactation. This protocol aims to be practical and applicable in consultations where patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatological diseases are treated, thus helping to better control these patients. Likewise, recommendations are offered on when patients could be consulted/referred to a specialized center by the physician., Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of expert physicians from different specialties identified the key points, analyzed the scientific evidence, and met to develop the care protocol., Results: The recommendations prepared have been divided into three blocks: rheumatology, gynecology and pediatrics. The first block has been divided into pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and postpartum visits., Conclusions: This protocol tries to homogenize the follow-up of the patients from the moment of the gestational desire until the year of life of the infants. It is important to perform tests in patients of childbearing age and use drugs compatible with pregnancy. If appropriate, the patient should be referred to specialized units. Multidisciplinarity (rheumatology, gynecology and pediatrics) is essential to improve the control and monitoring of these patients and their offspring., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Reumatología y Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the associations between glucocorticoid administration during chemotherapy for hematologic malignancy and hyperglycemia, new-onset diabetes, and mortality in Ontario, Canada. Hospitalization and emergency room utilization during the chemotherapy treatment period were also described., Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using health administrative data from ICES, Ontario, to assess risk of new-onset diabetes, new-onset hyperglycemia, and hyperglycemia for individuals with leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) receiving glucocorticoids during chemotherapy between 2006 and 2016. Using multivariable regression models, we determined the associations between glucocorticoid exposure and our outcomes of interest, controlling for age, sex, marginalization, and comorbidities., Results: Our cohort included 19,530 individuals; 71.1% (n=13,893) received a glucocorticoid. The highest proportion of hyperglycemia occurred with leukemia (25.4%, n=1,301). Of the 15,580 individuals with no history of diabetes, those with leukemia had the highest rate of new-onset diabetes (7.1%, n=279) and new-onset hyperglycemia (18.1%, n=641), and glucocorticoid exposure increased the risk of new-onset diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 1.64, p=0.04) and new-onset hyperglycemia (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.5, p=0.003). Hyperglycemia during chemotherapy increased the risk of all-cause mortality for the combined (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.27, p<0.0001) and NHL (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.28, p=0.007) cohorts., Conclusions: Hyperglycemia is common during hematologic chemotherapy treatment and is associated with a modest increased risk of all-cause mortality. Routine screening, monitoring, and management of hyperglycemia should be an integral part of treatment plans for leukemia, NHL, or HL, with or without glucocorticoid administration., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)