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Fluoroquinolones are a commonly prescribed class of antibiotics due to their broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, favorable pharmacokinetic properties, ability to switch from parenteral to oral administration, and global availability. After beta-lactams, they are the second most common antibiotic class associated with drug allergies. The mechanism of fluoroquinolone-induced hypersensitivity reactions has not yet been fully understood, so the true incidence of hypersensitivity reactions remains unknown. Cross-reactivity between fluoroquinolones has been the subject of conflicting and limited clinical research. Due to their similar chemical structure, some argue for close cross-reactivity within the group. However, recent studies have produced contradictory results. We present the case of a young patient who had an anaphylactic reaction to ciprofloxacin but was tolerant to levofloxacin, as determined via a skin prick test followed by a drug provocation test. Our findings support the notion that there is little cross-reactivity between fluoroquinolones. Consequently, exposure to another fluoroquinolone in a hospital setting may be beneficial, particularly for patients who lack adequate antibiotic alternatives. However, additional research on this subject is required.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune and inflammatory disease. Conventional synthetic and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), Janus kinase inhibitors, and rituximab are used to treat the disease. There are no recommendations or guidelines for the treatment of patients with both inflammatory arthritis and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), despite the safety and efficacy of the mentioned drugs. The anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab (TCZ) has not been used as a long-term therapy for hemodialysis (HD) patients with RA, except in a few case reports. Case Description: We present the case of a 41-year-old patient with RA and ESRD on maintenance HD due to type 1 diabetes-related complications. Due to high RA disease activity, the patient was not a suitable candidate for a kidney transplant. Because TCZ is used to treat both RA and kidney transplant rejection, therapy with a full dose of TCZ was administered. The patient has achieved sustained clinical remission (for the past four years) with no adverse events reported. Conclusions: Herein, we present the safe and effective use of TCZ in an RA patient on HD who is also a candidate for kidney transplant. Consequently, TCZ could be the treatment of choice for RA patients with ESRD who have not achieved disease control (low activity or remission) with conventional synthetic DMARDs. Clinical studies are required to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biologic DMARDs and Janus kinase inhibitors in patients with both inflammatory arthritis and ESRD.

Background: Previous studies have reported that the allergy epidemic in developed countries has reached its plateau, while a rise is expected in developing ones. Our aim was to compare the prevalence of allergic diseases among schoolchildren from the city of Zagreb, Croatia after sixteen years. Methods: Symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR) and atopic dermatitis (AD) and risk factors were assessed using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. An allergic profile was determined by a skin prick test. Results: The prevalence of current, ever-in-a-lifetime and diagnosed AR of 35.7%, 42.5% and 14.9% and AD of 18.1%, 37.1% and 31.1% demonstrated a significant increase. The asthma prevalence has remained unchanged. The allergen sensitivity rate has remained similar, but pollens have become dominant. Mould and dog exposure are risks for asthma (OR 14.505, OR 2.033). Exposure to cat allergens is protective in AR (OR 0.277). Parental history of allergies is a risk factor in all conditions. Conclusion: Over sixteen years, the prevalence of AR and AD, but not of asthma, have increased. The proportion of atopy has remained high. The AR/AD symptom rise is probably a consequence of increased pollen sensitisation united with high particulate matter concentrations. The stable asthma trend could be a result of decreasing exposures to indoor allergens.

Abstract Background The peripheral blood (PB) monocyte pool contains osteoclast progenitors (OCPs), which contribute to osteoresorption in inflammatory arthritides and are influenced by the cytokine and chemokine milieu. We aimed to define the importance of chemokine signals for migration and activation of OCPs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods PB and, when applicable, synovial fluid (SF) samples were collected from 129 patients with RA, 53 patients with PsA, and 110 control patients in parallel to clinical parameters of disease activity, autoantibody levels, and applied therapy. Receptors for osteoclastogenic factors (CD115 and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB [RANK]) and selected chemokines (CC chemokine receptor 1 [CCR1], CCR2, CCR4, CXC chemokine receptor 3 [CXCR3], CXCR4) were determined in an OCP-rich subpopulation (CD3−CD19−CD56−CD11b+CD14+) by flow cytometry. In parallel, levels of CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CXC chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9), CXCL10, and CXCL12 were measured using cytometric bead array or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sorted OCPs were stimulated in culture by macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, and they were differentiated into mature osteoclasts that resorb bone. Selected chemokines (CCL2, CCL5, CXCL10, and CXCL12) were tested for their osteoclastogenic and chemotactic effects on circulatory OCPs in vitro. Results The OCP population was moderately enlarged among PB cells in RA and correlated with levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), rheumatoid factor, CCL2, and CCL5. Compared with PB, the RANK+ subpopulation was expanded in SF and correlated with the number of tender joints. Patients with PsA could be distinguished by increased RANK expression rather than total OCP population. OCPs from patients with arthritis had higher expression of CCR1, CCR2, CCR4, CXCR3, and CXCR4. In parallel, patients with RA had increased levels of CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL10, with significant elevation in SF vs PB for CXCL10. The subset expressing CXCR4 positively correlated with TNF-α, bone resorption marker, and rheumatoid factor, and it was reduced in patients treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The CCR4+ subset showed a significant negative trend during anti-TNF treatment. CCL2, CCL5, and CXCL10 had similar osteoclastogenic effects, with CCL5 showing the greatest chemotactic action on OCPs. Conclusions In our study, we identified distinct effects of selected chemokines on stimulation of OCP mobilization, tissue homing, and maturation. Novel insights into migratory behaviors and functional properties of circulatory OCPs in response to chemotactic signals could open ways to new therapeutic targets in RA.

The heterogeneity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presentation and molecular signature of RA subclasses in patients with early changes of small peripheral joints still remains a challenging problem. In clinical setting, classification of the disease subtypes is not possible and treatment adjustment is based on the continuous Disease Activity Score for disease severity recognition. A new approach in the treatment appears with the novel non biologic targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs from the group of Janus kinase 1 and 3 (JAK1 and JAK3), blocking interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15 and IL-21. We report a case of a 48-year-old patient who had suffered from polyarthritis from his age 40. Initial laboratory tests showed low inflammatory parameters and magnetic resonance imaging of both hands indicated an early stage of RA. Methylprednisolone and methotrexate therapy was initiated. The patient underwent additional tests, but there was not sufficient evidence for a precise diagnosis. According to the European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology score-based algorithm, the patient was classified as seronegative RA based on joint involvement, duration of the disease, and synovitis not better explained by another disease. A partial clinical effect of the administered therapy (steroids as monotherapy and in combination, methotrexate and leflunomide) was noticed with the use of systemic steroids, but dramatic improvement was only achieved with a JAK inhibitor targeted therapy. Although the use of anti TNF-α blocker is a proposed procedure and the drug has not yet been registered in Europe, we took the opportunity to apply this new medication option. The patient, a construction worker, was treated for 20 months, which led to complete remission of the disease, without the need of basic or corticosteroid therapy. Full functional capacity necessary in his demanding job was also achieved. This result raised a question of timely introduction of immunomodulators in the polyarthritis treatment steps.