Study Links Severe Atopic Dermatitis to Increased Risk of Glaucoma Surgery

Taiwan: A recent global population-based study has highlighted a significant association between severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and an increased risk of requiring glaucoma surgery. The findings, published in the Journal of Glaucoma, suggest that individuals with both conditions, particularly those with more severe forms of AD, may face a higher likelihood of needing surgical intervention to manage glaucoma.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes itching, redness, and skin lesions. While it primarily affects the skin, recent research has explored its broader impacts on other health conditions, including its potential relationship with ocular diseases like glaucoma. Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide, is characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often caused by increased intraocular pressure. It requires long-term management, including medical and sometimes surgical interventions.

The effect of atopic dermatitis on the prognosis of glaucoma patients has been rarely explored. To address this gap, Shu-Chun Kuo, MD, from the Department of Ophthalmology at Chi-Mei Medical Center in Tainan, Taiwan, and colleagues aimed to evaluate the risk of requiring glaucoma surgery in patients with glaucoma, comparing those with and without AD.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using the TriNetX database, assessing patients with glaucoma who were initially diagnosed between December 5, 2003, and December 3, 2018. The patients were divided into two groups: those with atopic dermatitis and those without. To ensure balanced baseline characteristics and comorbidities, the researchers performed 1:1 propensity score matching.

The study compared the risk and cumulative incidence of requiring glaucoma surgery—such as minimally invasive surgery, trabeculectomy, aqueous shunt, or transscleral cyclophotocoagulation—between cohorts. A subgroup analysis was also conducted for patients with severe AD.

The study revealed the following findings:

  • Out of 528,469 patients with glaucoma, 2,624 were in the atopic dermatitis group.
  • Among the AD group, 584 patients had severe AD.
  • The AD group showed a comparable risk of requiring glaucoma surgery to the non-AD group, with a hazard ratio of 1.03.
  • In contrast, the severe AD group demonstrated a significantly higher risk and cumulative incidence of requiring surgery, with a hazard ratio of 2.80 compared to the non-AD group.

“The findings showed that patients with glaucoma and severe atopic dermatitis are significantly more likely to require surgical intervention, with the severity of AD serving as a key factor contributing to the increased risk,” the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Chu, Yung-Yu MD*; Lee, Chia-Yi MD*; Huang, Wei-Yu MD*; Lin, Ju-Kuo MD*; Liu, Ching-Chih MD*; Lin, Hsing-Ying MD*; Ho, Chung-Han PhD†,‡; Chen, Yi-Chen MS†; Kuo, Shu-Chun MD*,§. Association of Atopic Dermatitis and Risk of Glaucoma Surgery: A Global Population-Based Study. Journal of Glaucoma 33(10):p 735-741, October 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000002464

Powered by WPeMatico

Sibeprenlimab Reduces Protein Levels in Adults with IgA Nephropathy shows Phase 3 VISIONARY study

USA: An interim analysis of the Phase 3 VISIONARY study revealed that sibeprenlimab achieved a significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the 24-hour urine protein-to-creatine ratio (uPCR) in adults with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, successfully meeting its primary endpoint. 

The Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced promising interim results from their ongoing Phase 3 trial of sibeprenlimab, an investigational treatment for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgA nephropathy) in adults. This announcement comes as a significant milestone in the search for effective therapies for this progressive kidney disease, which can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).

Sibeprenlimab is a monoclonal antibody that targets APRIL (A PRoliferation-Inducing Ligand), playing a crucial role in regulating the immune response that contributes to IgA nephropathy. By inhibiting the production of Gd-IgA1 and the formation of harmful immune complexes, sibeprenlimab aims to mitigate the disease’s progression. The treatment has already gained Breakthrough Therapy designation following encouraging results from the Phase 2 ENVISION clinical trial.

The interim analysis, conducted by an independent data monitoring committee, revealed that the Phase 3 VISIONARY study met its primary endpoint. Results showed that sibeprenlimab led to a statistically significant reduction in the 24-hour urine protein-to-creatine ratio compared to placebo after nine months of treatment. This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved approximately 530 adult patients receiving standard care, making it the largest study in this patient population.

Dr. John Kraus, executive vice president and chief medical officer of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, remarked on the findings in a press release: “The positive interim data from this trial suggest that by targeting APRIL, we could provide a new therapeutic strategy for people living with this progressive kidney disease.” He expressed gratitude to the participants, caregivers, and investigators involved in the study.

Brian Pereira, CEO of Visterra, Inc., an Otsuka U.S. affiliate, also commented on the significance of the results, noting sibeprenlimab’s potential to offer a much-needed, disease-modifying treatment option for IgA nephropathy patients.

The ongoing Phase 3 study continues to assess kidney function changes over 24 months, using an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The study is expected to conclude in early 2026, with further analyses planned to fully understand sibeprenlimab’s therapeutic potential. Otsuka aims to review these interim results with the FDA to facilitate a possible regulatory submission for accelerated approval.

About Sibeprenlimab

Sibeprenlimab (formerly VIS649) is an investigational monoclonal antibody developed by Visterra, Inc., a subsidiary of Otsuka. It targets APRIL (A PRoliferation-Inducing Ligand), a key player in the pathogenic cascade of IgA nephropathy. By blocking APRIL, sibeprenlimab aims to reduce levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and Gd-IgA1, potentially lowering auto-antibody production and immune complexes. This reduction may lead to fewer immune complex deposits in the kidneys, decreasing proteinuria and inflammation.

The drug’s mechanism could slow kidney damage and progression toward ESKD by addressing a specific driver of nephron loss in IgA nephropathy. Early-stage trials have shown promise, highlighting sibeprenlimab’s potential to provide a new therapeutic option for patients with this challenging condition.

Powered by WPeMatico

PG Medical Seat Scam: ED Issues Notice to Former Minister Malla Reddy

Hyderabad: While probing the allegations of illegal sale of postgraduate medical seats, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has now issued notices to former Minister Malla Reddy.

Recently, the ED also questioned an administrative officer at Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences, Surender Reddy, and recorded his statement as part of an ongoing investigation.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that investigating alleged seat-blocking fraud and irregularities in the financial transactions, ED officials had conducted raids on 12 medical colleges in Telangana.

Allegedly, some medical colleges, which are affiliated with Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS), sold the seats for higher prices by blocking them in a dubious manner last year.

Also Read: Seat Blocking Scam in Telangana: ED Raids 12 Medical Colleges to Investigate Financial Irregularities

The ED officials began simultaneous searches in the morning at multiple locations in Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Mahabunagar and other places. Searches were on at Malla Reddy Medical College at Suraram on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The college is run by Malla Reddy group of institutions owned by Telangana labour minister Malla Reddy.

As per the latest media report by The Hans India, these 12 private medical colleges were linked to Minister Reddy and back then, ED had seized crucial documents, pen drives, hard disks, and other electronic evidence. Now, the Directorate has issued notices to the former Minister in connection with these alleged PG medical seat scam.

Hans India has reported that ED suspects that Minister Reddy, along with others, was involved in the illegal sale of PG medical seats and manipulation of seat allotments, potentially violating various norms. Reportedly, the raids were carried out in June following a tip-off and the authorities have claimed that significant evidence has been gathered to support these allegations. Malla Reddy served as Telangana Minister for Labour and Employment before his term ended.

Meanwhile, ED on Thursday questioned Surender Reddy, an administrative officer at Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences. Reddy appeared after ED summoned him in connection to the probe regarding the alleged financial irregularities linked to former Minister Ch Malla Reddy’s institute.

The investigation primarily focuses on potential irregularities related to PG medical admissions, including the alleged misuse of student credentials in a seat-blocking scheme.

The Times of India has reported that sources indicated that ED is examining records and testimonies to trace the flow of funds and to unearth further details. In June 2023, ED had seized Rs 1.4 crore in cash from Malla Reddy Institute and froze assets worth 3 crore as part of its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). So far, the investigation by ED has uncovered evidence, including documents and digital records and referred to cash transactions and collection of premiums from students.

Also Read: ED officials conduct searches on 12 medical colleges in Telangana

Powered by WPeMatico

Bihar: Pregnant woman dies after quack performs C-section watching YouTube video

Begusarai: In a shocking case of medical fraud, a 30-year-old pregnant woman recently lost her life due to excessive bleeding after a quack allegedly performed C-section on her while taking guidance from a YouTube video at his clinic in the Begusarai district of Bihar. 

According to the sister of the deceased, the patient was kept in the operating room for 24 hours, during which the unqualified practitioner used a video tutorial to perform the surgery. She alleged that the patient’s condition worsened severely after the procedure, ultimately leading to her death.

Also read- Quack held for duping elderly woman of Rs 7.20 lakh with Fake Knee Surgery

It was later revealed that the doctor performing the surgery was a quack with no medical qualifications or experience who was running the clinic in the area. He allegedly targeted poor families by claiming to be a qualified physician.

The incident occurred after the patient from Arjunatol village in Cheria Bariarpur block was admitted to the clinic on November 2 with labour pain. As per a Hindustan news report, she underwent the surgery on the recommendation of the quack and gave birth to a girl. However, she died on the evening of November 5 due to excessive bleeding.

After the patient’s death, the family members created a ruckus in the clinic accusing the quack of negligence in treatment. Following this, the fake doctor, nurse and clinic staff reportedly fled from the spot.

The patient’s sister told Lokmat Times, “The doctor was performing the surgery after watching a video on YouTube. The operation had been going on for the past 24 hours. When my sister’s condition deteriorated and she died, the doctor fled on a bike.”

A police action regarding this incident remains pending. 

Also read- 16-year-old dies after quack administers injections for fever, Telangana Medical Council takes suo moto action

Powered by WPeMatico

Fluorescence-guided imaging technique could improve head and neck cancer surgery

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) ranks as one of the most common cancers globally, with over 650,000 new cases reported each year. Surgical intervention is often the primary treatment, but surgeons face a difficult challenge: they must completely remove the cancer while preserving as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible. This balance is crucial, as damage to nearby nerves can lead to significant post-surgical complications, affecting patients’ quality of life.

Powered by WPeMatico

Metabolic surgery may help reduce heart failure-related risk factors

Pennington Biomedical Research Center researchers at the Metamor Institute, along with colleagues from Our Lady of the Lake and LSU Health-New Orleans, have recently determined that metabolic surgery on patients with heart failure can result in a reduction in the need for oral diuretics, which are used to manage symptoms such as venous and vascular pressures.

Powered by WPeMatico

Biomarker identified for predicting inflammatory bowel disease treatment success

Not everyone responds equally well to treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). What will work for individual patients involves trial and error during the treatment process. Now, a team of researchers led by Charité—Universitätsmedizin, in collaboration with colleagues in Berlin and Bonn, has succeeded in identifying a biomarker that indicates whether or not treatment with a certain medication called an immunomodulator will be successful.

Powered by WPeMatico

Increased focus on comorbidities, socioeconomic factors could help improve health equity for people with COPD

Health care providers treating people with COPD also need to focus on the person’s socioeconomic factors, along with considering their additional health conditions or comorbidities, according to a new article. The article is published in the September 2024 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation.

Powered by WPeMatico

‘Radar stethoscope’ could improve contactless health monitoring technology

A new advance in health monitoring which uses radar to “listen” to patients’ heart sounds with remarkable accuracy could lead to a new generation of contactless medical monitoring equipment.

Powered by WPeMatico

Calcium Prescription in Hemodialysis: Study Highlights Impacts on Patient Survival Rates

Netherlands: Recent research published in the Clinical Kidney Journal has explored the influence of dialysate calcium prescriptions on mortality outcomes among patients beginning hemodialysis. The study offers critical insights into how variations in calcium concentrations may affect overall patient survival and cardiovascular health.

The researchers found no significant differences in all-cause or cardiovascular mortality between patients undergoing hemodialysis who are prescribed dialysate calcium at 1.50 mmol/L compared to those receiving 1.25 mmol/L.

“Unlike the unadjusted analysis, which indicated a higher risk associated with a dialysate calcium level of 1.50 mmol/L, the adjusted analysis revealed no significant differences in all-cause or cardiovascular mortality between dialysate calcium concentrations of 1.50 and 1.25 mmol/L,” the researchers wrote. “Following adjustment, patients receiving dialysate calcium at 1.50 mmol/L exhibited a lower risk of sudden cardiac death. Additionally, a higher serum-to-dialysate calcium gradient was linked to an increased risk of adverse outcomes.”

The optimal prescription of dialysate calcium concentration for hemodialysis remains a topic of debate. As a result, Jeroen P. Kooman, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands, and colleagues explored the relationship between dialysate calcium levels and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and sudden cardiac death.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a historical cohort study that included adult patients who began hemodialysis between January 1, 2010, and June 30, 2017, and survived for at least six months (the grace period). They assessed the relationship between dialysate calcium concentrations of 1.25 or 1.50 mmol/L and various outcomes over the two years following the grace period. Additionally, the study explored the association between the serum-to-dialysate calcium gradient and these outcomes.

The following were the key findings of the study:

  • The study included 12,897 patients receiving dialysate calcium at 1.25 mmol/L and 26,989 patients at 1.50 mmol/L, with a median age of 65 years, of whom 61% were male.
  • The unadjusted risk of all-cause mortality was higher for those on dialysate calcium 1.50 mmol/L, showing a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.07.
  • In the fully adjusted model, no significant differences were found, with an HR of 1.05.
  • Similar trends were observed for cardiovascular mortality risk, which had an HR of 1.03.
  • The adjusted risk of sudden cardiac death was lower for patients on dialysate calcium 1.50 mmol/L, with an HR of 0.81.
  • The analysis also revealed significant positive associations with all outcomes concerning larger serum-to-dialysate calcium gradients, primarily influenced by serum calcium levels.

Based on the findings, the researchers suggest that the prescription of dialysate calcium should take into account individual patient characteristics, aligning with the guidelines set forth by European Renal Best Practice.

Reference:

Ter Meulen, K. J., Carioni, P., Bellocchio, F., M, F., Bouman, H. J., Stuard, S., Neri, L., & Kooman, J. P. (2024). The effects of dialysate calcium prescription on mortality outcomes in incident patients on hemodialysis. Clinical Kidney Journal, 17(10). https://doi.org/10.1093/ckj/sfae288

Powered by WPeMatico