Background and Aim Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has proven to be very effective in recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) when compared with standard antibiotic therapy. However, given the lack of validated criteria, decision regarding number and timing of infusions is currently based on the clinician's experience, severity of infection, and clinical response. We performed a longitudinal assessment of fecal calprotectin concentration (FCC) in CDI patients undergoing FMT. FCCs were correlated with the need for multiple infusions and with the clinical status of the patient. Methods Fecal calprotectin concentration measurement was performed just before first procedure (T0) and 2 (T1) and 5 (T2) days later. The need for reinfusion was accounted for in the 8 weeks following procedure, and clinical status was evaluated at the end of the given period. Both outcomes were correlated with measured FCCs. Results A total of 28 CDI patients undergoing FMT were enrolled. Median FCCs at T0 were significantly higher in patients who needed repeat FMT, 540 μg/g versus patients who underwent single FMT, 290 μg/g (P < 0.05). Differences were not significant for FCC at T1 and T2. Regarding correlation with clinical outcome, median FCC at T0 was found to be lower in responders compared with non‐responders with a trend towards statistical significance (P = 0.07). Correlation at T1 and T2 was not significant. Conclusions The use of an easily obtainable parameter such as fecal calprotectin could possibly optimize overall management of FMT procedural framework potentially being able to immediately identify patients who may benefit from repeat infusions.
The use of human intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) currently relies on evidence from small case series and is mainly regarded as an off-label strategy in cases that are refractory to conventional therapies or poorly controlled with high doses of corticosteroids. Standard dosage regimens typically entail the administration of a total amount of 2 g/kg of IVIg divided into five consecutive days in order to minimize the risk of severe adverse events. We herein describe the case of a 28-year-old woman with a known history of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) who was admitted to our hospital following fulminant onset of SLE in spite of ongoing immunosuppressive therapy. Acute renal insufficiency with nephrotic-range proteinuria, central nervous system involvement, severe thrombocytopenia, malar rash, pancreatic injury and moderate-severe aortic valve steno-insufficiency were the most prominent clinical manifestations, along with high titres of anti-dsDNA antibodies. Pulses of methyl-prednisolone followed by high-dose corticosteroids proved ineffective. Strikingly, IVIg therapy delivered at unconventional doses (1.2 g/kg) due to the presence of multiple risk factors for adverse events resulted in a significant, comprehensive clinical improvement. Although large-scale randomized double-blind studies are needed, the use of IVIg might constitute a valuable therapeutic modality as a last-resort strategy in cases of fulminant SLE. The total dose of immunoglobulins should be dictated by the clinical response as well as the presence of pre-existing risk factors for adverse events.LEARNING POINTSThe use of immunoglobulins in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus is mainly based on small prospective studies and case series.Their use as a rescue strategy in cases of systemic lupus erythematosus that are refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy may be a valid therapeutic alternative in selected patients.The short-term clinical response and the presence of risk factors for adverse effects should dictate the overall dose of immunoglobulins administered to the patient.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.