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J. Clin. Med., Volume 5, Issue 5 (May 2016) – 6 articles

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199 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Comparison of Intravenous Anesthetic Agents for the Treatment of Refractory Status Epilepticus

by Michael E. Reznik, Karen Berger and Jan Claassen

J. Clin. Med. 2016, 5(5), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm5050054 - 19 May 2016

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 7887

Abstract

Status epilepticus that cannot be controlled with first- and second-line agents is called refractory status epilepticus (RSE), a condition that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Most experts agree that treatment of RSE necessitates the use of continuous infusion intravenous anesthetic drugs such as midazolam, propofol, pentobarbital, thiopental, and ketamine, each of which has its own unique characteristics. This review compares the various anesthetic agents while providing an approach to their use in adult patients, along with possible associated complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Treatment of Status Epilepticus)

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Open AccessReview

Managing Status Epilepticus in the Older Adult

by Stephane Legriel and Gretchen M. Brophy

J. Clin. Med. 2016, 5(5), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm5050053 - 11 May 2016

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6807

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review was to describe particularities in epidemiology, outcome, and management modalities in the older adult population with status epilepticus. There is a higher incidence of status epilepticus in the older adult population, and it commonly has a nonconvulsive presentation. Diagnosis in this population may be difficult and requires an unrestricted use of EEG. Short and long term associated-mortality are high, and age over 60 years is an independent factor associated with poor outcome. Stroke (acute or remote symptomatic), miscellaneous metabolic causes, dementia, infections hypoxemia, and brain injury are among the main causes of status epilepticus occurrence in this age category. The use of anticonvulsive agents can be problematic as well. Thus, it is important to take into account the specific aspects related to the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes in older critically-ill adults. Beyond these precautions, the management may be identical to that of the younger adult, including prompt initiation of symptomatic and anticonvulsant therapies, and a broad and thorough etiological investigation. Such management strategies may improve the vital and functional prognosis of these patients, while maintaining a high overall quality of care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Treatment of Status Epilepticus)

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Open AccessReview

MicroRNAs in the Evaluation and Potential Treatment of Liver Diseases

by Amar Mahgoub and Clifford J. Steer

J. Clin. Med. 2016, 5(5), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm5050052 - 10 May 2016

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6686

Abstract

Acute and chronic liver disease continue to result in significant morbidity and mortality of patients, along with increasing burden on their families, society and the health care system. This in part is due to increased incidence of liver disease associated factors such as metabolic syndrome; improved survival of patients with chronic predisposing conditions such as HIV; as well as advances in the field of transplantation and associated care leading to improved survival. The fact that one disease can result in different manifestations and outcomes highlights the need for improved understanding of not just genetic phenomenon predisposing to a condition, but additionally the role of epigenetic and environmental factors leading to the phenotype of the disease. It is not surprising that providers continue to face daily challenges pertaining to diagnostic accuracy, prognostication of disease severity, progression, and response to therapies. A number of these challenges can be addressed by incorporating a personalized approach of management to the current paradigm of care. Recent advances in the fields of molecular biology and genetics have paved the way to more accurate, individualized and precise approach to caring for liver disease. The study of microRNAs and their role in both healthy and diseased livers is one example of such advances. As these small, non-coding RNAs work on fine-tuning of cellular activities and organ function in a dynamic and precise fashion, they provide us a golden opportunity to advance the field of hepatology. The study of microRNAs in liver disease promises tremendous improvement in hepatology and is likely to lay the foundation towards a personalized approach in liver disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MicroRNAs: Novel Biomarkers for Liver Diseases)

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Open AccessReview

Tumor Budding: The Name is EMT. Partial EMT.

by Alexandru Dan Grigore, Mohit Kumar Jolly, Dongya Jia, Mary C. Farach-Carson and Herbert Levine

J. Clin. Med. 2016, 5(5), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm5050051 - 29 Apr 2016

Cited by 348 | Viewed by 18475

Abstract

Tumor budding is a histological phenomenon encountered in various cancers, whereby individual malignant cells and/or small clusters of malignant cells are seen in the tumor stroma. Postulated to be mirror epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor budding has been associated with poor cancer outcomes. However, the vast heterogeneity in its exact definition, methodology of assessment, and patient stratification need to be resolved before it can be routinely used as a standardized prognostic feature. Here, we discuss the heterogeneity in defining and assessing tumor budding, its clinical significance across multiple cancer types, and its prospective implementation in clinical practice. Next, we review the emerging evidence about partial, rather than complete, epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype at the tumor bud level, and its connection with tumor proliferation, quiescence, and stemness. Finally, based on recent literature, indicating a co-expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers in many tumor buds, we posit tumor budding to be a manifestation of this hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype displaying collective cell migration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition)

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Open AccessArticle

Tacrolimus Modulates TGF-β Signaling to Induce Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Renal Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells

by Jason Bennett, Hilary Cassidy, Craig Slattery, Michael P. Ryan and Tara McMorrow

J. Clin. Med. 2016, 5(5), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm5050050 - 26 Apr 2016

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 8836

Abstract

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process which describes the trans-differentiation of epithelial cells into motile mesenchymal cells, is pivotal in stem cell behavior, development and wound healing, as well as contributing to disease processes including fibrosis and cancer progression. Maintenance immunosuppression with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) has become routine management for renal transplant patient, but unfortunately the nephrotoxicity of these drugs has been well documented. HK-2 cells were exposed to Tacrolimus (FK506) and EMT markers were assessed by RT PCR and western blot. FK506 effects on TGF-β mRNA were assessed by RT PCR and TGF-β secretion was measured by ELISA. The impact of increased TGF-β secretion on Smad signaling pathways was investigated. The impact of inhibition of TGF-β signaling on EMT processes was assessed by scratch-wound assay. The results presented in this study suggest that FK506 initiates EMT processes in the HK-2 cell line, with altered expression of epithelial and myofibroblast markers evident. Additionally, the study demonstrates that FK506 activation of the TGF-β/ SMAD pathways is an essential step in the EMT process. Overall the results demonstrate that EMT is heavily involved in renal fibrosis associated with CNI nephrotoxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition)

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Open AccessReview

Treatment of Established Status Epilepticus

by Jessica J. Falco-Walter and Thomas Bleck

J. Clin. Med. 2016, 5(5), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm5050049 - 25 Apr 2016

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 12681

Abstract

Status epilepticus is the most severe form of epilepsy, with a high mortality rate and high health care costs. Status epilepticus is divided into four stages: early, established, refractory, and super-refractory. While initial treatment with benzodiazepines has become standard of care for early status epilepticus, treatment after benzodiazepine failure (established status epilepticus (ESE)) is incompletely studied. Effective treatment of ESE is critical as morbidity and mortality increases dramatically the longer convulsive status epilepticus persists. Phenytoin/fosphenytoin, valproic acid, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, and lacosamide are the most frequently prescribed antiseizure medications for treatment of ESE. To date there are no class 1 data to support pharmacologic recommendations of one agent over another. We review each of these medications, their pharmacology, the scientific evidence in support and against each in the available literature, adverse effects and safety profiles, dosing recommendations, and limitations of the available evidence. We also discuss future directions including the established status epilepticus treatment trial (ESETT). Substantial further research is urgently needed to identify these patients (particularly those with non-convulsive status epilepticus), elucidate the most efficacious antiseizure treatment with head-to-head randomized prospective trials, and determine whether this differs for convulsive vs. non-convulsive ESE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Treatment of Status Epilepticus)

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