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Autoimmune Encephalitis After Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis

A recent study showed that about 25% of patients with herpes simplex encephalitis develop neurological symptoms three to six weeks after the infection, pointing toward an autoimmune process with different neurological and psychiatric symptoms. Anti-neuronal antibodies, such as anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibodies, have been found in this post-viral autoimmune encephalitis presentation.

Treatable Causes of Rapidly Progressive Dementias

Many cases of rapidly progressive dementia are caused by prion diseases and have no effective treatments. But, with the greater awareness of the presentation for autoimmune encephalitis, these disorders make up an increasing percentage of presenting cases and can be aggressively and successfully treated. The STAM3P score helps to identify potentially treatable cases of this disorder.

Early Onset Post-Radiation Neuropathy

Biopsy studies of early onset neuropathies seen after radiation therapy consistently show evidence of microvasculitis and other signs of inflammation. Early and rapid treatment with anti-inflammatory medications may be effective in stopping the progression and speeding up recovery.

Hepatitis E and Neuropathy

In this prospective case-control study of patents with neuralgic amyotrophy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and Bell’s palsy, an association with acute hepatitis E infection was demonstrated only with neuralgic amyotrophy.

Canakinumab Injection (Ilaris)

Canakinumab can be prescribed to adults with gout in whom nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and colchicine are contraindicated, are not tolerated, or do not provide an adequate response, and in whom repeated courses of corticosteroids are not appropriate.

An RNA Shot for Hypertension?

One dose of a new RNA-based drug administered by subcutaneous injection, which blocks hepatic angiotensinogen production, resulted in sustained reductions in blood pressure in patients with hypertension for up to 24 weeks without any serious adverse effects.

Treating Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease

After studying an anti-amyloid antibody, solanezumab, researchers reported there was no benefit in reducing the likelihood of progression of cognitive impairment in patients with positive amyloid PET scans who started the trial cognitively unimpaired, compared to placebo.

Turmeric (Curcumin) Helps Patients with Dyspepsia and Acid Reflux

In a randomized, controlled trial, curcumin demonstrated comparable efficacy to omeprazole in treating dyspepsia and acid reflux.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Update for Primary Care Providers

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2023 report defines chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a heterogeneous lung condition characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, sputum production, and/or exacerbations) caused by abnormalities of the airways (bronchitis, bronchiolitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema) that result in persistent, often progressive, airflow obstruction. COPD was the fourth leading cause of death in the United States in 2018 and is estimated to be responsible for 3 million deaths annually around the world, with expected increases to 5.4 million annual deaths from COPD and related conditions by 2060.

How Many Steps a Day Will Improve Patients’ Longevity?

A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of the association of step counts and cadence with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events showed the benefits in these outcomes are statistically significant, at about 2,600 steps/day and peak at about 8,000 steps/day. Also, faster step cadence augments these benefits.