Can serum immunoglobulin G4 levels and age serve as reliable predictors of relapse in autoimmune pancreatitis?

We are writing in response to the paper published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology by Zhou et al.The authors identified higher serum immunoglobulin(Ig)G4 levels and age over 55 years as independent risk factors for disease relapse.Despite notable strengths,it is crucial to address potential biases.Firstly,the cohort study included 189 patients with autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)type 1(with higher IgG4 seropositivity and higher relapse)and 24 with type 2(with lower IgG4 seropositivity and lower relapse).Consequently,most,if not all,AIP type 2 patients were assigned to the normal group,possibly inflating the association of higher serum IgG4 levels with relapse and potentially exaggerating the association of older age with relapse.Secondly,the authors did not provide sufficient details regarding AIP diagnosis,such as the ratio of definitive vs probable cases and the proportion of biopsies.In cases where histological evidence is unavailable or indeterminate,AIP type 2 may be misdiagnosed as definitive type 1,and type 1 may also be misdiagnosed as probable type 2,particularly in cases with normal or mildly elevated serum IgG4 levels.Lastly,in this retrospective study,approximately one-third of the consecutive patients initially collected were excluded for various reasons.Accordingly,the impact of nonrandom exclusion on relapse outcomes should be carefully considered.In conclusion,the paper by Zhou et al offers plausible,though not entirely compelling,evidence suggesting a predictive role of elevated serum IgG4 levels and advanced age in AIP relapse.The foundation for future investigations lies in ensuring a reliable diagnosis and accurate disease subtyping,heavily dependent on obtaining histological specimens.In this regard,endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy emerges as a pivotal component of the diagnostic process,contributing to mitigating biases in future explorations of the disease.

Dengue causing relapse of minimal change disease: A double-edged sword

Dengue virus infection is endemic in India with seasonal variations.It can lead to lethal consequences with plasma leakage and/or bleeding[1,2].Dengue shock syndrome has high mortality in developing countries like India.Dengue can cause functional proteinuria and even heavy proteinuria[3-6].Though dengue has been implicated to cause glomerulonephritis[7],to the best of our knowledge,dengue as a cause of relapse of minimal change disease(MCD)has not been reported.

Statistical evaluation of cluster formation of relapse in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Evaluating the cluster formation of clinical attacks in chronic relapsing diseases is an important statistical issue because the presence of attack clusters may influence therapeutic strategies for relapse prevention.We recently reported the occurrence of unevenly clustered attacks in patients with anti-aquaporin-4(AQP4)antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder(NMOSD)(Akaishi et al.,2020a).

Long-term complete response to anti-programmed-death-1 monotherapy in a patient with relapsed and refractory ovarian adenocarcinoma: A case report

BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system,and the survival rate of patients with relapsed and refractory ovarian cancer is very low.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report a case of high-grade serous papillary adenocarcinoma of the ovary that was successfully treated with immunotherapy.Radical surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for the 56-year-old patient were successful;however,her tumor relapsed.Subsequent second-line chemotherapy,targeted agents,and other treatments were ineffective,as the tumor continued to recur and metastasize.Anti-programmed cell death-1(PD-1)monotherapy(tislelizumab)completely alleviated the tumor,and the multiple metastatic tumors disappeared.To date,the patient has used anti-PD-1 for 32 months,experiencing no disease progression and maintaining good health without additional treatment.CONCLUSION This case suggests that anti-PD-1 immunotherapy may have long-term positive effects on outcomes in some refractory recurrent solid tumors.Further research is needed to identify patients most likely to respond to anti-PD-1 therapy.

Surgical Treatment of Relapsed Clubfoot Using the Ilizarov Method: Anatomical and Functional Outcomes—A Report of 16 Cases at the Order of Malta’s Hospital Center

Introduction: Relapsed Congenital Talipes Equino Varus (CTEV) refers to clubfoot diagnosed after walking age. We refer to this entity as residual deformities of a previously treated clubfoot or a complete recurrence following treatment. For its treatment, several techniques have been used to improve the foot’s functional outcome while remaining minimally invasive. Correction by distraction using the Ilizarov external fixator is a promising technique. This single-center study aims to evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of treatment by distraction and compression with the Ilizarov fixator in relapsed club feet. Patients and Method: We carried out a retrospective, single-center study over 5 years. In total 16 clubfeet in 14 patients, including 9 males and 5 females were retained for final analysis. The average age of the patients at the time of the intervention was 15.16 years. K-wires were placed using the original technique. The average duration of the fixator in our series was 4.27 months. The functional assessment of patients was based on pre-and post-operative evaluation of the Foot and ankle function according to the AOFAS score. Results: Anatomic assessment was done according to the Dimeglio classification. There was a significant improvement at post-operative period with an average score of 4.47 against 10.07 at pre-operative period. We obtained 43.8% good and very good functional outcomes according to the global AOFAS score increasing from 63.07 at pre-operative period to 77.88 at post-operative period. Two cases of reinterventions were recorded. Conclusion: Distraction with the Ilizarov external fixator occupies a place of choice in the management of relapsed club foot. A good mastery of the technique and patient selection produce good functional outcomes.

Cyclops syndrome following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Can relapse occur after surgery?

Symptomatic cyclops lesions are complications that can be seen at rates of up to approximately 10%after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.However,recurrent cyclops lesions have rarely been documented.There are case rare series in the literature regarding the treatment of recurrent cyclops lesion.Future large studies are needed to investigate factors contributing to the development of cyclops lesions and syndrome and treatment options.

Dietary and metabolomic determinants of relapse in ulcerative colitis patients: A pilot prospective cohort study

AIM To identify demographic, clinical, metabolomic, and lifestyle related predictors of relapse in adult ulcerative colitis(UC) patients.METHODS In this prospective pilot study, UC patients in clinical remission were recruited and followed-up at 12 mo to assess a clinical relapse, or not. At baseline information on demographic and clinical parameters was collected. Serum and urine samples were collected for analysis of metabolomic assays using a combined direct infusion/liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resolution spectroscopy. Stool samples were also collected to measure fecal calprotectin(FCP). Dietary assessment was performed using a validated self-administered food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS Twenty patients were included(mean age: 42.7 ± 14.8 years, females: 55%). Seven patients(35%) experienced a clinical relapse during the follow-up period. While 6 patients(66.7%) with normal body weight developed a clinical relapse, 1 UC patient(9.1%) who was overweight/obese relapsed during the follow-up(P = 0.02). At baseline, poultry intake was significantly higher in patients who were still in remission during follow-up(0.9 oz vs 0.2 oz, P = 0.002). Five patients(71.4%) with FCP > 150 μg/g and 2 patients(15.4%) with normal FCP(≤ 150 μg/g) at baseline relapsed during the follow-up(P = 0.02). Interestingly, baseline urinary and serum metabolomic profiling of UC patients with or without clinical relapse within 12 mo showed a significant difference. The most important metabolites that were responsible for this discrimination were trans-aconitate, cystine and acetamide in urine, and 3-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate and acetone in serum. CONCLUSION A combination of baseline dietary intake, fecal calprotectin, and metabolomic factors are associated with risk of UC clinical relapse within 12 mo.

New risk factors and new tendency for central nervous system relapse in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma:a retrospective study

Background: In patients with difuse large B?cell lymphoma(DLBCL), central nervous system(CNS) relapse is uncom?mon but is nearly always fatal. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for CNS relapse in DLBCL patients and to evaluate the eicacy of rituximab and intrathecal chemotherapy prophylaxis for CNS relapse reduction.Methods: A total of 511 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL treated at the Sun Yat?sen University Cancer Center between January 2003 and December 2012 were included in the study. Among these patients, 376 received R?CHOP regimen(rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) as primary treatment, and 135 received CHOP regimen(cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) as primary treatment. Intrathe?cal chemotherapy prophylaxis(methotrexate plus cytarabine) was administered to those who were deemed at high risk for CNS relapse. In the entire cohort and in the R?CHOP set in particular, the Kaplan–Meier method coupled with the log?rank test was used for univariate analysis, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis. Diferences were evaluated using a two?tailed test, and P < 0.05 was considered signiicant.Results: At a median follow?up of 46 months, 25(4.9%) patients experienced CNS relapse. There was a trend of reduced occurrence of CNS relapse in patients treated with rituximab; the 3?year cumulative CNS relapse rates were 7.1% in CHOP group and 2.7% in R?CHOP group(P = 0.045). Intrathecal chemotherapy prophylaxis did not confer much beneit in terms of preventing CNS relapse. Bone involvement [hazard ratio(HR) = 4.21, 95% conidence interval(CI) 1.38–12.77], renal involvement(HR = 3.85, 95% CI 1.05–14.19), alkaline phosphatase(ALP) >110 U/L(HR = 3.59, 95% CI 1.25–10.34), serum albumin(ALB) <35 g/L(HR = 3.63, 95% CI 1.25–10.51), treatment with rituxi?mab(HR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.12–0.96), and a time to complete remission ≤ 108 days(HR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.06–0.78) were independent predictive factors for CNS relapse in the entire cohort. Bone involvement(HR = 4.44, 95% CI 1.08–18.35), bone marrow involvement(HR = 11.70, 95% CI 2.24–60.99), and renal involvement(HR = 10.83, 95% CI 2.27–51.65) were independent risk factors for CNS relapse in the R?CHOP set.Conclusions: In the present study, rituximab decreased the CNS relapse rate of DLBCL, whereas intrathecal chemo?therapy prophylaxis alone was not suicient for preventing CNS relapse. Serum levels of ALB and ALP, and the time to complete remission were new independent predictive factors for CNS relapse in the patients with DLBCL. In the patients received R?CHOP regimen, a trend of increased CNS relapse was found to be associated with extranodal lesions.

Normalization of ventral tegmental area structure following acupuncture in a rat model of heroin relapse

Drugs can cause obvious damage to the brain. To verify the relationship between acupuncture, neurotrophic factor expression and brain cell structural changes, this study established a rat model of heroin relapse using intramuscular injection of increasing amounts of heroin. During the detoxification period, rat models received acupuncture at Baihui （DU20） and Dazhui （DU14）. Electron microscopy demonstrated that the structure of the ventral tegmental area in heroin relapse rats gradually became normalized after acupuncture treatment. Immunohistochem- ical staining exhibited that the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor increased in the ventral tegmental area following acupuncture. Moreover, the effects were similar to that of methadone, a type of medicine called an opioid. Results suggested that acupuncture at Baihui and Dazhui protected brain neurons against injury in rats with heroin relapse by promoting brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-de-rived neurotrophic factor expression.

Decitabine for Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation（allo-HSCT） remains a main question on treatment failure. Current strategies for management that usually include salvage chemotherapy, donor lymphocytic infusion and second transplantation. Our study assessed the efficacy of decitabine（DAC） for treating patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia（ALL） who relapsed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation（allo-HSCT）. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 12 patients with relapsed ALL after allo-HSCT who received DAC therapy. Nine patients received DAC combined with chemotherapy and donor stem cell infusion, and 3 patients received single-agent DAC. Ten of the 12 patients achieved complete remission（CR）, 1 achieved a partial remission（PR）, and 1 had no response（NR） after treatment at the latest follow-up（LFU）, the median survival was 11.2 months（range, 3.8–34, 7 months）. The 1-and 2-year overall survival（OS） rates were 50%（6/12） and 25%（3/12）, respectively. Five patients were still alive; 4 had maintained CR and 1 was alive with disease. Patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL had higher survival rate than patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative ALL（57.1% vs. 20%）. No aggravated flares of graft-versus-host disease（GVHD） were observed during DAC treatment. Therefore, DAC may be a promising therapeutic agent for ALL recurrence after allo-HSCT.

Consecutive fecal calprotectin measurements for predicting relapse in pediatric Crohn's disease patients

BACKGROUND Asymptomatic children with Crohn's disease(CD) require ongoing monitoring to ensure early recognition of a disease exacerbation.AIM In a cohort of pediatric CD patients, we aimed to assess the utility of serial fecal calprotectin measurements to detect intestinal inflammatory activity and predict disease relapse.METHODS In this prospective longitudinal cohort study, children with CD on infliximab therapy in clinical remission were included. Fecal calprotectin levels were assessed at baseline and at subsequent 2-5 visits. Clinical and biochemical disease activity were assessed using the Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index, Creactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate at baseline and at visits over the following 18 mo.RESULTS 53 children were included and eighteen patients(34%) had a clinical disease relapse during the study. Baseline fecal calprotectin levels were higher in patients that developed symptomatic relapse [median(interquartile range), relapse 723μg/g(283-1758) vs 244 μg/g(61-627), P = 0.02]. Fecal calprotectin levels > 250μg/g demonstrated good predictive accuracy of a clinical flare within 3 mo(area under the receiver operator curve was 0.86, 95% confidence limits 0.781 to 0.937).CONCLUSION Routine fecal calprotectin testing in children with CD in clinical remission is useful to predict relapse. Levels > 250 μg/g are a good predictor of relapse in the following 3 mo. This information is important to guide monitoring standards used in this population.

Preferential loss of mismatch repair function in refractory and relapsed acute myeloid leukemia： potential contribution to AML proqression

Acute myeloid leukemia （AML） is an aggressive hematological cancer. Despite therapeutic regimens that lead to complete remission, the vast majority of patients undergo relapse. The molecular mechanisms underlying AML development and relapse remain incompletely defined. To explore whether loss of DNA mismatch repair （MMR） function is involved in AML, we screened two key MMR genes, MSH2 and MLH1, for mutations and promoter hypermethylation in leukemia specimens from 53 AML patients and blood from 17 non-cancer controls. We show here that whereas no amino acid alteration or promoter hypermethylation was detected in all control samples, 18 AML patients exhibited either mutations in MMR genes or hypermethylation in the MLH1 promoter. In vitro functional MMR analysis revealed that almost all the mutations analyzed resulted in loss of MMR function. MMR defects were significantly more frequent in patients with refractory or relapsed AML compared with newly diagnosed patients. These observations suggest for the first time that the loss of MMR function is associated with refractory and relapsed AML and may contribute to disease Datho8enesis.

Phase Ⅱ open-label study of recombinant circularly permuted TRAIL as a single-agent treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

Background: Despite the recent development of new therapies, multiple myeloma(MM) remains an incurable disease. Thus, new, efective treatments are urgently needed, particularly for relapsed or refractory MM(RRMM). In an earlier phase I study, a novel form of recombinant human Apo2L/tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand(TRAIL) that is currently in clinical development for the treatment of hematologic malignancies, i.e., circularly permuted TRAIL(CPT), was well tolerated at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg per day and showed promising preliminary activity in patients with RRMM. This phase II, open-label, multicenter study further investigated the eicacy and safety of 2.5-mg/kg per day CPT as single-agent therapy for patients with RRMM.Methods: Patients with RRMM were treated once daily with CPT(2.5 mg/kg, intravenously) for 14 consecutive days for each 21-day cycle. Clinical response and toxicity were assessed after each treatment cycle.Results: Twenty-seven patients received CPT. Using the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation criteria, we calculated the overall response rate of 33.3% with 1 near-complete response(n CR) and 8 partial responses(PRs). The clinical beneit rate(48.1%) included 1 nCR, 8 PRs, and 4 minimal responses. The most common treatmentrelated adverse events(TRAEs) were fever, aspartate aminotransferase elevation, alanine aminotransferase elevation, leucopenia, rash, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. We graded toxicity using the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0, and determined that 37.0% of patients had at least 1 grade 3–4 TRAE.Conclusions: CPT as a single agent can elicit a response in patients with RRMM and is well tolerated. Further clinical investigation is warranted.

Investigation of Direct Causes of Drug Relapse and Abstainers’ Demands in a Compulsive Detoxification Center in Wuhan City of China

Objective To identify the direct causes of drug relapse and abstainers’ demand, and to develop programs for the prevention of drug relapse. Methods Abstainers in a Compulsive Detoxification Center in Wuhan City, capital of Hubei Province were randomly selected. An investigation on the direct causes of drug relapse and abstainers’ demands was conducted with multiple-choice questionnaires and face to face interviews. Data were analyzed with SPSS 12.0. Results The direct causes leading to drug relapse included： temptation to use drug again by themselves or by their drug mates, seeking pleasure and ecstasy from drug use, relatively well off living, mental stress, irritation, demoralization, family conflicts, unemployment, feeling distrusted by the family, lack of care and love from the family, and discrimination by others. abstainers’ demands after detoxification and returning to the society included： care and support from the family, employment assistance, changing living environment, understanding by others, support from the society, and keeping far away from drugs. Conclusions Environmental factors are the direct causes of drug relapse, and negative irritation is its predisposing causes. Leaving former residence, more care and help given by both the family and the society and raising their overall quality of life are the demands of abstainers.

Hepatitis B surface antigen levels of cessation of nucleos(t)ide analogs associated with virological relapse in hepatitis B surface antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B patients

AIM:To investigate the virological relapse rate in hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)-negative patients after antiviral therapy discontinuation and analyze the factors associated with virological relapse.METHODS:Among patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B infection between May 2005 and July2010,204 were eligible for analysis.The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to calculate the cumulative rate of relapse and compare cumulative relapse rates between groups.The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate the predictive factor of virological relapse.RESULTS:The 2 and 1 year cumulative risks of virological relapse after antiviral therapy discontinuation were 79.41%(162/204) and 43.82%(71/162),respectively.Multivariate analysis revealed that only post treatment hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)level was associated with virological relapse {P= 0.011).The cumulative risk of virological relapse was higher in the patients with HBsAg levels ≥1500 IU/L than in those with HBsAg levels < 1500 IU/L(P= 0.0013).The area under the curve was 0.603(P= 0.033).The cutoff HBsAg value for predicting virological relapse was 1443IU/L CONCLUSION:We found that the virological relapse rate remained high after antiviral therapy discontinuation in the HBeAg-negative patients and that the post treatment HBsAg levels predicted virological relapse.

Clinical Study of Gushen Tablet(固肾片)in Reducing Children's Nephrotic Syndrome Relapse

Objective:To explore the effect of Gushen tablet (固肾片,GST) in reducing the relapse of children's nephrotic syndrome and the possible mechanism of drugs used. Methods: Fifty children with primary nephrotic syndrome who had been induced and alleviated with regular glucocorticoid (GC) were randomly divided into two groups: the GST group used GST and standard middle-long term course of GC, and the control group adopted standard middle-long term course of GC and immunoinhibitory or immuno-modulatory agents for treatment. The 0.5,1 and 2 years after the treatment the relapse episodes, time for urinary protein negative conversion after relapse, the episodes of patient's infection and relapse after infection were evaluated. Before and after treatment the plasma cortisol and T lymphocyte subpopulation were determined. Results: The relapse rate of GST group: the rates after 0. 5, 1, 2 years were 20.0%, 30. 0% and 40. 9%, and the frequent relapse rate were 0, 6. 7% and 9. 2% respectively, which were lower than those of control group (60. 0%, 70. 0%, 69. 2% and 25. 0%, 15. 0%, 15. 4% respectively) ; in the GST group no relapse occurred within 0. 5 year, the relapse rate after 1 and 2 years reduced by 40. 0% and 28. 3%, compared with those of the control group (all P<0. 05) ; during the observation period, the mean infection/every child patient was 1. 86 episodes in GST group, after infection the nephrotic relapse rate was 28.3%, which was lower than that of the control group (2. 25 episodes, 71.1%, P<0. 05) > the relapse per patient in GST group was 0. 8 episodes, time for urinary protein negative conversion was 12. 00± 8. 98 days, lower than those of control group (1. 6 episodes, 20. 75±11. 95 days, P<0. 05) ; 3 months after GST treatment the plasma cortisol level normalized, and the CD4/CD8 ratio elevated (P<0. 05). Conclusion:GST could possibly reduce the relapse of children nephrosis, and the frequent relapse and relapse episodes, and the time for post-relaptic urinary protein negative conversion shortened, the plasma cortisol elevated, and the adjustment of cellular immunity disturbance promoted.

Anti-BCMA CAR-T Cell Therapy in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma Patients with Impaired Renal Function

Anti-B cell maturation antigen(BCMA)chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)T-cell therapyis effective and well-tolerated for refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma(RRMM).The purposcof the present study was to analyze efficacy in RRMM patients with renal impairment treated byanti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy.A total of 59 RRMM patients were selected,and divided intoimpaired renal function(lRF)group[basclinc cstimated giomerular filtration rate(eSFR)<90 m/min/1.73 m^2(n=18)]and normal renal function(NRF)group(baseline eGFR≥90 mL/min/1.73 m,n=41).For patients with IRF,eGFR at the 6th month post-CAR-T cells infusion was significantlyhigher than the baseline(P<0.05).The multivariate analysis showed that light chain type and beta-2 micro-globulin(bcta-2M)were associated factors with the decrease of serum creatinine.Medianprogression-free survival(PFS)in the NRF group and IRF group was 266 days and 181 daysrespectively.Overall survival(OS)in the NRF group and lRF group was 877 days and 238 daysrespectively.There was no significant difference in the objective response rate(ORR)between thelRF group and the NRF group.It is suggested that CAR-T cells therapy could improve the renalfunction during the treatment of RRMM.The renal function could be more significantly improvedin RRMM patients with light chain type than with other types.

One-year rotational relapse frequency following conventional circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy

BACKGROUND Relapse following orthodontic treatment has been a common problem that can occur due to several factors. It was suggested that surgical circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy(CSF) is an effective measure to reduce this relapse.However, very few studies have reported the amount of relapse that occurs afterward.AIM To assess the frequency of rotational relapse on anterior teeth 1 year following CSF.METHODS Eleven adults(six male and five female) with a mean age of 23 years(standard deviation = 5.2), who had a total of 90 rotated anterior teeth, were included in this study. CSF was performed after comprehensive orthodontic treatment involving the use of full-fixed preadjusted edgewise appliances(Victory Series APC, 3 M,United States) with a 0.022-inch slot and Roth prescription brackets(Ovation;DENTSPLY GAC, Bohemia, New York, United States) and placement of a fixed lingual retainer from canine to canine in both arches using a 0.016 Australian wire(AJ Wilcock, Australia). Degrees of rotational correction and relapse were measured on three sets of casts [pretreatment, post-treatment(at the debond visit), and 1-year post-treatment]. Rotational relapse was categorized as follows:Unnoticeable relapse(0°), barely noticeable relapse(1°-3°), noticeable relapse(4°-9°), and clearly noticeable relapse(≥ 10°). The percent relapse that had occurred 1 year after teeth were aligned to their ideal position was calculated. Data were analyzed by dental arch type and tooth types.RESULTS Mean rotational correction was 14.05° during posttreatment. Mean relapse at 1-year follow-up was 1.1°(10.8%). More than half(n = 52, 57.8%) of teeth were categorized as having unnoticeable relapse(0°). Of the remaining teeth, 31(34.5%) had barely noticeable relapse(1°-3°), 6(6.6%) had noticeable relapse(4°-9°), and only one(1.1%) had clearly noticeable relapse(> 10°). When analyzed by arch, 54.5%(n = 6) of the relapsed maxillary teeth had barely noticeable relapse(1°-3°). While most of the mandibular teeth(3, 37.5%) fell into noticeable relapse category(4°-9°), only 1(12.5%) tooth had clearly noticeable relapse(≥ 10°).CONCLUSION When relapse was measured following CSF, it was found to be more pronounced in maxillary than in mandibular arch. Most frequent relapse was found in maxillary lateral incisors and mandibular canines.

Re-re-treatment of hepatitis C virus: Eight patients who relapsed twice after direct-acting-antiviral drugs

AIM: To determine risk factors associated with hepatitis C virus(HCV) treatment failure after direct acting antivirals in patients with complex treatment histories.METHODS: All HCV mono-infected patients who received treatment at our institution were queried.Analysis was restricted to patients who previously failed treatment with boceprevir(BOC) or telaprevir(TVR) and started simeprevir(SMV) and sofosbuvir(SOF) ± ribavirin(RBV) between December 2013 and June 2014. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)/HCV co-infection or patients who received a liver transplant in the past were excluded. Viral loads were recorded while on treatment and after treatment. Data collection continued until December,31 st 2014 when data analysis was initiated. Patients missing virologic outcomes data were not included in the analysis. Analysis of 35 patients who had virologic outcome data available resulted in eight patients who were viral load negative at the end of treatment with SMF/SOF but later relapsed. Data related to patient demographics,HCV infection,and treatment history was collected in order to identify risk factors shared among patients who failed treatment with SMF/SOF.RESULTS: Eight patients who were treated with the first generation HCV protease inhibitors BOC or TVR in combination with pegylated-interferon(PEG) and RBV who failed this triple therapy were subsequently retreated with an off-label all-oral regimen of SMV and SOF for 12 wk,with RBV in seven cases. Treatment was initiated before the Food and Drug Administration approved a 24-wk SMV/SOF regimen for patients with liver cirrhosis. All eight patients had an end of treatment response,but later relapsed. Eight(100%) patients were male. Mean age was 56(range,49-64). Eight(100%) patients had previously failed PEG/RBV dual therapy at least once in addition to prior failure with triple therapy. Total number of times treated ranged from 3-6(mean 3.8). Eight(100%) patients were male had liver cirrhosis as determined by Fibroscan or MRI. Seven(87.5%) patients had genotype 1a HCV. Seven(87.5%) patients had over 1 million IU/m L HCV RNA at the time of re-treatment.CONCLUSION: This study identifies factors associated with SMV/SOF treatment failure and provides evidence that twleve weeks of SMV/SOF/RBV is insufficient in cirrhotics with high-titer genotype 1a HCV.

Alkaline phosphatase predicts relapse in chronic hepatitis C patients with end-of-treatment response

AIM: To investigate relapse predictors in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with end-of-treatment response (ETR), after pegylated interferon-α (PegIFN-α) and ribavirin treatment. METHODS: In a retrospective study we evaluated a spectrum of predictors of relapse after PegIFN-α and ribavirin treatment in 86 CHC patients with ETR. Viral loads were determined with real-time reverse transcrip-tion polymerase chain reaction. Hepatitis C virus geno-typing was performed by sequencing analysis. Patients with genotype 1 were treated for 48 wk with 180 μg PegIFN-α2a or 1.5 μg/kg PegIFN-α2b once weekly plus ribavirin at a dosage of 1000 mg/d for those under 75 kg or 1200 mg/d for those over 75 kg. Patients with geno- types 2 and 3 were treated for 24 wk with 180 μgPegIFN-α2a or 1.5 μg/kg PegIFN-α2b once weekly plus ribavirin at a dosage of 800 mg/d. RESULTS: In all ETR patients, binary logistic regression analysis identif ied absence of complete early virological response (cEVR) (OR 27.07, 95% CI: 3.09-237.26, P < 0.005), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels prior to therapy < 75 U/L (OR: 6.16, 95% CI: 2.1-18.03, P < 0.001) and body mass index > 26 kg/m2 (OR: 8.27, 95% CI: 2.22-30.84, P < 0.005) as independent predictors of relapse. When cEVR patients were analyzed exclusively, ALP prior to therapy < 75 U/L remained the only predictor of relapse. CONCLUSION: Lower levels of ALP prior to, during and after therapy seem to be associated with a higher risk of relapse in CHC patients with ETR.