Zika virus outbreak: a review of neurological complications,diagnosis, and treatment options

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus transmitted mainly by mosquitos of Aedes species. The virus has emerged in recent years and spread throughout North and South Americas. The recent outbreak of ZIKV started in Brazil (2015) has resulted in infections surpassing a million mark. Contrary to the previous beliefs that Zika causes mildly symptomatic infections fever, headache, rash, arthralgia, and conjunctivitis, the recent outbreak associated ZIKV to serious neurological complications such as microcephaly, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and eye infections. The recent outbreak has resulted in an astonishing number of microcephaly cases in fetus and infants. Consequently, numerous studies were conducted using in vitro cell and in vivo animal models. These studies showed clear links between ZIKV infections and neurological abnormalities. Diagnosis methods based on nucleic acid and serological detection facilitated rapid and accurate identification of ZIKV infections. New transmission modalities such as sexual and transplacental transmission were uncovered. Given the seriousness of ZIKV infections, WHO declared the development of safe and effective vaccines and new antiviral drugs as an urgent global health priority. Rapid work in this direction has led to the identification of several vaccine and antiviral drug candidates. Here, we review the remarkable progress made in understanding the molecular links between ZIKV infections and neurological irregularities, new diagnosis methods, potential targets for antiviral drugs, and the current state of vaccine development.     

Nasal encephaloceles: a review of etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentations, diagnosis, treatment, and complications

Introduction

Encephaloceles are considered by most to be a type of neural tube defect characterized by a herniation of the brain and meninges through structural weaknesses in the bony structures of the skull.

Discussion

Many different types of encephaloceles have been classified according to the location of the bony defect. Basal and frontoethmoidal encephaloceles constitute a nasal subclass of encephaloceles, which are herniations from the skull base and ethmoid bone, respectively. Basal encephaloceles are usually occult and can herniate into nasal structures causing obstruction. Frontoethmoidal encephaloceles usually present as a protrusion that is visible at birth and enlarges during crying. Both of these entities are rare with an incidence ranging from 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 40,000 live births around the world with the majority of cases localized in Southeast Asia.

Conclusion

Although cases have been recorded since the sixteenth century, there is still a scarcity of knowledge on the exact causes and factors associated with the development of the disease. Many studies have determined these to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Most cases are nonlife threatening and the preferred method of treatment is surgical removal after diagnosis is confirmed with computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Prognosis is generally positive, especially in the subset of patients with frontoethmoidal encephaloceles.     

颅内动脉瘤介入治疗术中常见意外情况的预防及处理

目的 探讨颅内动脉瘤介入治疗过程中并发症的发生原因及预防和处理方法.方法 总结469例行血管内治疗的颅内动脉瘤患者临床信息,并对19例介入治疗术中发生并发症的颅内动脉瘤资料进行分析,对存活患者进行随访.结果 19例发生并发症的患者,经积极治疗完全康复14例,2例轻残,1例重残,2例死亡.结论 血管内治疗是治疗颅内动脉瘤的安全、有效的方法,选择合适手术时机、熟练掌握微导管技术和术中、术后的积极处理是减少血管内治疗并发症及其危害的关键.     

Newborn screening and prenatal diagnosis for Rett syndrome: implications for therapy

Most girls with Rett syndrome develop normally prior to the appearance of the typical symptoms. A presymptomatic phase is also observed in many inborn errors of metabolism that are included in newborn screening programs. Diagnostic testing for mutations or large genomic rearrangements involving methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) is highly sensitive and identifies mutations in up to 95% of female individuals with classic Rett syndrome. This has prompted some to ask whether MECP2 testing should be included in newborn and prenatal screening programs. We review current and evolving practices in these programs, emphasizing their relevance to Rett syndrome. The availability of a reliable test and the characteristic early latent phase, which creates a window of opportunity for early treatment, favor universal newborn screening for Rett syndrome. However, the high cost and the lack of an effective presymptomatic treatment make universal newborn screening for Rett syndrome impractical at present. In contrast, prenatal diagnosis should be offered to the parents of an affected child if the responsible mutation has been identified in the index case.     

Bereavement and its complications in medical patients: a guide for consultation-liaison psychiatrists

Bereaved individuals consult their physicians, including psychiatrists, at an increased frequency for the many symptoms of normal or pathological grief as well as related medical and psychiatric disorders. As many as 25 percent of patients seen by a consultation-liaison service may be suffering from recent unresolved grief. The consultation-liaison psychiatrist needs to be sensitive to the manifestations and course of bereavement in both its uncomplicated and pathological forms. This report provides an overview of these issues as a guide for the accurate assessment and treatment of this often unconsidered condition.     

MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy for treatment of medically refractory non-lesional mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: Outcomes,complications, and current limitations: A review

There is a new focus on minimally invasive treatments for medically refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) is one such minimally invasive procedure, which utilizes MRI guidance and real-time feedback to ablate an epileptogenic focus. A total of 38 patients presenting exclusively with MTLE and no other lesions (including neoplasia), who underwent MRgLITT were reviewed. We evaluated a number of outcome measures, including seizure freedom, neuropsychological performance, complications, and other considerations. Eighteen (53%) had an Engel class I outcome, 10 patients had repeat procedures/operations, and 12 post-procedural complications occurred. Follow-up time ranged from 6 to 38.5 months. There was a decreased length of procedure time, hospitalization time, and analgesic requirement when compared to open surgery. In cases of well-localized MTLE this procedure may offer similar (albeit slightly lower) rates of seizure freedom versus traditional surgery. MRgLITT may be an alternative treatment option for high risk surgical patients and, more importantly, could increase referrals for surgery in patients with medically refractory MTLE. However, data is limited and long-term outcomes have not been evaluated. Further investigation is required to understand the potential of this minimally invasive technique for MTLE.     

Transsexualism: a review of etiology, diagnosis and treatment.

Transsexualism is considered to be the extreme end of the spectrum of gender identity disorders characterized by, among other things, a pursuit of sex reassignment surgery (SRS). The origins of transsexualism are still largely unclear. A first indication of anatomic brain differences between transsexuals and nontranssexuals has been found. Also, certain parental (rearing) factors seem to be associated with transsexualism. Some contradictory findings regarding etiology, psychopathology and success of SRS seem to be related to the fact that certain subtypes of transsexuals follow different developmental routes. The observations that psychotherapy is not helpful in altering a crystallized cross-gender identity and that certain transsexuals do not show severe psychopathology has led clinicians to adopt sex reassignment as a treatment option. In many countries, transsexuals are now treated according to the Standards of Care of the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association, a professional organization in the field of transsexualism. Research on postoperative functioning of transsexuals does not allow for unequivocal conclusions, but there is little doubt that sex reassignment substantially alleviates the suffering of transsexuals. However, SRS is no panacea. Psychotherapy may be needed to help transsexuals in adapting to the new situation or in dealing with issues that could not be addressed before treatment.     

New psychiatric and psychological aspects of diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C and relevance for opiate dependence

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review highlights the aspects of the hepatitis C virus that are important to the psychiatrist. RECENT FINDINGS: Hepatitis C virus infection is frequently associated with mental clouding, depression, neurocognitive impairment, and deterioration in the quality of life. In recent studies psychiatric symptoms have been linked to psychiatric comorbidity rather than to direct hepatitis C virus neurotoxicity. Infection of the central nervous system, however, is thought to play a role at least in hepatitis C virus associated neurocognitive deficits. Application of the anti-hepatitis C virus agent interferon-alpha is regularly accompanied by psychiatric symptoms, most often depression. Antidepressant treatment may support interferon therapy, but its general indication and timing remain debatable. The problem of hepatitis C virus treatment in manic patients is still unsolved. Hepatitis C infection rates in injection drug users are often 90% and higher, while these patients in particular face barriers when trying to access treatment. Recent studies demonstrated feasibility of hepatitis C virus treatment in injection drug users in specialized treatment settings. SUMMARY: Hepatitis C virus infection is associated with psychiatric comorbidity and injection drug use, while treatment of the virus is frequently accompanied by neuropsychiatric symptoms. Psychiatrists are particularly qualified to support diagnosis of hepatitis C associated comorbidity and to render treatment feasible. Evaluation of treatment options and settings in infected patients with psychiatric comorbidity or injection drug users is required, as well as investigation of association of hepatitis C virus infection, and psychiatric and neurocognitive symptoms in properly defined samples.     

Scalp dermoids: a review of their anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment

Background

Scalp dermoid cysts are subcutaneous sacs lined with a stratified squamous epithelium containing developmentally mature ectodermal tissues, including skin, hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands.

Methods

Because they consist of developmentally mature tissues, scalp dermoid cysts are generally benign. Typically, cysts are limited to an extracranial location, and management generally involves simple surgical resection.

Discussion

Because of the potential for intracranial and/or intradural extension associated with some scalp dermoids, however, a comprehensive clinical evaluation incorporating MRI and CT imaging is included in the diagnostic process.     

Electroconvulsive therapy for minors: experiences and attitudes of child psychiatrists and psychologists.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate knowledge, experience, and attitudes towards the use of electroconvulsive treatment in minors (patients < 18 years of age), among child and adolescent psychiatrists and psychologists. METHOD: 1,600 questionnaires were mailed to a group of child and adolescent psychiatrists and psychologists. RESULT: There were 625 (39%) respondents. 329 (53.8%) of the respondents stated that they possessed minimal knowledge about the use of ECT in children and adolescents. Lack of confidence in providing a second opinion was common and reported by 75%. Compared with those with minimal knowledge, respondents with advanced knowledge reported a higher perception of safety and efficacy. The majority (70%) of the respondents regarded ECT as a treatment of last resort. CONCLUSION: Many child and adolescent psychiatrists and psychologists have very little knowledge, training, or experience in this treatment. They seem to be ill equipped to appropriately consider or advise patients and families about ECT. Clinical and research implications of these findings are discussed.     

Atypical depression: a review of diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis of atypical depression has been used in a variety of ways in the psychiatric literature. The authors review the different uses of the term and then examine the syndrome's capacity to reliably predict course of illness, family prevalence, biological test date, and response to treatment. They conclude that as a diagnosis, atypical depression is misleading and does not describe a discrete or homogeneous group of patients. However, the literature on atypical depression has been extremely important in identifying patients for whom pharmacological intervention may be of great benefit and for whom it has been underutilized in the past.     

Stress, burnout, coping and stress management in psychiatrists: findings from a systematic review

BACKGROUND: Research into stress among psychiatrists has attempted to identify stressors, which can lead to physical illness and psychological distress. AIMS: The aim of the study was systematically to review the current evidence for the effectiveness of stress management interventions for those working in the psychiatric profession. METHOD: A systematic review of the current literature was conducted into stress and stress management within the profession of psychiatry. RESULTS: Twenty-three international studies were included in the psychiatry section of the review. Psychiatrists report a range of stressors in their work, including stress associated with their work and personal stresses. One personal stress, which psychiatrists find very difficult to cope with is patient suicide. Coping strategies include support from colleagues and outside interests. No studies evaluated the use of stress-management interventions for psychiatrists. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatry is a stressful profession. Psychiatrists identified several stressors in their professional and personal lives.     

Asperger's disorder: a review of its diagnosis and treatment

Asperger's disorder is a pervasive developmental disorder that shares similar features of social impairment disorder, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors with autistic disorder. Although both Asperger's disorder and autistic disorder persist into adulthood, autistic disorder is usually apparent before the age of 3, while Asperger's disorder usually manifests itself at preschool age. Asperger's disorder in the majority of cases is not associated with delay in language development and there is an increased likelihood to seek social interactions and to engage in activities and friendship with others. In contrast to autistic disorder, most Asperger's disorder patients have normal intellectual functioning and some have motor clumsiness. Although the etiology of Asperger's disorder is still undetermined, this article will review the assessment and treatment interventions that could improve the prognosis of this illness. The historical background, epidemiology, diagnostic features, differential diagnosis, and course and overall management/treatment of Asperger's disorder will be discussed. Despite the absence of a cure for Asperger's disorder, the awareness of its distinctive clinical features that differentiate it from autistic disorder could improve its prognosis and differentiate response to treatment and comorbid conditions.