Summary

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

[Posted 10/Nov/2022]

AUDIENCE: Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine

KEY FINDINGS: While the overall efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in moderate-severe UC is consistent with clinical trial data, the dose dependent increase in AEs highlights the significance of early dose de-escalation. Rate of clinical response after tofacitinb induction was similar in biologic naive and biologic experienced patients.

BACKGROUND: The objective of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tofacitinib in the treatment of moderate-severe ulcerative colitis (UC).

DETAILS: Authors searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central to identify articles and abstracts reporting efficacy or safety data on tofacitinib use in UC. Primary outcome assessed was remission. Secondary outcomes included clinical response, steroid free remission, and adverse events (AEs). A total of 26 studies were included. The rates of remission were 29.81% [95% confidence interval (CI): 22.37%-37.25%, I²: 90%] at week 8, 32.27% (95% CI: 27.67%-36.88%, I²: 42%) at 6 months and 38.03% (95% CI: 33.59%-42.48%, I²: 0%) at 1-year. Clinical response rates were 59.41% (95% CI: 55.03%-63.94%, I²: 61%) at week 8, 48.99% (95% CI: 36.92%-61.06%, I²: 91%) at 6 months and 50.87% (95% CI: 42.16%-59.58%, I²: 67%) at 1-year. Odds ratio of clinical response at week 8 in biologic naive versus biologic experienced patients was 1.59 (95% CI: 0.54-4.63). Pooled incidence rate for serious infections, major adverse cardiovascular events, and nonmelanotic squamous cell malignancies across all doses was 4.41 per 100-patient years (PYs) (95% CI: 2.32-8.38 per 100-PY, I²: 78%), 0.91 per 100-PY (95% CI: 0.43-1.93 per 100-PY, I²: 37%) and 0.91 per 100-PY (95% CI: 0.61-1.34 per 100-PY, I²: 0%), respectively. Higher dose was associated with an increased frequency of AEs.

Copyright © Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Source: Taneja, V., El-Dallal, M., Haq, Z., et al. (2022). Effectiveness and Safety of Tofacitinib for Ulcerative Colitis: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Clin Gastro. 2022; 56(10): e323-e333. Published: November/December, 2022. DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001608.

Summary

[Posted 27/May/2026]

AUDIENCE: Infectious Disease, Family Medicine

KEY FINDINGS: A primary challenge in this specific outbreak is the nature of the causative agent, the Bundibugyo virus. Unlike the more common Zaire ebolavirus, there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific, FDA-approved treatment effective against the Bundibugyo strain. Consequently, the public health response relies entirely on traditional containment strategies. These include rapid case detection, patient isolation, meticulous contact tracing, the promotion of infection prevention and control practices, safe burial procedures, and robust community education to curb transmission chains. Researchers are currently evaluating whether existing therapeutic candidates or vaccine platforms could be adapted for emergency use, though clinical implementation remains under investigation.

BACKGROUND: In response to a burgeoning outbreak of Ebola virus disease caused by the Bundibugyo strain, the United States government has enacted new travel and entry protocols. The current outbreak, centered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and involving cases in South Sudan and Uganda, has prompted international health authorities to declare a public health emergency. As global travel remains a potential vector for the international spread of the virus, the U.S. government has taken proactive measures to bolster domestic defense against the introduction of the pathogen.

DETAILS: Effective May 2026, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security have implemented stringent travel requirements. Foreign nationals who have visited the DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda within the 21 days prior to their arrival are temporarily suspended from entry into the United States. Furthermore, all U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents returning from these three countries must route their travel through specifically designated entry points, including Washington-Dulles International Airport, where they are subject to enhanced public health screening. These measures include health questionnaires, temperature checks using non-contact technology, and verification of contact information to facilitate monitoring for symptoms over a 21-day period following departure from the affected regions. While the current outbreak is significant—with reports indicating nearly 500 suspected cases and more than 130 deaths since the official declaration on May 15—the domestic risk to the United States is currently assessed by the CDC as low. As of late May 2026, no suspected, probable, or confirmed cases of Ebola have been reported within the United States. Authorities are maintaining a state of high readiness, with regional hospitals and state health departments prepared to manage and isolate any potential symptomatic travelers identified through the screening process.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Enhanced Ebola Airport Screening Begins at Washington-Dulles International Airport. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. CDC. Published: May, 2026.

Summary

A Randomized Controlled Comparative Study

[Posted 19/May/2026]

AUDIENCE: General Surgery, Family Medicine

KEY FINDINGS: Early active treatment with isotretinoin and FMRF is safe and better than isotretinoin monotherapy over 44 weeks regarding severity, reduced erythema, and improved surface roughness in moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris. This encourages early and effective treatment of acne to mitigate acne scarring and improve patients' quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Oral isotretinoin is the standard therapy for severe acne. However, scarring may persist. Fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMRF) improves both inflammatory lesions and scars with minimal downtime. In this study, we compare isotretinoin monotherapy and concurrent isotretinoin and FMRF for active acne regarding clinical outcomes. The GAGS scores of isotretinoin and FMRF were significantly lower than those of isotretinoin monotherapy from weeks 12-44 (-79.69% vs. -60.34% at week 44, respectively; p < 0.001). Isotretinoin and FMRF showed significantly greater lesion count reductions than isotretinoin monotherapy at follow-up visits from weeks 12-44. Isotretinoin and FMRF showed significantly lower hemoglobin levels than isotretinoin monotherapy at weeks 32 and 44 (p = 0.029 and p < 0.001, respectively). Skin surface roughness improved substantially and persistently from week 12-44.

DETAILS: In this parallel two-group comparative study, patients received either low-dose isotretinoin monotherapy for 20 weeks (n = 34) or low-dose isotretinoin concurrently with 5 monthly FMRF sessions (n = 36). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and weeks 12, 20, 24, 32, and 44. The primary endpoints were Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) scores and inflammatory/non-inflammatory lesion counts. Secondary endpoints were hemoglobin indices and skin roughness.

Copyright © Wiley Periodicals LLC. All rights reserved

Source: Disphanurat, W., Leeyangyuen, P,, and Srisantithum, B. Efficacy of Low-Dose Oral Isotretinoin Combined With Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency Versus Low-Dose Oral Isotretinoin Monotherapy in the Treatment of Moderate-To-Severe Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized Controlled Comparative Study. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2026; 58(4): 321-330. Published: April, 2026. DOI: 10.1002/lsm.70120.

Summary

An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

[Posted 18/May/2026]

AUDIENCE: Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine

KEY FINDINGS: NTZ-based therapy significantly improved eradication rates, with risk ratios of 1.40 and 1.36 in different patient analyses, indicating better outcomes than standard therapy. While NTZ showed non-significant reductions in symptoms like abdominal pain and nausea, the certainty of evidence was consistently high, although the risk of bias varied from low to high. Further research is needed on NTZ's optimal use and safety.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infections are the major cause of gastrointestinal disease, mainly chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric carcinomas, affecting half of the population globally. Due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance, the efficacy of current standard therapies, particularly clarithromycin and metronidazole, has been reduced.

DETAILS: Nitazoxanide (NTZ), a broad-spectrum antimicrobial drug, has shown promising efficacy against H. pylori infections. This study aims to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of NTZ-based regimens versus standard triple therapy in H. pylori infections. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across 4 databases. Eight randomized controlled trials, comprising 1286 participants, comparing NTZ-based regimens with standard triple therapy, were included. A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). NTZ-based therapy showed significant improvement in primary outcome, which includes H. pylori eradication rate compared to standard triple therapy. In per-protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat patients, durational analysis showed significant improvement in H. pylori eradication rates (RR=1.40; 95% CI: 1.19-1.56; P<0.0001) and (RR=1.36; 95% CI: 1.19-1.56; P<0.0001), respectively. In addition, post follow-up assessment also shows significant effects in both patients per-protocol (RR= 1.40; 95% CI: 1.21-1.62; P<0.0001) and intention-to-treat (RR=1.36; 95% CI: 1.19-1.56; P<0.0001). In secondary outcomes, NTZ-based therapy showed non-significant reduction in abdominal pain (RR=0.50) and nausea (RR=0.78). Risk of bias was reported as low to high, although certainty of evidence was consistently high. Egger’s test shows non-significant publication bias (P=0.161). Future research should focus on NTZ’s optimal duration, resistance pattern, safety, and symptom relief.

Copyright © Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Source: Ali, S. H., Shaikh, U. A., Shahzad, A., et al. Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Nitazoxanide-based Triple Therapy Versus Standard Triple Therapy in Treating Helicobacter Pylori Infections: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2026; 60(5): 373-384. Published: May/June 2026. DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000002328

Summary

[Posted 11/May/2026]

AUDIENCE: All Healthcare Professionals

KEY FINDINGS:

• Hantaviruses are a family of viruses that cause serious illness and sometimes death in people worldwide.
• The viruses are spread by infected rodents through their urine, feces, and saliva.
• Some hantaviruses cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).
• Early symptoms of HPS in people resemble many other respiratory illnesses, making HPS difficult to diagnose at illness onset.
• Healthcare providers should test a person for hantavirus if they have HPS-compatible symptoms and have had contact with rodents.

BACKGROUND: Hantaviruses are spread by rodents' body fluids and excrement. People mostly contract hantavirus by breathing in the virus. Most hantaviruses found in North, Central, and South America can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Andes virus, which is found in South America, has reportedly had person-to-person transmission.

DETAILS: Different hantaviruses are found in the United States. Most of these cause HPS, which primarily affects the lungs. Non-HPS hantavirus infection can also occur, where patients experience non-specific viral symptoms, but no cardiopulmonary symptoms. The hantaviruses that are found throughout the United States are not known to spread between people.

HPS initially causes flu-like symptoms that can progress to more severe illness where people have trouble breathing. It's important for people with HPS to begin treatment as early as possible to improve their chances of recovery. HPS is fatal in nearly 4 in 10 people who are infected.

Exposure risks

Anyone who has contact with hantavirus-carrying rodents, or their droppings, urine, saliva or nesting material is at risk of HPS. Rodent infestation in and around the home remains the primary risk for hantavirus exposure. Even healthy individuals are at risk for HPS infection if they have contact with the virus.

Andes virus can cause HPS and is the only type of hantavirus that is known to spread person-to-person.

How it spreads

Each hantavirus has one primary rodent that carries the disease. The most common hantavirus that causes HPS in the U.S. is spread by the deer mouse.

People can contract hantavirus if they have contact with urine, feces or saliva of a rodent carrying the virus. This can occur when people:

1. Breathe in hantavirus-contaminated air when cleaning up after rodents.
2. Touch contaminated objects and then touch their nose or mouth.
3. Are bitten or scratched by an infected rodent.
4. Eat food contaminated with hantavirus.

Cases normally occur in rural areas where forests, fields, and farms offer habitats for rodents. The animals can get into homes and barns, where they may leave urine or feces.

Dogs and cats are not known to become infected with hantavirus in the United States. Pets may bring infected rodents to people or into homes.

Testing and diagnosis

Assessing patients for hantavirus can be difficult early in the infection because symptoms are non-specific and resemble many other viral infections like influenza, legionnaire's, leptospirosis, mycoplasma, and Q fever. Because hantavirus resembles these infections, a blood test is often the only way to officially diagnose it.

To diagnose hantavirus or HPS, clinicians should understand:

• Disease symptoms and rodent exposure history
• Testing guidelines to identify the virus
• How to request testing support from CDC if needed, and
• How to report cases to CDC

Clinicians with a patient experiencing symptoms compatible with HPS and a potential rodent exposure should contact their state, tribal, local, or territorial health department.

Testing

CDC uses an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect IgM antibodies and diagnose acute infections with hantaviruses. This diagnostic method is used to diagnose both HPS and HFRS. Diagnostic testing can be performed at:

1. CDC
2. State labs running the CDC-developed assay
3. State public health labs using other diagnostic assays
4. Commercial labs

The criteria to report hantavirus-positive cases are based on the national case definition, which includes clinical symptoms (HPS or non-HPS) and acute laboratory diagnostic results, such as:

1. IgM positive
2. IgG positive with rising titers
3. Immunohistochemistry positive, or
4. PCR positive

Treatment and recovery

There is no specific treatment for hantavirus infection. If HPS is suspected, the patient needs emergency medical care immediately, preferably in the intensive care unit, even before diagnosis.

Early intensive medical care is critical because patients who have sudden acute disease can rapidly become severely sick and die. If a patient is experiencing full distress, it is less likely the treatment will be effective.

Patient management should include:

1. Monitoring and adjustment of cardiac function
2. Carefully administering fluids
3. Providing supplemental oxygen
4. Intubating and ventilating if needed

Suspected HPS patients should receive appropriate broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, even if you're still waiting for diagnosis. Care should also include fever reducers and pain relievers.

While HPS can be quite severe, it has a short duration of critical disease. The cardiopulmonary dysfunction seen in HPS is most likely due to circulating inflammatory mediators. Autopsies performed on fatal cases did not show significant tissue damage.

Initiating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) at the earliest sign of decompensation has an 80 percent survival rate in patients despite cardiopulmonary collapse.

Within 24 hours of initial evaluation, most HPS patients develop some degree of hypotension. They also experience progressive evidence of pulmonary edema and hypoxia, usually requiring mechanical ventilation.

Patients with fatal infections often appear to have severe myocardial depression that progresses to sinus bradycardia with subsequent electromechanical dissociation, ventricular tachycardia, or fibrillation.

In patients with HPS, poor prognostic indicators include a plasma lactate of greater than 4.0 mmol/L or a cardiac index of less than 2.2 L/min/m2.

Pulmonary edema and pleural effusions are common, but multiorgan dysfunction syndrome is rarely seen. However, HPS patients sometimes have mildly impaired renal function. Survivors frequently become polyuric during convalescence and improve rapidly.

Intravenous ribavirin, a guanosine analogue, has been tested in patients with HPS. However, it was not shown to be effective for treatment of HPS.

Without adequate treatment, most deaths occur in patients with HPS within 24 to 48 hours of the cardiopulmonary phase onset.

Related diseases

Some hantaviruses cause kidney symptoms more than lung damage. When this occurs, it is called hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

Source: Clinician Brief: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). CDC. Published: May 8, 2026.

Summary

[Posted 8/May/2026]

AUDIENCE: Infectious Disease, Family Medicine

KEY FINDINGS: In two open-label trials, nirmatrelvir-ritonavir did not reduce the incidence of hospitalization or death among vaccinated higher-risk participants with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

BACKGROUND: Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir has been shown to reduce progression to severe illness from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in unvaccinated high-risk outpatients. The effectiveness of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir in persons who have been vaccinated, infected naturally, or both is unclear.

DETAILS: In two open-label platform trials (PANORAMIC in the United Kingdom and CanTreatCOVID in Canada), we enrolled higher-risk adults (>=50 years of age or >=18 years of age with coexisting conditions) in the community who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and had been unwell for 5 days or less. The participants were randomly assigned to receive usual care plus nirmatrelvir (300 mg)-ritonavir (100 mg) twice a day for 5 days or to receive usual care alone. The primary outcome was hospitalization or death from any cause within 28 days after randomization. From December 8, 2021, to September 30, 2024, a total of 3516 participants in the PANORAMIC trial and 716 participants in the CanTreatCOVID trial underwent randomization. In the PANORAMIC trial, 14 of 1698 participants (0.8%) in the nirmatrelvir-ritonavir group and 11 of 1673 participants (0.7%) in the usual-care group were hospitalized or died (adjusted odds ratio, 1.18; 95% Bayesian credible interval, 0.55 to 2.62; probability of superiority, 0.334). In the CanTreatCOVID trial, 2 of 343 participants (0.6%) in the nirmatrelvir-ritonavir group and 4 of 324 participants (1.2%) in the usual-care group were hospitalized or died (adjusted odds ratio, 0.48; 95% Bayesian credible interval, 0.08 to 2.23; probability of superiority, 0.830). In a substudy involving 634 participants, viral load was reduced by the end of treatment with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir. Serious adverse events with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir were reported in 9 participants in the PANORAMIC trial and in 4 participants in the CanTreatCOVID trial.

Copyright © Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.

Source: Butler, C. C., Pinto, A. D., Harris, V., et al. Oral Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir for Covid-19 in Higher-Risk Outpatients. N Engl J Med. 2026; 394(16): 1583-1594. Published: April 22, 2026. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2502457