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Biomedical subjects

A Fierz

Publications and source records attributed to A Fierz.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Corticosteroids in giant cell arteritis: primum nil nocere?].

BACKGROUND: Steroids are the treatment of choice for giant cell arteritis but bear the risk of serious side effects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study on 34 patients with documented giant cell arteritis (24 with ocular involvement) by means of a questionnaire sent to the treating physicians. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 48 months, side effects occurred in 90 % of the patients. The most frequent were weight gain (> 50 %) and osteoporosis (> 40 %, F >> M). Side effects were more common in patients with ocular involvement and in women. Severe complications were significantly more frequent in patients with ocular involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Side effects are the rule and not the exception in the treatment of giant cell arteritis. They can affect quality of life. Physicians should bear them in mind as many are preventable and/or treatable.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2001

[Endocrine orbitopathy].

Dysthyroid orbitopathy is an autoimmune disorder usually occurring in the setting of Graves' disease. The pathogenesis is incompletely understood but involves autoantibodies against orbital tissue. The clinical course is highly variable. Signs range from mild to severe soft tissue swelling, lid retraction, proptosis and extraocular muscle involvement with diplopia, to corneal damage and optic nerve compression with irreversible visual loss. After a few years, the phase of active inflammation is usually followed by a chronic stage with or without residual damage through fibrosis. Each stage requires a carefully adjusted therapy and optimal cooperation between the general practitioner, the ophthalmologist and other specialists involved. Therapeutic options range from topical lubricants to systemic steroids, radiation and surgery.

Diagnosis, Differential↗