'Practical management of suspected hypersensitivity reactions to anti-tuberculosis drugs.'

Tuberculosis (TB) is the commonest cause of death by a single infectious agent globally and ranks amongst the top ten causes of global mortality. The incidence of TB is highest in Low-Middle Income countries (LMICs). Prompt institution of, and compliance with, therapy are cornerstones for a favourable outcome in TB and to mitigate the risk of multiple drug resistant (MDR)-TB, which is challenging to treat. There is some evidence that adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to anti-TB drugs occur in over 60% and 3-4% of patients respectively. Both ADRs and HSRs represent significant barriers to treatment adherence and are recognised risk factors for MDR-TB. HSRs to anti-TB drugs are usually cutaneous and benign, occur within few weeks after commencement of therapy and are likely to be T-cell mediated. Severe and systemic T-cell mediated HSRs and IgE mediated anaphylaxis to anti-TB drugs are relatively rare, but important to recognise and treat promptly. T-cell mediated HSRs are more frequent amongst patients with co-existing HIV infection. Some patients develop multiple sensitisation to anti-TB drugs. Whilst skin tests, patch tests and in vitro diagnostics have been used in the investigation of HSRs to anti-TB drugs, their predictive value is not established, they are onerous, require specialist input of an allergist and are resource-dependent. This is compounded by the global, unmet demand for allergy specialists, particularly in low income countries (LICs) / LMICs and now the challenging circumstances of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This narrative review provides a critical analysis of the limited published evidence on this topic and proposes a cautious and pragmatic approach to optimise and standardise the management of HSRs to anti-TB drugs. This includes clinical risk stratification and a dual strategy involving sequential re-challenge and rapid drug desensitisation. Furthermore, a concerted international effort is needed to generate real-time data on ADRs, HSRs, safety and clinical outcomes of these interventions.

Prosthetic management of a patient withTreacher Collins syndrome

Treacher Collins syndrome encompasses a group of closely related defects of the head and neck. It is a rare syndrome characterized by bilaterally symmetrical abnormalities derived from the first and second brachial arches and the nasal placode. It is an autosomal dominant disorder and its occurence ranges from 1 in 25,000 to 1 in 50,000 live births. The facial appearance of these patients can be improved by either surgical or prosthetic rehabilitation. In this case report we are presenting the features of a 13-year-old boy with Treacher Collins syndrome. A multidisplinary approach was followed in managing the situation. The various treatment options and the steps involved in making an auricular prosthesis are also discussed.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of individuals with ectodermal dysplasia

Ectodermal dysplasia is a genetic disorder commonly affecting the development of teeth. The quality of life of the affected individuals can be improved by a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment plan. The treatment may include removable, fixed, implant-supported prostheses, or a combination of these options. This case report describes in detail the diagnosis and treatment of two such individuals using removable overdentures.