Churg-Strauss vasculitis in a patient treated with omalizumab

Omalizumab is a new anti-IgE treatment for severe-persistent allergic asthma. In this case presentation, we report the clinical features of a patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) diagnosed after five months of omalizumab treatment. Administration of anti-IgE quickly improved asthma symptoms and enabled the gradual reduction and suspension of systemic steroids. After the suspension of steroids, vasculitis became evident and CSS was diagnosed. Here, we report the clinical course of this patient to evaluate the efficacy of omalizumab in CS

The dynamics of socio-connective trust within support networks accessed by informal caregivers

This article introduces the concept of socio-connective trust, the synapse between the social structures and processes that underpin relationships in supportive care networks. Data from an ethnographic case study of 18 informal caregivers providing in-home care for people with life-limiting illness were analysed drawing on theoretical concepts from the work of Giddens and writings on social capital, as well the construction of trust in the caregiving literature. While the various conceptions of trust from these sources were found to contribute to the understanding of supportive care relationships, they did not account for the dynamic nature of the availability and use of support networks. Instead, informal caregivers undertook ongoing reflexive negotiation of relationship boundaries in response to their own conception of the current situation and their perception of trust in their relationships with the various members of the support network. The concept of socio-connective trust describes the movement and flow of the flexible bonds that influence relationships among care networks and determine the type and range of support accessed by informal caregivers. Understanding the complexities of socio-connective trust in caregiving relationships will equip health and social care workers to mobilise relevant resources to support informal caregivers

Which psychosocial variables affect drive the most? Analysis of sexual desire in a group of Italian men

Literature lacks wide studies on variables affecting sexual desire in men. Aim of this study was to explore the role of some psychosocial variables such as quality of life, sexual function, distress, sexual satisfaction, psychological symptoms, emotions, alexithymia, couple adjustment, sexism, dysfunctional beliefs, cognitive schemas, and modes. A self-administered survey reached 450 heterosexual Italian men (age 31.36 ± 10.73). Results showed "orgasmic function", "lack of erotic thoughts", "erection concerns thoughts", "hostile sexism", and "positive affect" as the main sexual desire predictors. "Depression", "premature ejaculation severity", "sexual distress", "sexual conservatism", and "helpless" predicted in minor manner sexual desire levels. Analyzed variables could represent key factors in the assessment and therapy of sexual desire problems