Influenza virus infection is a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Due to the variable effectiveness of existing vaccines, especially in the early stages of an epidemic, antiviral drugs represent the first line of defense against the virus. Currently, there are two major classes of anti-influenza drugs approved by the FDA for clinical use: M2 protein inhibitors (amantadine and rimantadine) and neuraminidase inhibitors (zanamivir and oseltamivir). However, increasing resistance to these available influenza antivirals among circulating influenza viruses highlights the need to develop alternative approaches for the prevention and/or treatment of influenza. This review presents an overview of currently available drugs for influenza treatment as well as summarizes some new antiviral strategies that are now being tested covering agents targeting both the viral proteins and the host-virus interaction. We discuss their mechanisms of action, resistance and the therapeutic potential as new antiviral drug for use in future influenza pandemics. Additionally, combination therapy based on these drugs is also described.
Abstract: Idiopathic facial nerve palsy, known also as Bell’s palsy, is a common condition encountered in everyday otolaryngological practice, and although the prognosis is fair, in case of incomplete recovery remains a marked physical disability for the patient. Despite of the development of diagnostic techniques, in most cases it is still impossible to point the etiologic factor, and therapy has to remain on empirical treatment. Material and method: In this article the review of literature on pathogenesis and therapy of idiopathic facial nerve palsy, published in years 2006–2016 was performed, presenting the articles with direct implications for everyday clinical practice. Results: According to presented articles, the importance of usage of combined treatment with steroids and antivirals, extended diagnostics for the presence of metabolic disorders(IGT) and surgical treatment with early facial nerve decompression in cases with severe degeneration of the fibers or recurrent paralysis were emphasized
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