Chest
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Comparative Study
In vitro comparison of beclomethasone and salbutamol metered-dose inhaler aerosols inhaled during pediatric tidal breathing from four valved holding chambers.
To determine the amount of salbutamol or beclomethasone delivered from metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) in particle sizes appropriate for inhalational treatment with four common holding chambers (AeroChamber, OptiChamber, Space Chamber, E-Z Spacer) when used under simulated pediatric tidal breathing conditions. ⋯ Amounts of drug inhaled in fine particles during pediatric tidal breathing from valved holding chambers are dependent on the holding chamber model, the drug used, and the breathing pattern, although dependence on the breathing pattern is relatively small for some of the devices tested.
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To evaluate the indications, safety, therapeutic impact, and outcome of fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) in coronary care unit (CCU) patients. ⋯ FOB may be diagnostically useful in the evaluation of pulmonary abnormalities in selected patients with acute cardiac disease, can be performed safely, and may influence management decisions. Positive bronchoscopy cultures often influence therapy but are associated with higher mortality, suggesting a lethal effect of nosocomial pneumonia in this subset of CCU patients. The risks of FOB must be weighed with the impact of FOB results on patient outcome, and its role requires further investigation.
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Case Reports
Successful treatment of gemcitabine toxicity with a brief course of oral corticosteroid therapy.
Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog that is useful in the treatment of solid tumors. Its use has been postulated to produce lung injury by causing a capillary leak syndrome. ⋯ Following the administration of oral corticosteroids, she had complete resolution of all signs and symptoms of gemcitabine toxicity. Physicians should be aware of this treatable complication of gemcitabine therapy.