Chest
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Amiodarone pulmonary toxicity (APT) is the most serious side effect of amiodarone. Although severe APT, such as ARDS, is rare, mortality of severe APT is high. Polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column direct hemoperfusion (PMX-DHP) is a medical device that reduces blood endotoxin levels in sepsis. ⋯ The patient was weaned from mechanical ventilation and has done well without recurrence. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of PMX-DHP therapy for severe APT. We speculate that PMX-DHP could be a new treatment strategy for severe APT.
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Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects not only pulmonary function but also multiple organ systems. The fl ow-mediated dilation (FMD) test is a noninvasive assessment of endothelial function and nitric oxide bioavailability. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine (1) whether endothelial dysfunction is present in young patients with CF and (2) whether endothelial function is associated with pulmonary function and exercise capacity. ⋯ For the fi rst time to our knowledge, these data provide evidence of vascular endothelial dysfunction in a fairly healthy cohort of young patients with CF. In addition, our data demonstrate the complex relationships between endothelial function and both pulmonary function and exercise capacity in young patients with CF.
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Diaphragmatic muscle contractions triggered by ventilator insuffl ations constitute a form of patient-ventilator interaction referred to as “entrainment,” which is usually unrecognized in critically ill patients. Our objective was to review tracings, which also included muscular activity, obtained in sedated patients who were mechanically ventilated to describe the entrainment events and their characteristics. The term “reverse triggering” was adopted to describe the ventilator-triggered muscular efforts. ⋯ To our knowledge, this is the fi rst time that the presence of respiratory entrainment in sedated, critically ill adult patients who are mechanically ventilated has been documented. The “reverse-triggered” breaths illustrate a new form of neuromechanical coupling with potentially important clinical consequences.
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Compounding pharmacies serve a critical role in modern health care to meet special patient care needs. Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has clearly delineated jurisdiction over drug companies and products manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations to ensure quality, potency, and purity, compounding pharmacies are regulated by the State Boards and are not registered by the FDA. In recent years, some compounding pharmacies acted like a manufacturer, preparing large amounts of injectable drugs with interstate activities. ⋯ Moreover, compliance with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices 2011 recommendations that any type of sterile compounding must be in compliance with the United States Pharmacopoeia chapter 797 guidelines will reduce the risk of patient harm from microbial contamination. Finally, other critical factors that require close attention include addressing injectable products compounded in hospitals and other outpatient health-care centers. The FDA and State Boards of Pharmacy must be adequately funded to exercise the oversight effectively.
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Comparative Study
Effects of phosphoinositide 3-kinase on protease-induced acute and chronic lung inflammation, remodeling, and emphysema in rats.
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) plays an important role in tissue inflammatory reactions and fibrotic processes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential mechanism and therapeutic effects of PI3K inhibitor on pancreatic elastase (PE)-induced acute and chronic lung inflammation, edema, and injury. ⋯ PI3K plays a critical role in the development of acute and chronic lung injury, including the process of tissue remodeling and emphysema. PI3K inhibitors could be new therapeutic alternatives for chronic lung diseases.