Activity of Praziquantel Enantiomers and Main Metabolites against Schistosoma mansoni

A racemic mixture of R and S enantiomers of praziquantel (PZQ) is currently the treatment of choice for schistosomiasis. Though the S enantiomer and the metabolites are presumed to contribute only a little to the activity of the drug, in-depth side-by-side studies are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro activities of PZQ and its main metabolites, namely, R- and S-cis- and R- and S-trans-4′-hydroxypraziquantel, against adult worms and newly transformed schistosomula (NTS). Additionally, we explored the in vivo activity and hepatic shift (i.e., the migration of the worms to the liver) produced by each PZQ enantiomer in mice. Fifty percent inhibitory concentrations of R-PZQ, S-PZQ, and R-trans- and R-cis-4′-hydroxypraziquantel of 0.02, 5.85, 4.08, and 2.42 μg/ml, respectively, for adult S. mansoni were determined in vitro. S-trans- and S-cis-4′-hydroxypraziquantel were not active at 100 μg/ml. These results are consistent with microcalorimetry data and studies with NTS. In vivo, single 400-mg/kg oral doses of R-PZQ and S-PZQ achieved worm burden reductions of 100 and 19%, respectively. Moreover, worms treated in vivo with S-PZQ displayed an only transient hepatic shift and returned to the mesenteric veins within 24 h. Our data confirm that R-PZQ is the main effector molecule, while S-PZQ and the metabolites do not play a significant role in the antischistosomal properties of PZQ.     

Percutaneous blade and balloon atrioseptostomy as a supplement to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to heart transplantation

In patients with severe ventricular dysfunction, the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) could be insufficient to discharge the left ventricle. The percutaneous blade and balloon atrioseptostomy that requires transeptal catheter-based experience could be an advisable technique to supplement assistance as a bridge to partial recovery or to heart transplantation. We present a case of a young male who presented for cardiogenic shock with a huge thrombus in the left main coronary artery in whom blade and balloon atrioseptostomy in addition to the ECMO was helpful to bail out and to perform heart transplantation.     

A curious lobe

A case of azygos lobe is presented. An azygos lobe is an accessory lobe of the lung that may occasionally be confused with a pathological process such as a bulla, lung abscess or neoplasm. Its pathogenesis is discussed, as are the characteristic x-ray features that enable an accurate diagnosis.