Profile of etodolac: Pharmacokinetic evaluation in special populations

The pharmacokinetics of etodolac, a new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, were compared in normal subjects, in patients with renal and hepatic disease, and in elderly patients. In 28 normal subjects, orally administered etodolac was rapidly absorbed. By 1.2 hours after ingestion of a 200 mg dose, the maximum serum concentration (C_max) averaged 15.9 g/ml, with more than 99% of the drug bound to serum protein. Clearance was primarily hepatic. The mean half-life (t_1/2) was 6 to 7 hours. There were no apparent differences in C_max, the time at which C_max occurred (t_max), area under the serum concentration/time curve (AUC_0–24), or t_1/2 between groups of young men (n=20), elderly men (n=24), and elderly men with osteoarthritis (n=20), after a single dose of etodolac or after 7 days of subchronic administration. Moreover there was no evidence of accumulation. There also were no differences in C_max, t_max, AUC_0–24 or t_1/2 between groups of normal subjects (n=10) and patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment (n=10). Patients with end-stage renal disease who were receiving chronic hemodialysis had the same mean serum concentration of free drug as normal subjects, even though mean serum levels of protein-bound etodolac were slightly lower than those in the normal subjects. The only significant (p<0.05) difference between patients with stable hepatic cirrhosis and normal, age-matched subjects was a slightly shorter t_max in the cirrhotic subjects (1.1 vs. 1.4 hours). These findings suggest that no alteration of etodolac dosage would be necessary in these high-risk groups.Die pharmakokinetischen Parameter von Etodolac, einem neuen, nichtsteroidalen entzündungshemmenden Therapeutikum, wurden an gesunden Probanden, an Patienten mit Leber- und Nierenleiden und an Älteren Patienten untersucht. Orale Etodolac Gaben wurden von den 28 gesunden Probanden schnell resorbiert. Nach einer einmaligen Dosis von 200 mg betrug nach 1,2 Stunden die durchschnittliche maximum Serumkonzentration (C_max) 15,9 g/ml, wobei mehr als 99% des Medikaments an das Serumprotein gebunden war. Clearance erfolgte hauptsÄchlich über die Niere. Die mittlere Eliminationshalbwertszeit (t_1/2) variierte zwischen 6 und 7 Stunden. In Bezug auf C_max, dem Zeitpunkt an dem C_max auftrat (t_max), FlÄche unter der Serumkonzentrationskurve (AUC_0–24) und t_1/2 wurden keine offensichtliche Unterschiede festgestellt zwischen der Gruppe junger MÄnnern (n=20), Älterer MÄnner (n=24) und Älteren MÄnnern mit Osteoarthritis (n=20) nach einer einmaligen Etodolac-Gabe oder nach 7 tÄgiger subchronischer Dosierung. Es bestanden auch keine Anzeichen einer Kumulation. ZusÄtzlich wurden auch keine Unterschiede in C_max, t_max, AUC_0–24 und t_1/2 zwischen der Gruppe gesunder Probanden (n=10) und der Patientengruppe mit leichten bis mÄigen NierenfunktionsschÄden (n=10) beobachtet. Im mittleren Serumspiegel des nicht gebundenen Medikaments in Patienten im Endstadium der Nierenerkrankung, die mit Langzeitdialyse behandelt wurden, konnte kein Unterschied im Vergleich zu gesunden Probanden festgestellt werden, obwohl der mittlere Serumspiegel für proteingebundenes Etodolac in den Patienten etwas niedriger lag als in gesunden Probanden. Der einzige signifikante Unterschied (p<0.05) zwischen Patienten mit stabilisierter Leberzirrhose und gleichaltrigen Probanden war eine etwas kürzere t_max in den Zirrhosepatienten (1,1 versus 1,4 Stunden). Diese Ergebnisse beweisen, dakeine Notwendigkeit vorliegt, die Etodolac-Dosierung für diese Risikogruppen zu modifizieren.Se comparó la farmacocinética de etodolac, un fármaco antiinflamatorio no esteroide nuevo, en sujetos normales y en pacientes con enfermedad renal y hepática y en pacientes ancianos. Etodolac administrado por vía oral a 28 sujetos normales fue rápidamente absorbido. A las 1,2 horas siguientes a la administración de una dosis de 200 mg, la concentración sérica máxima (C_max) alcanzó un promedio de 15,9 g/ml, con más del 99% del fármaco unido a la proteína sérica. La eliminación fue principalmente hepática. La vida media (t_1/2) fue 6–7 horas. No se observaron diferencias en C_max, en el tiempo en el cual se produjo C_max, en el área bajo la curva de concentración sérica/tiempo (ABC_0–24) ni en t_1/2 entre los grupos de hombres jóvenes (n=20), de hombres ancianos (n=24) y de hombres ancianos con osteoartritis (n=20), después de la administración de una dosis Única o después de 7 días de administración subcrónica de etodolac. Además, no hubo evidencia de acumulación. Tampoco se registraron diferencias en C_max, t_max, ABC_0–24 o t_1/2 entre los grupos de sujetos normales (n=10) y los pacientes con insuficiencia renal leve a moderada (n=10). Los pacientes con nefropatía terminal que estaban recibiendo hemodiálisis crónica tuvieron las mismas concentraciones séricas medias de fármaco libre que los sujetos normales, a pesar de que las concentraciones séricas medias de etodolac unido a proteina fueron levemente inferiores que en los sujetos normales. La Única diferencia significativa (p<0,05) entre los pacientes con cirrosis hepática estable y los sujetos normales de edad similar fue t_max ligeramente inferior en los sujetos cirróticos (1,1 vs 1,4 horas). Estos hallazgos sugieren que no es necesario modificar la dosis de etodolac para su uso en estos grupos de alto riesgo.La pharmacocinétique de l'étodolac, un anti-inflammatoire non stéroÏdien, a été comparé chez des sujets normaux et des patients présentant des affections rénales et hépatiques, et chez des malades âgés. Chez 28 sujets normaux, la résorption d'étodolac administré par voie orale a été rapide. Dès 1,2 heure suivant l'absorption d'une dose de 200 mg, la moyenne des concentration sériques maximales (C_max) était de 15,9 g/ml, plus de 99% pour cent du médicament étant liés aux protéines sériques. La clairance se fait surtout par voie hépatique. La demivie moyenne (t_1/2) était de 6 à 7 heures. Il n'y avait aucune différence apparente en ce qui concerne C_max, le temps d'apparition de C_max (t_max), l'aire sous la courbe concentration sérique/temps (AUC_0–24) ni t_1/2 entre les groupes d'hommes jeunes (n=20), d'hommes âgés (n=24), et d'hommes âgés atteints d'arthrose (n=20) à la suite d'une dose unique d'étodolac ou après 7 jours d'administration subchronique. De plus, aucune accumulation n'a été constatée. D'autre part, aucune différence de C_max, t_max, AUC_0–24 ni t_1/2 n'a été notée entre les groupes de sujets normaux (n=10) et de malades présentent des altérations rénales légères ou modérées (n=10). Les malades en insuffisance rénale terminale soumis à l'hémodialyse chronique ont présenté une concentration sérique moyenne de médicament libre analogue à celle des sujets normaux, mais la moyenne des taux sériques d'étodolac lié aux protéines était légèrement inférieure à celle observée chez les sujets normaux. La seule différence significative (p<0.05) entre les malades présentant une cirrhose hépatique stable et des sujets normaux appariés quant à l'âge était représentée par un t_max légèrement plus court chez les cirrhotiques (1,1 contre 1,4 heure). Ces données permettent de penser qu'aucune modification posologique de l'étodolac ne serait nécessaire pour ces groupes à haut risque.La farmacocinetica dell'etodolac, un nuovo farmaco anti-infiammatorio non steroidale è stata messa a confronto in gruppi normali, in pazienti affetti da malattia rénale ed epatica ed in pazienti anziani. In 28 soggetti normali l'etodolac somministrato oralmente è stato rapidamente assorbito. Dopo 1.2 ore dall'ingestione di una dose di 200 mg la massima concentrazione di siero (Cmax) presentava un valore medio di 15,9 mg/ml, con più del 99% del farmaco legato alla proteina del siero. La clearance era soprattutto a livello epatico. L'emivita media (t1/2) era di 6–7 ore. Non vi sono state evidenti differenze medie nei valori di concentrazione massima (Cmax), tempo (Tmax) al quale si aveva la Cmax, nella curva dell'area sotto concentrazione di siero/tempo (AUCo-24) oppure nel valore dell'emivita media (t1/2) tra gruppi di uomini giovani (n=20), uomini anziani (n=24) e anziani con osteoartrite (n=20), dopo una dose singola di etodolac o dopo 7 giorni di somministrazione subcronica. Inoltre non vi sono stati segni di accumulo. Per di più non vi sono state differenze nei valori di Cmax, tmax, AUCo-24 o t1/2 tra gruppi di soggetti normali (n=10) e pazienti con alterazioni renali da leggere a moderate (n=10). I pazienti con malattia renale all'ultimo stadio che ricevevano emodialisi cronica presentavano la stessa concentrazione media di siero di farmaco libero dei soggetti normali, anche se i livelli medi di siero di etodolac legato alle proteine erano leggermente inferiori a quelli di soggetti normali. L'unica differenza significativa (p<0.05) tra pazienti con cirrosi epatica stabile e soggetti normali della stessa età era nei tmax leggermente più brevi nei soggetti cirrotici (1.1. contro 1.4 ore). Questi risultati suggeriscono che nessuna alterazione del dosaggio di etodolac sarebbe necessaria in questi gruppi ad alto rischio.     

Intestinal microvillous atrophy in a patient with Down syndrome and aganglionic megacolon

Intestinal microvillous disorders are an uncommon cause of severe diarrhea, with very poor prognosis. The authors report the case of a female infant with Down syndrome, aganglionic megacolon, severe diarrhea, and jejunal biopsy with ultrastructural changes consistent with microvillous atrophy. The patient condition improved after a colostomy performed in the setting of the treatment of Hirschprung disease.     

Effects of chemical mediators of anaphylaxis on ciliary function

We assessed the effects of selected chemical mediators of anaphylaxis on CBF in vitro. Ciliated epithelial cells were obtained from the trachea of conscious sheep with a cytology brush and suspended in a perfusion chamber containing KH. Ciliary activity was viewed microscopically and recorded on videotape for subsequent slow-motion analysis of CBF. Prostaglandin E1 (10(-8) M to 10(-6) M), prostaglandin E2 (10(-10) M to 10(-6) M), and leukotriene-C4 (10(-8) M) increased CBF between 7% and 33%. Histamine caused ciliostimulation only at the relatively high concentrations above 10(-5) M (7% increase in CBF), whereas prostaglandin F2 alpha (10(-10) M and 10(-6) M) was without effect. In no preparation was ciliary discoordination observed. These findings indicate that several chemical mediators of anaphylaxis stimulate CBF and that the previously described impairment of mucociliary transport in stable allergic asthma or antigen-induced bronchoconstriction is probably not caused by a primary alteration of ciliary function.     

Airway responses to antigen challenge in allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma

The density dependence of the maximum expiratory flow-volume curve, functional residual capacity (FRC), and specific airway conductance (SGaw) were determined before and during bronchial provocation with ragweed extract in 27 subjects with ragweed hypersensitivity and a history of either bronchial asthma (16 subjects) or allergic rhinitis (11 subjects). Mean baseline SGaw was significantly lower while mean volume of isoflow (Visov) and FrC were significantly higher in subjects with bronchial asthma. During antigen challenge, 10 of 16 subjects with bronchial asthma (63%) and five of 11 subjects with allergic rhinitis (45%) showed a greater than 35% decrease in SGaw ("reactors"): mean relative decreases in SGaw from baseline were 46% and 53%, respectively. The remaining subjects showed a less than 35% decrease in SGaw ("nonreactors") with mean relative decreases of 9% (allergic asthma) and 6% (allergic rhinitis). Mean Visov increased in all subjects with bronchial asthma and in eight of 11 subjects with allergic rhinitis. A significant increase in FRC (6%) was seen only in the "reactors" with bronchial asthma. Following antigen challenge, the beta adrenergic agonist, isoetharine, increased SGaw and decreased Visov. We conclude that in asymptomatic subjects with ragweed hypersensitivity, (1) central and peripheral airway function is more abnormal in subjects with bronchial asthma than in subjects with allergic rhinitis, (2) subjects of both groups show quantitatively and qualitatively comparable airway responses during antigen challenge with a decrease in SGaw or an increase in Visov, possibly representing increase in central and/or peripheral airflow resistance, respectively, (3) Visov may be a more sensitive indicator of airway response to antigen challenge than SGaw, and (4) the bronchodilator effects of a beta adrenergic agonist on antigen-induced bronchospasm are similar in both groups.     

Effects of tryptophan depletion on central and peripheral chemoreflexes in man

Klein (Arch. Gen. Psychiatry 50, 306-317, 1993) suggests that panic attacks are the result of a defective 'suffocation alarm' threshold that presents with carbon dioxide (CO(2)) hypersensitivity, exaggerated ventilatory response and panic in panic disorder (PD) patients. Serotonergic deficiencies enhance this ventilatory response in PD patients, as per 'suffocation alarm' theory predictions, suggesting that serotonin (5-HT) normalizes the ventilatory response. Other research supports a serotonin system-mediated stimulation of ventilation. Knowledge of 5-HT's role on ventilatory output and its neurophysiological sources impacts on the 'suffocation alarm' theory validity and predictive value. We used tryptophan depletion (TRP-) in concert with a modified Read rebreathing test to determine the effect of deficient serotonergic modulation on the central and peripheral chemoreflex threshold and sensitivity of response to CO(2) in 11 healthy men. TRP- did not affect central or peripheral chemoreflex threshold or sensitivity of response to CO(2). However, basal ventilation was significantly elevated during TRP-. In contrast to 'suffocation alarm' theory predictions, decreased 5-HT neurotransmission does not significantly affect the respiratory chemoreflex response to CO(2), impacting on non-chemoreflex drives to breathe. Panic associated respiratory abnormalities may be related to defective 5-HT modulation of non-chemoreflex drives to breathe, unrelated to any respiratory chemoreflex abnormality.     

Does Low FEV1 in Addition to Fixed Ratio and/or Lower Limit of Normal of FEV1/FVC Improve Prediction of Mortality in COPD? The NHANES-III-linked-mortality Cohort

Purpose

There is presently an ongoing debate on the relative merits of suggested criteria for spirometric airway obstruction. This study tests the null hypothesis that no superiority exists with the use of fixed ratio (FR) of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) < 0.7 versus less than lower limit predicted (LLN) criteria with or without FEV1 <80% predicted in regards to future mortality.

A tidal ventilation model for oxygenation in respiratory failure

We develop tidal-ventilation pulmonary gas-exchange equations that allow pulmonary shunt to have different values during expiration and inspiration, in accordance with lung collapse and recruitment during lung dysfunction (Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 158 (1998) 1636). Their solutions are tested against published animal data from intravascular oxygen tension and saturation sensors. These equations provide one explanation for (i) observed physiological phenomena, such as within-breath fluctuations in arterial oxygen saturation and blood-gas tension; and (ii) conventional (time averaged) blood-gas sample oxygen tensions. We suggest that tidal-ventilation models are needed to describe within-breath fluctuations in arterial oxygen saturation and blood-gas tension in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) subjects. Both the amplitude of these oxygen saturation and tension fluctuations, and the mean oxygen blood-gas values, are affected by physiological variables such as inspired oxygen concentration, lung volume, and the inspiratory:expiratory (I:E) ratio, as well as by changes in pulmonary shunt during the respiratory cycle.     

阿尔茨海默病患者的汉字阅读能力研究

目的:研究汉语文化背景下的阿尔茨海默病患者的阅读能力和失读的特点。方法:正常老人、轻、中、重度AD各20名,性别、年龄和教育程度匹配。4组受试简明精神状态量表(MMSE)总分分别为27.7±2.2分、21.2±2.2分、15.2±2.3分和6.9±2.6分。汉字阅读包括22个记号字、17个音符字和17个义符字。结果:不管是记号字、音符字还是义符字,在正常老人组、轻度AD组和中度AD组之间两两比较没有显著差异(P>0.05),音符字和义符字在中度和重度AD组之间比较有显著差异(P<0.01)。“视觉性错读”在四组之间没有显著差异(P>0.05),表层失读出现在AD早期,并在AD晚期明显加重,好发于声符与其本字的发音不一致的义符字,不能用左侧忽视来解释。深层失读仅出现在AD晚期。组词现象是汉字深层失读的主要类型。结论:可以通过汉字阅读能力的评估判断早期痴呆被试的病前智力。汉字失读的类型与西方语言不同。     

Increased expression and release of functional tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) by T cells from lupus patients with active disease

Increased expression of TRAIL in membrane-bound and soluble form in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been previously reported. In this study, we characterized the upregulation of T-cell-associated and soluble TRAIL (sTRAIL) in vivo and the modulation of TRAIL expression and soluble protein release in vitro following T cell activation and IFNalpha exposure. The expression of membrane-bound TRAIL as determined by flow cytometry was higher on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells from lupus patients compared to controls, particularly on activated CD69(+)CD8(+) T cells. Similarly, sTRAIL levels determined by ELISA were significantly elevated in serum from patients with active SLE and correlated with levels of IFNalpha. In vitro, both T-cell-associated and sTRAIL were maximally induced by T cell activation plus IFNalpha in patients and controls. By Western blot analysis, sTRAIL was detected in sera in both the monomeric and multimeric, functional form. Both forms of TRAIL were functional in vitro as determined by Annexin V staining and (51)Cr release assay but the apoptotic activity of membrane TRAIL was 2.5-fold higher compared to that of sTRAIL. These results indicate that IFNalpha-induced enhancement of TRAIL expression and of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis may amplify the abnormal apoptotic process in SLE.     

浙江淳安小学生流行性癔病的心理社会因素探讨

本文报告对前文所述文昌乡中心小学四个流行性癔病发病班137名学生进行了问卷调查,其中曾发病者36人(女31,男5)与未发病的45人(女38,男7)对照组进行比较。结果显示发病组 EPQ 测定 N 分(神经质)高,平时情绪消极,应对能力差,依赖性强,体质较差,关系密切同学中患病者多,害怕鬼神等特点,与对照组相比,均有显著性差异。