Probable interaction of sodium divalproex with benzodiazepines.

1. After drug discontinuation and 1 week placebo washout, 12 patients with panic disorders received, for 6 weeks, either placebo or sodium divalproex. During 6 consecutive weeks, alternate medication was given. 2. Severity of panic and anxiety attacks was improved only in patients receiving sodium divalproex as a first medication. 3. Protracted benzodiazepine effects may occur in the dichotomous antipanic activity of sodium divalproex.     

Mechanisms of pulmonary dysfunction after on-pump and off-pump cardiac surgery: a prospective cohort study

Background  

Pulmonary dysfunction following cardiac surgery is believed to be caused, at least in part, by a lung vascular injury and/or atelectasis following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) perfusion and collapse of non-ventilated lungs.     

Treatment of myofascial trigger points in common shoulder disorders by physical therapy: A randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN75722066]

Background  

Shoulder disorders are a common health problem in western societies. Several treatment protocols have been developed for the clinical management of persons with shoulder pain. However available evidence does not support any protocol as being superior over others. Systematic reviews provide some evidence that certain physical therapy interventions (i.e. supervised exercises and mobilisation) are effective in particular shoulder disorders (i.e. rotator cuff disorders, mixed shoulder disorders and adhesive capsulitis), but there is an ongoing need for high quality trials of physical therapy interventions. Usually, physical therapy consists of active exercises intended to strengthen the shoulder muscles as stabilizers of the glenohumeral joint or perform mobilisations to improve restricted mobility of the glenohumeral or adjacent joints (shoulder girdle). It is generally accepted that a-traumatic shoulder problems are the result of impingement of the subacromial structures, such as the bursa or rotator cuff tendons. Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in shoulder muscles may also lead to a complex of symptoms that are often seen in patients diagnosed with subacromial impingement or rotator cuff tendinopathy. Little is known about the treatment of MTrPs in patients with shoulder disorders.     

Fatty acids platelets and oxidative markers following intravenous n-3 fatty acids administration in cystic fibrosis: An open pilot observational study.

BACKGROUND: An imbalance in the ratio of arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was found in cystic fibrosis (CF) affected tissues and was suggested to promote inflammation. Several studies have shown that the long chain n-3 fatty acids reduced inflammatory activity while others have highlighted prooxidant activity of DHA at high concentrations. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of an intravenous fish-oil emulsion enriched with n-3 FA in patients with CF on plasma and platelet FA composition and peroxidation markers. METHODS: 13 patients with CF received one IV emulsion per week of 2 mL/kg fish-oil n-3 emulsion for 12 weeks. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in 20:5 n-3 and 22:6 n-3 platelet FA composition, no variation in 20:4 n-6, a decrease in n-9. There was no variation in plasma FA composition. Specific urinary markers of lipid peroxidation derived from n-3 and n-6 showed a very high level before infusion compared with usual values in healthy subjects which was not affected by treatment. A significant weight loss and a decrease in reduced glutathione were observed in adult patients. CONCLUSIONS: The intravenous administration of n-3 FA in CF patients induced a significant modification in platelet FA composition but no modification of oxidative markers. However, the weight loss and the decreased level in reduced glutathione observed in adult patients may suggest a potential deleterious activity for some patients. Further studies are necessary to determine the optimal dose and route for long chain FA administration required to reach a potential beneficial effect.