Resistin is elevated in cystic fibrosis sputum and correlates negatively with lung function

Background

Resistin is an immunometabolic mediator that is elevated in several inflammatory disorders. A ligand for Toll-like receptor 4, resistin modulates the recruitment and activation of myeloid cells, notably neutrophils. Neutrophils are major drivers of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, in part due to the release of human neutrophil elastase- and myeloperoxidase-rich primary granules, leading to tissue damage. Here we assessed the relationship of resistin to CF lung disease.

Treatment of oral manifestations of toxic epidermal necrolysis with low‐level laser therapy in a pediatric patient

Drug‐induced reactions are complications associated with high mortality and significant morbidity. Stevens–Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are examples of these conditions, which are characterized by skin and mucous lesions. Here, we report a case of a 9‐year‐old girl who presented with blisters associated with an extensive vesicular rash and multiple ulcerations on the lips and oral cavity. A drug‐induced hypersensitivity reaction to antibiotics was suspected, and a diagnosis of TEN was made. The patient was managed with withdrawal of the suspected causative agent, and the oral lesions were treated with low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) and oral hygiene. This case highlights that TEN requires interdisciplinary intervention with dental assistance and follow‐up to improve symptoms, nutrition, systemic condition, and quality of life.     

Toxic epidermal necrolysis; 15 years'' experience in a Dutch burns centre

BACKGROUND: Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a severe and potentially fatal drug reaction characterized by an extensive skin rash with blisters and exfoliation, frequently accompanied by mucositis. The wounds caused by TEN are similar to second-degree burns and severe cases may involve large areas of skin loss. OBJECTIVES: Analysis of our results in patients with TEN and evaluation of the variety of therapeutic interventions that has been studied and suggested in TEN. PATIENTS/METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 19 consecutive patients with TEN treated in our burns centre between 1989 and 2004. RESULTS: Immediate withdrawal of any potentially fatal drug, maximum supportive care, and a restricted and tailored antibiotic, medical and surgical treatment regimen confined mortality to 21%, whereas prognosis scores like APACHE II and SCORTEN predicted mortality of 22 and 30%, respectively. A positive contribution of selective digestive decontamination is suggested but has yet to be established. CONCLUSIONS: Because of a potentially fatal outcome, fast referral of a patient suspected of TEN to a specialized centre (mostly a burns unit or specialized dermatology centre) for expert wound management and tailored comprehensive care is strongly advised and contributes to survival.     

五味子酚对大鼠嗜中性白细胞功能与形态的作用(英文)

目的:探讨五味子酚(Sal)对大鼠嗜中性白细胞(Neu)功能的调节作用.结果:Sal 1,10,100μmol·L~(-1)剂量依赖性抑制Neu功能,Sal 100μmol·L~(-1)使Neu表面伪足和皱褶消失,并可降低细胞内钙离子浓度、升高细胞内cAMP水平.结论:Sal可通过影响细胞内钙离子浓度、cAMP水平及细胞表面形态抑制Neu的功能.     

EMPACT syndrome

Background: Seizure prophylaxis with phenytoin is a common measure in oncologic patients with brain metastases. In these patients, generalized severe adverse drug reactions such as erythema multiforme (EEM) may occur. However, in a subgroup of patients with brain radiation therapy, EEM‐like lesions develop particularly in the radiation field. Most recently, the acronym EMPACT ( E rythema M ultiforme associated with P henytoin A nd C ranial radiation T herapy) was proposed to specifically describe this syndrome. Patient/Method: Here, we report on EMPACT syndrome in a 46‐year‐old woman. Therapeutic measures included seizure prophylaxis with phenytoin and total brain radiation therapy of brain metastases from bronchial carcinoma. Three weeks after introduction of phenytoin, the patient presented with EEM‐like skin lesions restricted to the original radiation field and facial mucocutaneous involvement. After a few days, the rash spread to the upper part of the body. She was also in poor general condition. Results: The immediate cessation of phenytoin therapy, combined with administration of systemic corticosteroids and high dose immunoglobulins along with intensive local treatment and pain medications, resulted in complete resolution of the skin eruption. Patch testing to phenytoin was positive after 72 hours. Conclusion: EMPACT should be classified as an specific entity among the EEM‐like drug reactions as it only appears after radiotherapy and seizure prophylaxis with the anticonvulsant phenytoin. We propose including specific type IV‐sensitization to phenytoin into the definition of EMPACT.     

Clinical Observation on the Efficacy of Babaodan Combined with Interventional Therapy for Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objective To observe the clinical effect of Babaodan combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE） therapy for primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods Selected patients were randomly assigned to two groups. One group accepted TACE only and the other group accepted TACE and took 2 Babaodan capsules orally 3 times a day for 8 weeks. Results After 8 weeks＇ treatment, the size of the tumors and the alpha foetal protein （AFP） concentration in all the patients in the two groups diminished and was not significantly different between the two groups （P〉0.05）. The ratio of stability and improvement in the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome was higher in the Babaodan plus TACE group than it was in the TACE only group （P〈0.05）. There were more complications in the TACE only group than in the Babaodan plus TACE group. The one-year survival rate in the Babaodan plus TACE group was higher than in the TACE group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion Babaodan can improve TCM syndrome, reduce complications and prolong survival of patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma.