Use of interferon-alpha in patients with West Nile encephalitis: report of 2 cases.

We describe 2 patients with West Nile virus (WNV) encephalitis who were treated experimentally with interferon (IFN)-alpha. Both patients demonstrated substantial improvement in mentation and speech on the second day of experimental therapy, and neither required endotracheal intubation or admission to the intensive care unit during hospitalization. Moreover, during the 9-month follow-up period, one patient achieved complete recovery, and the other nearly achieved complete resolution of sequelae.

West Nile virus-associated encephalitis in recipients of renal and pancreas transplants: case series and literature review.

Although West Nile fever is mild in the vast majority of infected persons, there is growing evidence that the disease may be more severe in the immunocompromised population. We describe 3 recipients of kidney or pancreas transplants who developed West Nile fever, 2 of whom had meningoencephalitis. As is the norm when treating serious infections in transplant recipients, a reduction of immunosuppression was pursued for these patients.

Effects of drotrecogin alfa (activated) in human endotoxemia.

In a phase III clinical trial, drotrecogin alfa (activated) was shown to improve survival and promote faster improvement of cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunction in patients with severe sepsis. To further examine mechanisms involved in the action of this drug, a healthy human endotoxin model was used. Healthy volunteers (eight per group) received drotrecogin alfa (activated) or placebo intravenously for 8 h in a randomized, double-blind, controlled manner.

Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of drotrecogin alfa (activated) in children with severe sepsis.

Objective: In a phase 3 trial, recombinant human activated protein C (drotrecogin alfa [activated]) significantly reduced mortality in adult patients with severe sepsis. We have now performed a preliminary analysis of the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of drotrecogin alfa (activated) in pediatric patients with severe sepsis.

Design And Setting: Open-label, nonrandomized, sequential, 2-part study conducted in 11 medical centers in the United States and United Kingdom.