Anemia and transfusion in critically ill pediatric patients: a review of etiology, management, and outcomes.

This article describes the incidence and etiology of anemia in critically ill children. In addition, the article details the pathophysiology and clinical ramifications of anemia in this population. The use of transfused packed red blood cells as a therapy for anemia in critically ill patients is also discussed, including the indications for and complications associated with this practice as well as potential reasons for these complications.

Leukotriene D4 activates alveolar epithelial Na,K-ATPase and increases alveolar fluid clearance.

Cysteinyl leukotrienes are increased during acute lung injury in animals and humans. In this study, we determined the effect of leukotriene D4 (LTD4) on the function of Na,K-ATPase in alveolar epithelial cells and on alveolar fluid clearance in rat lungs. LTD4 (1 x 10(-7) M) increased Na,K-ATPase activity at 1 and 5 minutes by 14% (p < 0.