Anti-tumour effect of low molecular weight heparin in localised lung cancer: a phase III clinical trial.

The anti-tumour and anti-metastatic properties of heparins have not been tested in patients with early stage cancer. Whether adjuvant low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) tinzaparin impacts the survival of patients with resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was investigated.Patients with completely resected stage I, II or IIIA NSCLC were randomly allocated to receive subcutaneous tinzaparin 100 IU·kg once a day for 12 weeks or no treatment in addition to standard of care.

[Effect of tinzaparin on survival in non-small-cell lung cancer after surgery. TILT: tinzaparin in lung tumours].

Background: Experimental and clinical findings suggest that low molecular-weight heparins may improve overall survival in patients with cancer. The evidence is still limited and additional studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Methods: Patients with completely resected stage I, II or IIIA (T3N1) histologically confirmed non-small-cell lung cancer will be included in a prospective, controlled, randomized, multicenter open trial.

Concordance of antibiotic prophylaxis, direct Gram staining and protected brush specimen culture results for postoperative patients with suspected pneumonia.

Background And Objectives: Antibiotic therapy alters the diagnostic value of protected brush specimens. With protected brush specimens alone, diagnosing pneumonia requires 24 or 48 h. Addition of direct Gram staining shortens this delay.

Completion pneumonectomy for lung metastases: is it justified?

Objective: To evaluate the postoperative outcome and long-term results of patients who underwent iterative and extended pulmonary resection leading to completion pneumonectomy for pulmonary metastases.

Methods: From January 1985 to December 1995, 12 patients (mean age 45 years) underwent completion pneumonectomy for pulmonary metastases. These patients represent 1.

Cancer resection on the residual lung after pneumonectomy for bronchogenic carcinoma.

Background: After pneumonectomy for bronchogenic carcinoma, the residual lung may be the site of a new lung cancer or metastatic spread.

Methods: From 1989 to 1995, 13 patients with carcinoma on the residual lung after pneumonectomy for lung cancer were operated on. Three segmentectomies and 7 simple wedge resections were performed, 2 patients had multiple wedge resections, and 1 patient had an exploratory thoracotomy.

Pleuropulmonary changes induced by ergoline drugs.

Classic ergolines, such as bromocriptine, methysergide and ergotamine, can induce chronic pleuropneumonitis. We present the cases of eight patients who developed similar changes whilst on other ergolines. In this retrospective case study spanning 1985-1995, clinical data, radiological material, pulmonary function, bronchoalveolar lavage and histopathology were reviewed.

Equally efficacious asthma management with budesonide 800 micrograms administered by Turbuhaler or with beclomethasone dipropionate > or = 1500 micrograms given through a pressurized metered-dose inhaler with spacer. The French Budesonide Trial Group.

To avoid the side effects associated with long-term administration of high doses of inhaled glucocorticosteroids, they should be used at the lowest effective dose. This study compared the clinical efficacy of budesonide given via a dry-powder, inspiratory flow-driven device (Turbuhaler), at a daily dose of 800 micrograms, with beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) 1500 to 2000 micrograms given via pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) with spacer to adults requiring the latter dose of BDP to control their asthma. The study was performed as a 2-week run-in, 8-week open, randomized, multicenter, parallel-group design.

[Preventive bronchial omentoplasty and myoplasty in pulmonary resection. Technical aspects and results].

Extended pulmonary resections with complete dissection of mediastinal lymph nodes, and the growth in neoadjuvant therapies, led us to define preventive methods to promote uncomplicated bronchial healing. Nineteen patients were operated on in conditions of high risk of impaired bronchial healing. They underwent bronchial revascularization either by omentopexy (12), or intercostal pedicle flap (7).

Lung in acquired immune deficiency syndrome: infectious and immunological status assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) has been performed in 63 patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and 20 patients with chronic generalized lymphadenopathy (CGL) for the diagnosis of lung opportunistic infections and analysis of immune effector cells of the lower respiratory tract. In patients with AIDS, Pneumocystis carinii was found in 63%. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia was assessed by viral cultures of BAL fluid and microscopic examination: CMV was found in 62% and 39% respectively.