Hemoglobin, erythropoietin and systemic inflammation in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Systemic inflammation may represent a possible cause of anemia. Previous data support that anemic patients with COPD present high erythropoietin (EPO) levels, suggestive of EPO resistance, possibly mediated through inflammatory mechanisms.

Objectives: We aimed to determine whether systemic inflammation, which is usually up-regulated during exacerbations of COPD (ECOPD) is associated with low hemoglobin levels expressing erythropoietin resistance.

Amiodarone: review of pulmonary effects and toxicity.

Amiodarone, a bi-iodinated benzofuran derivative, is, because of its high effectiveness, one of the most widely used antiarrhythmic agents. However, adverse effects, especially potentially fatal and non-reversible acute and chronic pulmonary toxicity, continue to be observed. This review provides an update of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of amiodarone pulmonary effects and toxicity.