Spontaneous hemothorax caused by rivaroxaban treatment for pulmonary embolism: A case report.

Hemothorax is a rare and potentially fatal condition characterized by pleural effusion containing over 50% of the patient's hematocrit. A massive hemothorax involves blood loss exceeding 1.5 L.

Soluble ACE2 and angiotensin II levels are modulated in hypertensive COVID-19 patients treated with different antihypertension drugs.

Purpose: This study examines the effect of antihypertensive drugs on ACE2 and Angiotensin II levels in hypertensive COVID-19 patients.

Introduction: Hypertension is a common comorbidity among severe COVID-19 patients. ACE2 expression can be modulated by antihypertensive drugs such as ACEis and ARBs, which may affect COVID-19's prognosis.

Convalescent plasma for the treatment of patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019: A preliminary report.

Background: The role of convalescent plasma therapy for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is unclear.

Methods: We retrospectively compared outcomes in a cohort of critical COVID-19 patients who received standard care (SC Group) and those who, in addition, received convalescent plasma (CP Group).

Results: In total, 40 patients were included in each group.

Infective Exacerbation of Pasteurella multocida.

An 89-year-old lady presented with a one-day history of shortness of breath as well as a cough productive of brown sputum. Her medical history was significant for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She was in severe type one respiratory failure and blood tests revealed markedly raised inflammatory markers; however her chest X-ray was clear.

The interaction of host and pathogen factors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations and their role in tissue damage.

Inflammation plays a central role in the development and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Host factors, such as proteinases and oxidants, have been implicated in causing tissue damage and amplifying the inflammatory process. During exacerbations of COPD, inflammation, oxidant stress, and many of these proteinases are increased.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin replacement therapy: current status.

Purpose Of Review: Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is a relatively common genetic disease that predisposes to the development of early-onset emphysema and, in some instances, liver disease. The use of alpha-1-antitrypsin replacement therapy in the treatment of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency related emphysema is much debated and the purpose of this review is to examine the results of recent studies. We will comment briefly on the pathogenesis and epidemiology of the disease together with new therapeutic approaches currently under intense research.