Two cases of cardiomyopathy associated with phaeochromocytoma successfully managed with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO).

Summary: Phaeochromocytoma, a rare neuroendocrine tumour of chromaffin cell origin, is characterised by catecholamine excess. Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic disease to life-threatening multiorgan dysfunction. Catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy is a dreaded complication with high lethality.

Nosocomial infections in a cohort of extracorporeal life support patients.

Objectives: To examine nosocomial infections in a cohort of patients receiving extracorporeal life support (ECLS) at our institution and to identify the types of infections, impact of prophylaxis, and any apparent risk factors for infection.

Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, we examined the records of all patients who received ECLS at our institution between August 2009 and March 2011. A prospective, daily, multidisciplinary assessment of all microbiological issues in these patients was carried out, including assessment of microbiological culture positivity and clinical evidence of infection.

Meta-analysis of the effect of central neuraxial regional anesthesia compared with general anesthesia on postoperative natural killer T lymphocyte function.

Study Objective: To compare the effect of central neuraxial (spinal or epidural) anesthesia with general anesthesia on postoperative natural killer (NK) T lymphocyte function.

Design: Meta-analysis.

Setting: University-affiliated hospital.