Possible heart failure exacerbation associated with pregabalin: case discussion and literature review.

Pregabalin is an analog of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid that exhibits analgesic, anticonvulsant, and anxiolytic properties. Owing to its pharmacologic properties, the drug has been used worldwide in the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Although central nervous system disturbances account for the majority of pregabalin's side effects, dose-dependent peripheral edema and weight gain have also been reported.

Clopidogrel desensitization: case report and review of published protocols.

The antiplatelet drug clopidogrel is an oral thienopyridine derivative that has been extensively used for the treatment and secondary prevention of a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Although clopidogrel is well tolerated by most patients, rare but serious hypersensitivity reactions have been documented, including cutaneous reactions and angioedema. An alternative thienopyridine that may be substituted for clopidogrel is ticlopidine; however, deleterious side effects from ticlopidine may occur, including diarrhea, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia purpura, and cross-reactivity has been documented between these two thienopyridines.

Update on coronary artery calcium imaging.

This update of coronary calcium imaging discusses methods of detecting and measuring coronary artery calcium and their correlation to coronary artery disease risk. The value of EBCT to traditional non-invasive cardiovascular tests is compared. A negative EBCT test makes the presence of atherosclerotic plaque, including unstable plaque, very unlikely.

Negative-pressure pulmonary edema complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome in an orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus abelii).

A 22-yr-old, 86-kg, morbidly obese female orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus abelii) was immobilized and transported to the Denver Zoological Gardens hospital for a routine physical examination. Immediately after arriving at the hospital, cyanosis and apparent inadequate ventilatory efforts were noted. Clinically significant hypoxia occurred despite attempts to ventilate the orangutan through face mask, and attempts to place an endotracheal tube began.