Nordihydroguaiaretic acid reduces secondary organ injury in septic rats after cecal ligation and puncture.

Background: Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is a plant extract that has been shown to act as a free radical scavenger and pluripotent inhibitor of pro-inflammatory cytokines, two major cellular processes involved in the pathophysiology of sepsis. We investigated whether NDGA would improve markers of organ injury as well as survival in a rodent model of sepsis.

Methods: Abdominal sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and double puncture (CLP) in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

RBC Transfusions Are Associated With Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Objectives: Blood products are often transfused in critically ill children, although recent studies have recognized their potential for harm. Translatability to pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome is unknown given that hypoxemia has excluded pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome patients from clinical trials. We aimed to determine whether an association exists between blood product transfusion and survival or duration of ventilation in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Cardiac manifestations of Alström syndrome: echocardiographic findings.

Background: Alström syndrome is an extremely rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by infantile-onset cardiomyopathy (CMP), blindness, hearing impairment/loss, and obesity. Prior reports have demonstrated that the dilated CMP of Alström syndrome occurs in about 62% of patients with this syndrome. To date, there have been no reports examining the echocardiographic features of Alström-related heart disease.

Contrast echocardiography improves the diagnostic yield of transthoracic studies performed in the intensive care setting by novice sonographers.

Background: Bedside portable echocardiography in the intensive care department (ICU) is technically difficult, but crucial for directing patient care. Prior studies have shown contrast echocardiography (CE) in the ICU clarifies left ventricular wall motion when performed by experienced sonographers (ESO). However, in most hospitals, ESO are unavailable around the clock, and less experienced cardiovascular fellows or trainees may be asked to perform these examinations.