Desmopressin in treatment of haematological disorders and in prevention of surgical bleeding.

Stimulation with the vasopressin analogue desmopressin (DDAVP) of extrarenal arginine vasopressin (AVP) V2-receptors in endothelial cells and possible in platelets increases the circulating levels of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), von Willebrand factor (VWF) and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). The purpose of this paper is to provide an updated review of current information on the efficacy and safety of DDAVP in the treatment of haemophilia, von Willebrand disease (VWD), uremia, liver cirrhosis, and in congenital or drug-induced platelet dysfunction--under surgical or non-surgical conditions. In summary, desmopressin is an effective haemostatic drug that when administered i.

Budesonide/formoterol in a single inhaler rapidly relieves methacholine-induced moderate-to-severe bronchoconstriction.

Inhalers containing corticosteroids and long-acting beta2-agonists are becoming increasingly important in asthma management. A rapid effect is important to patients, particularly during exacerbations. We compared the onset of bronchodilation and patient-perceived relief from dyspnoea following single-inhaler budesonide/formoterol or salmeterol/fluticasone in a model of acute bronchoconstriction.

Effects on drug disposition, brain monoamines and behavior after chronic treatment with the antidepressant venlafaxine in rats with experimental hepatic encephalopathy.

Patients with chronic hepatic encephalopathy (HE) may present affective symptoms and antidepressant drug treatment in this condition is not uncommon. The present microdialysis study investigated treatment with the chronic antidepressant venlafaxine (VEN) in experimental HE with regard to tentative changes in pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic parameters. Three weeks after portacaval shunt (PCS) or sham operation in rats, VEN (10 mg/kg daily) was administered by implanted osmotic minipumps.