Morbidity and mortality associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction in neuromuscular disease: a single-centre case series.

Gastrointestinal dysfunction in neuromuscular disease is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is often underreported despite its prevalence in this cohort. There are a number of issues reported, with gastrointestinal dysmotility and intestinal pseudo-obstruction carrying a poor outcome.

Intrapleural tissue plasminogen activator and deoxyribonuclease for pleural infection. An effective and safe alternative to surgery.

Rationale: Intrapleural tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)/deoxyribonuclease (DNase) therapy for pleural infection given at the time of diagnosis has been shown to significantly improve radiological outcomes. Published cases are limited to only a single randomized controlled trial and a few case reports.

Objectives: Multinational observation series to evaluate the pragmatic "real-life" application of tPA/DNase treatment for pleural infection in a large cohort of unselected patients.

Multiple pneumothoraces during second and third trimesters as first presentation of lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

A case of lymphangioleiomyomatosis presenting as multiple pneumothoraces during pregnancy is described below. Presentations, management and prognosis are discussed.