Thoracic empyema: a 12-year study from a UK tertiary cardiothoracic referral centre.

Background: Empyema is an increasingly frequent clinical problem worldwide, and has substantial morbidity and mortality. Our objectives were to identify the clinical, surgical and microbiological features, and management outcomes, of empyema.

Methods: A retrospective observational study over 12 years (1999-2010) was carried out at The Heart Hospital, London, United Kingdom.

CD6 attenuates early and late signaling events, setting thresholds for T-cell activation.

The T lineage glycoprotein CD6 is generally considered to be a costimulator of T-cell activation. Here, we demonstrate that CD6 significantly reduces early and late T-cell responses upon superantigen stimulation or TCR triggering by Abs. Measuring calcium mobilization in single cells responding to superantigen, we found that human T cells expressing rat CD6 react significantly less well compared with T cells not expressing the exogenous receptor.

Thoracic empyema: current opinions in medical and surgical management.

Purpose Of Review: Empyema is defined as pus in the thoracic cavity due to pleural space infection and has a multifactorial underlying cause, although a majority of them are post-bacterial pneumonia caused by tuberculosis or by infection following penetrating chest injuries or surgical procedures. It is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality in adults and children despite optimal management according to current guidelines. Historically, empyema management has been empirical, but more recent data are leading to more focused management guidelines.

Wound management and restrictive arm movement following cardiac device implantation - evidence for practice?

Background: The rate of cardiac device implantation has risen significantly secondary to an increase in the number of indications. Wound infection and lead displacement are two common and potentially life-threatening complications. No national/international guidelines address postoperative care and controversy exists regarding wound management and arm movement following cardiac device implantation.