Intravenous epoprostenol improves oxygenation index in patients with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn refractory to nitric oxide. | LitMetric
Objectives: Evaluate the short-term effects of IV epoprostenol in neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) of the newborn.
Study Design: We reviewed 36 patients with inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) refractory PPHN placed on IV epoprostenol from 2010 to 2015. Patients were categorized as responders or non-responders (who either died or required extracorporeal membranous oxygenation).
Results: There were 15 responders and 21 non-responders. Pulmonary hypoplasia was the etiology of PPHN for 57% of non-responders vs. 13% of responders. Median oxygenation index (OI) was similar at baseline (41.8 non-responders vs. 36.5 responders, p = 0.41) with responders having a significantly lower OI by 4 h of treatment (42.3 vs. 23.1, p = 0.002). Epoprostenol responders had a median OI decrease of 11.6 within 4 h (p = 0.017) with a significant response persisting through 24 h.
Conclusion: In infants with iNO-refractory PPHN, initiation of IV epoprostenol was associated with a significant and rapid OI reduction among responders.
This study presents a detailed clinical case of a 10-year-old boy with a history of prolonged cough, fever, and delayed diagnosis of bronchiectasis. Review of the case revealed that the child has had recurrent bronchitis, otitis media, skin allergies, and viral warts since early childhood, indicating persistent immune system abnormalities. Imaging studies, including pulmonary and sinus CT scans, show significant bronchiectasis accompanied by infections and sinusitis.
Background And Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition, featured by repetitive upper airway collapse during sleep manifested with poor quality of life and co-morbidities. Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the recommended therapy, lack of patient compliance and persistent symptoms often preclude its success. The present study evaluates the effect of acetazolamide in combination with CPAP, and compares this treatment strategy to single therapy using CPAP in moderate to severe OSA.
Objectives: We examined shifts in labor productivity and their economic ramifications among adult patients with long COVID in Japan.
Methods: A total of 396 patients were categorized into three groups based on symptom progression: non-long COVID, long COVID recovered, and long COVID persistent. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed at three time intervals: 3, 6, and 12 months after COVID-19 diagnosis.
Acute pancreatitis, a sudden inflammatory condition, can lead to a hypercoagulable state resulting in complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). This case report discusses a unique presentation of a massive PE in a patient with acute pancreatitis despite being on appropriate prophylactic anticoagulation. A 27-year-old man presented with acute abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are advanced biomaterials valued for their strength, lightweight nature, and low thermal expansion, making them suitable for diverse industrial applications. However, their potential inhalation risks necessitate thorough safety evaluations. This study investigates the pulmonary inflammatory effects and retention of CNFs following intratracheal instillation in rats.
