An Ex Vivo Study to Evaluate the Effect of Tegaserod on Platelet Activation and Aggregation.

Introduction: Tegaserod, an orally active, potent 5-hydroxytryptamine-4 serotonin receptor agonist, was previously indicated for irritable bowel syndrome but was voluntarily withdrawn due to potential cardiovascular side effects. In vitro studies suggested that tegaserod increased platelet aggregation, but these results were not reproduced or were inconclusive. We sought to assess ex vivo effects of tegaserod on platelet aggregation.

Six-Minute Walk Distance After Critical Illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background And Objectives: Impaired physical functioning is common and long lasting after an intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a validated and widely used test of functional capacity. This systematic review synthesizes existing data in order to: (1) evaluate 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) in meters over longitudinal follow-up after critical illness, (2) compare 6MWD between acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) versus non-ARDS survivors, and (3) evaluate patient- and ICU-related factors associated with 6MWD.