Adverse drug effects and angioedema hospitalizations in the United States from 2000 to 2009.

Since angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors became common treatments, there have been increasing reports of angioedema (AE). AE hospitalization (AEH) trend data in the new millennium are limited. This study calculates hospitalization rates for AEs and describes clinical characteristics of AEHs in the United States, especially as related to specific adverse drug effects (ADEs).

Evolution of end-of-life care at United States hospitals in the new millennium.

Objective: To examine the characteristics of United States hospitalizations that result in hospice transfers including the clinical and demographic features, and to determine distinctive factors associated with discharges to hospice (DTH).

Methods: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) databases for 2000-2009 were queried for hospitalizations which resulted in transfers to hospice and expiration in the hospital. Yearly totals, as well as demographic and clinical features were tabulated for DTH hospitalizations.

Intravenous gammaglobulin-associated renal impairment reported to the FDA: 2004 - 2009.

Since the 1999 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning of renal failure/dysfunction associated with intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIg), there has been a movement towards developing safer, more convenient formulations. Until now, the scope of renal failure associated with IVIg, has not been well described. The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) from 2004 through 2009 was examined for renal impairment reactions due to IVIg and associated demographic features, comorbidities and indications.

Measured immunoglobulin E in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis treated with omalizumab.

Background: The ability to assess adequate reductions in immunoglobulin E (IgE) in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) has been a concern with regards to omalizumab treatment.

Objective: To describe the clinical course and serial measured IgE levels in two adult patients with elevated IgE levels, hypersensitivity to Aspergillus fumigatus, and bilateral bronchiectasis who were treated with omalizumab. CLINICAL DESCRIPTIONS: Patient 1 met commonly used criteria for ABPA and had a more than 3-fold increase (from 702 to 2462 IU/ml) in measured IgE 4 months after starting omalizumab.