The response of the host microcirculation to bacterial sepsis: Does the pathogen matter?

Sepsis results from the interaction between a host and an invading pathogen. The microcirculatory dysfunction is now considered central in the development of the often deadly multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in septic shock patients. The microcirculatory flow shutdown and flow shunting leading to oxygen demand and supply mismatch at the cellular level and the local activation of inflammatory pathways resulting from the leukocyte-endothelium interactions are both features of the sepsis-induced microcirculatory dysfunction. Although the host response through the inflammatory and immunologic response appears to be critical, there are also evidences that Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria can exert different effects at the microcirculatory level. In this review we discuss available data on the potential bacterial-specific microcirculatory alterations observed during sepsis

Phase II evaluation of MGBG in non-small cell carcinoma of the lung

One hundred and eight patients with non-small cell lung cancer were treated in a Phase II trial with MGBG at a dose of 600 mg/m 2 i.v. weekly. Partial responses were noted in 3/43 patients with adenocarcinoma and 1/40 with squamous cell carcinoma. No responses were noted in 24 patients with large cell carcinoma. Overall, the drug was reasonably well-tolerated. At this dosage and schedule, MGBG has no substantial antitumor activity for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45128/1/10637_2004_Article_BF00180196.pd

The Relationship between Cold Intolerance and Cutaneous Blood Flow in Digital Replantation Patients

Twenty-one patients with replanted digits were examined. An assessment of cold symptoms relating to their replants was made and the pulp two-point discrimination measured. Cutaneous blood flow was then monitored using a laser Doppler flowmeter. Recordings were taken at room temperature and following cooling. In all cases but one flow decreased with lowering of temperature in both replanted and normal digits. In eleven cases (52%) replant flow fell to noticeably lower levels compared to normal digits, but in the remainder this difference was not apparent. The presence or absence of cold intolerance did not correlate with flow levels or with two-point discrimination measurements. </jats:p

The Present Role of the Groin Flap in Hand Trauma in the Light of a Long-Term Review

A series of patients with groin flaps to the hand and forearm have been reviewed. The current role of this flap in managing hand trauma is discussed. </jats:p