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Biomedical subjects

I Aziz

Publications and source records attributed to I Aziz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effects of adding a leukotriene antagonist or a long-acting beta(2)-agonist in asthmatic patients with the glycine-16 beta(2)-adrenoceptor genotype.

PURPOSE: In the United Kingdom, about 40% of patients with asthma are homozygous for the glycine-16 beta(2)-adrenoceptor polymorphism, which predisposes them to agonist-induced down-regulation and desensitization of the beta(2)-adrenoceptor. We assessed the effects of adding treatment with either a long-acting beta(2)-agonist (inhaled formoterol, 12 microg twice daily) or a leukotriene receptor antagonist (oral zafirlukast, 20 mg twice daily) to inhaled corticosteroid therapy in patients with this genotype. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 24 patients with mild to moderate asthma who were being treated with inhaled corticosteroids. Patients were randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments (placebo, zafirlukast, or formoterol in addition to inhaled corticosteroids) for 1 week each in a crossover fashion, separated by a 1-week placebo run-in and washout period. Measurements of bronchoprotection (measured as the provocative dose of methacholine that produced a 20% decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV(1)]), exhaled nitric oxide (a surrogate marker of airway inflammation), and symptoms were made before each treatment and 12 hours after the last dose of each treatment. RESULTS: Both formoterol and zafirlukast were equally effective in maintaining asthma control compared with placebo: the geometric mean-fold difference in the methacholine provocative dose was 1.5-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1- to 2.2-fold) for zafirlukast and 1.9-fold (95% CI: 1.2- to 2.9-fold) for formoterol. As compared with placebo, zafirlukast caused a significant suppression in exhaled nitric oxide (1.7-fold difference in geometric mean values, 95% CI: 1.1- to 2.6-fold) but formoterol did not (1.2-fold difference, 95% CI: 0.8- to 1.9-fold). Diary cards showed significant (P <0.05) improvements in the peak flow with formoterol (morning and evening) and zafirlukast (evening) as compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Formoterol and zafirlukast maintained asthma control in patients who might be genetically predisposed to fare worse with long-acting beta(2)-agonists. The reduction in exhaled nitric oxide with zafirlukast suggests that it may have anti-inflammatory effects in addition to those seen with inhaled corticosteroids.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Bronchodilator response to albuterol after regular formoterol and effects of acute corticosteroid administration.

BACKGROUND: There is controversy about the development of bronchodilator subsensitivity after regular administration of long-acting beta(2)-agonists. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether regular treatment with formoterol affects the bronchodilator response to repeated puffs of albuterol, and also to assess the effects of acute administration of a bolus dose of IV or inhaled corticosteroid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients (mean [SD] age, 43 [15] years; FEV(1), 57 [17] % predicted) with stable, moderate to severe persistent asthma who were all taking inhaled corticosteroids were evaluated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, double-dummy, crossover study. Patients received treatments each for 2 weeks followed by a bolus (IV/inhaled) of corticosteroid or placebo: (1) placebo inhaler bid + bolus placebo; (2) formoterol Turbuhaler 24 microg metered dosage bid (delivered dosage 18 microg bid) + placebo; (3) formoterol 24 microg bid + bolus IV hydrocortisone, 200 mg; or (4) formoterol 24 microg bid + bolus inhaled budesonide, 1,600 microg. Bronchodilator response to repeated puffs of albuterol (200 to 1,600 microg) for > 80 min was measured at 2 h after bolus administration of placebo or corticosteroid. The study was powered at the 80% level to detect a 20% difference in area under curve between 20 and 80 min (AUC) for FEV(1) response to albuterol as change from baseline (primary end point). RESULTS: There was significant subsensitivity (p = 0.01) of the mean albuterol FEV(1) response (as AUC, L x s) after formoterol alone (737) as compared to placebo (1,453) along with partial reversal by steroid administration: formoterol + hydrocortisone (1, 050), and formoterol + budesonide (942). There was a similar pattern of subsensitivity (p = 0.03) for the mean albuterol forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity response (as AUC, L): placebo (2,149), formoterol alone (1,002), formoterol + hydrocortisone (1,402), and formoterol + budesonide (1,271). CONCLUSION: Regular treatment with formoterol produced significant bronchodilator subsensitivity to repeated puffs of albuterol, which was partially reversed by a bolus dose of systemic or inhaled corticosteroid.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Functional antagonism with formoterol and salmeterol in asthmatic patients expressing the homozygous glycine-16 beta(2)-adrenoceptor polymorphism.

BACKGROUND: Formoterol and salmeterol differ in their relative intrinsic activity at airway beta(2)-adrenoceptors, with formoterol being a full agonist. The homozygous glycine-16 polymorphism of the beta(2)-adrenoceptor occurs in approximately 40% of patients and is known to predispose to agonist-induced downregulation and desensitization. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate possible differences in intrinsic beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist activity between salmeterol and formoterol in terms of their functional antagonism against methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction (the primary end point) in genetically susceptible patients who exhibited the homozygous glycine-16 polymorphism. METHODS: Eighteen patients with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma receiving inhaled corticosteroid who expressed the homozygous glycine-16 genotype were randomized to completion (mean [SEM] age, 35.8 [3.2] years; mean FEV(1), 76.9 [2. 5]% predicted). Patients received three different treatments for 1 week in randomized, double-blind, crossover fashion, with a 1-week washout period between treatments: formoterol, 12 microg bid; salmeterol, 50 microg bid; and placebo. For each of the randomized treatment periods, there were three separate methacholine challenges: baseline after washout, 12 h after the first dose, and 12 h after the last dose. RESULTS: Both salmeterol and formoterol exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) greater bronchoprotection than placebo for their effects after single or repeated dosing, although there was no significant difference between the two drugs. The geometric mean fold protection vs placebo (95% confidence interval [CI]) for the first dose was 1.6-fold (95% CI, 1.1 to 2.2) for salmeterol and 1.9-fold (95% CI, 1.1 to 3.2) for formoterol, and for last dose was 1.6-fold (95% CI, 1.2 to 2.3) for salmeterol and 1. 9-fold (95% CI, 1.2 to 2.8) for formoterol. Salmeterol and formoterol produced significant (p < 0.05) increases in FEV(1) and forced expiratory flow after 25 to 75% of vital capacity has been expelled, after the first but not the last dose compared to placebo, while there were significant (p < 0.05) improvements in domiciliary peak flows during treatment with both drugs. CONCLUSION: Our results showed no difference between formoterol and salmeterol in the degree of functional antagonism against methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction at the end of a 12-h dosing interval in patients who expressed the homozygous glycine-16 genotype. There was a significant residual degree of bronchoprotection after 1 week of treatment, which was not significantly different compared to the first-dose effect.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Comparative trough effects of formoterol and salmeterol on lymphocyte beta2-adrenoceptor--regulation and bronchodilatation.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate comparative trough effects of formoterol and salmeterol on beta2-adrenoceptor regulation and bronchodilator response after regular twice-daily treatment, with a secondary aim to evaluate any possible association with beta2-adrenoceptor polymorphism. METHODS: Sixteen asthmatic subjects, with mean (SD) age 33(9) years, all taking inhaled corticosteroids and with a forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of 81(12)% predicted were recruited to take part in a randomised single-blind, three-way cross-over study. The subjects received three treatments each for 1 week, with 1-week washout periods in between: (1) formoterol dry powder, 12 microg twice daily, (2) salmeterol dry powder, 50 microg twice daily, or (3) placebo, twice daily. Spirometry and lymphocyte beta2-adrenoceptor parameters were measured before the first dose and 12 h after the last dose of each treatment, as well as domiciliary peak flow during each treatment. RESULTS: There were no differences in beta2-adrenoceptor density (Bmax) between the three treatments prior to the first dose; whereas, after the last dose, Bmax was lower with both active treatments than with placebo, but was significant for salmeterol only--a 1.2-fold geometric mean fold difference (95% CI 1- to 1.4-fold), P = 0.04. Compared with placebo, there were n = 9 of 16 subjects with salmeterol and n = 6 of 16 with formoterol who had a greater than 15% fall in Bmax. Post-hoc trend analysis of polymorphism showed that the propensity for downregulation appeared to be related to the occurrence of an allelic substitution of glycine at codon 16-8 of 13 for salmeterol versus 5 of 13 for formoterol with a greater than 15% fall compared with placebo. There were no significant differences between salmeterol and formoterol in terms of mean or individual values for downregulation. There was evidence of persistent bronchodilator activity with both active treatments compared with placebo; this was significant for forced expiratory flow rate between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75)--the mean difference versus salmeterol was 0.39 1/s (95% CI 0.06-0.70), P = 0.02, and versus formoterol was 0.35 1/s (95% CI 0.16-0.53), P = 0.001. These effects were mirrored by significant improvements in morning peak flow rate compared with placebo--mean difference versus salmeterol was 24 1/min (95% CI 7-42), P = 0.01, and versus formoterol was 36 1/min (95% CI 25-48), P < 0.0001. CONCLUSION: There were no differences between regular treatment with formoterol and salmeterol in their effects on lymphocyte beta2-adrenoceptor regulation at the end of a 12-h dosing interval, with both drugs exhibiting a residual degree of bronchodilator activity at the same time point. Further studies to evaluate receptor regulation and bronchodilator response are required in susceptible patients who have the homozygous glycine-16 polymorphism.

Administration, Inhalation↗

In vivo effect of albuterol on methacholine-contracted bronchi in conjunction with salmeterol and formoterol.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown in vitro that prior treatment with salmeterol and formoterol antagonizes the relaxant effect of albuterol in carbachol-contracted human bronchi. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is a potential in vivo interaction between long- and short-acting beta2-agonists in the presence of increased airway tone induced by methacholine. In addition, a post hoc analysis was made to evaluate the effects of beta2-adrenoceptor polymorphisms. METHODS: Sixteen asthmatic subjects (mean age [+/-SD], 39 [13] years; FEV1, 81% [17%] of predicted value), all taking inhaled corticosteroids and having methacholine PD20 values of less than 500 micrograms, were randomized in double-blind, double-dummy, cross-over fashion to receive single doses of inhaled placebo, inhaled formoterol 12 micrograms, or inhaled salmeterol 50 micrograms followed 12 hours later by a single dose of inhaled albuterol 400 micrograms (low dose) or 1600 micrograms (high dose). Methacholine challenges were performed on each of 6 separate occasions 1 hour after albuterol. RESULTS: There was a greater numerical difference in geometric mean PD20 values between low- and high-dose albuterol after placebo dosing (671 micrograms vs 1080 micrograms, a 1.61-fold difference; P <.05) compared with low- and high-dose albuterol after formoterol dosing (660 micrograms vs 799 micrograms, a 1. 21-fold difference; P =.4), or after salmeterol dosing (568 micrograms vs 847 micrograms, a 1.49-fold difference; P =.055). PD20 values with high-dose albuterol in combination with formoterol or salmeterol were numerically lower than those found with high-dose albuterol in combination with placebo, but they were not significantly different. There was a significant difference between PD20 values with low-dose albuterol after dosing with formoterol (PD20 = 660 micrograms, a 1. 6-fold difference; P <.05) or with salmeterol (PD20 = 568 micrograms, a 1.9-fold difference; P <.05) compared with PD20 with high-dose albuterol after placebo dosing (PD20 = 1080 micrograms). Post hoc polymorphism analysis for pooled pretreatment with formoterol and salmeterol (excluding placebo pretreatment) showed significantly (P <.05) lower PD20 values with homozygous glycine-16 compared with heterozygous glycine/arginine-16 and significantly (P <.05) lower PD20 values with homozygous glutamate-27 compared with either heterozygous glutamate/glutamine-27 or homozygous glutamine-27. CONCLUSION: Compared with placebo, both salmeterol and formoterol caused a significant degree of antagonism of albuterol-induced bronchorelaxation in methacholine-contracted bronchi in vivo. This interaction could be caused by prolonged occupancy of airway beta2-adrenoceptors by long-acting beta2-agonists or by early tachyphylaxis 12 hours after a single-dose exposure. The degree of albuterol protection was also related to beta2-adrenoceptor polymorphism.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

A high dose of albuterol does not overcome bronchoprotective subsensitivity in asthmatic subjects receiving regular salmeterol or formoterol.

BACKGROUND: Regular treatment with inhaled, long-acting beta2 -agonists is associated with subsensitivity for bronchoprotective effects. It is not known whether a high dose of short-acting beta2 -agonist could overcome this subsensitivity. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a high dose of inhaled albuterol on methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction in patients receiving regular treatment with salmeterol or formoterol. METHODS: Ten stable asthmatic subjects (mean age, 34 years; FEV1, 77% of predicted value), all taking inhaled corticosteroids (methacholine PD20 < 500 microg), were recruited into a randomized, single-blind, crossover study. After an initial 1-week run-in period, subjects underwent 3 separate treatment periods each of 9 days (separated by a washout of at least 5 days) comprising inhaled placebo twice daily, inhaled salmeterol dry powder 50 microg twice daily, or inhaled formoterol dry powder 12 microg twice daily. Methacholine challenge was performed 1 hour after the first dose and after 7 days of treatment. After 9 days of treatment, a third methacholine challenge was performed 1 hour after inhalation of a single 1600 microg dose of albuterol dry powder. RESULTS: There was significant (P <.001) improvement in geometric mean PD20 after the first dose of active treatment as compared with placebo (78 microg) versus salmeterol (266 microg, a 3.4-fold difference [95% CI 1.9 to 6.1]) and versus formoterol (318 microg, a 4.1-fold difference [95% CI 2.3 to 7.3]). This bronchoprotection diminished with regular treatment, although it remained significant (P <.01) compared with placebo (68 microg) versus salmeterol (144 microg, a 2.1-fold difference [95% CI 1.2 to 3.8]) and versus formoterol (230 microg, 3.4-fold difference [95% CI 1.9 to 6.2]). After 9 days, the protection afforded by a single dose of albuterol after placebo pretreatment (889 microg) was significantly (P =.005) higher in comparison with albuterol protection after salmeterol pretreatment (338 microg, a 2.7-fold difference [95% CI 1.1 to 6.8]) and after formoterol pretreatment (247 microg, a 3.6-fold difference [95% 1.4 to 9.1]). CONCLUSIONS: Thus in stable asthmatic subjects receiving regular salmeterol or formoterol, bronchoprotective subsensitivity was not overcome by administering a high dose of albuterol. Further studies are required to evaluate the clinical relevance of this pharmacologic phenomenon when albuterol is used in acute asthma.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Effects of genetic polymorphism on ex vivo and in vivo function of beta2-adrenoceptors in asthmatic patients.

BACKGROUND: Genetic polymorphism determines agonist-induced down-regulation and desensitization of beta2-adrenoceptors. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of genetic polymorphism on ex vivo (lymphocytes) and in vivo (bronchoprotection) function of beta2-adrenoceptors in asthmatic patients, having been washed out of previous beta2-agonist exposure. METHODS: Sixty patients with stable mild-to-moderate asthma were evaluated, with a post hoc analysis of genotype performed at end of study. Having withheld treatment with long-acting beta2-agonists for > or = 48 h and short-acting beta2-agonists for > or = 12 h, measurements of lymphocyte beta2-adrenoceptors were made for binding density, binding affinity, basal cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and maximal cAMP response to isoproterenol (Emax). In addition, in 48 of these patients who were methacholine responsive (PD20 < 1,000 microg), the acute protective effect of formoterol as a 24-microg single dose (at 1 h) was also evaluated. Comparisons were made according to homozygous and heterozygous (Het) polymorphisms at codon 16 and codon 27. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, FEV1 percent predicted, or inhaled corticosteroid dose, when comparing mean values for polymorphisms at either codon-16 or codon 27. There were also no significant differences between polymorphisms for any of the measured lymphocyte beta2-adrenoceptor parameters apart from basal cAMP between Glu-27 and Het-27. Mean values for Emax (after-before isoproterenol as pmol/10(6) cells) were as follows: Gly-16 (3.4), Arg-16 (3.5), Het-16 (4.0), Glu-27 (3.9), Gln-27 (3.5), and Het-27 (3.7). Polylorphism had no significant effect on formoterol protection as doubling dose shift in methacholine PD20 (geometric mean): Gly-16 (5.3), Arg-16 (5.4), Het-16 (4.6), Glu-27 (5.3), Gln-27 (5.3), Het-27 (4.5). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that genetic polymorphism at codon 16 or 27 does not influence stimulated coupling of lymphocyte beta2-adrenoceptors and similarly did not influence the degree of functional antagonism exhibited by formoterol. Thus, a single dose of beta2-agonist when used on demand affords equal protection against bronchoprotection regardless of genetic polymorphism.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

A bolus of inhaled budesonide rapidly reverses airway subsensitivity and beta2-adrenoceptor down-regulation after regular inhaled formoterol.

BACKGROUND: Subsensitivity of airway beta2-adrenoceptors develops readily in asthmatics receiving regular long-acting beta2-agonists. This subsensitivity may be rapidly reversed by using systemic corticosteroids. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether the same acute facilitatory effects occur when using a bolus dose of inhaled corticosteroid. METHODS: Ten subjects with stable mild-to-moderate asthma, with a mean age of 27 years, mean (+/- SD) FEV1 of 2.95 L (0.94 L), 81% (15%) of predicted, all receiving inhaled corticosteroids, reactive to adenosine monophosphate (AMP) with a provocative concentration producing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20) < 200 mg/mL, were recruited into a randomized double-blind crossover study. The subjects received two separate 1-week treatment periods with formoterol dry powder, 24 microg bid, with an initial 1-week run-in and a 1-week washout period between the treatments. A single dose of placebo or budesonide turbuhaler, 1,600 microg, was taken in conjunction with the last dose of both treatment periods. AMP challenge was performed 2 h after the first and last dose of formoterol. Blood for lymphocyte beta2-adrenoceptor density (Bmax) was also measured before and after treatment with formoterol. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the geometric mean PC20 after the first dose of formoterol comparing the two treatment periods: 362 mg/mL vs 391 mg/mL. The PC20 after the last dose of formoterol was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in conjunction with budesonide than with placebo: 427 mg/mL vs 99 mg/mL, amounting to a 4.3-fold difference (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 16.6). For comparison within each treatment period, there was significant subsensitivity (p < 0.05) between the first and last dose of formoterol when the latter was given with placebo: 391 mg/mL vs 99 mg/mL, a 3.9-fold fall (95% CI, 1.0 to 15.2), but not when the latter was given with budesonide: 362 mg/mL vs 427 mg/mL, a 1.2-fold rise (95% CI, 0.5 to 2.8). Lymphocyte 02-adrenoceptor density (geometric mean Bmax: fmol/10(6) cells) also showed significant down-regulation (p < 0.05) by formoterol given with placebo: preformoterol 2.53 vs postformoterol 1.91, but not by formoterol given with budesonide: preformoterol 2.43 vs postformoterol 2.67. The Bmax was significantly higher (p < 0.05) with formoterol + budesonide as compared to formoterol + placebo, amounting to a 1.40-fold difference (95% CI, 1.09 to 1.80). CONCLUSION: We have shown that a bolus dose of inhaled budesonide rapidly reverses subsensitivity to AMP bronchoprotection and associated beta2-adrenoceptor down-regulation in asthmatics taking regular formoterol. Further studies are indicated to assess whether high-dose inhaled corticosteroids should be administered as soon as possible along with beta2-agonists during an acute episode of bronchoconstriction.

Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Beta2-adrenoceptor polymorphism and bronchoprotective sensitivity with regular short- and long-acting beta2-agonist therapy.

The aim of the present study was to investigate bronchoprotective sensitivity in patients receiving regular treatment with short- and long-acting beta2-agonists and to evaluate any possible association with genetic polymorphism. Thirty-eight patients with stable mild to moderate asthma and receiving inhaled corticosteroids were randomized in a parallel group, double-blind, double-dummy fashion to receive 2 weeks of treatment with either formoterol (12 microg once daily, 6 microg twice daily or 24 microg twice daily) or terbutaline (500 microg four times daily). Bronchoprotection against methacholine challenge (as a provocative dose to produce a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1.0 s: PD20) was measured at baseline (unprotected) after an initial 1 week run-in without beta2-agonist, and at 1 h after the first and last doses of each treatment. The PD20 values were log-transformed and calculated as change from baseline. Percentage desensitization of log PD20 for first- versus last-dose bronchoprotection was calculated and analysed according to effects of treatment and beta2-adrenoceptor polymorphism at codon 16 or 27. The mean degree of desensitization for bronchoprotection was comparable with all four treatments and there were no significant differences in absolute PD20 values after 2 weeks of chronic dosing. The PD20 values were (as microg of methacholine, geometric means+/-S. E.M.): formoterol, 12 microg once daily, 99+/-42 microg; formoterol, 6 microg twice daily, 107+/-44 microg; formoterol, 24 microg twice daily, 108+/-45 microg; terbutaline, 500 microg four times daily, 88+/-37 microg. All patients receiving formoterol, 24 microg twice daily, exhibited a loss of protection greater than 30% which was unrelated to polymorphism at codon 16 or 27. For codon 16, the use of lower doses of formoterol (12 microg once daily or 6 microg twice daily) showed wider variability in the propensity for protection loss in patients who were heterozygous, in contrast to a more uniform protection loss seen with homozygous glycine patients. The amount of protection loss was not significantly related to polymorphism at codon 16 or 27, expressed as values (mean+/-S.E.M.) for percentage desensitization according to each genotype (pooled treatments): Gly-16, 66+/-11%; Het-16, 53+/-8%; Arg-16, 69+/-18%; Glu-27, 68+/-12%; Het-27, 58+/-8%; Gln-27, 52+/-12%. The results of this preliminary study showed that bronchoprotective desensitization occurred readily in response to short- or long-acting beta2-agonist exposure irrespective of beta2-adrenoceptor polymorphism at codon 16 or 27. Further studies with larger patient numbers are required to further evaluate the effects of polymorphisms with lower doses of regular formoterol.

Adolescent↗

Determinants of survival after inferior vena cava trauma.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) injuries continue to be associated with mortality rates of 21 to 66 per cent despite advances in prehospital, surgical, and critical care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcome of patients with IVC injury after treatment at a major urban trauma center and to identify factors predictive of survival. Between 1989 and 1995, 158 patients presented to the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center with IVC injuries. One hundred thirty-six patient records were available for review, and 69 data points were collected and analyzed. Mean age was 26 years (range, 6-54), and 122 (90%) patients were male. Mechanism of injury included gunshot in 88 (65%) patients, stab in 23 (17%) patients, shotgun in 7 (5%) patients, and blunt trauma in 18 (13%) patients. The mean Injury Severity Score was 25. Seventy (52%) patients were hypotensive. Eleven (8%) patients died before surgical intervention, and 25 (18%) patients died before operative repair. Repair (79), ligation (20), or observation (1) was accomplished in 100 (74%) patients. Overall survival was 48 per cent and 65 per cent in the 100 patients surviving to operative repair, including 5 of 20 patients requiring IVC ligation. Significant differences (P<0.001) between survivors and nonsurvivors included Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Score, hematocrit, hypotension, emergent thoracotomy, blood loss, level of injury, tamponade, and associated aortic injury. Logistic regression analysis identified hypotension, anatomic level of injury, and associated aortic injury as significant predictors of outcome (P = 0.001). Survival is predominantly determined by severity and anatomic accessibility of the IVC injury and by the absence of associated major vascular injuries. Ligation may control otherwise exsanguinating injuries and should be considered early in the management of complex injuries.

Adolescent↗

Concomitant inhaled corticosteroid resensitises cardiac beta2-adrenoceptors in the presence of long-acting beta2-agonist therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of concomitant inhaled corticosteroid therapy on the sensitivity of cardiac beta2-adrenoceptors in patients receiving regular long-acting beta2-agonists. METHODS: Twelve healthy subjects (6 female), mean age 29 years, were randomised in a double-blind cross-over study to receive either inhaled placebo or inhaled budesonide 1.2 mg twice daily, each for 7 days, with a minimum of 7 days washout period between the two treatments. Patients also received concomitant treatment with inhaled eformoterol 24 microg twice daily during each of the 2 treatment periods. The patients attended the laboratory during both treatment periods at 0730 hours, when a dose-response curve for systemic beta2-adrenoceptor responses to inhaled salbutamol (0.8-3.2 mg) was constructed before and after completing 7 days of each treatment. Early morning (0800 hours) plasma cortisol was also evaluated as a marker of systemic glucocorticoid activity. RESULTS: There was a significant fall in 0800 hours plasma cortisol induced by budesonide comparing pre- and post-values (407 vs 322 nmol.1(-1), but not with placebo. There were no differences in the response to salbutamol prior to treatment when comparing eformoterol with placebo versus eformoterol with budesonide. Comparing before and after within-treatment heart rate response, there was a significant reduction in peak salbutamol response with eformoterol and placebo, which was partially reversed by eformoterol and budesonide. For between-treatment comparisons after eformoterol treatment, the heart rate was significantly higher in the presence of budesonide in comparison with placebo for peak salbutamol response (change from baseline), i.e. 24.2 vs 34.7 beats min(-l). There was, however, no significant difference in the peak delta potassium response to salbutamol after eformoterol treatment when comparing budesonide with placebo (-0.39 vs -0.48 mmol.1(-1)). CONCLUSION: Concomitant therapy with inhaled budesonide resensitised the cardiac beta2-adrenoceptor response to salbutamol in subjects who were receiving regular twice-daily eformoterol. This may be of clinical relevance in terms of the propensity for systemic beta2-mediated adverse effects with repeated puffs of salbutamol, which might conceivably occur in the setting of acute asthma.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Beta2-adrenoceptor regulation and bronchodilator sensitivity after regular treatment with formoterol in subjects with stable asthma.

OBJECTIVE: We have previously found that beta2-adrenoceptor downregulation and bronchodilator desensitization to albuterol occurred at 36 hours after stopping regular treatment with twice daily salmeterol. In this study we have evaluated these same effects with formoterol given once or twice daily on a regular basis. METHODS: In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, double-dummy crossover study, 16 subjects with mild-to-moderate stable asthma (mean [SD] age, 32.5 [15.3] years; mean [SD] FEV1, 73.2 [12.1] percent predicted) receiving regular inhaled corticosteroid therapy received 1 week of treatment with formoterol dry powder (24 microg twice daily [8 AM/8 PM]), formoterol (24 microg once daily [8 PM]), or identical placebo. Lymphocyte beta2-adrenoceptor parameters and a dose-response curve to inhaled albuterol (200 to 1600 microg) were evaluated at 36 hours after the last dose of each treatment period. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the mean values for albuterol dose-response effects among the three treatment regimens. Comparison of maximal bronchodilator responses between treatments (mean and SEM as change from baseline) revealed no significant differences between treatments for FEV1 (0.47 L [0.06 L] for placebo vs 0.48 L [0.07 L] for 24 microg once daily formoterol vs 0.51 L [0.08 L] for 24 microg twice daily formoterol) or for forced expiratory flow, mid-expiratory phase (FEF25-75) (0.80 L/sec [0.12 L/sec] for placebo vs 0.80 L/sec [0.16 L/sec] for 24 microg once daily formoterol vs 0.89 L/sec [0.14 L/sec] for 24 microg twice daily formoterol). Formoterol also had no significant effect on mean lymphocyte beta2-adrenoceptor density. However, in five of seven patients with the homozygous Gly-16 polymorphism, beta2-adrenoceptor density was downregulated by twice daily formoterol, whereas only two such cases exhibited a reduction in maximal FEV1 response to albuterol. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that for patients taking inhaled corticosteroids, overall beta2-adrenoceptor regulation and associated bronchodilator sensitivity to inhaled albuterol were unaltered at 36 hours after stopping regular treatment with formoterol. However, in a subset of patients who were Gly-16 homozygous, there was a tendency towards downregulation but not desensitization. Further studies in subjects with more severe asthma are required to assess the clinical relevance of these findings.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Subsensitivity to bronchoprotection against adenosine monophosphate challenge following regular once-daily formoterol.

Regular treatment with inhaled long-acting beta2-agonists leads to subsensitivity to their bronchoprotective effects, although the effect of dosing frequency on this subsensitivity is not known. The aim of this study was to assess whether a once-daily dosing regimen with formoterol might be associated with a lesser degree of subsensitivity. In a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind, double-dummy crossover study 10 asthmatics treated with inhaled steroids (mean age 31 yrs, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 82% predicted) received 1 week of treatment with: formoterol dry powder 24 microg twice daily (08:00 and 20:00 h); formoterol 24 microg once daily (20:00 h); or identical placebo. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) bronchial challenge was performed 12 h after the first and the last dose of each treatment. There was significant loss of protection with formoterol twice daily between the first and last dose (geometric mean provocative concentration causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20)): 475 versus 129 mg x mL(-1) (a 3.7-fold loss, p=0.006) and with formoterol once daily: 367 versus 127 mg x mL(-1) (a 2.9-fold loss, p=0.005), compared with placebo: 71 versus 75 mg x ml(-1) (nonsignificant). There was no significant difference in the degree of loss of protection between formoterol once and twice daily. For first-dose protection there was a significant difference between active treatments and placebo, but after the last dose the residual protection between active treatments and placebo was not significant. Thus, in patients taking inhaled corticosteroids, regular formoterol 24 micreog once daily induces a similar degree of subsensitivity to adenosine monophosphate bronchial challenge as with formoterol 24 microg twice daily. This in turn suggests that even with a 24-h dosing interval there is the development of tolerance to formoterol by prolonged occupancy of airway beta2-adrenoceptors.

Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Intraoperative color duplex scanning for infrainguinal vein grafts.

We compared the findings of intraoperative color duplex scanning and completion arteriography in patients undergoing infrainguinal vein bypasses to identify hemodynamic abnormalities that could result in a predisposition to early or late graft failure. We reviewed the records of 72 patients who underwent 81 vein bypass graft procedures. Three intraoperative diagnostic methods were used. In 28 procedures (group I) both color duplex and completion arteriography were used, in 21 procedures (group II) only color duplex was used, and in 26 procedures (group III) only completion arteriography was used. Grafts were followed using a duplex surveillance protocol for a mean interval of 16.1 months. Nine grafts in group I showed an abnormality on the duplex scan but not on the completion arteriogram. Seven grafts had a peak systolic velocity (PSV) greater than 200 cm/sec and two had a PSV less than 45 cm/sec. These findings led to six immediate repairs, one early revision, and two late revisions. Arteriography demonstrated additional defects in two procedures but repairs were not performed. In group II duplex scans showed an abnormality in eight procedures (seven grafts with PSV 200 to 250 cm/sec and one graft with a retained valve) resulting in three immediate repairs and five late revisions. In the remaining 13 procedures in group II, duplex scans were normal and no revisions were required during follow-up. In group III defects were detected by arteriography in four procedures (> 50% stenosis in three grafts and one arterial spasm) leading to three immediate repairs. In the remaining 22 studies arteriograms were interpreted as normal; however, seven of these grafts required late revisions. Our data suggest that grafts that appear normal on intraoperative duplex scans are not likely to develop a stenosis requiring revision. Intraoperative duplex ultrasound may be superior to completion arteriography.

Adult↗

A comparative analysis of pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone in serum and pleural fluid in humans: a study of once daily administration by intramuscular and intravenous routes.

Pleural fluid and serum pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone were performed in thirteen patients with pleural effusion. One gram of ceftriaxone was administered once daily intravenously in six patients and intramuscularly in seven patients. Ceftriaxone concentrations were measured in serum and pleural fluids in both groups on the first day of administration and in four patients of the intramuscular group on the fourth day of administration. The mean serum peak concentration at 1 h was 199 mg/L (S.E.M. 63.2) in the iv group and 80.5 mg/L (S.E.M. 12.0) in the im group. The mean serum trough concentrations in the two groups at 24 h were 27.5 mg/L (S.E.M. 12.6) and 29.7 mg/L (S.E.M. 5.2) respectively. In the pleural fluid, mean peak concentration was 20.1 mg/L (S.E.M. 4.7) at 6 h in the iv group and 15.3 mg/L (S.E.M. 5.1) at 12 h in the im group. The mean trough concentration was 9.6 mg/L (S.E.M. 1.9) and 13.3 mg/L (S.E.M. 3.1) at 24 h in the two groups respectively. On the fourth day of intramuscular administration the serum and pleural fluid peak and trough concentrations were higher when compared with the first day, consistent with a cumulative effect. The serum and pleural fluid concentrations of ceftriaxone following intravenous and intramuscular administration were well above the MIC90 of most common respiratory pathogens indicating good penetration into extracellular spaces. Further, these serum and pleural fluid antibiotic concentrations could be maintained even after a single intramuscular injection of the drug, thus indicating its usefulness as a parenteral mode of therapy on a domicilliary basis with a significant cost-saving potential. In conclusion, intramuscular administration of ceftriaxone would appear to be a convenient method of administering parenteral therapy in lower respiratory tract infections in the hospital and community, with pharmacokinetics very similar to those exhibited by the intravenous route.

Adult↗

[Diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngo-tonsillitis: clinical criteria or coagglutination?].

With the purpose of evaluating the usefulness of clinical data and a coagglutination test for the diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngeal tonsillitis, a study was carried out comparing both methods with the standard pharynx culture (gold standard). One hundred and forty-one patients clinically diagnosed with pharyngeal tonsillitis were analyzed. 80 other patients diagnosed with rhino-pharyngitis were used as control groups as well as a group of 66 healthy patients. It was found that the presence of pus in the tonsils and the absence of rhinorrhea and/or a productive cough were isolated clinical variables which showed a significant difference when comparing those cases with a positive or a negative culture (P less than 0.01). These clinical data had a sensitivity and adequate negative predictive values (68 to 83% and 90 to 92%, respectively); specificity was 44 to 74% and the positive predictive value from 24 to 36%. The gathering of combined clinical indexes with different symptoms and signs, were not greater than isolated data. The coagglutination test in those cases of pharyngeal tonsillitis showed greater better specificity (98%) and positive predictive value (93%), but saw no improvement in sensitivity (72%) nor in the negative predictive value (91%), which is why when faced with a negative coagglutination test, it is still necessary to perform a throat culture due to the risk which the patient may be exposed to when no treatment is given. The analysis of the advantages and disadvantages in the routine use of coagglutination and cultures in their particular cases, allows us to conclude that in daily clinical practice the use of clinical criteria is of greater usefulness.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗