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Biomedical subjects

M D Reed

Publications and source records attributed to M D Reed.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Transfer of the hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient to the intensive care unit: does it really matter?

We critically reviewed published English language literature and concluded that from 1998 onward the survival of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (SCT) patients who experienced intensive care unit (ICU) transfer has improved. The factors associated with increased mortality during ICU stay included increased patient age, allogeneic transplant, intubation/mechanical ventilation, multiorgan system failure (MOSF), presumed/documented infection, graft-versus-host disease, and higher APACHE and O-PRISM score at ICU transfer. This encouraging outcome trend reflects evolving advances such as use of recombinant hematopoietic growth factors, use of mobilized blood cells rather than marrow, protective strategies for acute lung injury and early goal-directed therapy for sepsis syndrome. Patient selection bias (which patients were transferred and which were not sent to an ICU) also plays a role in ICU survival rates. New strategies to improve upon SCT patient outcome include use of a scoring system to predict mortality, better therapies for MOSF and integration of ICU components and multispecialist involvement earlier in the clinical course to prevent severe complications such as respiratory failure. SCT recipients comprise a heterogeneous group; to further advance this field, prospective multicenter trials involving larger populations from many centers are needed to reduce the biases of retrospective and single-center reports.

Age Factors↗

Health effects of subchronic exposure to environmental levels of hardwood smoke.

Hardwood smoke is a contributor to both ambient and indoor air pollution. As part of a general health assessment of multiple anthropogenic source emissions conducted by the National Environmental Respiratory Center, a series of health assays was conducted on rodents exposed to environmentally relevant levels of hardwood smoke. This article summarizes the study design and exposures, and reports findings on general indicators of toxicity, bacterial clearance, cardiac function, and carcinogenic potential. Hardwood smoke was generated from an uncertified wood stove, burning wood of mixed oak species. Animals were exposed to clean air (control) or dilutions of whole emissions based on particulate (30, 100, 300, and 1000 micromg/m3). F344 rats, SHR rats, strain A/J mice, and C57BL/6 mice were exposed by whole-body inhalation 6 h/day, 7 days/wk, for either 1 wk or 6 mo. Effects of exposure on general indicators of toxicity, bacterial clearance, cardiac function, and carcinogenic potential were mild. Exposure-related effects included increases in platelets and decreases in blood urea nitrogen and serum alanine aminotransferase. Several other responses met screening criteria for significant exposure effects but were not consistent between genders or exposure times and were not corroborated by related parameters. Pulmonary histopathology revealed very little accumulation of hardwood smoke particulate matter. Parallel studies demonstrated mild exposure effects on bronchoalveolar lavage parameters and in a mouse model of asthma. In summary, the results reported here show few and only modest health hazards from short-term to subchronic exposures to realistic concentrations of hardwood smoke.

Air Pollutants↗

Health effects of subchronic exposure to diesel-water-methanol emulsion emission.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and particulate matter (PM) require urban non-attainment areas to implement pollution-reduction strategies for anthropogenic source emissions. The type of fuel shown to decrease combustion emissions components versus traditional diesel fuel, is the diesel emulsion. The Lubrizol Corporation, in conjunction with Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute and several subcontracting laboratories, recently conducted a health assessment of the combustion emissions of PuriNOx diesel fuel emulsion (diesel-water-methanol) in rodents. Combustion emissions from either of two, 2002 model Cummins 5.9L ISB engines, were diluted with charcoal-filtered air to exposure concentrations of 125, 250 and 500 microg total PM/m3. The engines were operated on a continuous, repeating, heavy-duty certification cycle (U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Chapter I) using Rotella-T 15W-40 engine oil. Nitrogen oxide (NO) and PM were reduced when engines were operated on PuriNOx versus California Air Resources Board diesel fuel under these conditions. Male and female F344 rats were housed in Hazleton H2000 exposure chambers and exposed to exhaust atmospheres 6 h/day, five days/week for the first 11 weeks and seven days/week thereafter. Exposures ranged from 61 to 73 days depending on the treatment group. Indicators of general toxicity (body weight, organ weight, clinical pathology and histopathology), neurotoxicity (glial fibrillary acidic protein assay), genotoxicity (Ames assay, micronucleus, sister chromatid exchange), and reproduction and development were measured. Overall, effects observed were mild. Emulsion combustion emissions were not associated with neurotoxicity, reproductive/developmental toxicity, or in vivo genotoxicity. Small decreases in serum cholesterol in the 500-microg/m3 exposure group were observed. PM accumulation within alveolar macrophages was evident in all exposure groups. The latter findings are consistent with normal physiological responses to particle inhalation. Other statistically significant effects were present in some measured parameters of other exposed groups, but were not clearly attributed to emissions exposure. Positive mutagenic responses in several strains of Salmonella typhimurium were observed subsequent to treatment with emulsion emissions subfractions. Based on the cholesterol results, it can be concluded that the 250-microg/m3 exposure level was the no observed effect level. In general, biological findings in exposed rats and bacteria were consistent with exposure to petroleum diesel exhaust in the F344 rat and Ames assays.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Health effects of subchronic exposure to diesel-water emulsion emission.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and particulate matter are requiring urban nonattainment areas to implement pollution-reduction strategies for anthropogenic source emissions. A type of fuel shown to decrease combustion emissions components versus traditional diesel fuels is the diesel-water emulsion. The Lubrizol Corporation in conjunction with Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute and several subcontracting laboratories recently conducted a rodent health assessment of inhaled combustion emissions of PuriNO(x) diesel fuel emulsion. Combustion emissions from either of two 2001 model Cummins 5.9-L ISB engines were diluted with charcoal-filtered air to exposure concentrations of 100, 200, and 400 microg total particulate matter/m(3). The engines were operated on a continuously repeating, heavy-duty certification cycle (U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Chapter I) using Rotella-T 15W-40 engine oil. Nitrogen oxide and particulate matter were reduced when engines were operated on PuriNO(x) versus California Air Resources Board diesel fuel under these conditions. Male and female F344 rats were housed in Hazleton H2000 exposure chambers and exposed to exhaust atmospheres 6 h/day, 5 days/wk for the first 11 wk and 7 days/wk threafter. Exposures ranged from 58 to 70 days, depending on the treatment group. Indicators of general toxicity (body weight, organ weight, clinical pathology, and histopathology), neurotoxicity (glial fibrillary acidic protein assay), genotoxicity (Ames assay, micronucleus, sister chromatid exchange), and reproduction and development were measured. Overall, effects observed were mild. Emulsion combustion emissions were not associated with neurotoxicity, reproductive/developmental toxicity, or in vivo genotoxicity. Small decreases in serum cholesterol and small increases in platelet values in some groups of exposed animals were observed. Particulate matter accumulation within alveolar macrophages was evident in all exposure groups. These findings are consistent with normal physiological responses to particle inhalation. Other statistically significant effects were present in some measured parameters of other exposed groups but were not clearly attributed to emissions exposure. Positive mutagenic responses in several strains of Salmonella typhimurium were observed subsequent to treatment with emulsion emissions subfractions. Based on the cholesterol and platelet results, it can be concluded that the 100 microg/m(3) exposure level was the no-observed-effect level. In general, biological findings in diesel emulsion emission-exposed animals and bacteria were consistent with exposure to petroleum diesel exhaust in the F344 rat and Ames assays.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Improving drug use for children in the developing world.

Children differ significantly from adults in the way they absorb, metabolise, and excrete drugs. These parameters also vary as children grow from neonates through to adolescence. The practical implications and challenges that this presents are well know to anyone who is involved in the medical management of sick children. The importance of paediatric medication safety and efficacy has been gaining increasing attention in the developed world over the past decade. The United States has introduced a carrot and stick approach to increase research into medications for children with the "paediatric exclusivity provision" and the "paediatric rule". The European Union is also investigating ways of improving the availability of medications for children. Unfortunately, this increased focus on appropriate medicines for children, which has occurred in the developed world, has not been mirrored in developing nations. Currently more than 10 million children under the age of 5 years die each year, with only six countries accounting for 50% of these deaths. The majority of these deaths are from treatable or preventable diseases. The developed world has a moral and ethical obligation to share its gains with the children of the world.

Adolescent↗

Health effects of subchronic exposure to environmental levels of diesel exhaust.

Diesel exhaust is a public health concern and contributor to both ambient and occupational air pollution. As part of a general health assessment of multiple anthropogenic source emissions conducted by the National Environmental Respiratory Center (NERC), a series of health assays was conducted on rats and mice exposed to environmentally relevant levels of diesel exhaust. This article summarizes the study design and exposures, and reports findings on several general indicators of toxicity and carcinogenic potential. Diesel exhaust was generated from a commonly used 2000 model 5.9-L, 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine operated on a variable-load heavy-duty test cycle burning national average certification fuel. Animals were exposed to clean air (control) or four dilutions of whole emissions based on particulate matter concentration (30, 100, 300, and 1000 microg/m(3)). Male and female F344 rats and A/J mice were exposed by whole-body inhalation 6 h/day, 7 days/wk, for either 1 wk or 6 mo. Exposures were characterized in detail. Effects of exposure on clinical observations, body and organ weights, serum chemistry, hematology, histopathology, bronchoalveolar lavage, and serum clotting factors were mild. Significant exposure-related effects occurring in both male and female rats included decreases in serum cholesterol and clotting Factor VII and slight increases in serum gamma-glutamyl transferase. Several other responses met screening criteria for significant exposure effects but were not consistent between genders or exposure times and were not corroborated by related parameters. Carcinogenic potential as determined by micronucleated reticulocyte counts and proliferation of adenomas in A/J mice were unaffected by 6 mo of exposure. Parallel studies demonstrated effects on cardiac function and resistance to viral infection; however, the results reported here show few and only modest health hazards from subchronic or shorter exposures to realistic concentrations of contemporary diesel emissions.

Adenoma↗

Review of the pharmacokinetics of cefepime in children.

BACKGROUND: Because determining the pharmacokinetics of drugs used in pediatric patients allows for appropriate dosing and optimal clinical response, we have reviewed the pharmacokinetic data on the use of cefepime in the pediatric population. METHODS: Three studies encompassing 88 patients ages 2 months to 16 years examined the pharmacokinetics of cefepime given as a single iv dose, as multiple iv doses and by im administration. In all studies serial blood and urine or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected after a single dose and/or at steady state, defined as after at least 2 days of dosing. Pharmacokinetic parameters were generated from concentration-vs.-time curves and were analyzed using noncompartmental methods. RESULTS: In all studies cefepime exhibited a linear pharmacokinetic profile and concentrations declined proportionally over time. Minimal accumulation was observed after multiple dosing. Pharmacokinetic parameters were similar in all studies and appeared to be dose-independent. Mean (range) parameters observed in this review were: t 1/2 = 1.7 h (1.26 to 1.93); volume of distribution at steady state, 0.37 liter/kg (0.33 to 0.40); total body clearance, 3.1 ml/min/kg (1.43 to 4.01); renal total body clearance, 2.3 ml/min/kg (1.86 to 3.05); absolute bioavailability of cefepime after the im dose, 82.3%; and urinary recovery, 72% (57 to 85%). Penetration into CSF appeared to be good, with CSF concentrations averaging 3.3 to 5.7 microg/ml 0.5 and 8 h after administration of the dose, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cefepime displayed a linear pharmacokinetic profile, was well-absorbed via im injection and had adequate penetration into the CSF of patients with bacterial meningitis, compared with other beta-lactams.

Adolescent↗

The pharmacokinetics of colistin in patients with cystic fibrosis.

The safety and pharmacokinetics of colistin were determined after first dose (n = 30) and again under steady-state conditions (n = 27) in 31 patients with cystic fibrosis receiving the drug as a component of their treatment for an acute pulmonary exacerbation of their disease. Patients ranged in age from 14 to 53 years and received colistin for 6 to 35 days. Each patient was started on colistin 5 to 7 mg/kg/day administered intravenously in three equally divided doses. Elimination half-life (t1/2), mean residence time (MRT), steady-state volume of distribution (Vdss), total body clearance (Cl), and renal clearance (Clr) after first-dose administration averaged 3.4 hours, 4.4 hours, 0.09 l/kg, and 0.35 and 0.24 ml/min/kg, respectively. No differences in colistin disposition characteristics between first-dose and steady-state evaluations were observed. Sputum sampling was incomplete and confounded by previous aerosol administration but revealed colistin concentrations that markedly exceeded observed plasma concentrations. Twenty-one patients experienced one or more side effects attributed to colistin administration. The most common reactions involved reversible neurologic manifestations, including oral and perioral paresthesias (n = 16), headache (n = 5), and lower limb weakness (n = 5). All of these apparent colistin-induced neurologic adverse effects, though bothersome, were benign and reversible. Intermittent proteinuria was observed on urinalysis in 14 patients, and 1 patient developed reversible, colistin-induced nephrotoxicity. No relationship between the occurrence of any colistin-associated adverse effect and plasma colistin concentration or colistin pharmacokinetic parameter estimate was observed. These data provide no basis for routine monitoring of colistin plasma concentrations to guide dosing for patient safety and suggest slow upward dose titration to minimize the incidence and severity of associated side effects.

Adolescent↗

The single-dose pharmacokinetics of midazolam and its primary metabolite in pediatric patients after oral and intravenous administration.

The first-dose pharmacokinetics of midazolam and its primary alpha-hydroxymetabolite were studied after single-dose administration. Eligible study patients were enrolled into one of three study arms: Arm I (midazolam/metabolite pharmacokinetic evaluation after oral administration of a syrup formulation), Arm II (the absolute bioavailability of midazolam syrup), and Arm III (midazolam and metabolite pharmacokinetics after IV administration). Complete blood sampling for pharmacokinetic analysis was available in 87 subjects. Midazolam absorption after administration of the oral syrupformulation was rapid, with adolescents absorbing the drug at approximately half the rate observed in younger children (ages 2 to < 12 years). Furthermore, midazolam t 1/2 was prolonged and CL/F reducedin adolescents as compared with younger children. Although the midazolam Vd/F appeared larger in the youngest age group after oral administration, this observation was not apparent after IV dosing, suggesting subject differences in bioavailability rather than distribution. Like midazolam, the disposition characteristics for a-hydroxymidazolam were also highly variable, with the greatest formation of metabolite (reflected by the AUC ratio) observed in children ages 2 to < 12 years. The A UC ratios of alpha-hydroxymidazolam to midazolam after IV dosing were similar across all age groups and were smaller than corresponding values following oral administration. The absolute bioavailability of midazolam averaged 36% with a very broad range (9%-71%). No relationship between midazolam bioavailability and age was observed. Overall, the disposition characteristics of midazolam and its a-hydroxy metabolite were highly variable, appeared independent of age and dose administered, and were linear over the dose range studied (0.25 to 1 mg/kg). These data suggest that an initial oral dose of 0.2 to 0.3 mg/kg should be adequateforsuccessful sedation of most pediatric patients. The inherent variability in midazolam bioavailability and metabolism underscores the importance of titrating midazolam dose to desired effect.

Administration, Oral↗

Safety of antihistamines in children.

The histamine H1 receptor antagonists (antihistamines) are an important class of medications used for the relief of common symptoms associated with hyperhistaminic conditions occurring in children and adults. This group of drugs may be subdivided into 3 classes, or generations, based upon their propensity to induce sedation and cardiotoxicity. The first generation (classical) antihistamines are highly effective in treating hyperhistaminic conditions. However, they frequently induce sedation and may adversely affect a child's learning ability. First generation antihistamine-induced sedation has been described to occur in more than 50% of patients receiving therapeutic dosages. Serious adverse events are unusual following overdoses of first generation antihistamines although life-threatening adverse events have been described. When the so-called 'second generation' antihistamines terfenadine and astemizole were introduced they were widely embraced and quickly used by clinicians of all specialities, including paediatricians, as nonsedating alternatives to the first generation compounds. These new agents were found to be equally or more effective than first generation antihistamines in relieving symptoms associated with hyperhistaminic conditions without the soporific effects of the first generation agents. Unfortunately, after approximately 10 years of widespread clinical use, disturbing reports of potentially life-threatening dysrhythmias, specifically torsades de pointes, were described. Both terfenadine and astemizole have been shown in vitro to inhibit several ion channels, and in particular the delayed outward rectifier potassium channel in the myocardium, predisposing the heart to dysrhythmias. The potential life-threatening cardiotoxicities of the second generation antihistamines led to the search for noncardiotoxic and nonsedating agents. Loratadine, fexofenadine, mizolastine, ebastine, azelastine and cetirizine are the first of the new third generation antihistamines. These drugs have been shown to be efficacious with few adverse events including no clinically relevant cytochrome P450 mediated metabolic-based drug-drug interactions or QT interval prolongation/cardiac dysrhythmias. Appropriate treatment of an antihistamine overdose depends upon which class of compound has been ingested. There is no specific antidote for antihistamine overdose and treatment is supportive particularly for ingestions of first generation compounds. Ingestion of excessive doses of terfenadine or astemizole requires immediate medical attention. Children who accidentally ingest excessive doses of a third generation compound may usually be adequately managed at home. However, patients ingesting large amounts (approximately >3 to 4 times the normal therapeutic daily dose) should receive medical attention. These patients should be monitored for 2 to 3 hours after the ingestion and patients ingesting cetirizine should be advised about the potential for sedation. The availability of newer generation antihistamine compounds has clearly added to the clinical effectiveness and patient tolerance of a widely prescribed class of drugs. These advances have also been accompanied by improved safety profiles, particularly in the case of third generation antihistamine overdose.

Adult↗

Nefazodone pharmacokinetics in depressed children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the pharmacokinetics and safety of nefazodone (NFZ) in depressed children and adolescents. METHOD: Depressed youths aged 7 to 17 years were eligible to participate. Intensive sampling for pharmacokinetic analyses of NFZ and 3 of its active metabolites was performed after single and multiple dose administration. Treatment was continued for 6 more weeks and titrated to maximize clinical response. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were enrolled. Systemic exposure to NFZ and 3 metabolites was generally higher in children than adolescents. NFZ and metabolite disposition profiles showed high intra- and interpatient variability. Compared to published data in adults, the half-life of NFZ and 2 of its metabolites appears shorter in children and adolescents. Meta-chlorphenylpiperazine pharmacokinetic parameters were different in 5 patients determined to be poor metabolizers of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). NFZ was well tolerated, and administration was associated with significant reductions (p < .001) in depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacokinetics of NFZ in pediatric patients is highly variable. NFZ appears to be safe in this small, short-term study. Pediatric patients who are poor metabolizers of CYP2D6 do not appear to be at increased risk for NFZ-associated adverse events. Open-label treatment of NFZ is associated with reductions in depressive symptoms.

Adolescent↗

Single dose pharmacokinetics of linezolid in infants and children.

BACKGROUND: Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic with excellent in vitro activity against a number of Gram-positive organisms including antibiotic-resistant isolates. The safety and pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered linezolid were evaluated in children and adolescents to examine the potential for developmental dependence on its disposition characteristics. METHODS: Fifty-eight children (3 months to 16 years old) participated in this study; 44 received a single 1.5-mg/kg dose and 14 received a single 10-mg/kg dose of linezolid administered by intravenous infusion. Repeated blood samples (n = 10 in children > or = 12 months; n = 8 in children 3 to 12 months) were obtained during 24 h after drug administration, and linezolid was quantitated from plasma by high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection. Plasma concentration vs. time data were evaluated with a model independent approach. RESULTS: Linezolid was well-tolerated by all subjects. The disposition of linezolid appears to be age-dependent. A significant although weak correlation between age and total body clearance was observed. The mean (+/- SD) values for elimination half-life, total clearance and apparent volume of distribution were 3.0 +/- 1.1 h, 0.34 +/- 0.15 liter/h/kg and 0.73 +/- 0.18 liter/kg, respectively. Estimates of total body clearance and volume of distribution were significantly greater in children than historical values of adult data. As such maximum achievable linezolid plasma concentrations were slightly lower in children, and concentrations 12 h after a single 10-mg/kg dose were below the MIC90 for selected pathogens with in vitro susceptibility to the drug. CONCLUSION: Based on these data a linezolid dose of 10 mg/kg given two to three times daily would appear appropriate for use in pediatric therapeutic clinical trials of this agent.

Acetamides↗

Pharmacokinetics of a fluoronaphthyridone, trovafloxacin (CP 99,219), in infants and children following administration of a single intravenous dose of alatrofloxacin.

The pharmacokinetics of trovafloxacin following administration of a single intravenous dose of alatrofloxacin, equivalent to 4 mg of trovafloxacin per kg of body weight, were determined in 6 infants (ages 3 to 12 months) and 14 children (ages, 2 to 12 years). There was rapid conversion of alatrofloxacin to trovafloxacin, with an average +/- standard deviation (SD) peak trovafloxacin concentration determined at the end of the infusion of 4.3 +/- 1.4 microg/ml. The primary pharmacokinetic parameters (average +/- SD) analyzed were volume of distribution at steady state (1.6 +/- 0.6 liters/kg), clearance (151 +/- 82 ml/h/kg), and half-life (9.8 +/- 2.9 h). The drug was well tolerated by all children. There were no age-related differences in any of the pharmacokinetic parameters studied. Less than 5% of the administered dose was excreted in the urine over 24 h. On the basis of the mean area under the concentration-time curve of 30.5 +/- 10.1 microg. h/ml and the susceptibility (< or =0.5 microg/ml) of common pediatric bacterial pathogens to trovafloxacin, dosing of 4 mg/kg/day once or twice daily should be appropriate.

Adolescent↗

Acute encephalopathy due to aluminum toxicity successfully treated by combined intravenous deferoxamine and hemodialysis.

Acute aluminum intoxication is uncommon in clinical practice but can be fatal. This limited experience is reflected in the paucity of data assessing a viable approach to the treatment of these patients. In this report, the authors describe the clinical course and successful, pharmacokinetic-based deferoxamine-hemodialysis treatment regimen of a patient with severe aluminum encephalopathy following alum bladder irrigation. The combined use of deferoxamine and appropriately timed hemodialysis appears to be a very reasonable means of treating patients with severe acute aluminum intoxication.

Acute Disease↗