ONO-5046, an elastase inhibitor, attenuates endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in rabbits

Endotoxin causes acute lung injury resembling acute respiratory distress syndrome. Elastase, as well as reactive oxygen species released from activated neutrophils, are thought to play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of this lung injury. This study investigated whether ONO-5046, a specific elastase inhibitor, can attenuate acute lung injury induced by endotoxin in rabbits. Thirty-two male anesthetized rabbits were randomly assigned to receive one of four treatments (n = 8 for each group): infusion of saline without ONO-5046 treatment (Group S-S), infusion of saline with ONO-5046 (Group S-O), infusion of Escherichia coli endotoxin (100 micrograms/kg over 60 min) without ONO-5046 (Group E-S), and infusion of endotoxin with ONO-5046 (Group E-O). Fifteen minutes before the infusion of endotoxin (Groups E-O and E-S) or saline (Groups S-S and S-O), the animals received a bolus injection of ONO-5046 (10 mg/kg) followed by continuous infusion (10 mg.kg-1.h-1: Groups S-O and E-O) or saline (Groups S-S and E-S). The lungs of the rabbits were ventilated with 40% oxygen. Hemodynamics, peripheral leukocyte and platelet counts, and PaO2 were recorded during the ventilation period (6 h). Lung mechanics, cell fraction of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), activated complement, cytokines, and arachidonic acid metabolite concentrations in the BALF were measured at 6 h. The wet- to dry (W/D)-weight ratio of the lung and albumin concentrations in BALF were analyzed as indices of pulmonary edema. Endotoxin decreased lung compliance and PaO2, and increased the W/D weight ratio, neutrophil counts, and albumin concentration in the BALF. Concentrations of activated complement C5a, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and thromboxane B2 in the BALF were increased by the infusion of endotoxin. ONO-5046 treatment attenuated these changes. Endotoxin caused extensive morphologic lung damage, which was lessened by ONO-5046. In conclusion, intravenous ONO-5046 pretreatment attenuated endotoxin-induced lung injury in rabbits. This beneficial effect of ONO-5046 may be due, in part, to a reduction in the levels of mediators that activate neutrophils, in addition to the direct inhibitory effect on elastase.

Inhibitory effect of local anaesthetics on reactive oxygen species production by human neutrophils

BACKGROUND

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from neutrophils accumulated in various major organs are thought to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of host auto-injury. Lidocaine has been shown to reduce the injury. We investigated the effect of local anaesthetics (lidocaine, mepivacaine and bupivacaine) on ROS production by neutrophils using an in vitro system.

METHODS

We measured the production of superoxide (ferricytochrome c method), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2: scopoletin fluorescence technique), and hydroxyl radical (OH.: ethylene gas method) by neutrophils isolated from human adult volunteers in the absence and presence of lidocaine (2-200 micrograms/mL), mepivacaine (3-300 micrograms/mL), and bupivacaine (3-300 micrograms/mL). We also measured the ROS generation in a cell-free (xanthine-xanthine oxidase) system.

RESULTS

Lidocaine and mepivacaine at higher levels significantly decreased the production of ROS by neutrophils. However, these local anaesthetics at clinically relevant blood concentrations had no effect on the levels of ROS. Furthermore, lidocaine and mepivacaine failed to reduce ROS generated by the cell-free system. Bupivacaine did not decrease ROS generation by either generating system.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, in the present in vitro system, only concentrations of lidocaine and mepivacaine 100-fold higher than clinically feasible ones reduced ROS production by human neutrophils. However, the local anaesthetics at clinically relevant blood concentrations had no suppressive effect. Further studies using in vivo systems are required to elucidate the inhibitory effects of local anaesthetics on ROS generation in clinical settings.

Dose-response of flurbiprofen on postoperative pain and emesis after paediatric strabismus surgery

PURPOSE

Intravenous flurbiprofen, a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), has been used recently for postoperative pain relief in adults. The drug is also likely to have antiemetic property. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of flurbiprofen on postoperative pain and emesis in children undergoing strabismus surgery, which is well known to produce postoperative nausea and vomiting.

METHODS

In a prospective, randomised, controlled clinical trial, 90 children aged 2-11 yr received saline (control), flurbiprofen 0.5 mg.kg-1, or flurbiprofen 1 mg.kg-1. Saline and flurbiprofen were administered i.v. immediately after induction of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide in oxygen. Postoperative pain was assessed by a blinded observer using an objective pain scale (OPS). No opioids or antiemetics were administered throughout the study. The incidence and frequency of vomiting were compared among groups.

RESULTS

Flurbiprofen 1 mg.kg-1 provided lower OPS (highest) scores during the eight hours after surgery and a reduced requirement for postoperative supplementary analgesic (diclofenac suppository) compared with the other two regimens. The two doses of flurbiprofen failed to decrease the incidence and frequency of vomiting.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that preoperative flurbiprofen 1 mg.kg-1 iv is a simple and effective approach to postoperative pain relief but not to the prevention of emesis following paediatric strabismus surgery.

[Nitric oxide and the lung]

Many studies on nitric oxide (NO) as a messenger for biosignal transduction have recently been published. Endogenous NO is thought to play a pivotal role in homeostasis of the respiratory system and pulmonary circulation. As exhaled NO levels increase in patients with asthma or bronchiectasia, NO seems to be related to some pathological states in the respiratory organ. NO inhalation has been shown to be effective in attenuating pulmonary hypertension and desaturation in acute respiratory failure. Recent findings concerning NO in the lung were described in this review article.

Evaluation of left atrial appendage stasis in patients with atrial fibrillation using transesophageal echocardiography with an intravenous albumin-contrast agent

To assess stasis in the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation and to identify patients at increased risk for thromboembolism, we performed transesophageal echocardiography with an intravenous albumin contrast agent (Albunex) in 25 patients with atrial fibrillation and in 22 patients in sinus rhythm. We demonstrated that the absence of opacification in the left atrial appendage after Albunex administration implies a high risk of left atrial thrombus and cardiogenic thromboembolism.

Prostaglandin E1 attenuates the hypertensive response to tracheal extubation

PURPOSE

Tracheal extubation causes hypertension and tachycardia, which may cause imbalance between myocardial oxygen demand and supply in patients at risk of coronary artery disease. We conducted a randomized, controlled study to evaluate the effects of 0.05 or 0.1 microgram.kg-1.min-1 prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) iv on haemodynamic variables occurring during tracheal extubation and emergence from anaesthesia and compared them in patients receiving either lidocaine or saline.

METHODS

Eighty ASA physical status 1 patients undergoing elective surgery were enrolled in the current study. Anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane 1.0%-2.5% (ET concentration) and nitrous oxide 60% in oxygen. Muscle relaxation was achieved with vecuronium. The patients were randomly assigned to receive one of four treatments (n = 20 each): saline (control), 0.05 microgram.kg-1.min-1 PGE1, 0.1 microgram.kg-1.min-1 PGE1, or 1 mg.kg-1 lidocaine. PGE1 was infused from completion of surgery until five minutes after tracheal extubation. Changes in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured during and after tracheal extubation.

RESULTS

In the control group, the HR, systolic BP, and diastolic BP increased during tracheal extubation. Administration of 0.1 microgram.kg-1.min-1 PGE1 and 1 mg.kg-1 lidocaine attenuated the increases in BP although 0.05 microgram.kg-1.min-1 PGE1 failed to do so. The inhibitory effect of the 0.1 microgram.kg-1.min-1 PGE1 on BP was similar to that of lidocaine 1 mg.kg-1 iv. The increase in HR was attenuated by lidocaine but not by PGE1.

CONCLUSION

The intravenous infusion of 0.1 microgram.kg-1.min-1 PGE1 given during emergence from anaesthesia and tracheal extubation is a useful method for attenuating the hypertension associated with noxious stimuli during this period.

The efficacy of clonidine for reducing perioperative haemodynamic changes and volatile anaesthetic requirements in children

BACKGROUND

Oral clonidine given as a premedicant in adults has been shown to reduce intraoperative inhalation anaesthetic requirements and provide perioperative haemodynamic stability. We conducted the current study to ascertain whether or not these beneficial effects of clonidine can be reproduced in children.

METHODS

In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, 60 children (ASA I) aged 5-11 yr, received placebo (control), 2 micrograms kg-1 clonidine, or 4 micrograms kg-1 clonidine orally 105 min before induction of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was induced with halothane, nitrous oxide in oxygen via mask and maintained with halothane and 60% nitrous oxide in oxygen. The halothane concentration was titrated to the concentration required to maintain haemodynamic stability (defined as 20% of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR)) for maintenance of anaesthesia. The end-tidal concentration of halothane was monitored throughout anaesthesia. On completion of surgery, nitrous oxide and halothane were discontinued. Following confirmation of recovery from anaesthesia and muscle relaxation, the endotracheal tube was removed.

RESULTS

Higher inspired concentrations of halothane (%) were required in the control and 2 micrograms kg-1 clonidine-treated groups (mean SD: 1.1 +/- 0.2 and 1.0 +/- 0.2, respectively) than in the 4 micrograms kg-1 clonidine-treated group (0.6 +/- 0.1) for haemodynamic stability (P < 0.05). Clonidine, 4 micrograms kg-1, significantly reduced the intraoperative lability (coefficient of variation) of systolic and diastolic BP and HR compared with the other two regimens.

CONCLUSION

Oral clonidine premedication at a dose of 4 micrograms kg-1 provided intraoperative haemodynamic stability and reduced anaesthetic requirements in children. However, we are unable to extrapolate these observations to younger children and infants.

Attenuation of cardiovascular responses to tracheal extubation: verapamil versus diltiazem

We studied the effect of intravenous injection of verapamil (0.05 mg/kg or 0.1 mg/kg) on cardiovascular changes during tracheal extubation and emergence from anesthesia and compared the efficacy of the drug with that of diltiazem (0.2 mg/kg). Eighty patients (ASA physical status I) who were to undergo elective gynecological surgery were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 20 each): saline (control), 0.05 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg verapamil, and 0.2 mg/kg diltiazem. These medications were given 2 min before tracheal extubation. Anesthesia was maintained with 0.5%-1.8% isoflurane and 60% nitrous oxide in oxygen. Muscle relaxation was achieved with vecuronium. Changes in heart rate (HR) and arterial blood pressure (AP) were measured during and after tracheal extubation. In the control group, the HR and systolic and diastolic AP increased significantly during tracheal extubation. Both calcium channel blockers attenuated the increases in these variables. The inhibitory effect was greatest with verapamil 0.1 mg/kg, while the alleviative effect of verapamil 0.05 mg/kg was inferior to that of diltiazem 0.2 mg/kg. These findings suggest that a bolus injection of verapamil 0.1 mg/kg given 2 min before tracheal extubation is a more effective prophylactic for attenuating the cardiovascular changes associated with extubation than is diltiazem 0.2 mg/kg.

A comparison of lansoprazole, omeprazole, and ranitidine for reducing preoperative gastric secretion in adult patients undergoing elective surgery

Acid aspiration syndrome of induction of anesthesia is a life-threatening complication whose severity is affected by both pH and volume of the aspirated gastric juice. We compared the effects of two proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), lansoprazole and omeprazole, and an H2 blocker, ranitidine, on gastric secretion in a prospective, randomized, double-blind fashion in 200 adult patients of ASA physical status I undergoing elective surgery. The patients were divided into eight groups (n = 25 each) according to their premedication. The patients received lansoprazole-lansoprazole (Group L-L), lansoprazole-placebo (Group L-P), placebo-lansoprazole (Group P-L), omeprazole-omeprazole (Group O-O), omeprazole-placebo (Group O-P), placebo-omeprazole (Group P-O), placebo-ranitidine (Group P-R), or placebo-placebo (Group P-P), as the first and second medications. The dose of the study drug was 30 mg for lansoprazole, 150 mg for ranitidine, and 80 mg for omeprazole. The first medication was administered orally at 9:00 PM on the night before surgery and the second at 5:30 AM in the morning on the day of the surgery. Each patient fasted overnight and took the drug with 20 mL of water. After tracheal intubation, gastric fluid was aspirated via an orogastric tube and the volume and pH of the aspirate were measured. The pH of the aspirated gastric fluid was higher in Groups P-R, L-L, P-L, O-O, and O-P than in Group P-P (P < 0.05). The volume of the gastric contents was similar in Groups P-0 and P-P, and the other groups had smaller gastric volume than Group P-P (P < 0.05). Gastric fluid from patients in Group P-R was the least acidic (pH 6.1 +/- 1.2) and had the least volume (0.09 +/- 0.06 mL/kg). Group L-L was comparable with Group P-R in both pH and volume, whereas Groups P-L and O-O were similar to Group P-R only in volume. The proportion of patients at risk according to the traditional criteria (pH < 2.5 and volume 0.4 mL/kg) was significantly lower in Groups L-L (0%), P-L (4%), O-O (4%), and P-R (0%) than in Group P-P (48%) (P < 0.05). We concluded that two consecutive doses of lansoprazole or a morning dose of ranitidine seemed to be the most effective preanesthetic medication for reducing gastric acidity and volume.

Lidocaine attenuates hyperoxic lung injury in rabbits

BACKGROUND

High concentrations of oxygen acute lung injury. Neutrophils are thought to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of this lung injury through the release of oxygen radicals, neutral proteases, and lysosomal enzymes. Lidocaine has been shown to inhibit neutrophil function. We examined whether intravenous pretreatment with lidocaine attenuated acute lung injury induced by hyperoxia.

METHOD

Twenty-seven anaesthetized male rabbits were allocated to receive one of three treatments (n = 9 for each group): ventilation with 100% oxygen for 36 h with and without lidocaine treatment, and ventilation with air for 36 h without lidocaine. In the lidocaine-treated group, a single intravenous lidocaine 2 mg/kg was administered immediately after the initiation of exposure to 100% oxygen; thereafter, the lidocaine was infused at a rate of 2 mg.kg(-1).h(-1) for 36 h until the animals were sacrificed. Haemodynamics, PaO2, and lung mechanics were recorded during the ventilation period. After exposure, the lung mechanics and cell fraction in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured and analyzed, as was the concentration of activated complements, and cytokines in BALF. The lung wet-to dry- (W/D) weight ratio and albumin concentrations in BALF were analyzed as an index of pulmonary oedema. We also compared the chemiluminescence of neutrophils isolated from the pulmonary artery, and light microscopic findings, in the three groups.

RESULTS

Pure oxygen for 36 h caused no significant changes in haemodynamics, lung mechanics, or PaO2/FiO2 ratio. However, hyperoxia significantly increased the lung W/D weight ratio, the influx of neutrophils into the lung, and BALF concentrations of C3a, C5a, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and albumin. Lidocaine attenuated these increases (W/D ratio: 5.7 vs 5.1, %PMN: 19.2% vs 1.6%, C3a: 62 ng/dl vs 14 ng/dl, C5a: 7.9 ng/dl vs 4.1 nd/dl, TNF-alpha: 25 fmol/ml vs 2.8 fmol/ml, IL-1 beta: 36 fmol/ml vs 2.2 fmol/ml, and albumin: 9.5 mg/dl vs 2.8 mg/dl, all: P < 0.05). The chemiluminescence was increased in hyperoxic compared with in normoxic rabbits and lidocaine treatment attenuated the increase (opsonized zymosan stiluated: 3.7 x 10(6) cpm vs 2.3 x 10(6) cpm, P < 0.05). Exposure to 100% oxygen caused extensive morphologic lung damage which was lessened by lidocaine (lung injury score (mean): 3 vs 4, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that intravenous lidocaine has a prophylactic effect on initial hyperoxic lung injury (pulmonary vascular permeability, histopathological, and biochemical BALF changes) in rabbits. The effects of lidocaine on more severe lung injury (decreased oxygenation) caused by hyperoxia for 72 h deserve further study.

Comparison of nicardipine, diltiazem and verapamil for controlling the cardiovascular responses to tracheal intubation

We have compared the efficacy of three calcium channel blockers, nicardipine, diltiazem and verapamil, in attenuating the cardiovascular responses to laryngoscopy and intubation in 60 normotensive patients (ASA I) undergoing rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia with thiopentone and fentanyl. We also examined whether or not these blockers inhibited catecholamine release induced by intubation. The patients were allocated to one of four groups (n = 15 for each): saline (control), nicardipine 30 micrograms kg-1, diltiazem 0.2 mg kg-1 or verapamil 0.1 mg kg-1. Verapamil and the three other drugs were administered 45 s and 60 s before the start of direct laryngoscopy, respectively, in a double-dummy design. Anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone 4 mg kg-1 i.v. and fentanyl 2 micrograms kg-1 i.v. Tracheal intubation was facilitated with vecuronium 0.2 mg kg-1. During anaesthesia, ventilation was assisted or controlled with 1% isoflurane and 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen. Laryngoscopy lasting 30 s was attempted 2 min after administration of thiopentone and vecuronium. Patients receiving saline exhibited significant increases in systolic and diastolic arterial pressures (AP), heart rate (HR) and plasma concentrations of catecholamines associated with tracheal intubation. The increase in AP was attenuated in patients treated with any calcium channel blocker. The greatest effect was elicited by verapamil, which attenuated the increase in HR, although nicardipine seemed to enhance tachycardia. All three drugs failed to suppress the increase in plasma catecholamine concentrations in response to tracheal intubation. These findings suggest that bolus injection of verapamil 0.1 mg kg-1 was a more effective method of controlling hypertension and tachycardia associated with intubation than diltiazem 0.2 mg kg-1 or nicardipine 30 micrograms kg-1, and that these prophylactic effects were not caused by inhibition of the catecholamine response.

Oral clonidine premedication reduces postoperative pain in children

Clonidine is an effective preanesthetic medication in children, providing a preoperative sedative effect. The analgesic properties of the drug have been well documented in adults. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of oral clonidine given preoperatively on postoperative pain in children undergoing minor surgery. In a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 90 children aged 5-12 yr undergoing elective ophthalmic, urologic, and otologic surgery received placebo (control), clonidine 2 micrograms/kg, or clonidine 4 micrograms/kg. These drugs were administered 105 min before the estimated time of induction of anesthesia and followed by treatment with oral atropine 0.03 mg/kg 60 min before anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with halothane and nitrous oxide in oxygen. Postoperative pain was assessed by a blinded observer using an objective pain scale (OPS). Clonidine 4 micrograms/kg provided lower OPS (highest) scores during 12 h after surgery and reduced requirement for postoperative supplementary analgesic (diclofenac suppository) compared with the other two regimens. These data suggest that oral clonidine premedication (4 micrograms/kg) is a possible approach to facilitating postoperative analgesia in children undergoing minor surgery.

Detection of lysyl oxidase gene expression in rat skin during wound healing

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) initiates the crosslinking of the lysine-derived aldehyde and plays an essential role in maturation of collagen, for example in wound healing. Although the activity of this enzyme has been examined in various disorders, and a further intriguing aspect of the relationship between LOX and tumorigenesis has recently emerged, its gene expression pattern in tissues is still unknown. We examined LOX gene expression during wound healing in rat skin. In addition, type III collagen gene expression was studied to determine the formation of fibrils. The LOX mRNA level reached a peak by day 3 after injury, which was earlier than that of type III collagen, and continued at a high level until day 22. The type III collagen mRNA level began to rise from day 3 and had increased intensely by day 22. In situ hybridization revealed grains corresponding to LOX mRNA in the fibroblasts of the granulomatous tissue. These results suggest that LOX is produced before collagen synthesis in preparation for crosslinking in the early phase of wound healing.

The accuracy of references in Anaesthesia

We reviewed all the references quoted in Volume 45 (1990) (n = 3967) and half the references quoted in Volume 49 (1994) (n = 2183) of Anaesthesia. The references were numbered sequentially and 100 references from each year were randomly selected. Citations of non-journal articles were omitted leaving 197 citations for careful scrutiny. The authors' names, article title, journal title, volume number, page numbers, and year were examined in each selected reference. A reference was deemed correct if each element of the citation was identical to its source. Of the references examined, 32% and 41% contained one or more errors in 1990 and 1994, respectively. The elements most likely to be inaccurate were, in descending order of frequency, article title, author, and page number. There was no significant difference in the error rate between the 2 years. It is the responsibility of contributors to ensure that all references are carefully checked.

Oral clonidine premedication reduces vomiting in children after strabismus surgery

This is a prospective randomized double-blind trial conducted to determine whether preoperative orally administered clonidine causes or potentiates postoperative vomiting in 140 children (3-12 yr) undergoing strabismus surgery. They were all inpatients and classified randomly into four groups (n = 35 each); placebo (control), diazepam 0.4 mg.kg-1, clonidine 2 micrograms.kg-1, and clonidine 4 micrograms.kg-1. These agents were administered 93-112 min (mean; 100 min) before the anticipated time of induction of anaesthesia. All children received inhalational anaesthesia with halothane and nitrous oxide in oxygen. Muscle relaxation in all patients was obtained with vecuronium and residual neuromuscular blockade was antagonized with neostigmine and atropine before tracheal extubation. Diclofenac suppository was prescribed to prevent postoperative pain. No opioids or postoperative antiemetics were administered. All children remained in hospital for two days postoperatively. The incidence and frequency of vomiting were compared in the groups with Kruskall-Wallis Rank test. Clonidine 4 micrograms.kg-1 caused a lower incidence and frequency of vomiting than did placebo and diazepam (incidence and frequency: 11% and 1.37% and 3, and 34% and 2 in clonidine 4 micrograms.kg-1, placebo, and diazepam, respectively; P < 0.05 for clonidine 4 micrograms.kg-1 vs placebo and diazepam). However, low-dose clonidine was ineffective. These data suggest that preanaesthetic medication with clonidine 4 micrograms.kg-1 may be useful for preventing emesis following strabismus surgery. This property of clonidine indicates that it may be superior to other sedative premedicants such as diazepam and midazolam.

Attenuation of the catecholamine response to tracheal intubation with oral clonidine in children

We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind , controlled clinical trial to examine (1) whether plasma catecholamine (CA) concentrations increased in response to tracheal intubation in children, and (2) the effects of clonidine on the CA responses. Sixty children (ASA physical status I) aged 7-13 yr were allocated to one of three groups (n = 20 for each group): diazepam 0.4 x kg(-1) (active control), clonidine 2 micrograms x kg(-1), or clonidine 4 micrograms x kg(-1) po. These agents were administered 105 min before induction of anaesthesia followed by oral atropine 0.03 mg x kg(-1) given 60 min before anaesthesia which was induced with thiamylal 5 mg x kg(-1) and tracheal intubation was facilitated with vecuronium 0.2 mg x kg(-1). Laryngoscopy, lasting 30 sec, was attempted two minutes after administration of the induction agents. Serial values for blood pressure, heart rate, and venous plasma CA concentrations were compared among the three groups and with the respective preinduction measurements. Children receiving diazepam or clonidine 2 micrograms x kg(-1) showed remarkable increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rate, and plasma CA concentrations in response to tracheal intubation (P < 0.05). The increases were similar for the two regimens. These haemodynamic and CA changes were smaller in children receiving clonidine 4 micrograms x kg(-1) (P < 0.005). The haemodynamic responses were positively correlated with the CA responses. These findings indicate that tracheal intubation following rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia in children provokes a reflex increase in sympathetic activity characterized by increased plasma CA concentrations, and that attenuation of the cardiovascular changes with a high oral dose of clonidine may be due to suppression of the increase in sympathetic activity evoked by the intubation.

[A case of graft-versus-host disease following red cell concentrate (MAP-CRC) transfusion]

We report a case of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). A 79-year-old woman with Hodgkin's disease, respiratory failure and severe anemia who had been treated with two courses of chemotherapy was transfused with red cell concentrate (MAP-CRC) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in the ICU. On the 7-9th days after transfusion, she developed a diffuse erythematous rash mainly on the chest, high fever, liver dysfunction and thrombocytopenia. Despite treatment with immunoglobulin products and methylprednisolone, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she died of multiple organ failure on the 7th day after appearance of rash. Skin biopsy demonstrated typical features of acute GVHD, suggesting that MAP-CRC-associated GVHD had occurred.

[Intrapleural bleomycin for management of malignant pleural effusions]

We studied the efficacy of intrapleural administration of bleomycin for the management of malignant pleural effusions of non-small cell lung cancer in 24 cases. Bleomycin 60 mg was administered into the pleural space after tube drainage. If the effusion continued, one additional dose was given. The efficacy was seen in 18 cases (75%). The main adverse drug reaction was transient fever among others. There was little toxicity and no cases of pulmonary fibrosis. Intrapleural administration of bleomycin is useful in management of malignant pleural effusions.

[A recurrence of benign fibrous mesothelioma of the pleura: a case report]

A 64-year-old man who complained of the right chest pain was admitted in our hospital. A mass shadow which revealed the extrapleural sign was shown in the chest X-ray. This patient was performed thoracotomy and a tumor invading to the intercostal muscles was resected. Pathological diagnosis was benign fibrous mesothelioma. About 10 months after this operation, we suspected the local recurrence of the tumor on the chest X-ray. The re-operation was performed, and we resected the recurrent tumor and the 2nd and 3rd ribs. Pathologically the resected tumor was benign fibrous mesothelioma.