[Chest X-ray in patients with fever and no localizing symptoms?]

Fever without localizing symptoms is a clinical problem that is frequently encountered on the emergency department. According to the NICE sepsis guideline, a chest X-ray should be considered in such patients. However, the evidence supporting this recommendation is limited to patients with neutropenic fever. We performed a telephone survey among the internists and residents at every Dutch hospital. Of the 141 physicians that responded, 88% considered a chest X-ray a valuable diagnostic tool and one that is indicated in patients with fever without localizing symptoms. In view of rising health costs, diagnostics should be chosen wisely. A clinical study on the diagnostic value of a chest X-ray in patients with fever without localizing symptoms is needed.

Influence of the formulation on the tolerance profile of nanoparticle-bound doxorubicin in healthy rats: Focus on cardio- and testicular toxicity

A toxicological study of doxorubicin bound to poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) or human serum albumin nanoparticles coated with polysorbate 80 was performed in healthy rats. The doxorubicin formulations were injected at a therapeutic dose regimen (3 x 1.5 mg/kg with a 72 h interval), and the animals were followed up for 15 or 30 days. The overall result of this study suggests that the surfactant-coated nanoparticle formulations of doxorubicin have favorable toxicological profiles. Specifically, these formulations display a considerably reduced cardio- and testicular toxicity, as compared to a free drug.