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Background: To evaluate the effect of different oral glucose or sucrose solutions on the pain response to heelstick in newborns., Design: randomised double blind placebo controlled trial of water (control) versus one of three solutions of glucose - namely 5, 33 and 50% - or one of two solutions of sucrose (33% and 50%) or nothing., Setting: postnatal ward., Patients: seven groups of 20 healthy newborns (gestational age 38-41, weighing over 2500 g) were randomised to receive 2 ml of one of the six solutions on the tongue inmediately before heelstick procedure., Main Outcome Measure: heart rate before, during and three minutes after the procedure., Results: Even if the trend of the cardiac rates did not reach statistic significance, glucose solution 33 and 50% proved to be the most effective in reducing pain response., Conclusions: Sweet solutions may be an easy, useful, safe and cheap analgesic for minor invasive procedures in newborns.

We describe the occurrence of five pediatric patients presenting an aura encompassing neurovegetative and unilateral neurological manifestations persisting during and after the migrainous attack are described. All investigations were normal and the symptoms completely disappeared within 24-48 hours with non specific treatment. A diagnosis of hemiplegic migraine was made. The importance is underlined for the pediatrician to consider migraine in the differential diagnosis of a child first presenting with neurological symptoms even without symptoms of migraine.

In order to evaluate the diagnostic value of a lymphocyte stimulation test with casein and beta lactoglobulin in cow milk intolerance (CMI), we studied 26 patients with a diagnosis of CMI and 25 age-matched controls with intestinal diseases other than CMI. Lymphocyte stimulation test to casein (P less than .001) and beta lactoglobulin (P less than .001) was significantly higher among CMI patients. Seventeen patients were RAST positive and nine negative for whole milk proteins. No differences were found in the lymphocyte stimulation test response between RAST-positive and RAST-negative subjects. These results suggest that lymphocyte stimulation test with highly purified antigens in optimal concentrations is specific and could be useful in the diagnosis of CMI.

An outbreak of acute gastroenteritis, involving 30 infants and young children aged 2 months to 4 years, took place in a pediatric ward of the University Hospital of Pavia, Northern Italy, in the period from November 9 to December 1, 1986. Out of the 14 patients examined, ten were found to shed rotavirus with stools. All strains were characterized for serotype, using a monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and for electropherotype, by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of genomic RNA. It was shown that a single serotype 4 (subtype 4A) strain spread within the ward from a primary case to seven other patients. The remaining two patients were found to be infected by a serotype 1 strain that was circulating in the same area prior to the outbreak. The clinical symptoms were unusually severe, since significant dehydration was observed in four of the eight serotype 4 rotavirus-infected children. Previous epidemiological studies had shown that since 1983 serotype 4 strains had not been circulating in Pavia, and the electropherotype of the newly circulating serotype 4 strain was different from those observed in 1981-1983. Thus, the severity of the diarrheal disease appeared to be related to the circulation of both a new serotype and a new electropherotype.

The grass pollen season was monitored at the Biological Station Lake Neusiedl (Burgenland, Austria) during 2017, 2018 and 2019 by means of a Hirst-type volumetric pollen and spore trap. While the start, end, duration and peaks of the pollen seasons varied between the years, both showed a late occurrence of grass pollen in the air with more than 20 grass pollen/m3 air in September. This late flowering event is unusual for Austria and was only noticed at the pollen monitoring site in Illmitz. The site is characterised by reed vegetation surrounding the station. The reed plants were determined as Phragmites australis and phenologically monitored in September 2018. The local plants flowered during this period. Thus, the source of the significant grass pollen exposure in September could be attributed to a local phenomenon. Other places surrounded by reed grasses should be monitored to assess the consistency of the observed pattern and variation of the flowering of Phragmites. The exposure to grass pollen has to be communicated to persons affected by grass pollen allergy including the incorporation of such events into pollen forecasting routines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic conditions are prevalent equine diseases that can be diagnosed by clinical examination alone, but definitive diagnosis is more likely with laboratory testing. The ELISA Allercept© test was used to analyse the serum samples of 73 horses with allergic diseases. Sixty-one horses (83.5%) had allergen-specific IgE levels ≥ 150 ELISA Units (EU), the cut-off defined by the assay. Fifty-four horses had allergic dermatitis (AD) with high IgE levels to Tyrophagus putrescentiae (51.9%), Rumex crispus (48.1%), Tabanus (46.3%) and Dermatophagoides farinae/ D. pteronyssinus (40.7%). Seven horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) had a high prevalence of T. putrescentiae (85.7%), followed by that of Acarus siro (57.1%) and D. farinae/D. pteronyssinus (57.1%). Horses affected with RAO had more positive reactions to mites (2.22 ± 0.84) than did horses with AD (1.51 ± 0.61, P < 0.05). A strong correlation of serum allergen-specific IgE level was found between Culex tarsalis and Stomoxys (r = 0.943) and between Dactylis glomerata and both Secale cereale (r = 0.79) and R. crispus (r = 0.696). These results indicate that among horses with allergic diseases in Spain, ELISA tests demonstrated a high prevalence of serum allergen-specific IgE in response to mites. Our study emphasises the importance of laboratory testing and updating allergy panels to improve the likelihood of a definitive diagnosis and the identification of allergens that should be included in allergic disease treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the flowering phenology of 12 Poaceae species in different types of plant cover (scrub, riverbank and pasture), with a view to creating a phenological calendar for the major species contributing most to airborne pollen concentrations. The study has been carried out from March to June between 2000 and 2013. Seventeen sampling sites in the study area were selected by accessibility, and predominantly, grasses grow in different land covers for phenological monitoring. Airborne pollen was collected using a Hirst-type volumetric spore trap. Results showed that longer phenological ranges were recorded in the wettest year and shorter ranges in the driest year. Over the study period, certain species displayed changes in the timing of flowering phenology. In pastureland and scrubland, a slight phenological delay over the study period has been recorded. In pastureland, some species-i.e., Bromus madritensis, B. diandrus and B. hordeaceus, Hordeum leporinum and Stipa capensis-displayed a delay in the timing of phenophases over the study period, including B. hordeaceus and B. madritensis on riverbank. Dactylis glomerata and Trisetaria panicea in scrub have been the only species with a clear advance; B. diandrus and B. madritensis a clear flowering delay. Lolium rigidum, Dactylis glomerata, Aegilops geniculata, in scrub, riverbank and pasture, and Arrhenatherum album, only in scrub, full flowering coincided with pollen peak in some populations during several years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In contrast to adults, Helicobacter pylori gastritis in children is reported as milder and ulcer disease as uncommon, but unequivocal data are lacking. Objectives To compare the frequency of gastro-duodenal ulcers in children and adults as well as the proportion of Helicobacter pylori infection in these patients and to study the effect of chronological age on NF-κB activation and on severity of gastritis. Design Patients referred in one pediatric and one adult facility for upper GI endoscopy were included. Gastric biopsies were obtained in consecutive Helicobacter pylori-infected patients and age-matched negative controls for immunohistochemistry and electrophoresis mobility shift assay. Three age groups were defined: younger than 8 years, 8-17 years, and adults. Results Peptic ulcer disease was less frequent in children and less frequently associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. When comparing infected subjects to controls, densities of neutrophils and CD20 cells in the lamina propria increased in all age groups, CD3 cells increasing only in patients older than 8 years and CD8 cells only in adults. NF-κB-p65-positive cells were also increased only in infected adults as well as NF-κB-binding activity. A positive correlation was found between age and densities of neutrophils and CD3, but not of CD8 or CD20 cells. Conclusion Peptic ulcer disease was less frequent in children and less frequently caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. The different clinical outcome of the infection in children can be the consequence of the lower mucosal immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common complaints among children. The role of Helicobacter pylori in the causation of these complaints remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of H. pylori infection among children presenting with GI manifestations and to determine the most common clinical presentation of the infection in Egyptian children.This prospective cross-sectional study included 150 consecutive patients aged 5-15 years who presented to the outpatient clinic of Cairo University’s Specialized Pediatric Hospital with GI complaints. Screening for H. pylori infection was performed using a 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT), and in patients whose 13C-UBT was positive, diagnosis was confirmed by visualizing the bacterium in biopsy specimens obtained by GI endoscopy.RAP was the most frequent GI complaint of the study population (82%), followed by anorexia (6.7%), vomiting (6.7%), and chronic diarrhea (4.7%). Seventy percent of these patients were positive for the 13C-UBT. Ninety-one of the patients who complained of RAP had a positive 13C-UBT, whereas the remaining 32 patients who had RAP had a negative 13C-UBT, a difference that was statistically significant (P=0.023). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the 13C-UBT result among patients with anorexia, vomiting, or diarrhea (P=0.153, 1.00, and 0.447, respectively).Screening for H. pylori infection should be performed for school-aged children who have GI complaints, especially for those who complain of RAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine whether oral glucose could have a pain-relieving effect during the eye examinations that premature neonates undergo in the screening for retinopathy of prematurity. Studies have shown that orally administered sweet-tasting solutions reduce signs of pain during painful procedures such as venepuncture and heel sticks on premature and full-term infants. This effect has not yet been proven during the eye examinations for the screening of retinopathy of prematurity. Randomised, controlled, double-blind study. Thirty infants born before 32 weeks of gestation and/or weighing <1500 g at birth were randomised to receive 1 ml of either 30% glucose or sterile water before the eye examination. Examinations were videotaped, and the observer was blinded to the intervention. Pain responses were scored using the premature infant pain profile. Heart rate and crying time were also recorded. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups, neither in premature infant pain profile score, heart rate changes nor crying time. This study does not support the pain-relieving effect of orally administered glucose during eye examinations in preterm infants. Oral glucose should not be used as single measure for pain relief during eye examinations of preterm infants. Other comforting and pain-relieving measures should be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. A birth cohort of 238 children in Bangladesh was monitored during the initial 2 years of life to analyze immune responses against Helicobacter pylori in relation to infection and spontaneous eradication and to evaluate a possible association between maternal antibodies and protection against early onset of infection. Methods. H. pylori infection was determined by a stool antigen test and serologic testing. Immune responses were analyzed in depth in 50 children. Results and conclusions. Of the stool antigen-positive children, 90% developed ⩾4-fold increased antibody levels against H. pylori in serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A, 73% developed increases in serum IgG levels, and 81% developed increases in stool IgA/total IgA levels after, as compared with before, the onset of infection. Good agreement between different immune responses was observed after 6 months of age. Before that time, transplacentally derived IgG and breast milk IgA antibodies interfered with the children's serum IgG and stool IgA responses. Children infected during the first year of life had significantly lower preinfection serum IgG titers than those infected during the second year of life. Infants infected during the first month of life were fed breast milk that contained levels of H. pylori IgA antibodies that were significantly lower than the levels in breast milk fed to infants infected at 6 months of age. Children who experienced spontaneous eradication of infection developed significantly higher serum IgA antibody levels after infection than did children with continuous infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The current global epidemic of atopy and asthma has been related to the changes in environmental exposures brought about by the development and expansion of industrialized societies. This article reviews the evidence supporting the fundamental role of air pollutants in fostering allergic inflammation of the airways, with emphasis on the molecular and genetic pathways that link ambient particulate matter (PM) exposure to the induction of proinflammatory changes and proallergic effects in the respiratory tract. We propose that the link between PM exposure and proallergic effects involves organic PM components that generate oxygen radicals capable of perturbing the redox equilibrium mucosal immune cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Multiple intestinal atresia (MIA) presents with a wide spectrum of bowel pathologies. Its treatment is a challenging task since restoration of anatomical continuity of the affected intestine must be balanced against preservation of the intestine''s maximal length. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the medical notes of 26 patients with MIA treated over a 20-year period between 1986 - 2006 was undertaken with a special emphasis on the clinical and surgical perspectives. RESULTS: All 26 cases of MIA were sporadic with no familial history. The mean gestational age and birth weight were 36.1 weeks and 2781 g, respectively. Twenty-three of the infants underwent operative repair within the first days of life. Three patients with gastroschisis had a delayed diagnosis of bowel atresia. The number of atresias per patient ranged from 2 to 10. In 24 newborns atresias were confined to the small bowel, with 2 other patients having additional obstruction of the ascending colon. Various combinations of anatomical types of atresias were found, with type I and type III occurring in 19 patients each. Type II was diagnosed in 7 newborns. Surgical management of MIA consisted of one-stage restoration of bowel continuity with multiple anastomoses and/or enteroplasties in 22 patients. Four patients had an enterostomy performed at initial operation. Early and late postoperative complications requiring operative treatment occurred in 8 patients. The duration of parenteral nutrition ranged from 6 days to 20 months, exceeding 100 days in 6 children. The follow-up ranges from 3 months to 16 years. All the patients are alive and are on a full oral diet. CONCLUSION: Clinical observations of sporadic cases of MIA confined to the small bowel lend support to the hypothesis of a vascular incident etiology. One-stage restoration of intestinal continuity with preservation of maximal intestinal length should be the basic principle of any operative management of MIA. Despite a relatively high morbidity related to the primary damage of the fetal intestine, excellent results with 100 % survival rates can be obtained. After taking the differences in pathogenesis, anatomical and histological features, and the prognosis for sporadic and hereditary forms of MIA into account, these two entities should be classified separately in a modified classification of intestinal atresia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the sensitivity and specificity of H. pylori IgG and IgA with a commercial immunoassay performed in Chile and a second non-commercial immunoassay performed in a reference laboratory in the United States, in serum of 80 children and adults referred for gastrointestinal endoscopies in a developing country. Overall, 56% of the patients were infected with H. pylori based on rapid urease test and staining techniques on gastric biopsies. When Receiver Operator Curves (ROC) were developed, the sensitivity and specificity were similar for IgG and IgA. Both immunoassays exhibited better specificity, positive and negative predictive value (NPV) in children than in adults when cut-off values were corrected according to the local population than when they were assessed using the cut-off values pre-defined in other populations. These results underline the need to establish more precise cut-off values corrected in the local populations where assessments of antibodies as diagnostic markers of H. pylori infection are planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follicular gastritis is thought to be caused byHelicobacter pyloriinfection. However, the pathophysiology of it remains unclear.We assessed gastric acidity in 15 patients with follicular gastritis, aged 20–37 years, using a 24-hour intragastric pH-metry, as well as by histologic and serologic evaluations; and compared it with that in other age-matched groups: 18 cases ofH. pylori-positive antrum-predominant gastritis, 12 of pangastritis, and 24H. pylori-negative normals. In eight cases with follicular gastritis, it was re-assessed 6 months after the eradication therapy forH. pylori.During nighttime, the percentage of time with intragastric pH above 3.0 in follicular gastritis was significantly higher than that in normals (p < .0001), and in antrum-predominant gastritis (p < .001), but was comparable with that in pangastritis. In the daytime period, this parameter in follicular gastritis was significantly higher than that in normal (p < .001), in antrum-predominant gastritis (p < .001), and in pangastritis (p < .05). Marked mononuclear cell and neutrophil infiltration but no apparent glandular atrophy were observed in both the antrum and corpus. Serum pepsinogen I/II ratio was significantly lower in follicular gastritis than that in normals (p < .0001) and in antrum-predominant gastritis (p < .001), whereas serum gastrin was significantly higher than that in normals (p < .0001), in antrum-predominant gastritis (p < .01) and in pangastritis (p < .05). After eradication forH. pylori, all of the parameters in follicular gastritis were altered to the same ranges as those in normals.In follicular gastritis, gastric acidity is significantly reduced, but can be normalized by eradication ofH. pylori. It can thus be speculated that inflammatory cytokines orH. pylori-infection–induced prostaglandins might strongly inhibit gastric acid secretion in follicular gastritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Although Helicobacter pylori infection is typically acquired in childhood, the role of H. pylori infection in gastroduodenal diseases in childhood remains to be defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in children with gastritis, duodenal ulcer, and gastric ulcer. Methods. This was a retrospective analysis of 283 Japanese children (mean age, 11.5 years) with non-nodular gastritis (n = 73), nodular gastritis (n = 67), duodenal ulcer (n = 100), and gastric ulcer (n = 43). H. pylori status was based on biopsy tests. Clinical symptoms at the time of endoscopy were analyzed with regard to a possible association with the infection. Results. The prevalence of H. pylori in non-nodular gastritis, nodular gastritis, duodenal ulcer, and gastric ulcer was 28.8%, 98.5%, 83.0%, and 44.2%, respectively. H. pylori was significantly linked to duodenal ulcer and gastric ulcers in the age group of 10–16 years, but not in the age group of 9 years and under. In children with H. pylori infection, nodular gastritis was observed in 26.3% of gastric ulcer patients and in 74.7% of duodenal ulcer patients (P < 0.001). H. pylori infection was significantly associated with the prevalence of anemia (P < 0.05). Conclusions. H. pylori is the most important causal factor for the development of duodenal ulcer in childhood. While H. pylori infection appears to be a risk factor in gastric ulcer, other causes are responsible for most cases. Nodular gastritis is the most common type of H. pylori gastritis in childhood. Chronic infection with H. pylori is associated with anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of cisapride on L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) was studied in guinea pig ventricular myocytes using a whole-cell voltage-clamp technique and a conventional action potential recording method. Myocytes were held at –40 mV, and internally dialyzed and externally perfused with Na+- and K+-free solutions; cisapride elicited a concentration-dependent block of peak ICa,L, with a half-maximum inhibition concentration (IC50) of 46.9 μM. There was no shift in the reversal potential, nor any change in the shape of the current-voltage relationship of ICa,L in the presence of cisapride. Inhibition of cisapride was not associated with its binding to serotonin or to α-adrenergic receptors because ketanserin, SB203186, and prazosin had no effect on the inhibitory action of cisapride on ICa,L. Cisapride elicited a tonic block and a use-dependent block of ICa,L.These blocking effects were voltage dependent as the degree of inhibition at –40 mV was greater than that at –70 mV. Cisapride shifted the steady-state inactivation curve of ICa,L in the negative direction, but had no effect on the steady-state activation curve. Cisapride also delayed the kinetics of recovery of ICa,L from inactivation. At a slow stimulation frequency (0.1 Hz), the action potential duration in guinea pig papillary muscles showed biphasic effects; it was prolonged by lower concentrations of cisapride, but shortened by higher concentrations. These findings suggest that cisapride preferentially binds to the inactivated state of L-type Ca2+ channels. The inhibitory effect of cisapride on ICa,L might play an important role in its cardiotoxicity under pathophysiological conditions, such as myocardial ischemia. Copyright © 2004 National Science Council, ROC and S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Aim : To determine whether pre-treatment antibody response to Helicobacter pylori virulence factors predicts eradication success and symptom relief 12 months after triple therapy in non-ulcer dyspepsia. Methods : H. pylori -positive patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia received 1-week omeprazole-based triple therapy, or omeprazole plus placebos. Symptoms were assessed using a validated Likert scale. Gastric biopsies taken before and 12 months after treatment were used for histological examination. Pre-treatment blood samples were used for the detection of anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, and specific IgG antibodies to 19.5-, 26.5-, 30-, 35-, 89- (VacA) and 116-kDa (CagA) antigens of H. pylori . Results : IgG antibodies to the six antigens were detected in 62%, 96%, 88%, 47%, 54% and 78% of patients, respectively. The presence of antibody to 19.5-, 26.5- or 30-kDa antigen was associated with an increased anti-H. pylori IgG absorbance index. IgG absorbance indices were greater in those with H. pylori eradication (vs. persistent infection). The prevalence of antibodies to the six antigens was not significantly different between those with symptom relief vs. those without. The 19.5-kDa antigen (P = 0.018) and VacA (P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for body gastritis. Conclusions : An increased pre-treatment anti-H. pylori IgG absorbance index may be a useful predictor of the success of eradication therapy. Although the 19.5-kDa antigen and VacA were associated with body gastritis, none of the six antigens tested predicted symptom relief after triple therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background. Helicobacter pylori infection is a frequent infection mainly acquired in childhood. Even if the infection is almost invariably associated with mild to severe gastro-duodenal lesions, no specific clinical picture has been identified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of dyspeptic symptoms and their relationship with the presence of H. pylori infection in the first two decades of life. Materials and Methods. A school-population sample size of 808 subjects from 6- to 19-year-olds was investigated for the presence of gastrointestinal tract symptoms and evaluated by a 13 C-urea breath test for H. pylori infection. The relationship between clinical findings and H. pylori infection was evaluated by χ2 statistic or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. Results. Symptoms of dyspepsia were identified in 45% of subjects, while the picture of ulcer-like and dysmotility-like forms were present in 3–4%. H. pylori infection was demonstrated in 95 (11.8%) subjects, 49.5% of them without symptoms. Severe epigastric pain and ulcer-like dyspepsia were significantly associated with H. pylori infection, while recurrent abdominal pain or dysmotility-like dyspepsia were not. Conclusions. Dyspeptic symptoms are frequent in children, and its association with H. pylori infection is more evident than with recurrent abdominal pain. The age at which the infection is acquired seems to be under 6 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background. Few data exist regarding the epidem-iology of Helicobacter pylori infections in aboriginal, including the First Nations (Indian) or Inuit (Eskimo) populations of North America. We have previously found 95% of the adults in Wasagamack, a First Nations community in Northeastern Manitoba, Canada, are seropositive for H. pylori . We aimed to determine the age at acquisition of H. pylori among the children of this community, and if any association existed with stool occult blood or demographic factors. Materials and Methods. We prospectively enrolled children resident in the Wasagamack First Nation in August 1999. A demographic questionnaire was administered. Stool was collected, frozen and batch analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for H. pylori antigen and for the presence of occult blood. Questionnaire data were analyzed and correlated with the presence or absence of H. pylori. Results. 163 (47%) of the estimated 350 children aged 6 weeks to 12 years, resident in the community were enrolled. Stool was positive for H. pylori in 92 (56%). By the second year of life 67% were positive for H. pylori . The youngest to test positive was 6 weeks old. There was no correlation of a positive H. pylori status with gender, presence of pets, serum Hgb, or stool occult blood. Forty-three percent of H. pylori positive and 24% of H. pylori negative children were < 50th percentile for height (p = 0.024). Positive H. pylori status was associated with the use of indoor pail toileting (86/143) compared with outhouse toileting (6/20) (p = 0.01). Conclusions. In a community with widespread H. pylori infection, overcrowded housing and primitive toileting, H. pylori is acquired as early as 6 weeks of age, and by the second year of life 67% of children test positive for H. pylori . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The growing list of non-antiarrhythmic drugs associated with QT prolongation and the relevant regulatory interventions have generated concern for two reasons. First, QT prolongation is sometimes viewed as an intrinsic effect of a whole therapeutic class (for example, antihistamines), whereas, in many cases, it is displayed only by some compounds within a given class of non-antiarrhythmic drugs because of an effect on cardiac repolarisation. Second, drug-induced Torsades de Pointes are still considered idiosyncratic, totally unpredictable adverse drug reactions, whereas a number of risk factors for their occurrence is now recognised. Objectives: In order to increase awareness among prescribing physicians that many non-antiarrhythmic drugs can affect cardiac repolarisation, we would like to propose a comprehensive and updated list of QT-prolonging drugs that should be a starting point to maintain a "consensus list" to be periodically updated. Methods: The drug list was generated by performing a Medline search, by using published lists as starting points to retrieve the relevant references quoted in each article and by considering the International Registry for Drug-induced Arrhythmias maintained by the Georgetown University and mainly based on the FDA approved labelling. Results: The drug list presented in this paper: (1) includes virtually all non-antiarrhythmic drugs with QT-prolonging potential, (2) organises the available information on each drug at different levels of clinical relevance and (3) is as up-to-date as possible in order to provide a fast track for the clinical pharmacologist to retrieve the original publications. Conclusions: This list should be considered as a starting point to call for consensus on: (1) the criteria used to generate the list, (2) possible ways to implement the use of this list as a quick reference for clinicians, for instance by providing a "proarrhythmic score" for each drug, and (3) inclusion/exclusion of a given agent into the list on the basis of evidence that may not be available to us. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various drugs are associated with adverse respiratory disorders (ARDs) ranging in severity from mild, moderate to severe and even fatal. Cardioselective and nonselective β-blockers, calcium antagonists and dipyridamole can induce asthma. ACE inhibitors are mainly associated with cough. Amiodarone is related to a form of interstitial pneumonitis (IP) which can be fatal, tocainidine and flecainidine to a form of IP, and hydrochlorothiazide to a form of IP and pulmonary oedema. Antiasthmatic drugs can be associated with a paradoxical bronchospasm, while leukotriene antagonists are linked to the development of Churg-Strauss syndrome. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) may induce asthma. Gold is mainly related to IP, penicillamine to IP, systemic lupus erythematosus, bronchiolitis obliterans, and Goodpasture's syndrome. Acute respiratory reactions to nitrofurantoin include dyspnoea, cough, IP, and pleural effusion while IP and fibrosis are common in chronic reactions. Other antibacterials mainly evoke pneumonitis, pulmonary infiltrates and eosinophilia, and bronchiolitis obliterans. ARDs are similar for most categories of cytotoxic agents, with chronic pneumonitis and fibrosis being the most common. Noncardiogenic pulmonary oedema occurs as the most common respiratory complication in opioid agonist addiction. Psychotropic drugs such as phenothiazides, butyrophenones and tricyclic antidepressants can also induce pulmonary oedema. Oral contraceptives may produce asthma exacerbation, while long term use and/or high doses of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy increase the risk of asthma. Bromocriptine is mainly associated with pleural effusion, while methysergide is usually associated with pleural effusion and fibrosis. Some anorectic agents have been linked to the development of primary pulmonary hypertension. The possibility of the occurrence of ARDs should be taken into account in each individual patient. Although in most cases the adverse effects are unpredictable, they can be reduced to a minimum or prevented if some drugs are avoided or stopped in time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ragweed pollen have been monitored since 1976 inVienna. Since 1984, the outdoor patients of theallergy department of the ear-nose-and-throatUniversity Clinic underwent both Skin Prick Test andRAST/CAP test with a standard series of commoninhalant allergens, ragweed ( Ambrosia elatiorL.) included. Both the ragweed counts and the number of positiveRAST results showed a significant increase by time.Furthermore, a clear correlation between the number ofairborne pollen and the percentage of positiveRAST/CAP results is evident.The immune-response in the Viennese population ofatopic subjects is dependent on the amount of inhaledpollen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]