Chest
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Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a frequent complication of sepsis. Coagulation activation, inhibition of fibrinolysis, and consumption of coagulation inhibitors lead to a procoagulant state resulting in inadequate fibrin removal and fibrin deposition in the microvasculature. As a consequence, microvascular thrombosis contributes to promotion of organ dysfunction. ⋯ In this article, we first discuss the physiology of coagulation and fibrinolysis activation. Then, the pathophysiology of coagulation activation, consumption of coagulation inhibitors, and the inhibition of fibrinolysis leading to a procoagulant state are described in more detail. Moreover, therapeutic concepts as well as the three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are discussed.
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Postresuscitation syndrome is a state of myocardial dysfunction after the restoration of circulation by successful resuscitation. Despite several advances in the field of resuscitation, the management of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is still suboptimal. The high fatality rate shortly after successful resuscitation is mainly related to postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction. ⋯ By modifying the conventional modalities of resuscitation together with new promising agents, the rescuers will be able to salvage the jeopardized postresuscitation myocardium and prevent its progression to the dismal stony heart. Community awareness and staff education are crucial to shorten resuscitation time and improve short-term and long-term outcomes. There is an urgent need to revise the guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in community setting, but how? It is a matter of where and when it is of enough value to be efficacious and cost-effective.
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Various reports have demonstrated the importance of small airway inflammation in the development of airflow limitation and progression of COPD. This hypothesis proposes that the pathogenesis of COPD mirrors a chronic inhalational dust-induced disease. The putative inorganic dust in cigarette smoke is aluminum silicate or kaolinite, a common component of clay soils. ⋯ On inhalation, kaolinite deposition in the distal lung may promote macrophage accumulation within the terminal airways leading to a respiratory bronchiolitis. In the susceptible smoker, important genetic, environmental, immunologic, and mechanical factors interact and modulate this small airway inflammation, ultimately leading to the pathologic lesion of emphysema. Further studies into the effects of kaolinite on macrophage function and the subsequent development of respiratory bronchiolitis could lead to prevention of COPD at its precursor lesion.