The Netherlands journal of medicine
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We report a 28-year-old woman who presented with severe proximal muscle weakness secondary to paraneoplastic hypophosphatemia and associated with recurrent neuroblastoma. The biochemical findings included hyperphosphaturia, a reduced serum level of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3, elevated alkaline phosphatase and normocalcemia which are pathognomic for paraneoplastic hypophosphatemia. ⋯ Paraneoplastic hypophosphatemia associated with metastatic neuroblastoma has not been reported previously. Diagnosis, mechanism and therapy of paraneoplastic hypophosphatemia are shortly reviewed.
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There is ample evidence that leukotrienes are important inflammatory mediators of asthma. Anti-leukotriene therapy is a novel, specific anti-asthma strategy providing both reliever and controller effects. Currently, two types of anti-leukotriene drugs are being registered in several countries: leukotriene receptor antagonists and leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitors. ⋯ Furthermore, some studies showed a decrease in the airway eosinophil counts after longterm administration of anti-leukotriene drugs, suggestive of anti-inflammatory effects. Because of these properties in combination with generally mild adverse effects, anti-leukotrienes seem promising in the treatment of patients with various types and severities of asthma, including children. However, their definitive place in the management of asthma will eventually depend on their effectiveness to modulate the chronic airway inflammation, which induces the structural changes within the airways, determining the severity of clinical symptoms of asthma.
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Editorial Comment Review Comparative Study
Helicobacter pylori-like dyspepsia: fact or myth?
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Treatment of recent onset atrial fibrillation with intravenous sotalol and/or flecainide.
The purpose of our study (conducted between August 1995 and September 1996) was to evaluate prospectively the efficacy of intravenous administration (in 10 min) of sotalol, flecainide or the combination of these drugs to restore sinus rhythm in patients (without cardiac/pulmonary failure) who came to the First Heart Aid of our hospital with atrial fibrillation lasting less than 24 h. ⋯ The findings of this study suggest that intravenous sotalol is a good choice for termination of recent onset atrial fibrillation in a patient with a good left ventricular function. If not successful then flecainide had to be added.