Thorax
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Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) demonstrate considerable promise in preclinical acute respiratory distress syndrome models. We wished to determine the efficacy and mechanisms of action of human MSCs (hMSCs) in the setting of acute lung injury induced by prolonged Escherichia coli pneumonia in the rat. ⋯ hMSC therapy decreased E. coli induced pneumonia injury and reduced lung bacterial burden, potentially via enhanced macrophage phagocytosis and increased alveolar LL-37 concentrations.
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Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents and other anti-rheumatic medications increase the risk of TB in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Whether they increase the risk of infections with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is uncertain. ⋯ Anti-TNF use is associated with increased risk of both TB and NTM disease, but appears to be a relatively greater risk for TB. Several other anti-rheumatic drugs were also associated with mycobacterial infections.
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Epidemiology of spontaneous pneumothorax has been scantily studied. We aimed to assess the incidence of spontaneous pneumothorax and describe patients' characteristics with respect to age, sex, seasonal occurrence, primary or secondary character, surgical management and rehospitalisations on a large-scale database. ⋯ Sex and age are determinant factors in the course of spontaneous pneumothorax.
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A 19-year-old boy with shortness of breath and chest pain after strenuous exercise presented to emergency department. On physical examination, the neck and shoulders appeared to be swollen. There was crepitus on skin palpation. ⋯ The management of epidural pneumatosis should be tailored according to its primary cause. For most patients with pneumorrhachis associated to a spontaneous pneumomediastinum without neurological symptoms, this condition is generally self-limited. For epidural free air of large volume that causes neurological deficits, surgical laminectomy may be indicated.