[Pneumonitis induced by the herbal medicine Sho-saiko-to in Japan].

We studied the clinical characteristics of pneumonitis induced by Sho-saiko-to (SST). Of 94 cases reported to a drug maker, 72 were judged to be SST-induced pneumonitis (52 men and 20 women, mean age 63.7 years). Most patients took SST for chronic liver diseases due to infection with the hepatitis C virus. The mean duration of SST therapy before the onset of pneumonitis was 50.2 +/- 42.1 days. Most patients presented with coughing, dyspnea, and fever of acute onset. Chest X-ray films showed diffuse ground-glass shadows and infiltration. Abnormally high levels of C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase were common, as was hypoxia. Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed abnormally high percentages of lymphocytes and neutrophils and a low CD4/CD8 ratio. Although 64 of 72 patients survived after cessation of SST only or steroid therapy, 8 died of respiratory failure despite high-dose steroid therapy. Compared with patients who survived those who died were more likely to have an underlying lung disease, had been taking SST longer after the onset of pneumonitis, and had more severe hypoxemia.

[Dose dependent effects of dichloroacetate on lactic acidosis in dogs].

Dose dependent effects of DCA (dichloroacetate) on lactic acidosis were studied in 30 mongrel dogs under pentobarbital anesthesia. Lactic acidosis was induced by infusion of either lactate (n = 15) or pyruvate (n = 15) for 20 min. In each dog, saline or DCA (100 mg.kg-1 or 300 mg.kg-1) was given for ten min iv. at ten min after the beginning of lactate or pyruvate infusions. Reduction in serum pyruvate levels was more prominent than that in lactate levels in both the lactate and pyruvate infusion groups. DCA in a dose of 100 mg.kg-1 was more effective to reduce serum pyruvate levels and arterial pH than 300 mg.kg-1 of DCA. There were no differences between saline and DCA (100 mg.kg-1 or 300 mg.kg-1) administrations in mean arterial pressure and cardiac index. This study confirmed the hypothesis that DCA reduces serum lactate levels via acceleration of pyruvate metabolism. It was concluded that the ability of DCA to reduce serum lactate levels is dose-dependent and a large dose of DCA (300 mg.kg-1) would not be necessary for lactic acidosis.