Shrinking lung syndrome in pregnancy complicated by antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Shrinking lung syndrome is characterized by pulmonary compromise secondary to unilateral or bilateral paralysis of the diaphragm. CASE: Shrinking lung syndrome was diagnosed in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome after a cesarean delivery at 28 4/7 weeks of gestation. Signs and symptoms included unexplained right-side chest pain, dyspnea, tachypnea, and absent breath sounds at the right base of the lungs. After initiation of corticosteroids, her symptoms resolved. CONCLUSION: Although seen in association with systemic lupus erythematosus, shrinking lung syndrome has not been described with antiphospholipid syndrome or during pregnancy. Diagnosis and awareness are important because treatment with moderate- to high-dose corticosteroids appears to improve the clinical outcome.

[Pharmacology of sugammadex]. / Pharmacologie du sugammadex.

Sugammadex is a new molecule derived from a known pharmacological class : the cyclodextrins known and used in human for many years. It was recently demonstrated that cyclodextrins could encapsulate and bind strongly steroidal neuromuscular blocking agents. Among cyclodextrins gamma-cyclodextrins proved to be more efficient. The binding of cyclodextrins to rocuronium and compound's water solubility was greatly improved by addition of 8 side chains to glycopyranoses units and the presence of a negative charge to the end of these side-chains. Animal studies have clearly demonstrated that sugammadex is faster in onset than anticholinesterase agents and is specific of steroidal neuromuscular blocking agents. It cannot reverse neuromuscular block induced by succinylcholine or benzylisoquinolines such as atracurium or cisatracurium. In human, the dose of sugammadex required to reverse shallow block is 2 mg/kg approximately whereas 4 mg/kg is needed to reverse deep level of neuromuscular block with a few responses at the post tetanic count at the adductor pollicis. The use of sugammadex was not associated with recurrence of block when an adequate dose was administered.

Complete respiratory paralysis caused by a large dose of streptomycin and its treatment with calcium chloride.

Several cases have been reported, in which a rather large dose of streptomycin given intraperitoneally at operation has produced respiratory paralysis. In these cases the treatment has usually consisted of respirator ventilation and administration of atropine and neostigmine. In animal experiments, in which a cessation of breathing has been produced, calcium salts have produced quick recovery. The authors present a case, in which appendicetomy was performed on a 10-year-old girl for a perforated appendix at the end of which, an overdose of intraperitoneal streptomycin was given, followed 10 minutes later by complete cessation of breathing. The patient had to be intubated again and put into a respirator. Neostigmine and atropine were used without noticeable effect. One and a half hours after the breathing had stopped 0.6 g calcium chloride was given intravenously and the girl recovered immediately and completely.