RESUMEN
Methemoglobinemia is a potentially life-threatening condition in which there is diminution of the oxygen-carrying capacity of circulating hemoglobin. It can result from either congenital or acquired processes. Methemoglobin forms when hemoglobin is oxidized to contain iron in the ferric (Fe3+) rather than the normal ferrous (Fe2+) state. Methemoglobinemia is a clinical diagnosis and is suspected in the presence of hypoxemia refractory to supplemental oxygen and the presence of chocolate-colored blood. Symptoms are usually dependent on methemoglobin levels; at levels higher than 35%, systemic symptoms from tissue hypoxia may be fatal. A high index of suspicion is required in patients with refractory hypoxia or cyanosis when treated with oxygen. Treatment options involve the removal of the inciting agent and treatment with the antidote methylene blue. Here we present a case of methemoglobinemia in a young patient who attended a college rave party.
RESUMEN
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis, also known as hypersensitivity angiitis, is a cutaneous, small vessel vasculitis of the dermal capillaries and venules. The predominant clinical presentation is palpable purpura. Multiple medications can cause leukocytoclastic vasculitis, as well as autoimmune diseases, infections, and malignancy. The disease process may be limited to only the skin or a manifestation of a systemic vasculitis or process. Treatment is centered on symptom management. Our patient is a 60-year-old female who presented with bilateral dry and wet tender ulcerations. She was previously treated with paclizumab.
RESUMEN
Dialysis access maintenance often requires a fistulogram or shuntogram of arteriovenous access. Assessment of the arterial inflow segment and arterial anastomosis is often a critical portion of the procedure. Retrograde occlusive angiography (ROA) is often used to properly assess the inflow. Manual compression using finger compression or a hemostat is often described in the literature. The Fogarty balloon occlusion technique using a 4-Fr Fogarty catheter balloon (Henry Shein) is a simple and cost-effective method that preserves image quality and decreases radiation exposure in retrograde occlusive angiography.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a prevalent disease with significant mortality for which no effective pharmacologic therapy exists. Low-dose inhaled carbon monoxide (iCO) confers cytoprotection in preclinical models of sepsis and ARDS. METHODS: We conducted a phase I dose escalation trial to assess feasibility and safety of low-dose iCO administration in patients with sepsis-induced ARDS. Twelve participants were randomized to iCO or placebo air 2:1 in two cohorts. Four subjects each were administered iCO (100 ppm in cohort 1 or 200 ppm in cohort 2) or placebo for 90 minutes for up to 5 consecutive days. Primary outcomes included the incidence of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level ≥10%, prespecified administration-associated adverse events (AEs), and severe adverse events (SAEs). Secondary endpoints included the accuracy of the Coburn-Forster-Kane (CFK) equation to predict COHb levels, biomarker levels, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: No participants exceeded a COHb level of 10%, and there were no administration-associated AEs or study-related SAEs. CO-treated participants had a significant increase in COHb (3.48% ± 0.7% [cohort 1]; 4.9% ± 0.28% [cohort 2]) compared with placebo-treated subjects (1.97% ± 0.39%). The CFK equation was highly accurate at predicting COHb levels, particularly in cohort 2 (R2 = 0.9205; P < 0.0001). Circulating mitochondrial DNA levels were reduced in iCO-treated participants compared with placebo-treated subjects. CONCLUSION: Precise administration of low-dose iCO is feasible, well-tolerated, and appears to be safe in patients with sepsis-induced ARDS. Excellent agreement between predicted and observed COHb should ensure that COHb levels remain in the target range during future efficacy trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02425579. FUNDING: NIH grants P01HL108801, KL2TR002385, K08HL130557, and K08GM102695.