[Inhalation therapy: inhaled generics, inhaled antidotes, the future of anti-infectives and the indications of inhaled pentamidine. GAT aerosolstorming, Paris 2012]. / Aérosolthérapie : les génériques par voie inhalée, les antidotes en aérosol, le futur des anti-infectieux et les indications de la pentamidine en aérosol. Aérosolstorming du GAT, Paris 2012.

The working group on aerosol therapy (GAT) of the Société de pneumologie de langue française (SPLF) organized its third "Aerosolstorming" in 2012. During the course of one day, different aspects of inhaled therapy were discussed, and these will be treated separately in two articles, this one being the first. Inhaled products represent a large volume of prescriptions both in the community and in hospital settings and they involve various specialties particularly ENT and respiratory care. Technical aspects of the development of these products, their mode of administration and compliance with their indications are key elements for the effective therapeutic use of inhaled treatments. In this first article, we will review issues concerning generic inhaled products, the existence of inhaled antidotes, new anti-infective agents and indications for inhaled pentamidine.

[Determination of ciprofloxacin in human serum by high-performance liquid chromatography]. / Dosage de la ciprofloxacine en milieu sérique par chromatographie liquide haute performance.

A high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the rapid determination of ciprofloxacin in human serum. After protein precipitation, chromatographic separation of ciprofloxacin in plasma was achieved with an octyl column and 20 mmol/L phosphate buffer, methanol and acetonitrile 76/12/12 (v/v/v), pH 4, as mobile phase. Quantitative determination was monitored on a fluorescence detector using an excitation and emission wavelength of 278 and 450 nm, respectively. Enrofloxacin was used as internal standard. Calibration curve is linear over the range 0,12 to 20 microg/mL (r=0,9992). Limit of detection and limit of quantification are 0,04 and 0,12 microg/mL, respectively. Within-day coefficient of variation (2,0 to 3,1 %) and day-to-day coefficient of variation (4,3 to 5,5 %) at three different concentrations are sufficient. Relative recovery ranged from 91,1 to 94,0 % at three different concentrations. Each analysis requires no longer than 7 min.

Relative efficacy of sildenafil compared to other treatment options for erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: We examined and compared the efficacy of sildenafil in patients previously using other agents or devices for erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment. METHODS: We identified 47 patients with organic ED who had tried other therapies (intracavernosal injection therapy [ICIT], intraurethral prostaglandin suppositories [IPS], vacuum erection devices [VEDs], or yohimbine) before using sildenafil. Comparisons of the efficacy of sildenafil to the previously used agent or device were assessed by telephone questionnaire. Responses were compared using nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum and analysis of variance testing. RESULTS: Sildenafil therapy was no more effective than ICIT or VEDs but was more effective than IPS. No significant difference occurred in response to sildenafil with age. Of 22 patients achieving erections adequate for intercourse with their previous therapy, 14 (63%) achieved equal or improved erections with sildenafil. Of the remaining 18 patients who had erections inadequate for intercourse with previous therapy, 5 (27%) had adequate erections with sildenafil. CONCLUSIONS: Oral sildenafil therapy provides results comparable to those of other available ED treatment modalities. A trial of this drug in this patient population is warranted.

Laparoscopic surgical technique for internal drainage of pelvic lymphocele.

A previously unreported technique of internal drainage of a pelvic lymphocele is described using a laparoscopic approach to create the peritoneal window for drainage in 2 patients. The technique avoids a larger incision and permits a shorter recovery period.