Non-infectious pulmonary complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Noninfectious pulmonary complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplant are currently more prevalent than infectious complications. Unfortunately, the pathophysiology basis is not completely understood. However, there is a string association with graft-versus-host disease for many of them. Therefore, an important component of their pathophysiology is likely an allo-immune response. There is much research that needs to be conducted to improve the less than optimal outcomes for these disorders

Scientific Rationale for the Use of Alpha-Adrenergic Agonists and Glucocorticoids in the Therapy of Pediatric Stridor

Purpose. The most common pharmacological therapies used in the treatment of stridor in children are glucocorticosteroids (GC) and alpha-adrenergic (αAR) agonists. Despite the long-standing reported efficacy of these medications, there is a paucity of data relating to their actual mechanisms of action in the upper airway. Summary. There is compelling scientific evidence supporting the use of αAR-agonists and GCs in pediatric stridor. αAR signaling and GCs regulate the vasomotor tone in the upper airway mucosa. The latter translates into better airflow dynamics, as delineated by human and nonhuman upper airway physiological models. In turn, clinical trials have demonstrated that GCs and the nonselective αAR agonist, epinephrine, improve respiratory distress scores and reduce the need for further medical care in children with stridor. Future research is needed to investigate the role of selective αAR agonists and the potential synergism of GCs and αAR-signaling in the treatment of upper airway obstruction and stridor

Evaluation Report Of Pediatric Intensive Care Units In Turkey

Background/aim: To collect data from throughout Turkey in order to facilitate the organization of pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), and to develop short-term immediate action plans and draft long-term strategic plans. Materials and methods: A total of 35 specialists including 17 pediatric critical care (PCC) specialists, 9 PCC fellows in training, and 9 pediatricians working in PICUs evaluated PICUs and their infrastructures, mortality rates, appropriateness of indications for PICU admissions, PICU bed numbers, and utilization of those PICU beds. Results: PICU bed numbers, PCC specialist numbers, and PICU nurse numbers are insufficient in Turkey. The high percentage of inappropriate and inefficient use of current PICU beds is also another problem. Conclusion: In the light of this report, it is obvious that pediatric intensive care services are successful and efficient only in the presence of PCC specialists in PICUs. Studies for improving the infrastructure of PICUs and the training of PCC specialists and other health personnel should be started immediately