Effect of mitratapide on body composition, body measurements and glucose tolerance in obese Beagles

The objective of this study was to confirm that weight loss after treatment with mitratapide (Yarvitan®) is loss of adipose tissue. Obese dogs were treated with the recommended treatment schedule of mitratapide. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was done before and after the treatment schedule. Body weight, feed consumption and pelvic circumference were recorded and a glucose tolerance test was performed. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements showed an impressive loss of fat tissue, corresponding to a mean loss of approximately 41.6% of the body fat mass recorded before treatment. After treatment with mitratapide, the mean body fat percentage had returned within the normal range. At the end of the study, the dogs had lost on average 14.2% of their body weight and 15.2% of their pelvic circumference compared to baseline. The results also suggest that losing weight with mitratapide might help to reverse insulin resistance

Occupational airborne contact dermatitis from benzodiazepines and other drugs

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (or relatives) crushing drug tablets for patients with difficulties in swallowing are at risk of developing sensitization via airborne exposure. Tetrazepam, in particular, is increasingly being described as an important occupational allergen in this regard, although other drugs are also involved. OBJECTIVES: To identify the allergenic culprits in 4 patients, namely 2 nurses, 1 pharmacy assistant, and 1 spouse, who all regularly crushed tablets of systemic drugs and presented with severe airborne dermatitis. METHODS: The patients were patch tested with all of the drugs that they handled, as well as with potential cross-sensitizing molecules. RESULTS: All 4 patients reacted to tetrazepam and other benzodiazepines, some of which they had not previously come into contact with, which favours cross-reactivity rather than concomitant sensitization. These patients also had positive reactions to several other non-structurally related drugs for which, in some cases, there was no history of exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects having to crush drugs, in either an occupational or a non-occupational context, and who present with dermatitis suspected of being airborne-induced, should be patch tested with all contacted medicaments, as well as with possible cross-reacting molecules. Prevention by the use of crushing devices and protective measures (gloves and masks) when medications are handled should be advised.status: publishe

Occupational airborne allergic contact dermatitis caused by N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzenesulfonamide

status: publishe