The role of reperfusion-induced injury in the pathogenesis of the crush syndrome

Article Abstract:

Crush syndrome, also referred to as traumatic rhabdomyolysis, may result from prolonged and continuous pressure on muscles. Rhabdomyolysis, which can also result from infection and other disorders, is a condition in which damaged muscle cells leak their contents into the bloodstream. The large amounts of potassium, phosphorus, and myoglobin released into the bloodstream wreak havoc on other organs, particularly the kidneys. About 40 percent of rhabdomyolysis cases result from muscle compression; about 16.5 percent of rhabdomyolysis cases develop acute kidney failure. Almost half of the patients who develop kidney failure will not survive. It might seem paradoxical that much of the damage results not from the compressed muscle, but from the muscle which is once again receiving blood after the compression has relaxed. Similar effects have been observed in other organs, including the heart, kidney, intestine, and lungs. When compression deprives muscle of adequate oxygen supply (ischemia), a number of reactions begin within the tissues. And, of course, if the oxygen is cut off for too long, the damage becomes irreversible. However, when blood flow is restored to ischemic tissues, the fresh supply of oxygen may do more harm than good. This oxygen may react with chemicals in the tissues to form free radicals; these highly reactive entities then cause much tissue damage. Research has demonstrated that the use of drug treatments which provide substances to react with the excess of free radicals, so called free-radical 'scavengers,' can reduce the damage which occurs when blood flow is restored to ischemic tissues. The death of ischemic cells may also be hastened by the influx of calcium ions. During the disrupted blood flow, only a relatively small numbers of calcium ions leak into the cells. But when the blood flow is restored, an enormous amount of calcium leaks into the cells, resulting in their destruction. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Injuries, Physiological aspects, Muscles, Rhabdomyolysis

---

The efficacy of inosine pranobex in preventing the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Article Abstract:

Although it is widely accepted that AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), it is not known what events cause an apparently healthy person with HIV infection to remain healthy for years, and then develop the opportunistic infections, tumors, and dementia associated with the syndrome. Over 5 million people worldwide are thought to be infected with HIV, and it would be of considerable value to successfully delay or prevent the transition from infection to disease. Inosine pranobex was tested in 866 HIV-infected patients; 831 remained available for full evaluation. The drug has been observed to enhance some aspects of the immune system. Inosine pranobex is not known to produce serious side effects, which made feasible a large-scale study to evaluate the drug's effectiveness in delaying the progression of AIDS. Of the 437 patients who were randomly assigned the placebo group, 17 developed AIDS during the 24-week study. Of those receiving 1.0 gram inosine pranobex three times daily, only two developed AIDS. Although the study clearly demonstrates that the progression of AIDS was delayed in this study population, the extent of the beneficial effect has not yet been determined. In addition, the optimal dose of inosine pranobex has not been identified, and little is known about its mode of action. The promising nature of this study suggests that further research be carried out to determine the benefits and limitations of inosine pranobex treatment for HIV-infected patients. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Care and treatment, Research, Drug therapy, HIV (Viruses), HIV, AIDS (Disease), AIDS virus carriers, HIV carriers, Isoprinosine

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Treatment of systemic sclerosis. Fibrosing alveolitis in the adult respiratory distress syndrome. Pulmonary involvement in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: broncheoalveolar fluid granulocytosis predicts progression of fibrosing alveolitis
• Abstracts: Allele-specific chromosome 3p deletions occur at an early stage in the pathogenesis of lung carcinoma. Evaluating Patients With Arthritis of Recent Onset: Studies in Pathogenesis and Prognosis
• Abstracts: Preventing back injury in day centres. Principles of Doppler
• Abstracts: The diagnosis and management of aortic dissection. Ethical values at stake in health care reform
• Abstracts: Amyloid A4 protein and its precursor in Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.