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PubMed1998

Effects of vasoactive drugs on gastric intramucosal pH.

OBJECTIVE: To review current knowledge about the effects of vasoactive agents on gastric intramucosal pH (pHi). DATA SOURCES: All studies involving pHi and vasoactive agents were retrieved from a computerized MEDLINE search from 1980 to 1997. We also reviewed the reference lists of all available review articles and primary studies to identify references not found in the computerized searches. STUDY SELECTION: Clinical and experimental studies using dopamine, dopexamine, dobutamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, nitric oxide, N-acetylcysteine, prostaglandins, or pentoxifylline were considered if splanchnic perfusion and/or pHi measurements were utilized. DATA EXTRACTION: From the selected studies, information was obtained regarding patient population, dosing regimen, duration of study, and effects on splanchnic blood flow (SBF), splanchnic oxygenation, and pHi. DATA SYNTHESIS: Although dopaminergic effects increase SBF, dopamine does not generally increase pHi. Data on the effects of dopexamine on pHi are scarce and inconsistent. Dobutamine can significantly increase SBF and usually increases pHi. In septic patients, norepinephrine seems to increase pHi. Epinephrine may have detrimental effects on gastric perfusion. Prostacyclin seems to increase pHi but data are limited. Insufficient evidence exists to support the beneficial effects of nitric oxide donors or blockers, pentoxifylline, or N-acetylcysteine on pHi. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the effects of vasoactive agents on pHi are unpredictable. Among the catecholamines, dopamine is the least likely, and dobutamine the most likely, to increase pHi.

Acetylcysteine↗

PubMed1995

[Snake bites].

Snake bites are a rare occurrence in Belgium. Nevertheless, all doctors should know how to react to this potentially very dangerous emergency. A snakebite does not necessarily result in poisoning: the effects can range from a little local discomfort to a severe systemic reaction with multiple organ failure. Therefore, all snake bites must be treated as serious and should receive adequate treatment. At the same time, hysterical over reaction must be avoided for this risks complications. This article reviews the principal elements of snake bite treatment: from the emergency stage through to stabilization in the hospital. Key points raised are the necessity to immobilize the affected region, to establish adequate perfusion and to anticipate infectious complications. Serum therapy indications are reviewed together with adjuvant interventions such as corticotherapy and heparin therapy.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗