[Acute severe fibrosing hepatitis associated with ciprofibrate treatment].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to T Vial.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to determine whether omeprazole use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of malformations, spontaneous abortions, decreased birth weight, or perinatal complications. STUDY DESIGN: In a multicenter, prospective controlled study, pregnant women exposed to omeprazole during gestation were matched with controls exposed to nonteratogens and with disease-paired controls who used histamine blockers for similar indications. The primary end point was the incidence of major malformations. RESULTS: One hundred thirteen pregnant women were exposed to omeprazole during pregnancy. Rates of major malformations in the omeprazole group (4%) did not differ from controls exposed to nonteratogens (2%) (P = .68, relative risk = 1.94, 95% confidence interval 0.36 to 10.36) and disease-paired controls (2.8%). Birth weight, gestational age at delivery, preterm deliveries, and neonatal complications were comparable among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: No association was found between exposure to omeprazole during the period of organogenesis and increased risk for major malformations. Exposure throughout pregnancy is not associated with increased risk of spontaneous abortions, decreased birth weight, or perinatal complications.
Drug-induced fever is a frequent (3-5% of all adverse effects) but under recognized adverse effect of several drugs. Hydroxyurea, an antimetabolite cytostatic agent, has rarely been involved in the occurrence of fever. We report three additional cases of hydroxyurea-induced fever including one case with pulmonary involvement (acute alveolitis). In these cases, the role of hydroxyurea was strongly suggested by the delay to onset of symptoms (16-36 days), the disappearance of fever within a few hours after drug withdrawal, the recurrence of fever shortly after rechallenge in two patients, and the absence of any other obvious cause.
Cardiac disorders are observed when excessive plasma concentrations of local anaesthetics are reached, following for instance intravascular accidental injection for epidural anaesthesia or brachial plexus block. Bupivacaine particularly, which is one of the most used local anaesthetics, adversely affects intraventricular conduction and cardiac contractile strength from the 3.0-4.0 micrograms/ml blood levels. Depression of conduction is especially to be feared, for it can result in reentrant arrhythmias likely to degenerate into often fatal ventricular fibrillation. Such accidents may sometimes occur at far lower concentrations, subsequent to diffusion into systemic circulation from the injection site (0.4-1.2 micrograms/ml). These accidents were probably due to various factors which concomitantly intervene during the anaesthesia. We could identify a number of these factors by associating them to an intravenous infusion of bupivacaine (0.04 mg/kg/min after a loading dose of 1.00 mg/kg) in animals (dogs and pigs) under electrocardiographic monitoring, in which conduction time, monophasic action potential duration, effective refractory period and electrical fibrillation threshold were determined in the ventricular fibres. The electrophysiological changes due to bupivacaine may be enhanced by 1) dilution hyponatremia (115-110 mmol/l) induced by a short (5 min) intravenous 10 ml/kg/min infusion of hypotonic solution and/or hyperkalemia (7-8 mmol/l) induced by 0.05 mmol/kg/min infusion of potassium chloride; 2) the acceleration of cardiac contractions (180-210 beats/min) induced by ventricular pacing; 3) mild hypothermia (35-34 degrees C) induced by blood cooling in an extracorporeal circuit; 4) myocardial ischaemia induced by complete temporary occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery near its origin. The risk of cardiac accidents, possibly severe, is therefore enhanced by each of these factors capable of lowering the concentration required for their triggering and, of course, the combination of two or several of them. On the contrary, the knowledge of these factors should allow to prevent most of cardiac accidents of locoregional anaesthesia.
The popliteal lymph node (PLN) assay was proposed to predict possible autoimmune effects of xenobiotics. A preliminary interlaboratory validation study of the PLN assay was conducted in Wistar rats. Three laboratories tested in blind fashion four compounds, namely chlorpromazine, zimeldine, hydrazine and streptozotocin, which were reported to cause autoimmune-like reactions in humans, and one compound, i.e. barbital, which was not, using strictly the same experimental procedure. All tested substances were injected into the hind footpad of rats on day 1, and PLN weight and cellularity were measured on day 8. Comparison of the controlateral PLN was used to calculate weight and cellularity indices. The results were independently analyzed in a fourth laboratory. All four positive compounds were detected by the three laboratories using both weight and cellularity indices, and the negative compound consistently proved negative. Despite variations in absolute values between laboratories, although not significant, these results provide further evidence of the potential predictive value of the PLN assay.
Spontaneous reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions to a pharmacovigilance structure is a reasonable tool to detect new associations between drugs and a given toxic effect. An analysis of the French national database of pharmacovigilance was undertaken to evaluate how such a system is relevant to survey and/or detect drug-associated autoimmune disorders. Only 0.2% of reports were coded with terms suggestive of systemic autoimmune diseases. Drugs most frequently found were cardiovascular drugs, antiepileptic drugs and slow-acting anti-inflammatory drugs. Most of reports involved drugs previously recognized as a possible cause of autoimmune disorders. Minocycline or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors were suggested to be involved in several reports and represented possible new cases of drug-associated autoimmune disorders. In conclusion, drugs are infrequently reported as a cause of systemic autoimmune disorders compared to other adverse drug reactions and may not represent a critical health problem for drug regulatory agencies to deal with.
The popliteal lymph node (PLN) assay is based on the assumption that a mechanism similar to a graft-versus-host (GvH) reaction is involved in 'GvH-like' drug-induced side-effects, including generalized lymphadenopathy, serum sickness-like disease, scleroderma-like reaction and the lupus syndrome. An increased PLN weight 7-10 days after injection of the test article into the footpad is generally held as a positive response. Most, if not all compounds reported to induce pseudo-GvH side-effects in man (namely positive model compounds) have been shown to induce positive PLN responses in mice and/or rats. Reproducible results have been obtained in several laboratories, in some instances blindly. However, positive responses have also been obtained with the negative model compounds acetone and imipramine. Flow cytometry analysis and conventional histology failed to help differentiate between a true GvH response and a primary irritative effect. In order to confirm the potential value of the PLN assay to predict the risk for drug-induced GvH-like reactions, mechanistic studies are urgently needed.
OBJECTIVE: To review the literature on the recent available evidence of antibiotic-associated acute liver injury. DATA SOURCES: All published articles from January 1990 to July 1995 were extracted from the monthly updated HEPATOX database. Additional articles were found using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PASCAL searches. Hepatic injuries associated with antituberculous, antimycotic, antiviral, antiprotozoal, and antiseptic compounds were excluded form this review. STUDY SELECTION: As the amount of literature was large, only case reports, series and epidemiologic data were used. Results from clinical trials were reviewed only when other information was available. DATA EXTRACTION: Original articles were reviewed to select relevant material. Information regarding the clinical description, histologic features, severity, outcome, and possible risk factors was extracted. Data on incidence were provided by epidemiologic studies or spontaneous reporting to regulatory agencies. DATA SYNTHESIS: Antibiotic-associated acute injury is rare, with an incidence not exceeding 1 case 10,000 users for most drugs. Among beta-lactams, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and penicillinase-resistant penicillins are associated with predominant and sometimes protracted cholestasis. The hepatotoxic potential of all available erythromycin salts is confirmed, and recent evidence suggests that roxithromycin could be added to the list of antibiotic-induced liver injury. Among fluoroquinolones, only ciprofloxacin has been associated with serious hepatitis. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole-induced hepatitis often reported, but trimethoprim alone also appears as a possible cause of acute liver injury. Finally, acute bile duct injuries and ductopenia have been described with several antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: The most important recent information is the possibility of protracted liver cholestasis with bile duct injuries induced by several antibiotics, particularly penicillinase-resistant penicillins, and the identification of new potentially hepatotoxic antibiotics, namely, roxithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Because of the wide use of pesticides for domestic and industrial purposes, the evaluation of their immunotoxic effects is of major concern for public health. Despite the large amount of experimental data describing pesticide-induced immunosuppression, evidence that pesticides may severely impair immune functions in humans is lacking or scarce. Contact hypersensitivity is a well-identified immunotoxic effect of pesticides but remains a rare complaint in pesticide-exposed workers. By contrast, immunologically mediated systemic reactions have been described only as debatable case reports. The association between autoimmune diseases and pesticide exposure has more recently been suggested. Despite the lack of convincing human data, a potential risk for the immune system should not be excluded, especially during chronic exposure to pesticides or in otherwise (immuno) compromised patients (malnutrition, children, old patients). Epidemiological studies including markers of exposure and the assessment of immune competence in exposed individuals, or registries of sentinel diseases related to immunosuppression (e.g., non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, opportunistic infections) or autoimmunity (e.g. lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis), are warranted.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
OBJECTIVE: To study potential teratogenic effects of quinolone exposure during pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective follow-up study. Subjects are pregnant women who contacted a teratology information center for risk information on quinolone treatment. A total of 549 pregnancies was collected by the European Network of Teratology Information Services between 1986 and 1994. In addition 116 prospectively documented pregnancies and 25 retrospective case reports on malformed children from other databases were analyzed. RESULTS: The malformation rate among the live-born babies in the prospective ENTIS cohort was approximately 4.8%. No specific patterns of congenital abnormalities were found. The results do not suggest an elevated risk for spontaneous abortion, prematurity, intrauterine growth retardation and postnatal disorders. CONCLUSION: The present study does not reveal any clear adverse reactions (fetal and neonatal toxicity, including birth defects) due to the in utero exposure to quinolones. Hence, termination of pregnancy because of such exposure is not indicated. However, considering the limitations of this study and the fact that diseases urgently requiring quinolone treatment are rare, it appears advisable to prefer penicillin, cephalosporins and erythromycin as antibiotics of choice.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
A large body of clinical experience on the adverse consequences of cytokine administration has accumulated since the last decade. Side-effects reported after the therapeutic use of cytokines has provided evidence that activation of the immune response may sometimes have deleterious consequences. Several effects appeared as a direct consequence of the immune activation induced by cytokines, e.g. flu-like reactions, vascular leak syndrome. Cytokine-induced exacerbation of underlying diseases or immune dysregulation were other complications of growing concern. Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment has now been clearly linked with the exacerbation or the occurrence of several types of autoantibodies or autoimmune diseases (thyroiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus, hematologic disorders, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) or diseases involving altered cell-mediated immune functions (inflammatory dermatologic diseases, nephritis, pneumonitis, colitis). By contrast immunological side-effects of IFN-beta and IFN-gamma have been seldom reported. However, the extent of clinical experience with both of these cytokines is still very limited. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) has also been implicated in various conditions that may involve immunopathological processes (thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatological diseases, interstitial nephritis). Growth factors have been more specifically linked with the development or the exacerbation of dermatological inflammatory diseases through neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages or eosinophils activation (e.g. cutaneous vasculitis and generalized cutaneous eruption, Sweet's syndrome, bullous eruption, psoriasis). Exacerbation of autoimmune thyroiditis was described with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) only. The immunogenicity of cytokines is also of great relevance and the occurrence of antibodies binding IFN-alpha and IFN-beta, IL2 and GM-CSF have been reported. While the clinical significance of non-neutralizing antibodies is not clearly established, an absence of response or reversal of clinical efficacy has been described in patients developing neutralizing antibodies. Finally, several isolated reports have recently suggested that IFN-alpha treatment may be associated with several immunosuppressive effects while IL-2 is clinically associated with an increased incidence of infectious complications.
Serotonin (5-HT) has been shown to exert various immunomodulatory effects. In this study, the effects of 5-HT, 5-hydroxy-DL-tryptophan (5-HTP) and DL-p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) on the chemiluminescence (CL) responses of rat peripheral blood leucocytes (PBL) activated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), opsonized zymosan or latex beads were assessed. The CL responses were measured following in vitro treatment with 0.01-100 microM 5-HT, and either 1 h after the last i.p. administration of 5-HT (0.05, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg for 4 days), 5-HTP (25 or 100 mg/kg for 4 days) or PCPA (200 mg/kg for 4 days, n = 5), or 48 h after a single 200 mg/kg PCPA injection. A concentration-dependent decrease in CL responses was noted following in vitro 5-HT treatment. In vivo treatment of rats with 5-HT produced a reverse bell-curve inhibiting effects on the CL response with a maximal inhibition in rats receiving 1 mg/kg/day 5-HT and a weaker response of PMA-activated PBL. In vivo treatment with high-dose 5-HTP increased CL response of opsonized zymosan-activated PBL, while low-dose 5-HTP decreased CL response of opsonized zymosan and latex beads-activated PBL. No effect was observed in PMA-activated PBL from rats treated with 5-HTP. By contrast, in vivo treatment with PCPA increased CL responses induced by PMA or latex beads, whereas CL responses using opsonized zymosan were not significantly affected. These results suggest that 5-HT modulates the CL response of rat leucocytes to particulate stimuli.
A number of cytokines are used as haemopoietic growth factors and this review focuses on toxicities associated with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6 and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Both GM-CSF and G-CSF, currently approved for clinical use, are generally well tolerated by the majority of patients during short term administration. Constitutional symptoms and bone pain are the most frequently reported adverse effects, but they are rarely treatment-limiting. Reactivation of rheumatoid symptoms, and exacerbation of autoimmune thyroiditis or autoimmune haematological disorders have sometimes been described. Severe cardiovascular complications include the possibility for arterial thromboses and the vascular leak syndrome, which is more specifically observed with GM-CSF. Reports of several cases and small series of patients have suggested that growth factors might increase the pulmonary toxicity of chemotherapy, a possibility that remains debated and requires further attention. Generalised or local cutaneous reactions are frequently noted with GM-CSF. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis was observed with both growth factors, while neutrophilic dermatoses have been mostly described with G-CSF. Exacerbation of psoriasis and isolated anaphylactic reactions have appeared with GM-CSF and G-CSF. The hepatotoxic potential of the growth factors is not clearly established, but the occurrence of coagulation abnormalities has recently been reported. Renal and biological disturbances are usually transient. Long term treatment with GM-CSF and G-CSF also seems to be well tolerated, but the possible occurrence of several adverse events, i.e. bone disorders, leukaemia, unmasking or acceleration of underlying disease, require further investigation in patients receiving prolonged treatment, as in myelodysplasia. Finally, antibodies against growth factors have been reported only with GM-CSF. Other cytokines are still under investigation. Flu-like and constitutional symptoms, sometimes dose-limiting, have been reported with IL-1, IL-3, IL-4 and IL-6, while M-CSF was occasionally associated with such adverse effects. More specific adverse events, also frequently considered as dose-limiting toxicities, include hypotension with IL-1, severe headache or skin rash with IL-3, and nasal congestion and gastroduodenal lesions with IL-4. Severe capillary leak syndrome has been reported only with IL-4. M-CSF toxicity is minimal and limited to reversible but sometimes dose-limiting thrombocytopenia and ophthalmological symptoms with the recombinant product. Again, the safety of long term administration of these cytokines has not yet been determined, and IL-3-induced disease progression in myelodysplastic patients has been suggested.
Pefloxacine 800 mg single dose was given as routine treatment after a cystomanometric examination to a 45-year-old woman with a 30-month history of generalized myasthenia gravis. One hour after, the patient developed exacerbation of myasthenia gravis with bilateral ptosis and an increased generalized weakness. She experienced a rapid improvement during the next 8 hours and physical examination returned to normal within one day. No additional factors which might have contributed to the exacerbation of myasthenia gravis were found. The report of exacerbation of myasthenia gravis with other antibiotic belonging to the group of fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and ofloxacin) prompt us to recommend caution with the use of all fluoroquinolones in myasthenic patients.
The immunotoxic effects of chemicals are varied and markedly different depending on the underlying pathogenesis, namely, direct immunotoxicity (including immunosuppression, immunodepression, and immunostimulation), hypersensitivity, and autoimmunity. A large number of immunological endpoints and functional assays have been proposed for use as biomarkers of immunotoxicity, but they often lack sensitivity or are poorly standardized, so that their relevance in assessing immunotoxic effects in humans is at best ill established. Examining sentinel immunopathological events in individuals with a defined history of chemical exposure is another approach, presumably more cost-effective at the present time. A multicenter collaboration is mandated, however, because these events are rare. We expect that progress in new technologies, e.g., molecular biology, will provide the sensitive and reliable biomarkers of immunotoxicity that are currently lacking.