ABSTRACT
Central venous catheters are commonly utilised to gain vascular access for varied clinical indications. Successful central venous catheter placement requires not only technical expertise, but also awareness of the potential complications. This article reviews the major procedural and post-procedural complications resulting from central venous catheter tip malposition.
Subject(s)
Catheterization, Central Venous/adverse effects , Catheterization, Central Venous/instrumentation , Collateral Circulation , Humans , Punctures/adverse effects , Radiography, Interventional , Veins/abnormalities , Veins/injuries , Venous Thrombosis/complications , Venous Thrombosis/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To highlight the usefulness of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the rapid diagnosis of systemic fungal infections. METHODS: Clinical samples were collected from 50 clinically suspected cases of systemic mycosis and subjected to smear, culture, antifungal sensitivity and PCR (based on 18S rRNA gene). RESULTS: Of the 50 clinical specimens tested by PCR, 39 were found to be positive. PCR gave more positive results than smear and culture examination. Out of the 50 clinical specimens 35 were found to be fungal culture positive. The sensitivity testing results of these fungal isolates showed that there was a good correlation between the in vitro results and the clinical response of the patient to antifungal therapy. Itraconazole exhibited maximum antifungal activity followed by fluconazole, ketoconazole and amphotericin B. CONCLUSIONS: PCR technology provides rapid and accurate diagnosis of fungal infection, however, it must be used with caution to avoid false positives.
ABSTRACT
Low superoxide anion radical levels, low membrane fluidity and high superoxide dismutase activity are some of the defects existing in oligospermia. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor pentoxifylline has been used as a motility stimulant in the treatment of oligospermia in vitro. The mechanism of its action is unclear. Our results show significant inhibition of superoxide dismutase, increase in lipid peroxidation and membrane fluidity after pentoxifylline treatment. A biophysical modulation of the sperm membrane by an oxyradical mechanism in oligospermia is discussed.
