ABSTRACT
Malignant pleural effusion refers to the presence of fluid in the pleural space due to an underlying malignancy. Malignant pleural effusion is sometimes accompanied by the formation of fibrous adhesions resulting in a multiloculated effusion. This diminishes the efficacy of drainage and makes successful pleurodesis impossible, leaving the patients with severe shortness of breath. In the process of freeing the pleural space from fluid-filled loculations, intrapleural application of fibrinolytic is being investigated as a possible therapeutic approach. Here, we report four cases of adult patients hospitalized for malignant pleural effusions who were treated with intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy at the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina, Republic of Serbia.
ABSTRACT
The global prevalence of dyslipidemia (elevated plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, triglycerides, and lower plasma levels of HDL-Cholesterol) is constantly on the rise. Lately, carob pulp has been recognized as an effective natural product for the treatment of dyslipidemia. The two main components of the carob pulp, polyphenols, and insoluble fiber are believed to have beneficial effects on lipid metabolism. Studies on humans and animals confirmed its lipid-lowering effects. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, namely by affecting three organ systems: 1) gastrointestinal tract, 2) liver and 3) adipose tissue. Also, carob products have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and vascular-protective activity.
