Effective use of oral ribavirin for respiratory syncytial viral infections in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a frequent cause of respiratory viral infections, increasing the morbidity and mortality in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. Little is known about the best management strategy in this immunocompromised group and there are very few data on oral ribavirin treatment. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of oral ribavirin in allogeneic HSCT patients with RSV infection. METHODS: Twenty-three RSV cases treated with oral ribavirin were analysed retrospectively. RSV diagnosis was established by polymerase chain reaction assay. Oral ribavirin was initiated at 15 mg/kg/day in three divided doses for 10 days, with no subsequent dose escalation, as per centre policy. FINDINGS: At diagnosis, seven patients presented with lower respiratory tract infection (RTI), whereas 16 had upper RTI. Oral ribavirin was well tolerated with minor adverse effects. The median treatment duration was 10 days (range: 5-47). After a median follow-up of 17 months (range: 4-48), 17 patients are alive. We recorded one RSV-related and five non-related deaths. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the largest single centre study yet performed on adult allogeneic HSCT recipients with RSV infection treated with oral ribavirin. Prompt initiation of treatment is essential and may avoid hospital admission. Our experience supports the use of oral ribavirin, but large prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal therapy in this patient group.

Plasma lignocaine levels during paediatric endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract. Relationship with mucosal moistness.

Plasma lignocaine levels were measured at 5, 10 and 15 minutes following local application (4 mg/kg) to the upper airway in children who underwent endoscopy under general anaesthesia. These levels were then correlated with the appearance of the moistness of the airway mucosa secondary to premedication with atropine. This latter assessment was carried out by one anaesthetist who used a predetermined scale of 1-5, where 1 was very dry and 5 very wet. Significantly higher (p less than 0.05) plasma levels of lignocaine were achieved when the mucosa was 'very dry' especially in children under 2 years of age. The total dose of lignocaine applied to the upper airway of children should probably be reduced, in the presence of a 'dry' mucosa after effective antisialogogue premedication, and especially when less than 2 years of age.

Recognition of the E1kE1f cholinesterase genotype in a family segregating three rare genes, E1k, E1f and E1a.

The first identification of the cholinesterase variant E1kE1f is reported from a family study. The evidence is based on the determination of enzymic activity, dibucaine, fluoride and RO2 numbers. Three individuals appear to have this genotype, and family evidence is not at variance with our conclusions. All three individuals will be sensitive to suxamethonium.

The effects of prolonged naso-endotracheal intubation in children. A study in infants and young children after cardiopulmonary bypass.

The results of 458 prolonged nasotracheal intubations are described in 435 infants and young children up to 5 years of age after open heart surgery, in whom the upper airway was normal. No deaths occurred which could be attributed to the technique, and no tubes became obstructed. Sub-glottic stenosis did not occur when a loose-fitting endotracheal tube was used, and stridor after extubation was rare. If necessary, the technique can be used with safety for several weeks.