Clinical efficacy of plasma exchange in 47 patients with severe bullous dermatoses or drug eruption / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To estimate the therapeutic value of plasma exchange (PE) in severe bullous dermatoses and drug eruption. Methods Plasma exchange was carried out to treat 47 patients with severe dermatoses including 15 cases of pemphigus, 17 cases of bullous pemphigoid and 15 cases of drug eruption who were intolerant or unresponsive to glucocorticosteroids and or immunosuppressants. Cobe Spectra blood cell separator was utilized to collect plasma and cell components from patients' blood, and the replacement fluid and cell components were infused back into patients. Patients received 1 to 3 sessions of plasma exchange. Results Of the 47 patients, 44 (93.62%) achieved satisfactory efficacy with relief of clinical symptoms and improvement of laboratory parameters 2 to 3 days after the plasma exchange. Side effects occurred in 11 (23.4%) patients, which included fever, shivering, numbness of limbs, pruritus and convulsion. Conclusion Plasma exchange is beneficial for the control of severe drug eruption and bullous dermatoses.

VDD Pacemaker in an Unipolar Lead for Clinical Practice / 中国实用内科杂志

Objective To inquire into the forward clinical results of ventricular pacing, dual-chamber sensing, atrial-triggered, and ventricular-inhibited (VDD) Pacemaker in an unipolar lead.Methods 16 patients with the pacemaker were studied from 1993 to 2002, including 12 male patients and 4 female patients at 49 to 75 years old (average age 64 4 7 8 years old). They were in normal sinus rhythmia with complete or high degree atrial-ventricular block. Lead electrode was inserted through subclavian venous access, and the pacemaker was implanted in the same side as the electrode.Results All patients were followed up from 1 to 112 months (average 68 8 6 3 months) after pacemaker implantation. Their heart functions were improved, symptoms disappeared, life quality remarkably improved. Atrial sensing of VDD was good. One patient was died from coronary heart disease with heart failure by following up for 42 months, but the rest were healthy. Conclusions VDD pacemaker implantation was simple, easy to perform if its indication was appropriate. It could alleviate patients symptom and its therapy was effective. We should think highly of using VDD pacemaker, especially at poor region.