Anaesthesia for castration of piglets: comparison between intranasal and intramuscular application of ketamine, climazolam and azaperone

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of an anaesthetic combination given either intramuscularly (IM) or intranasally (IN) for castration of piglets. Forty piglets aged 4 to 7 days were randomly assigned to receive a mixture of ketamine 15 mg kg-1, climazolam 1.5 mg kg-1 and azaperone 1.0 mg kg-1, IN or IM, 10 minutes prior to castration. Physiological parameters were measured. Castration was videotaped for evaluation by 3 independent observers using a scoring system. Reaction and vocalization to the skin incision and cutting of spermatic cord was evaluated and scored (0 = no reaction, 16 = strong reaction). The IN group had a significantly higher (P < 0.01) castration score, compared to the IM group. There was an association between castration score and room temperature in the IN group (with temperatures below 18 "C associated with a higher castration scores (P < 0.001). Heart rate was significantly higher 10 minutes after castration in the IN group (P < 0.05). Respiratory rate was significantly higher in the IM group at time points -5, -1, 10, 20 and 30 (P < 0.05).The IN group was walking significantly (P < 0.0001) faster than the IM group. In conclusion, this combination provides effective anaesthesia for routine castration of newborn piglets when administered IM. IN administration provided shorter recovery times but had significantly higher castration scores.

Continuous administration of sorafenib in combination with transarterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: results of a phase I study

It is unknown whether sorafenib can be combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. This study assesses the safety and tolerability of a continuous regimen of sorafenib combined with TACE.

The pharmacokinetics and safety of porfimer after repeated administration 30-45 days apart to patients undergoing photodynamic therapy

Porfimer is an intravenous (i.v.) injectable photosensitizing agent used in the photodynamic treatment of tumours and of high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's oesophagus.

Susceptibility-weighted imaging of the brain: Does gadolinium administration matter?

Susceptibility-weighted MR imaging (SWI) is usually obtained without administration of intravenous gadolinium (Gd). However, it is occasionally necessary to perform SWI after Gd is injected. The effects of Gd on SWI have not been systematically examined. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether performing SWI after Gd would influence the diagnostic image quality, parenchymal signal and vascular enhancement. An additional aim is to suggest potential future applications for Gd-enhanced SWI.

Chemotherapy patients' perceptions of drug administration safety

To explore chemotherapy patients' experiences of drug administration safety and to investigate the relationship between perceptions of risk and harm from error, staff safety practices, and patients' engagement in error prevention strategies.

Oncology nurses' perceptions about involving patients in the prevention of chemotherapy administration errors

To explore oncology nurses' perceptions and experiences with patient involvement in chemotherapy error prevention.

Intraarterial administration of bone marrow mononuclear cells in patients with critical limb ischemia: a randomized-start, placebo-controlled pilot trial (PROVASA)

Critical limb ischemia due to peripheral arterial occlusive disease is associated with a severely increased morbidity and mortality. There is no effective pharmacological therapy available. Injection of autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) is a promising therapeutic option in patients with critical limb ischemia, but double-blind, randomized trials are lacking.

Recommended indications for the administration of polyclonal immunoglobulin preparations

The following recommendations, which aim at standardising and rationalising the clinical indications for administering polyclonal immunoglobulins in Belgium, were drawn up by a working group of the Superior Health Council. To this end, the Superior Health Council organised an expert meeting devoted to"Guidelines for the use of immunoglobulins". The experts discussed the indications for immunoglobulin use, the'ideal'immunoglobulin preparation, its mechanisms of action, the practical issues involved in administering immunoglobulins and their potential side effects. The recommendations formulated by the experts were validated by the Superior Health Council working group with the purpose of harmonising immunoglobulin use in Belgium

Antenatal corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation in threatened preterm delivery: indications and administration

Antenatal maternal administration of corticosteroids has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality rates in preterm delivery. Threatened spontaneous or medically indicated preterm delivery for maternal or fetal indications between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation with unknown fetal lung maturity status are indications for antenatal corticosteroid administration. Recent studies have challenged current practice of antenatal glucocorticoid use. The goal of this expert letter is to provide recommendations based for the clinical use of antenatal glucocorticoids based on the current evidence from published studies.

Viral suppression rates in salvage treatment with raltegravir improved with the administration of genotypic partially active or inactive nucleoside/tide reverse transcriptase inhibitors

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are often administered in salvage therapy even if genotypic resistance tests (GRTs) indicate high-level resistance, but little is known about the benefit of these additional NRTIs.