Respiratory
NUMBER OF RECORDS LOCATED =  69

Use of inhaled nitric oxide during interhospital transport
of newborns with hypoxemic respiratory failure
Kinsella JP et al.
Pediatrics Jan 2002;109(1):158-161

Xylitol administered only during respiratory infections
failed to prevent acute otitis media
Tapiainen T et al.
Pediatrics Feb 2002;109(2):e19
Randomised double-blind trial in 1277 children.  The
occurrence of acute otitis media in the xylitol group was
similar to the control group.

Asthma morbidity after the short-term use of ibuprofen in
children
Lesko SM et al.
Pediatrics Feb 2002;109(2):e20
Randomised, double-blind, controlled trial in 1879 children.
 Rather than supporting the hypothesis that ibuprofen
increases asthma morbidity among children who are not known
to be sensitive to aspirin or other nonsteroidal
antiinflammatory drugs, these results suggest that compared
with acetaminophen, ibuprofen may reduce such risks.

Inhaled corticosteroid therapy for asthma in preschool
children: growth issues
Allen DB
Pediatrics Feb 2002;109(2):373-380
Supplement on asthma in preschool children.

Balancing safety and efficacy in pediatric asthma management
Skoner DP et al.
Pediatrics Feb 2002;109(2):381-392
Supplement on asthma in preschool children.

A randomized trial of moderately early low-dose
dexamethasone therapy in very low birth weight infants:
dynamic pulmonary mechanics, oxygenation, and ventilation
Durand M et al.
Pediatrics Feb 2002;109(2):262-268
Trial in 47 infants.  There were comparable significant
increases in respiratory compliance in the low-dose and the
high-dose dexamethasone groups on days 2, 5 and 7 of steroid
therapy.  Mean airway pressure and fractional inspired
oxygen concentration were significantly decreased during
dexamethasone therapy.

Postnatal corticosteroids to treat or prevent chronic lung
disease in preterm infants
American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Fetus and
Newborn
Pediatrics Feb 2002;109(2):330-338
The objectives of this statement are to review the short-
and long-term effects of systemic and inhaled postnatal
corticosteroids for the prevention or treatment of chronic
lung disease and to make recommendations for the use of
corticosteroids in very low birth weight infants.  Routine
use of systemic dexamethasone for prevention or treatment of
chronic lung disease is not recommended.

Efficacy of oral dexamethasone in outpatients with acute
bronchiolitis
Schuh S et al.
Journal of Pediatrics Jan 2002;140(1):27-32
Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in 70
children.  Patients with moderate-to-severe acute
bronchiolitis derived significant clinical and
hospitalisation benefit from oral dexamethasone treatment in
the initial 4 hours of therapy.

Antibiotic treatment-induced tubular dysfunction as a risk
factor for renal stone formation in cystic fibrosis
Bohles H et al.
Journal of Pediatrics Jan 2002;140(1):103-109
Study of 126 patients and controls.  Treatment with
cotrimoxazole and ceftazidime may lead to renal proximal
tubular damage with an ensuing sequence of phosphate loss,
increase of parathyroid hormone secretion, increased
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 formation, and absorptive
hypercalciuria.

Dexamethasone and bronchiolitis: a new look at an old
therapy?
McBride JT
Journal of Pediatrics Jan 2002;140(1):8 (editorial)

The role of cromoglycate in asthmatic children
Chaplin S
Prescriber 5 Jan 2002;13(1):43-44

The role of cromoglycate in asthmatic children: a
specialist's viewpoint
Gibson N
Prescriber 5 Jan 2002;13(1):44-49

Antifungal efficacy of caspofungin (MK-0991) in experimental
pulmonary aspergillosis in persistently neutropenic rabbits:
pharmacokinetics, drug disposition, and relationship to
galactomannan antigenemia
Petraitiene R et al.
Antimicrobial Agents & Chemotherapy Jan 2002;46(1):12-23
Caspofungin improved survival, reduced pulmonary injury, and
caused dose-dependent hyphal damage but with no reduction in
residual fungal burden or galactomannan antigenemia in
persistently neutropenic rabbits with invasive pulmonary
aspergillosis.

Effect of prolonged treatment with azithromycin,
clarithromycin, or levofloxacin on Chlamydia pneumoniae in a
continuous-infection model
Kutlin A et al.
Antimicrobial Agents & Chemotherapy Feb 2002;46(2):409-412
Study found that a 30-day treatment with azithromycin,
clarithromycin, and levofloxacin at concentrations
comparable to those achieved in the pulmonary epithelial
lining fluid reduced but did not eliminate C. pneumoniae.

Use of terbinafine in mouse and rat models of Pneumocystis
carinii pneumonia
Walzer PD and Ashbaugh AA
Antimicrobial Agents & Chemotherapy Feb 2002;46(2):514-516
Terbinafine administered orally at doses of 20 to
400mg/kg/day and 50 to 250mg/kg/day was ineffective therapy
for mouse and rat models of pneumocystosis, respectively.
These results emphasize the complexities of P. carinii drug
testing and the need for caution before considering studies
in humans.

Levofloxacin penetration into epithelial lining fluid as
determined by population pharmacokinetic modeling and Monte
Carlo simulation
Drusano GL et al.
Antimicrobial Agents & Chemotherapy Feb 2002;46(2):586-589
Levofloxacin was administered orally to steady state to
volunteers randomly in doses of 500 and 750mg.  Population
analysis with Monte Carlo simulation provides the best and
least-biased estimate of penetration.  It also demonstrates
clearly that we can expect differences in penetration
between patients.

The role of corticosteroids in the management of childhood
asthma
van Asperen PP et al. (Thoracic Society of Australia and New
Zealand)
Medical Journal of Australia 18 Feb 2002;176(4):168-173
Position statement/guidelines.

Ertapenem: an effective alternative in serious bacterial
infections
Poole R
Inpharma 16 Feb 2002;(1325):9-11
Merck & Co. Inc. (Invanz)
Results of five Phase III studies of ertapenem, a parenteral
carbapenem antibacterial with broad spectrum activity, were
presented at the 41st Interscience Conference on
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in Chicago in Dec
2001.  Data are presented under the headings - efficacy
against community-acquired pneumonia; equivalence to
ceftriaxone in UTIs; equivalence to tazobactam/piperacillin
in skin and soft tissue infections, gynaecological
infections and intra-abdominal infections; well tolerated;
ertapenem.

New developments in the treatment of scleroderma
Drugs & Therapy Perspectives 2002;18(2):19-21
Review under the headings - scleroderma, a rare disease;
Raynaud's occurs in 90% of patients; GI disease also very
common; lung involvement the greatest concern; new
approaches to treatment; immunosuppresive therapy has a
role; penicillamine improves skin sclerosis; new treatments
for the future. (16 refs., 1982-2001)

Antileukotrienes complement corticosteroids in management of
mild to moderate persistent asthma
Drugs & Therapy Perspectives 2002;18(2):6-8
Review under the headings - asthma increasingly important;
corticosteroids - cornerstone of therapy; niche roles for
antileukotrienes; antileukotrienes may be steroid sparing;
cost may drive drug selection; combination effective in
severe disease. (21 refs., 1992-2001)

Ongoing training the key to getting the best out of
inhalation therapy
Drugs & Therapy Perspectives 2002;18(1):24-26
Review under the headings - inhaled therapy used
increasingly; MDIs still useful despite limitations; match
therapy to patient capabilities; correct use vital for
clinical benefit; training enhances inhaler technique;
reassess inhaler technique frequently; clinicians need
ongoing training. (17 refs., 1992-2001)

Guidelines for managing community acquired pneumonia in
adults
Keeley D
British Medical Journal 23 Feb 2002;324:436-437 (editorial)
An editorial review. (7 refs.)

Medical management of pneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi
in a renal transplant recipient
Gonzalez-Roncero F et al.
American Journal of Kidney Diseases Feb 2002;39(2):E7
(electronic pages)
Case report of pneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi, an
animal pathogen, in a renal transplant patient.
Radiological presentation was as a solid nodule without
ensuing cavitation, that resolved exclusively with
antibiotic treatment.

Emergence of macrolide resistance during treatment of
pneumococcal pneumonia
Musher DM et al.
New England Journal of Medicine 21 Feb 2002;346:630-631
Case report.

The effect of loratadine in exercise-induced asthma
Baki A and Orhan F
Archives of Disease in Childhood Jan 2002;86(1):38-39
The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of
loratadine in exercise induced asthma.  Randomised,
double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 10mg oral
loratadine, once daily for 3 days in 11 children.  At the
end of the treatment period FEV1 was measured, and patients
were exercised on a treadmill.  FEV1 measurements were
repeated at intervals after exercise. Loratadine
significantly reduced the decrease in FEV1 after exercise at
2, 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes, compared with placebo.
However, the mean decrease in FEV1 at 5 minutes was more
than 15% of baseline in the loratadine group.  Loratadine
reduces, but does not prevent, exercise-induced asthma in
children.

An HMO-sponsored primary care-based disease management and
case management initiative: economic and selected clinical
outcomes
Sidorov J et al.
Disease Management & Health Outcomes Jan 2002;10(1):9-16
396 patients with asthma, 3556 with diabetes and 1795 with
congestive heart failure.  Results suggest that case
management and disease management programmes in asthma,
diabetes and congestive heart failure can be associated with
significant financial savings. Clinical outcomes data also
suggest this approach may be of benefit.

Spotlight on paclitaxel in non-small cell lung cancer
Plosker GL and Hurst M
Disease Management & Health Outcomes Feb 2002;10(2):133-136
Review. (63 refs.)

Extended-release clarithromycin: efficacy against pneumonia
Hunter P
Inpharma 2 Mar 2002;(1327):15-17
Results of recent studies with clarithromycin were presented
at the 6th International Conference on Macrolides, Azalides,
Streptogramins, Ketolides and Oxazolidinones in Bologna,
Italy in Jan 2002.  Data are presented under the headings -
equivalent to levofloxacin in community acquired pneumonia;
well tolerated; mechanisms of macrolide-resistance;
bacterial resistance and clinical outcome; serum
bactericidal activity.

Brief report: resistance to levofloxacin and failure of
treatment of pneumococcal pneumonia
Davidson R et al.
New England Journal of Medicine 7 Mar 2002;346:747-750
Report of 4 patients with pneumococcal pneumonia in whom
empirical treatment with oral levofloxacin failed.  In all 4
cases, an organism that either was resistant to levofloxacin
before therapy or acquired resistance during therapy was
isolated.  In the light of these failures, the use of
antimicrobial agents according to prescription records was
investigated and the frequency of routine testing for
pneumococcal susceptibility to levofloxacin in clinical
laboratories in Ontario determined.

Randomised controlled trials for homeopathy
Feder G and Katz T
British Medical Journal 2 Mar 2002;324:498-499 (editorial)
An editorial review. (13 refs.)

US encourages flu jabs for infants aged under 2
Josefson D
British Medical Journal 2 Mar 2002;324:502
The Advisory Committee of Immunisation Practices is urging
flu vaccination of infants aged 6-23 months, starting in
autumn 2002-03, following the results of 2 recent studies.

Use of ultramolecular potencies of allergen to treat
asthmatic people allergic to house dust mite: double blind
randomised controlled clinical trial
Lewith GT et al.
British Medical Journal 2 Mar 2002;324:520
242 people with asthma and positive results to skin prick
test for house dust mite were randomised to oral homeopathic
immunotherapy or placebo.  Concludes that homeopathic
immunotherapy is not effective for asthma.

Accuracy of information on apparently credible websites:
survey of five common health topics
Kunst H et al.
British Medical Journal 9 Mar 2002;324:581-582
The relation between credibility features and accuracy of
content was determined for 121 websites that provided
information on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ankle
sprain, emergency contraception, menorrhagia and female
sterilisation.

Effect of long term treatment with azithromycin on disease
parameters in cystic fibrosis: a randomised trial
Wolter J et al.
Thorax Mar 2002;57(3):212-216
A prospective, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled
study of azithromycin was undertaken in 60 adult patients
with cystic fibrosis.  Concludes that azithromycin improved
quality of life, reduced C reactive protein levels and the
number of respiratory exacerbations, and reduced the rate of
decline in lung function.

Influence of cigarette smoking on inhaled corticosteroid
treatment in mild asthma
Chalmers GW et al.
Thorax Mar 2002;57(3):226-230
The effect of treatment with inhaled fluticasone propionate
or placebo for 3 weeks was studied in a double-blind,
randomised, placebo-controlled study of 38 steroid naive
adult asthmatic patients (21 non-smokers).  Concludes that
active cigarette smoking impairs the efficacy of short term
inhaled corticosteroid treatment in mild asthma.

Additive anti-inflammatory effect of formoterol and
budesonide on human lung fibroblasts
Spoelstra FM et al.
Thorax Mar 2002;57(3):237-241
Study of the inhibition of adhesion molecule expression and
chemo-cytokine production by lung fibroblasts preincubated
with formoterol and budesonide and then stimulated with
interleukin 1 beta.  Concludes that formoterol exerts an
additive effect on the anti-inflammatory properties of
budesonide.

The pulmonary physician in critical care. 3: Critical care
management of community acquired pneumonia
Baudouin SV
Thorax Mar 2002;57(3):267-271
A literature review.

BAL findings in a patient with pulmonary alveolar
proteinosis successfully treated with GM-CSF
Schoch OD et al.
Thorax Mar 2002;57(3):277-280
Clinical, functional and bronchoalveolar lavage findings
were prospectively evaluated in a patient with pulmonary
alveolar proteinosis treated with daily SC
granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)
for 12 weeks.  The treatment was clinically successful and
was associated with a profound reduction in GM-CSF
neutralising autoantibodies.

Ceftriaxone versus other cephalosporins for perioperative
antibiotic prophylaxis: a meta-analysis of 43 randomized
controlled trials
Dietrich ES et al.
Chemotherapy Mar 2002;48(1):49-56
The efficacy of ceftriaxone vs other cephalosporins in the
perioperative prophylaxis of surgical wound, urinary tract
and respiratory tract infections was compared in a
meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials published
between 1986 and 1996, identified from the Medline, Embase,
SIGLE, ROPU, DHSS-Data and Medikat Cologne databases.
Studies were grouped by type of infection, operative
specialty, wound classification, study quality and other
factors, and assessed for relative risk (RR).  43 studies
with a total of 13,482 patients met the inclusion criteria.
RR for surgical wound infection (n = 13,303 patients) was
30% lower in the ceftriaxone vs control groups (98.3%
confidence interval (CI): 0.55-0.89; p = 0.0002).  In
urinary tract infections (n = 8865 patients), the primary
analysis of all studies showed marked superiority for
ceftriaxone (RR: 0.53; 98.3% CI: 0.43-0.67) but not in
studies with CDC-defined infections (RR: 0.63; 98.3% CI:
0.36-1.12).  In both types of infection, ceftriaxone was
superior in contaminated operations.  The data showed no
advantage for ceftriaxone in other operations.  In
respiratory tract infections (n = 9567 patients), there was
no significant difference: the RR was 0.81 (98.3% CI:
0.61-1.09; p = 0.04).

Nosocomial pneumonia in pediatric patients: practical
problems and rational solutions
Zar HJ and Cotton MF
Pediatric Drugs Feb 2002;4(2):73-83
Review. (104 refs.)

Antiasthmatic drug delivery in children
Biggart E and Bush A
Pediatric Drugs Feb 2002;4(2):85-93
Review. (100 refs.)

Montelukast: a review of its therapeutic potential in asthma
in children 2 to 14 years of age
Muijsers RBR and Noble S
Pediatric Drugs Feb 2002;4(2):123-139
Review. (104 refs.)

Efficacy of calcium channel blockers as maintenance therapy
for asthma
Twiss MA et al.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Mar
2002;53(3):243-249
Randomised, double-blind, three-treatment, three-period,
crossover study in 25 patients.  Maintenance therapy with
nifedipine or diltiazem, at doses that produce
cardiovascular effects, did not suppress the signs and
symptoms of persistent asthma.  Previous bronchoprovocation
studies did not predict these results.

Pharmacokinetics of the effect of nebivolol 5mg on airway
patency in patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma
and arterial hypertension: a randomised, placebo-controlled
study
Dal Negro RW et al.
Clinical Drug Investigation Mar 2002;22(3):197-204
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover
study in 12 patients.  Nebivolol did not appear to affect
airway patency even during peak antihypertensive efficacy,
thus suggesting a favourable tolerability profile in the
presence of reversible airway obstruction.

BTS updates guidelines on community acquired pneumonia
Saul P
Guidelines in Practice Mar 2002;5(3):25-28,30,32
Review of the new British Thoracic Society 'Guidelines for
the management of community acquired pneumonia in adults'
(Thorax 2001;56(Suppl 4):iv1-iv64).  The guidelines suggest
treatment with amoxicillin as first line, since
Streptococcus pneumoniae is generally clinically susceptible
to penicillins at high dose despite increasing in-vitro
resistance, with a macrolide such as erythromycin or
clarithromycin as an alternative.  Influenza vaccination
provides valuable protection against community-acquired
pneumonia in high-risk groups, but protection by
pneumococcal vaccination has not been demonstrated in
high-risk groups. (20 refs.)

Breathing space
Farhan F
Chemist & Druggist 9 Feb 2002;257(6328):19,20,22
Continuing education review (College of Pharmacy Practice
module 1226) on the respiratory system, under the headings:
anatomy; nasal cavities; pharynx and larynx; trachea; lungs;
cilia; function; gas exchange and diffusion; transport;
regulation; nervous control; chemical control;
hyperventilation and hypoventilation.

The antibiotic dilemma
Lumb J
Chemist & Druggist 9 Feb 2002;257(6328):24
Article discussing whether pressure to reduce the use of
antibiotics minor, self-limiting respiratory infections is
responsible for an increase in mortality due to community
acquired pneumonia.

Lung cancer, cardiopulmonary mortality, and long-term
exposure to fine particulate air pollution
Pope CA et al.
Journal of the American Medical Association 6 Mar
2002;287:1132-1141
The authors analysed 1982 mortality risk factor data
combined with vital status and cause of death data through
to 1998 from participants in a prospective cancer prevention
study.  Long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution
was associated with elevated risks of all-cause,
cardiopulmonary, and lung cancer mortality.

Corticosteroid therapy in pulmonary sarcoidosis.  A
systematic review
Paramothayan S and Jones PW
Journal of the American Medical Association 13 Mar
2002;287:1301-1307
The authors of this meta-analysis reviewed trials of oral or
inhaled corticosteroids for the treatment of pulmonary
sarcoidosis.  Oral corticosteroids improved results on the
chest X-ray following 6 to 24 months of treatment and
produced a small improvement in vital capacity and diffusing
capacity.  Trials of inhaled corticosteroids were small and
results too inconsistent to make firm conclusions about
their efficacy. (16 refs.)

Omalizumab: a novel monoclonal antibody for treatment of
allergic disease
Piascik P
Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association Mar-Apr
2002;42(2):356-357
A review of omalizumab for the treatment of asthma and
allergic rhinitis. (7 refs.)

Symbicort: flexible dosing with a single inhaler
Crockett T
Prescriber 5 Feb 2002;13(3)73-77
AstraZeneca (Symbicort)

Benefits and risks of inhaled corticosteroids in chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease
Bonay M et al.
Drug Safety 2002;25(1):57-71
This review discusses: rationale for the use of inhaled
corticosteroids, evidence for a biological effect of inhaled
corticosteroids in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD), short-term and long-term studies evaluating
the effect of inhaled corticosteroids in COPD and their
adverse effects. (70 refs.)

Bosentan (Actelion)
Formulary Monograph Service Feb 2002;63-70
Actelion AG (Tracleer)
Review of bosentan, a nonpeptide, specific endothelin
receptor antagonist.  Bosentan is indicated for the
long-term oral treatment of primary and secondary pulmonary
arterial hypertension, in patients with WHO Class III or IV
symptoms, to increase exercise capacity and decrease the
rate of clinical worsening.  Clinical trial data indicate
that bosentan improves indices of symptomatic improvement
but is associated with a risk of significant adverse hepatic
effects and drug interactions.  There are no data to
indicate that bosentan improves mortality or disease
progression.  Additional studies are necessary to determine
the appropriate role of this agent compared to epoprostenol
and treprostinol.  However, the fact that bosentan can be
given orally is likely make this a preferred agent for
chronic treatment of pulmonary hypertension in patients who
are able to tolerate the drug. (29 refs.)

Clarithromycin proves more cost effective than erythromycin
in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
Hunter P
Inpharma 9 Mar 2002;(1328):5-6
Results of a recent study of the modelled total cost
consequences of discontinuing first-line treatment with
clarithromycin vs erythromycin in CAP were presented at a
poster session of the 6th International Conference on
Macrolides, Azalides, Streptogramins, Oxalidones and
Ketolides in Bologna, Italy in Jan 2002.  Data are presented
under the headings - superior cure rate; almost 2-fold
difference in costs; discontinuation rate the key; better
results forecast with new formulation.

Lay versus professional motivation for asthma treatment: a
cross-sectional, qualitative study in a single Glasgow
general practice
Steven K et al.
Family Practice Apr 2002;19(2):172-177
23 adult asthmatic patients were included in a qualitative
survey from a single general practice list.  Only 7 of the
23 subjects has asthma treatment goals.  Factors affecting
patient motivation for self-management were identified.
Concludes that patient goals and preferences for asthma
treatment are largely unrecognised by the British Thoracic
Society guidelines.

Clinical effects of locally delivered nicotine in
obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Zevin S et al.
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Feb 2002;71(2):P9
American Society for Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics,
2002 annual meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 24-27 Mar 2002.
Abstract No. MPI-18.  10 subjects with obstructive sleep
apnoea were monitored by polysomnography at baseline and
during 2 blinded, randomised, treatments with nicotine tooth
patch 2 and 4mg.  Concludes that locally delivered nicotine,
at doses used, had no significant effect on obstructive
sleep apnoea.

Protein conjugate pneumococcal vaccines
Spoulou V et al.
British Medical Journal 30 Mar 2002;324:750-751 (editorial)
An editorial review. (12 refs.)

Airway inflammation, basement membrane thickening and
bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthma
Ward C et al.
Thorax Apr 2002;57(4):309-316
A double blind, randomised, placebo controlled study of
inhaled fluticasone propionate was performed in 35 asthmatic
patients.  Broncheolar lavage and airway biopsy studies were
carried out.  22 non-asthmatic subjects acted as controls.
The results support the need for early and long-term
intervention with inhaled corticosteroids even in patients
with relatively mild asthma.

Role of cysteinyl leukotrienes in adenosine 5'-monophosphate
induced bronchoconstriction in asthma
Rorke S et al.
Thorax Apr 2002;57(4):323-327
In a randomised, double-blind, crossover study, oral
montelukast or placebo was administered once daily on 2
consecutive days to 18 patients with mild to moderate atopic
asthma.  The dose of inhaled adenosine 5'-monophosphate
(AMP) to produce a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1
sec was recorded.  Montelukast provided significant
protection against AMP induced bronchospasm.

Randomised trial of intrapleural urokinase in the treatment
of childhood empyema
Thomson AH et al.
Thorax Apr 2002;57(4):343-347
60 children with parapneumonic empyema were randomised to
receive either intrapleural urokinase 40000 units in 40mL or
saline 12-hourly for 3 days.  Concludes that intrapleural
urokinase is effective and significantly shortens hospital
stay.

The pulmonary physician in critical care. 4: Nosocomial
pneumonia
Ewig S et al.
Thorax Apr 2002;57(4):366-371
A literature review.

Rapid antibiotic delivery and appropriate antibiotic
selection reduce length of hospital stay of patients with
community-acquired pneumonia.  Link between quality of care
and resource utilisation
Battleman DS et al.
Archives of Internal Medicine 25 Mar 2002;162(6):682-688
Demographic and clinical variables were abstracted for 100
randomly selected cases of pneumonia requiring
hospitalisation from each of 7 institutions.  Rapid
antibiotic initiation and appropriate selection in the
emergency department were found to have a significant
association with length of stay.

The emerging role of atypical pathogens in
community-acquired pneumonia
Gleason PP
Pharmacotherapy Jan 2002;22(1 Pt 2):2S-11S
Review. (53 refs.)

Optimizing economic outcomes in acute exacerbations of
chronic bronchitis
Destache CJ
Pharmacotherapy Jan 2002;22(1 Pt 2):12S-17S
Review (29 refs.)

Antibiotic resistance: where do ketolides fit
White RL
Pharmacotherapy Jan 2002;22(1 Pt 2):18S-29S
Review. (72 refs.)

Combination therapy with inhaled long-acting beta2-agonists
and inhaled corticosteroids: a paradigm shift in asthma
management
Stoloff S et al.
Pharmacotherapy Feb 2002;22(2):212-226
Review. (91 refs.)

Therapy with macrolides in patients with cystic fibrosis
Gaylor AS and Reilly JC
Pharmacotherapy Feb 2002;22(2):227-239
Review. (75 refs.)

Adult Still's disease and respiratory failure in a 74 year
old woman
Stoica GS et al.
Postgraduate Medical Journal Feb 2002;78(916):97-98
A case of adult onset Still's disease in an elderly woman,
that was associated with severe respiratory failure and
multiorgan dysfunction, is reported.  Histopathology was
confirmed on open lung biopsy.

Remifentanil by patient-controlled analgesia compared with
intramuscular meperidine for pain relief in labour
Thurlow JA et al.
British Journal of Anaesthesia Mar 2002;88(3):374-378
Study of 36 women.  Remifentanil by PCA gave better pain
relief to mothers in labour than intramuscular meperidine.
However, remifentanil is a potent respiratory depressant and
adequate continuous monitoring is necessary.