Martha Lada

Rifampicin-associated acute renal failure and hemolysis: a rather uncommon but severe complication

Abstract Rifampicin is a widely used anti-tuberculosis agent. Apart from hepatotoxicity, rifampicin can rarely lead to adverse reactions of immunologic nature such as acute renal failure (ARF). We report the case of 57-year-old previously healthy man under treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis who presented with hemolysis and severe ARF. Rifampicin was discontinued and the patient was treated with fluid repletion, iv furosemide and dialysis therapy. Kidney biopsy revealed acute tubulointerstitial nephritis with no evidence of granulomas. The patient significantly improved and was discharged after 51 days of hospitalization. Clinicians using rifampicin should be aware of this rather uncommon but severe complication.

Open thoracotomy for pneumothorax.

A thoracotomy is an incision into the pleural space of the chest. It is performed by surgeons (or emergency physicians under certain circumstances) to gain access to the thoracic organs, most commonly the heart, the lungs, or the esophagus, or for access to the thoracic aorta or the anterior spine. This surgical procedure is a major surgical maneuver it is the first step in many thoracic surgeries including lobectomy or pneumonectomy for lung cancer and as such requires general anesthesia with endotracheal tube insertion and mechanical ventilation, rigid bronchoscope can be also used if necessary. Thoracotomies are thought to be one of the most difficult surgical incisions to deal with post-operatively, because they are extremely painful and the pain can prevent the patient from breathing effectively, leading to atelectasis or pneumonia. In the current review we will present the steps of this procedure.

034. Analysis of the sensitivity to anti-TB drugs of M. Tuberculosis isolated from patients in the Pulmonary Clinic of AUTH (June 2011-September 2014)

Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant problem worldwide. An important factor associated with this reemergence is the development of resistance to anti-TB drugs.

AB 24. Intrapleural t-PA administration in patients with complicated parapneumonic effusions

Background Parapneumonic effusions are developed in half of hospitalized patients with pneumonia and are followed by many complications and high mortality. Intrapleural t-PA effusion promotes pleural drainage by its fibrinolytic activity.

AB 19. Contact tracing of a sputum posistive tuberculosis case in a daycare employee

Background In June 2012 a case of sputum-positive tuberculosis was detected in an employee of a daycare center and contact tracing was performed in the children and other employees.