The presence of bronchiectasis (BR) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been recognized for many decades; nevertheless, little research has been undertaken in this area. It is important to recognize that BR coexistent with RA differs from the other types of BR. The purpose of this descriptive review was to delineate the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pulmonary function testing, imaging, prognosis and management of concomitant BR and RA. To inform our study we searched the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and MEDLINE databases, using combinations of the following key words: computed tomography, lung function tests, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchiectasis, biological agents, and interstitial lung disease. The number of published papers covering this topic is limited, but several relevant conclusions can be drawn. Patients with concomitant RA and BR have worse obstructive airways disease, increased susceptibility to recurrent pulmonary infections, faster lung function decline, and higher mortality, compared with subjects with either RA or BR alone. The use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (both biological and non-biological) for RA in RA-BR patients imparts a further challenge in managing these patients. Although there are not any published guidelines on the management of coexisting RA-BR, we have attempted to provide such recommendations, based on the literature review and our experience.

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Isolated native tricuspid valve endocarditis (TVE) in non-intravenous drug users is a very rare condition. We describe an unusual presentation of Enterococcus faecalis TVE associated with spondylodiscitis, positive cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and antiproteinase-3 antibodies vasculitic rash in an otherwise healthy patient with no history of intravenous drug use or underlying cardiac abnormalities. A high index of clinical suspicion is required in patients presenting with unusual features and pyrexia of unknown origin. Simple tests including serial blood cultures and echocardiography may help to establish the correct diagnosis and commence appropriate treatment.

Background: During resuscitation trauma patients receive various intravenous fluids, which can exacerbate coagulopathy and haemorrhage further. This led to the introduction of the damage control resuscitation, which advocates minimal intravenous fluids use. However, some fluid may be required in uncontrolled haemorrhage or when blood products are not immediately available. Furthermore, questions regarding the type and volume of the administered fluids remain still unanswered. Methods: Review of literature. Results: Crystalloids such as 0.9% Isotonic Saline and Lactate Ringers can cause either a hypercoagulable (lower dilutions) or hypocoagulable (higher dilutions) derangements. Hypertonic Saline (7.5%) leads to more pronounced coagulation abnormalities when compared with 0.9% Isotonic Saline. The effects of the 7.5% Hypertonic Saline combined with 6 % Dextran 70 are controversial. Some authors reported significant clotting abnormalities, but others found an improvement in the haemodynamic parameters. The evidence on human albumin solution use in trauma is very limited and suggests a procoagulant effect at lower dilutions. Gelofusine even with smaller volumes leads to pronounced coagulation abnormalities. All Dextrans (40 and 70) cause significant hypocoagulability at lower dilutions. Similarly lower molecular starches demonstrate a definite hypocoagulable effect. Conclusions: A literature review has also indicated that none of the studies demonstrated survival or outcome benefit associated with a particular type and volume of administered intravenous fluids. The results are controversial and further research is needed to clarify this issue.

This study demonstrates that OSAHS leads to endothelial dysfunction as reflected by higher afternoon than morning CRP and VCAM-1 levels. However, despite a good CPAP compliance, a month of treatment does not decrease vascular injury marker levels.

There is enough evidence to demonstrate that we urgently need a robust test, which would determine and quantify both the rate and the extent of coagulation abnormalities. This could help to tailor the treatment of coagulopathy according to the patient's needs.