These observations suggest that the beneficial effects of MEG and FeTPPS on endotoxin-induced myocardial contractile dysfunction could be related to the unique effects of these compounds on cardiovascular inflammation processes.

Excessive activation of calpains has been implicated in the pathophysiology of inflammation, trauma, and ischemia reperfusion injury. Here, we investigated the effects of calpain inhibition on myocardial dysfunction and inflammation induced by endotoxin in rats. Rats were treated i.v. with endotoxin (10 mg/kg) or endotoxin plus calpain inhibitors and were then prepared after 4 h for myocardial contractility assessment, detection of endothelium leukocyte interactions, and plasma TNF-alpha, nitrite/nitrate, and endocan levels. Compared with vehicle-treated rats, hearts from endotoxin-treated rats had reduced systolic performance that was partially prevented by calpain inhibitors, i.e., acetyl-leucyl-leucyl-arginal (leupeptin), carbobenzoxy-valyl-phenylalanial (calpain inhibitor III), and N-acetyl-leucinyl-leucinyl-norleucinal (ALLN). Leupeptin and calpain inhibitor III reduced plasma TNF-alpha levels in endotoxin-treated rats. ALLN reduced plasma TNF-alpha and nitrite/nitrate levels in endotoxin-treated rats. Endotoxin treatment increased mesenteric venule leukocyte rolling (10 +/- 3 leukocytes/min vs. 44 +/- 10 leukocytes/min; P < 0.01) and adhesion (2 +/- 2 leukocytes/min vs. 15 +/- 3 leukocytes/min; P < 0.01), which was reduced by calpain inhibitors. Attenuation of leukocyte endothelium interactions observed in calpain inhibitor-treated rats with sepsis was associated with increases in plasma anti-adhesion molecule endocan. In conclusion, calpain inhibitors improved endotoxin-induced cardiac dysfunction, which may be attributed to the modulation of endothelium leukocyte interactions in the inflamed vasculature.

Introduction The aim of this study was to determine incidence, risk factors, and impact on outcome of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.

Immunosuppression is not independently associated with ICU-acquired MDR bacteria. However, infection control measures used in our ICU may have influenced this result.

Objective To assess the benefits and safety of early human fibrinogen concentrate in postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) management. Design Multicentre, double‐blind, randomised placebo‐controlled trial. Setting: 30 French hospitals. Population Patients with persistent PPH after vaginal delivery requiring a switch from oxytocin to prostaglandins. Methods Within 30 minutes after introduction of prostaglandins, patients received either 3 g fibrinogen concentrate or placebo. Main outcome measures Failure as composite primary efficacy endpoint: at least 4 g/dl of haemoglobin decrease and/or transfusion of at least two units of packed red blood cells within 48 hours following investigational medicinal product administration. Secondary endpoints: PPH evolution, need for haemostatic procedures and maternal morbidity–mortality within 6 ± 2 weeks after delivery. Results 437 patients were included: 224 received FC and 213 placebo. At inclusion, blood loss (877 ± 346 ml) and plasma fibrinogen (4.1 ± 0.9 g/l) were similar in both groups (mean ± SD). Failure rates were 40.0% and 42.4% in the fibrinogen and placebo groups, respectively (odds ratio [OR] = 0.99) after adjustment for centre and baseline plasma fibrinogen; (95% CI 0.66–1.47; P = 0.96). No significant differences in secondary efficacy outcomes were observed. The mean plasma FG was unchanged in the Fibrinogen group and decreased by 0.56 g/l in the placebo group. No thromboembolic or other relevant adverse effects were reported in the Fibrinogen group versus two in the placebo group. Conclusions As previous placebo‐controlled studies findings, early and systematic administration of 3 g fibrinogen concentrate did not reduce blood loss, transfusion needs or postpartum anaemia, but did prevent plasma fibrinogen decrease without any subsequent thromboembolic events. Tweetable abstract Early systematic blind 3 g fibrinogen infusion in PPH did not reduce anaemia or transfusion rate, reduced hypofibrinogenaemia and was safe.