Despite the small number of patients in the study, influenza vaccination did not induce undesirable side effects, such as graft rejection or allo-sensitization. Generation of a positive anti-vaccine response was lower among the transplant recipients than healthy volunteers (41% vs. 80%). Clinical efficacy of the vaccine among the responders was not evaluated.

No abstract

Milrinone (Inocor-Sanofi-Winthrop) represents a second generation phosphodiesterase inhibitor currently approved for intravenous administration in the treatment of decompensated congestive heart failure. By inhibiting Type III phosphodiesterase, milrinone increases intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate. This results in a positive inotropic effect on the heart and vasodilatation in the periphery. The hemodynamic consequences of this action produce left ventricular afterload reduction, with an increase in cardiac output and a reduction in total peripheral resistance. Unlike the sympathomimetic amines, milrinone produces no tolerance and possesses the distinct advantage of directly decreasing pulmonary vascular resistance. Short-term intermittent infusion by peripheral administration, continuous infusion, long-term therapy, and intermittent outpatient therapy was demonstrated to be safe, efficacious, and cost effective. It is hypothesized that intravenous milrinone, by producing biventricular afterload reduction, offers an efficacious, cost-effective tool for the treatment of decompensated heart failure.

No abstract