title: Clinical trials of new and novel therapeutic agents.
abstract: Throughout this issue of World Journal of Surgery are recommendations and descriptions of therapy to prevent the development of multiple organ failure (MOF). The subjects include advances in monitoring; circulatory, pulmonary, and gut support; blood treatment; immune modulation; and control of the inflammatory process. Additional methods of organ support include recommendations for resuscitation and initial care and for early definitive operations. New therapeutic agents such as growth factors, glucan, ketaconazole, and antithrombin III are described. Finally, methods to support organ function before it fails (circulation, lungs, and kidneys) are described.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, St. Louis University School of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, 3635 Vista Avenue, P.O. Box 15250, St. Louis, Missouri 63110-025, U.S.A.
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Baue
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Durham
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Mazuski
mesh_terms: D000990:Antithrombin III / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003422:Critical Care; D005934:Glucagon / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D007654:Ketoconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008020:Life Support Care; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D018746:Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D006133:Growth Substances; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D000990:Antithrombin III; D005934:Glucagon; D007654:Ketoconazole