Novel Systemic Inflammatory Markers Predict All-Cause Mortality in Patients Undergoing Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Background: Clinically useful predictors for risk stratification of long-term survival may assist in selecting patients for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (EVAR) procedures. This study aimed to analyze the prognostic significance of peroperative novel systemic inflammatory markers (SIMs), including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), hemoglobin-to-red cell distribution width ratio (HRR), systemic immune-inflammatory index (SIII), and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), for long-term mortality in EVAR. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 147 consecutive patients who underwent their first EVAR procedure at the Department of Vascular Surgery, Beijing Hospital. The patients were divided into the mortality group (n = 37) and the survival group (n = 110). The receiver operating characteristic curves were used to ascertain the threshold value demonstrating the most robust connection with mortality. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed between each SIM and mortality. The relationship between SIMs and survival was investigated using restricted cubic splines and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results: The study included 147 patients, with an average follow-up duration of 34.28 ± 22.95 months. Deceased patients showed significantly higher NLR (p < 0.001) and reduced HRR (p < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier estimates of mortality were considerably greater in the higher-NLR group (NLR > 2.77) and lower-HRR group (HRR < 10.64). The hazard ratio (HR) of 0.833 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.71-0.97, p < 0.021) was determined to be statistically significant in predicting death in the multivariable analysis. Conclusions: Preoperative higher-NLR and lower-HRR have been associated with a lower long-term survival rate in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients undergoing elective EVAR. Multivariate Cox regression showed that decreased preoperative HRR is an independent risk factor that increases mortality risk following EVAR. SIMs, such as the NLR and HRR, could be used in future clinical risk prediction methodologies for AAA patients undergoing EVAR. However, additional prospective cohort studies are needed to identify these findings.

Design and Protocol for Beijing Hospital Takayasu Arteritis (BeTA) Biobank.

BACKGROUND: Although hundreds of studies have been conducted, our understanding of the pathogenesis, indications for surgical intervention, and disease markers of Takayasu arteritis (TAK) are still limited. Collection of biological specimens, clinical data and imaging data will facilitate translational research and clinical studies. In this study, we aim to introduce the design and protocol for the Beijing Hospital Takayasu Arteritis (BeTA) Biobank. METHODS: Based in the Department of Vascular Surgery of Beijing Hospital and Beijing Hospital Clinical Biological Sample Management Center, the BeTA Biobank is composed of clinical data and sample data from patients with TAK requiring surgical treatment. All clinical data of participants are collected, including demographic characteristics, laboratory tests, imaging results, operation information, perioperative complications, follow-up data, etc. Both blood samples including plasma, serum and cells, and vascular tissues or perivascular adipose tissue are collected and stored. These samples will promote the establishment of a multiomic database for TAK and help to identify disease markers and to explore potential targets for specific future drugs for TAK.

Effect of Antiplatelet Agents on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Process: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate whether antiplatelet agents are associated with the reduction, expansion, and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods: A thorough exploration was conducted on four prominent databases, namely EMBASE, Ovid, PubMed, and Scopus, to identify studies that reported the influence of antiplatelet agents on the sac development of AAA. The assessment was carried out until March 2023. R software v.4.1 was used for statistical analysis. Results: After reviewing 13 publications which included a total of 5392 patients (1446 in the antiplatelet group and 2540 in the control group), a meta-analysis was conducted. The results of the analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in the annual growth rate of AAA diameter between those who received antiplatelet agents and those who did not (mean difference (MD) = -0.04, 95% CI = [-0.37, 0.30]; heterogeneity: p < 0.01, I 2 = 91%, τ 2 = 0.1278). Additionally, there was no difference in the number of patients who experienced aneurysm diameter expansion between the two groups, significantly (odds ratio (OR) = 0.96, 95% CI = [0.41, 2.25]; heterogeneity: p < 0.01, I 2 = 78%, τ 2 = 0.5849). Conclusions: Antiplatelet agents do not affect AAA's reduction, expansion, or rupture. There is no benefit to AAA patients taking antiplatelet agents for the purpose of slowing down growth rates of sac diameter.

Acute or Subacute, the Optimal Timing for Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the optimal timing (acute or subacute) of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for uncomplicated B aortic dissection (uTBAD) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Method: A comprehensive literature search was undertaken across three major databases (EMBASE/Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Library) and was assessed until November 2021 to identify studies reporting the outcomes of TEVAR utilized to treat patients with uTBAD. The continuous variables were compared between the two groups using t-test and the categorical variables were compared using the χ2-test. A meta-analysis was used to produce pooled odds ratios for early and follow-up outcomes. The random effects models were applied. A statistical analysis was performed using R software v.4.1. Result: A comprehensive literature search found 490 citations published within the predetermined time span of the analysis. Three studies including 1,193 patients (acute group 718, subacute group 475) were finally included for downstream meta-analysis. An acute uTBAD group presented with higher rates both in 30-day complications (20.5 vs. 13.7%; p = 0.014) and mortality (4.6 vs. 1.3%; p = 0.004) than subacute group. The respiratory complications were significantly higher in the acute group than in the subacute group (10.8 vs. 5.0%; p = 0.015). The procedure success rate (90.8 vs. 93.6%; p = 0.329), the follow-up mortality (7.7 vs. 7.6%; p = 1) and dissection-related late mortality (3.9 vs. 5.3%; p = 0.603) showed no significant difference. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis suggested that despite significantly higher 30-day complications and 30-day mortality in the acute uTBAD group, there was no significant difference in the follow-up mortality between the two groups. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021247609.

Total Aortic and Branches Repair with Hybrid Therapy in the setting of Marfan Syndrome: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, no standard treatment has been established for the total lesion in patient with Marfan Syndrome (MFS). This case report aims to present a total aortic and branches repair with hybrid therapy in a young patient with MFS. METHODS: Clinical data including imaging manifestation, surgical document, and follow-up results were retrospectively collected and presented. RESULTS: A young patient with MFS underwent multi-stage endovascular aortic management and open surgical repair. On-the-table fenestration technique was applied to reconstruct the branches of the abdominal aorta. A bypass from superior mesenteric artery to celiac trunk was performed. A Bentall operation was conducted to repair his ascending aorta and aortic valves. Finally, in situ fenestration technique was adopted to recanalize the branches of aortic arch. The 18 month follow-up computed tomography angiography demonstrated patency of all the aorta branches. CONCLUSION: It may be feasible to perform the total aortic and branches repair with hybrid therapy in patients with MFS.

Retrograde Recanalization for Proximal Occlusion of the Right Renal Artery through a Compensated Collateral Artery in a 10-year-old Patient.

BACKGROUND: To describe a retrograde recanalization for the proximal occluded lesion in right renal artery (RRA) in young patient with fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). METHODS: A 10-year-old girl presented to our hospital with proximal RRA occlusion and refractory hypertension though she took anti-hypertension medicines. Her renin and aldosterone were beyond the normal level in both base state and excited state. Her glomerular filtration rate at right kidney was only 18.4 ml/min. Angiography revealed proximal RRA occlusion and a compensated collateral artery (CCA) from the infrarenal aorta to the RRA. She was thus diagnosed with focal FMD. A retrograde recanalization was performed through this CCA. RESULTS: Angioplasty and stenting were successfully performed to treat the proximal RRA occlusion. Postoperatively, the glomerular filtration rate in the right kidney improved. One-year follow-up revealed that, the blood pressure maintained at normal range without any antihypertensive agents. No other discomfort was complained. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to establish a working pathway with patient's compensated collateral artery to treat the renal artery occlusion.

Aortic Intimo-intimal Intussusception: A Pooled Analysis of Published Reports.

AIM: Aortic intimo-intimal intussusception (AoII) is a rare manifestation of aortic dissection with high mortality. This study aimed to obtain a comprehensive understanding of AoII. METHODS: Three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase) were searched with predefined search terms ["intimal intussusception", "aortic intussusception", "(circumferential) AND (intimal dissection)" and "(circumferential) AND (aortic dissection)"]. Demographics, clinical manifestations, imaging methods, therapies, and follow-up data were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The literature search finally identified 81 papers comprising 87 patients (Mean age: 53.7 ± 14.9 years old; male: n = 63). According to morphologic criteria (orientation of AoII intimal flap), patients were divided into three groups: antegrade (n = 37), retrograde (n = 49) and bidirectional (n = 1) orientation. The most frequent symptoms in antegrade group were chest pain (62.2%), syncope (27%), and unconsciousness (21.6%), while in retrograde group, they were chest pain (71.4%), dyspnea (20.4%), and back pain (16.3%). Regarding applied imaging modalities, 67.5% of patients in antegrade group were diagnosed with≥2 methods, comparing with 87.7% in retrograde group. A total of 21 patients (24.1%) with AoII finally died, among which 13.8% (12/87) died before surgery. CONCLUSION: AoII is a rare form of aortic dissection with high mortality. Antegrade orientation of the intima flap was more accompanied with neurological disorders and asymmetric blood pressure, while retrograde orientation mostly manifested with aortic regurgitation. Application of multiple imaging examinations may detect this rare entity in time.

The long-term outcomes of open and endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm: A meta-analysis.

To provide a meta-analysis of studies evaluating long-term all-cause mortality, aneurysm-related mortality and re-intervention after open or endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Electronic bibliographic sources were interrogated using a combination of free text and controlled vocabulary searches to identify studies comparing the long-term outcomes of open and endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement standards. Fixed effect or random effects models were used. We retrieved 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs; 2,783 patients), 7 nonrandomized trials (86,035 patients). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Heterogeneity was high and publication bias could not be excluded. Despite these limitations, the analysis showed that open and endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair had similar all-cause mortality (OR 1.16, 95% CI, 0.89-1.51) over 5 years follow up, which was maintained after at least 10 years of follow-up (OR 0.87, 95% CI, 0.73-1.03). There was no significant difference in aneurysm-related mortality by 5 years or longer follow-up. A significantly lower proportion of patients undergoing open repair required reintervention (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.24-0.64), which was maintained over 5 years of follow-up. There is no long-term survival difference between the patients who underwent open or endovascular aneurysm repair. There is significantly higher risk of reinterventions after endovascular aneurysm repair.

Long noncoding RNA MEG3 prevents vascular endothelial cell senescence by impairing miR-128-dependent Girdin downregulation.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are commonly associated with various biological functions, in which the function of lncRNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) has been identified in various cancers. Strikingly, an association between MEG3 with microRNAs (miRNAs), mRNAs, and proteins has been reported. This study investigates the role of MEG3 in vascular endothelial cell (VEC) senescence. Expression of Girdin and miR-128 was monitored in the blood vessel samples of young and old mice/healthy volunteers, along with the measurement of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The relationship between MEG3/Girdin and miR-128 was determined and verified. Loss- and gain-of-function approaches were applied to analyze the regulatory effects of MEG3 on platelet phagocytosis and lipoprotein oxidation of HUVEC membrane. In addition, the effect of MEG3 on HUVEC senescence was evaluated by detection of the reactive oxygen species, telomerase activity, and telomere length. To further analyze the MEG3-mediated regulatory mechanism, miR-128 upregulation and inhibition were introduced into the HUVECs. Downregulated Girdin and upregulated miR-128 were found in the blood vessels of old individuals and old mice, as well as in senescent HUVECs. MEG3 downregulation was found to be capable of inhibiting Girdin but enhancing miR-128 expression. It was also indicated to inhibit platelet phagocytosis and reduce telomerase activity and telomere length, while enhancing lipoprotein oxidation and reactive oxygen species production, which ultimately contributed in preventing and protecting HUEVCs from senescence. These findings provide evidence supporting that MEG3 leads to miR-128 downregulation and Girdin upregulation, which promotes platelet phagocytosis, thus protecting VECs from senescence.

Endovascular Repair of Complex Aortoiliac Aneurysm with the Sandwich Technique in Sixteen Patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficiency of the sandwich technique in endovascular repair of complex aortoiliac aneurysm. METHODS: Sixteen patients (mean age 69.6 years, ranging from 58 to 78 years) with complex aortoiliac aneurysm were studied retrospectively from October 2013 to September 2017 in two vascular centers of teaching hospitals. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) was performed to make individual therapy. They were all performed endovascular repair with sandwich technique, including one with the sandwich, chimney, and fenestrated techniques during the same procedure. All patients were followed up at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and yearly thereafter with X-ray, ultrasound, and/or CTA. RESULTS: The initial technical success was 81.25%, and the assisted technical success was 100%. At final angiography, little flow of a type I and a type III endoleak was found in two patients with observation. Two type II endoleaks were also detected. During the perioperative period, two patients suffered myocardial infarction. One pulmonary infection and one urinary infection happened. No death or cerebrovascular events occurred. During the follow-up (mean 18 months, ranging from 2 to 45 months), three stent occlusions were detected. One case got reintervened for his external iliac artery stent thrombosis in the first month postoperatively. The other two were under observation. A readmission happened to one man for his right brachial artery pseudoaneurysm in the third month postoperatively. One patient died of nonaneurysmal related reason in the eighth month. No aneurysmal related death, rupture, or new endoleak was found. No paralysis, claudication, or bowel ischemia was complained of. The primary patency of the preserved branches were 94.7%, 92.0%, 92.0%, 92.0%, 92.0% separately in first, sixth, 12th, 24th, and 36th month. CONCLUSIONS: For patients who are not candidates for open surgery or conventional endovascular repair with complex aortoiliac aneurysm, the sandwich technique is a feasible alternative to management.

Aortic intimal intussusception during acute type B aortic dissection endovascular repair.

Aortic intimal intussusception (AoII) is rare, especially during the endovascular repair of acute uncomplicated type B aortic dissection. Here we present a case of 47-year-old man who suffered AoII during the endovascular repair of type B aortic dissection. An abdominal aortic stent was inserted to recanalize the aorta, but failed. He was immediately transferred to our department from the local hospital. Computed tomography angiography confirmed the AoII and showed thrombus in the abdominal aortic stent. Hybrid operation was performed. Final angiography showed patency of the aorta. His postoperative period was uneventful and was discharged on the postoperative 8th day. No complications happened during the 6th month follow-up.

Outcomes of Chimney and/or Periscope Techniques in the Endovascular Management of Complex Aortic Pathologies.

BACKGROUND: The chimney/periscope technique has been used to address complex aortic pathologies. This study aimed to report the outcomes and experiences of chimney and/or periscope grafts (CPGs) used in the endovascular management of complex aortic pathologies. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with complex aortic pathologies were retrospectively studied from January 2013 to August 2016 in two vascular centers of teaching hospitals. All patients were diagnosed using computed tomography angiography (CTA). The patients were followed up at postoperative 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and yearly thereafter with X-ray, ultrasound, and/or CTA. RESULTS: Twenty-two cases (17 males; mean age 60.7 ± 16.3 years) with complex aortic pathologies were analyzed. Nineteen patients underwent CPGs only, and the other three cases underwent the simultaneous implantation of chimney/periscope and fenestrated/scallop grafts. Twenty-six arteries were managed with forty CPGs during the procedures. Complete angiographies revealed two Type I endoleaks, one Type III endoleak, and one Type IV endoleak. Other intraoperative complications included brachial thrombosis, external iliac artery rupture, and left renal stenosis. The 30-day mortality was 0. The mean follow-up was 26.1 ± 10.1 months with a range of 2-39 months. During the follow-up, two Type I endoleaks and one Type IV endoleak were observed. One right renal stent occlusion occurred in the 5th month and turned patent after reintervention. Three patients died during the follow-up, one due to an aneurysm rupture as a Type I endoleak, and two due to myocardial infarction. The instant technical success was 96%. The primary and secondary patencies were 92% and 96%, respectively. The overall survival rates were 95%, 84%, and 84% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Stent migration was not observed in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Chimney/periscope techniques could be used to tackle complex aortic pathologies, but the indications must be strictly controlled, and additional experiences are required.

Human Umbilical Cord Blood CD34+Cells InducedAngiogenesis in Ischemic Limb of Mice.

Objective To observe the effect of the expanded human umbilical cord blood CD34+cells in ischemic limb of mice and analyse the relationship between the CD34+cells and angiogenesis. Methods Human umbilical cord blood was collected and CD34+cells were separated for expanding. Mice limbs ischemia models were established (n=15) and randomly divided into three groups:expanded CD34+cells group (n=5),fresh CD34+cells group (n=5),and control group(n=5). CD34+cells were detected by DiI dye tracing and antihuman nuclear antigen antibody(HNA) immunohistochemical staining. The improvement of blood reperfusion was evaluated by indicators including limb temperature,CD31 staining,and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) mRNA expression. Results On days 14 (t=5.421,P=0.001;t=0.616,P=0.000) and 28(t=10.780,P=0.000; t=12.123,P=0.000),both expanded CD34+cells group and fresh CD34+cells group enjoyed better temperature improvement. Days 28 later,the vascular densities in the expanded CD34+cells group and the fresh CD34+cells group were 592.3±24.6 (t=26.386,P=0.000) and 530.7±25.5 (t=21.502,P=0.000),which were significantly higher than that in control group 219.7±19.9. The TGF-ß1 mRNA expression in the expanded CD34+cells group and the fresh CD34+cells group were (0.578±0.050) copies (t=12.376,P=0.000) and (0.504±0.080) copies (t=7.098,P=0.000),both over control group [(0.224±0.040)copies]. Conclusions In vitro culture of cord blood CD34+cells can emigrate to ischemic zone and induce angiogenesis to alleviate ischemia. Thus,it may provide a treatment option for lower limb ischemia.

Nerve Growth Factor Promotes Angiogenesis and Skeletal Muscle Fiber Remodeling in a Murine Model of Hindlimb Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic angiogenesis has been shown to promote blood vessel growth and improve tissue perfusion. Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been reported to play an important role in both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of NGF on angiogenesis and skeletal muscle fiber remodeling in a murine model of hindlimb ischemia and study the relationship between NGF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in angiogenesis. METHODS: Twenty-four mice were randomly allocated to normal control group (n = 6), blank control group (n = 6), VEGF gene transfection group (n = 6), and NGF gene transfection group (n = 6). The model of left hindlimb ischemia model was established by ligating the femoral artery. VEGF165plasmid (125 µg) and NGF plasmid (125 µg) was injected into the ischemic gastrocnemius of mice from VEGF group and NGF group, respectively. Left hindlimb function and ischemic damage were assessed with terminal points at 21th day postischemia induction. The gastrocnemius of four groups was tested by hematoxylin-eosin staining, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and CD34 immunohistochemistry staining, and myosin ATPase staining. NGF and VEGF protein expression was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: On the 21th day after surgery, the functional assessment score and skeletal muscle atrophy degree of VEGF group and NGF group were significantly lower than those of normal control group and blank control group. The endothelial cell proliferation index and the capillary density of VEGF group and NGF group were significantly increased compared with normal control group and blank control group (P < 0.05). The NGF and VEGF protein expression of NGF group showed a significant rise when compared with blank control group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the VEGF protein expression of VEGF group was significantly higher than that of blank control group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference of the NGF protein expression between VEGF group and blank control group (P > 0.05). The type I skeletal muscle fiber proportion in gastrocnemius of NGF group and VEGF group was significantly higher than that of blank control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: NGF transfection can promote NGF and VEGF protein expression which not only can induce angiogenesis but also induce type I muscle fiber expression in ischemic limbs.

[Clinical analysis of two carotid endarterectomy procedures in treating carotid artery stenosis].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness and costs of the eversion carotid endarterectomy (eCEA) and the carotid endarterectomy with patch angioplasty (pCEA) in treating carotid artery stenosis. METHODS: Patients with carotid artery stenosis who underwent the carotid endarterectomy in the vascular surgery department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October 2009 to October 2012 were enrolled in this study. According to the two different surgical procedures, the patients were divided into eCEA group and pCEA group. RESULTS: The two groups were not significantly different in terms of gender ,age ,risk factors, stenosis degree of carotid artery, and the ratio of bilateral lesions (all P>0.05).The ratio of shunt and antibiotics application, operative time, hospitalization cost, and length of hospital stay in the eCEA group were significantly lower than those in pCEA group (P<0.05).The therapeutic effectiveness, complications, surgery-related death, restenosis, and ipsilateral stroke were not significantly different between these two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Both surgical procedures are safe and effective in treating the carotid artery stenosis;however, eCEA has lower cost when compared with pCEA and therefore can be used as the first choice.

Unconventional interventional therapy for cavernous transformation of the portal vein.

Cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV) is a mass-like network of collateral veins around the portal vein as the sequel to extrahepatic portal vein obstruction. The common clinical manifestations include esophageal varices, splenomegaly, and hypersplenism. The patient may present with recurrent hematemesis and tarry stool. We report a woman who presented with CTPV, which was managed with an unconventional interventional method to recanalize the superior mesenteric vein and main portal vein.

[Efficacy analysis of two surgical procedures of carotid endarterectomy in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy and safety of eversion carotid endarterectomy (eCEA) and carotid endarterectomy with patch angioplasty (pCEA) in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis. METHODS: The clinical data were collected and analyzed for the patients with carotid artery stenosis undergoing carotid endarterectomy at Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October 2009 to October 2012. According to two different surgical procedures, they were divided into 2 groups of eCEA and pCEA. RESULTS: A total of 248 patients received a follow-up. Among 274 cases of endarterectomy, 101 cases of eCEA and 173 cases of pCEA were performed. No significant difference (P > 0.05) existed between two groups in gender, age, risk factors, stenotic degree of carotid artery or ratio of bilateral lesions. The ratio of shunt (15.8%) and antibiotics (26.7%) application, the duration of operation (88 ± 20) min, intraoperative blood loss (45 ± 16) ml and the length of stay (16 ± 4) days in the group eCEA were significantly lower than those of group pCEA (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between two groups in the ratio of complications, surgery-related mortality, restenosis and ipsilateral stroke. CONCLUSION: Both surgical procedures are both safe and effective in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis. However eCEA offers potential advantages. The choice of a particular surgical procedure depends on the surgeon experience and specific circumstances of carotid artery lesions.

Effects of traditional Chinese medicine on intestinal mucosal permeability in early phase of severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese medicine has been used widely for many years in China to treat acute pancreatitis. We have investigated the effects of Dachengqi decoction on intestinal mucosal permeability and outcome in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: Forty patients with sustained SAP that required admission to the surgical intensive care unit were enrolled prospectively in the study. All of these patients were divided randomly into the Dachengqi decoction group (n = 20) and control group (n = 20) on admission. Intestinal permeability was assessed by measuring absorption of two metabolically inert markers, lactulose (L) and mannitol (M), which were administered orally. Serum concentrations of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and the ratio of lactulose to mannitol in urine (L/M) were detected in all patients. RESULTS: Compared with those in the control group, urinary L/M ratio decreased significantly in the Dachengqi decoction group on the 7th day after admission (P = 0.001). Also, serum concentrations of LPS were reduced on the 5th and 7th day after admission (P = 0.006, P = 0.008, respectively). Incidence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and pancreatic infection was significantly lower in the Dachengqi decoction group compared with those in the control group (P = 0.038,P = 0.025, respectively). CONCLUSION: Dachengqi decoction may promote the recovery of intestinal mucosal permeability and decrease the incidence of MODS and pancreatic infection in patients with SAP.