Liver Function, Quantified by LiMAx Test, After Major Abdominal Surgery. Comparison Between Open and Laparoscopic Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Major abdominal surgery may lead to a systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) with a risk of organ failure. One possible trigger for a postoperative hepatic dysfunction is an altered hepatic blood flow during SIRS, resulting in a decreased oxygen delivery. This pilot study investigated the role of liver dysfunction measured by the LiMAx test after major abdominal surgery, focussing on open and laparoscopic surgical approaches. METHODS: We prospectively investigated 25 patients (7 females and 18 males, age range 55-72 years) scheduled for upper abdominal surgery. The LiMAx test, ICG-PDR and duplex sonography were carried out preoperatively, followed by postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, 5 and 10. Laboratory parameters and clinical parameters were measured daily. Clinical outcome parameters were examined at the end of treatment. The population was divided into group A (laparotomy) versus group B (laparoscopy). RESULTS: LiMAx values decreased significantly on POD 1 (290 µg/kg/h, P < 0.001), followed by a significant increase at POD 3 (348 µg/kg/h, P = 0.013). Only INR showed a significant increase on POD 1 (1.26, P < 0.001). Duplex sonography and ICG-PDR revealed a hyper-dynamic liver blood flow. No differences between group A and B were found. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic dysfunction after major abdominal surgery is evident and underestimated. The LiMAx test provides an adequate tool to determine liver dysfunction. Open and laparoscopic approaches appeared similar in terms of liver dysfunction and postoperative SIRS.

Presentation of an 85-year-old woman with musculoskeletal pain to a chiropractic clinic: a case of ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case is to describe a patient who had a stroke preceding a chiropractic appointment and was unaware that the cerebrovascular event had occurred. CLINICAL FEATURES: An 85-year-old established patient presented for chiropractic treatment of pain in the left side of the neck, hip, and low back associated with known advanced degenerative spinal disease and lumbar stenosis. On the day of presentation, the patient reported morning nausea, double vision, and right-sided vision loss; she related that she had collided into a car while driving to the appointment. Review of her medical history divulged residual neurological deficits related to a previous subdural hematoma, resulting in craniotomy. Examination revealed a right inferior quadrantanopia in the right eye and right nasal hemianopia in the left eye. Nystagmus was present in the left eye with saccadic intrusion on pursuit right to left. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient was transported immediately to an emergency room,where diagnosis of an Acute infarct in the left cerebrum at the junction of the left occipital, parietal and temporal lobes in the watershed area was confirmed. CONCLUSION: Patients with signs and symptoms of stroke in progress may occasionally present for chiropractic care. It is imperative to complete a thorough history and examination prior to care.