Lower Incidence of Hypoglycemia With Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Versus ACE Inhibitor Therapy in People With or Without Diabetes.

This article describes a study examining the association between treatment with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and incident hypoglycemia in patients with or without diabetes who were admitted to the internal medicine departments of a tertiary hospital in the Tel Aviv district of Israel. The authors found that treatment with ARBs, but not ACE inhibitors, compared with treatment with neither, was associated with a reduced risk of hypoglycemia regardless of diabetes status.

The Effect of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy on Prognosis of Patients at Risk of Malnutrition.

BACKGROUND: Despite its wide use, evidence is inconclusive regarding the effect of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in patients with chronic diseases and dementia among hospitalized patients with malnutrition. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of PEG insertion on prognosis after the procedure. METHODS: This retrospective analysis of medical records included all adult patients who underwent PEG insertion between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013 during their hospitalization. For each PEG patient, two controls similar in age, sex, referring department, and underlying condition were randomly selected from the entire dataset of patients admitted. The effect of PEG on mortality and repeated admissions was examined. RESULTS: The study comprised 154 patients, 49 referred for PEG insertion and 105 controls (mean age 74.8 ± 19.8 years; 72.7% females; 78.6% admitted to internal medicine units). Compared to controls, the PEG group had a higher 2-year mortality rate (59.2% vs. 17.1%, P < 0.001) but the 2-year readmission rate did not differ significantly (44.9% vs. 56.2% respectively, P = 0.191). Regression analysis showed PEG was associated with increased risk of the composite endpoint of death or readmission (hazard ratio 1.514, 95% confidence interval 1.016-2.255, P = 0.041). No specific characteristic of admission was associated with increased likelihood of death or readmission. Among readmitted patients, reasons for admission and baseline laboratory data, including albumin and cholesterol, did not differ between the PEG patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital PEG insertion was associated with increased mortality at 2 years but had no effect on readmissions.

Association between estimated GFR and incident hypoglycaemia during hospitalization.

BACKGROUND: Kidney function is a significant factor associated with increased incidence of hypoglycaemia, especially among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We here quantified the association between elevated creatinine and incident hypoglycaemia among patients admitted to internal medicine departments, with and without DM. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort analysis study. Included were all patients discharged from internal medicine units between 2010 and 2013. Patients were excluded if creatinine levels rose or dropped more than 0.3 mg/dL during hospitalization. The CKD-EPI equation was used to calculate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Logistic regression analysis (backward LR method) was used to study the association between eGFR and hypoglycaemia incidence. RESULTS: Included were 39 316 patients (mean age 68.0 ± 18.0 years, 49.3% males, 25.9% with DM, eGFR 69.5 ± 24.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 ). Among study participants, 6.5% had at least one hypoglycaemic event. Logistic regression modelling showed that eGFR was inversely associated with incident hypoglycaemia (OR 0.988, 95% CI 0.986-0.990, p < .001). Results were similar for patients with and without DM. Estimated GFR was negatively correlated with admission CRP levels for patients with (r = -.143, p < .001) and without DM (r = -.166, p < .001). Estimated GFR was also positively correlated with admission serum albumin levels for both patients with (r = .304, p < .001) and without DM (r = .354, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Among non-critically-ill patients hospitalized in internal medicine departments, reduced eGFR is associated with increased risk of hypoglycaemia. Glucose monitoring for all inpatients with CKD is suggested, regardless of DM status.

The Manchester operation - is it time for it to return to our surgical armamentarium in the twenty-first century?

We conducted a study to assess the efficacy and outcome results of Manchester operation for women with symptomatic elongation of uterine cervix between 2010 and 2020. Forty-five women were enrolled. Mean age was 54.2 ± 10.5 years, 57.5% were premenopausal. Mean follow up was 4.53 years. Most patients were pleased from the surgery: 29 (76.3%) very pleased and three (7.9%) quite pleased. There were four cases of late postoperative complications: hematometra, pyometra, vesicovaginal fistula and small bowel evisceration through the posterior vaginal fornix. All four cases required surgical interventions with complete recovery. Manchester operation is an effective procedure for symptomatic elongation of uterine cervix. The surgery is short, minimal blood loss and without significant intraoperative complications. However, it is not free of late postoperative complications and it is therefore important that the surgery will be carried out with a strict technique and by skilled surgeons who are capable to manage unique postoperative complications.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Elongation of the uterine cervix is a condition that has not been sufficiently studied. Up-to-date data regarding the efficacy and safety of the Manchester operation for patients with cervical elongation and normal pelvic support are scarce, as most previously published studies included mainly patients with uterine prolapse.What do the results of this study add? The present study presents the efficacy, complications and clinical outcomes of Manchester operation for women with elongation of the uterine cervix. Our results show that Manchester operation is safe, effective method for symptomatic uterine cervix elongation.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This suggests Manchester operation is an effective procedure for symptomatic uterine cervix elongation should be implemented more widely. It must be carried out with a strict technique by skilled surgeons capable to manage unique postoperative complications.

Does Abdominoplasty Intensify the Metabolic Effect of Bariatric Surgery?

BACKGROUND: The effect of weight reduction following bariatric surgery is already well known. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of abdominoplasty on metabolic markers indicative of weight loss. METHODS: The authors prospectively enrolled consecutive obese patients after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. They were candidates for post-bariatric surgery abdominoplasty. The authors measured metabolic markers one day prior to surgery, 24 hours after, and 3 months following surgery. They recorded medical and demographic parameters. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were recruited for participation in the study. Mean age was 47 years and 88% of the patients were female. Bariatric surgery achieved a mean decline in body mass index of 13.8 kg/m2. All patients underwent abdominoplasty. Leptin and insulin levels were slightly increased at 3 months postoperative. No significant changes were observed in glucose, hemoglobin, or triglycerides throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of obese patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy followed by abdominoplasty, no significant changes were noted in a patient's metabolic profiles. The results suggest that abdominoplasty has no effect on the metabolic markers tested in contrast to other reports; however, the cosmetic, behavioral, and psychological advantages of abdominoplasty are well established.

Do women with pelvic floor disorders prefer to be treated by female urogynecologists?

The researchers' aim was to assess provider gender preference among women attending the urogynecology clinic. Two hundred women with pelvic floor disorders completed a detailed questionnaire regarding possible gender preferences in choosing their urogynecologist. One-third of women preferred a female doctor while two-thirds had no preference. We found that embarrassment during the pelvic examination was the main reason for same-gender preference. This preference was significantly associated with educational level and being religious. In conclusion, although one-third of female patients prefer female urogynecologists, professional skills are considered to be more important factors when it comes to actually make a choice.

Visceral adiposity but not subcutaneous fat associated with improved outcome of patients with acute cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study to study the effect of visceral and subcutaneous fat tissue mass on short- and long-term prognosis of patients with acute calculus cholecystitis (ACC). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records. Included were all patients admitted because of ACC. Computed tomography images at the level of L3 were analyzed for body composition using designated software (Slice-O-matic; TomoVision, Montreal, Quebec, Canada). General linear model was used to analyze the effect of body composition on length of hospital stay, and Cox regression analysis was used to ascertain the effect of the different parameters on 1-y survival. RESULTS: Included were 159 patients (mean age: 71.7 ± 15.8 y, 54.7% males). Fat was the most abundant tissue (401 ± 175 cm2 of the computed tomography slices surface area), and visceral fat was 45.8 ± 14.1% of the fat area measured. Using the general linear model, we found that American Society of Anesthesiologists score, disease severity index, and age were positively associated with higher length of stay, whereas high visceral fat was associated with lower length of stay (estimated marginal means at 7.4 ± 1.4 d compared to 12.7 ± 1.4 d among patients with lower visceral fat surface area, P = 0.010). The Cox regression model showed that 1-y survival risk was significantly reduced by age, the Charlson Comorbidity Index and high muscle mass. High visceral adiposity was associated with improved survival (odds ratio: 0.216, 95% confidence interval: 0.064-0.724, P = 0.013). Subcutaneous adiposity did not affect prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Visceral adiposity is associated with shorter length of stay and improved 1-y survival among patients hospitalized with ACC.

[BARIATRICS IN GERIATRICS - IS AGE AN OBSTACLE FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY?]

OBJECTIVES: To present the results of bariatric surgery performed in the elderly population at the Wolfson Medical Center. METHODS: The study population consisted of all elderly patients (aged 65 years and older) who had undergone bariatric surgery between 2009 and 2016. Data was collected from the medical records and by a phone questionnaire. The percentage of excess BMI lost (%EBMIL) was the percentage of BMI lost after the surgery, out of the target BMI of 27 kg/m2. Improvement of obesity related co-morbidities was defined as the decrease in the number of medications and/or dosage, or remission. RESULTS: Forty eight patients aged 65 years or older underwent bariatric surgery during the study acquisition period (mean age 67.9±2.8 years, 60% females). The types of surgery performed were: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG, 79%), mini gastric bypass, (MGB, 17%), and Roux and Y gastric bypass (RYGB, 4%). The weight decreased significantly (average BMI units lost was 9.4±5.6 units, p<0.001), and the mean EBWL% was 66.8±32.5%. The surgery was also very effective in improving co-morbidities: DM-65.2%, HTN-54.3%, hyperlipidemia-40%. After a follow-up period longer than 4.2 years the failure rate (EBWL<50%) was 53.3%, however, these patients still presented a lower postoperative weight. All the patients who failed underwent LSG. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery is very effective in terms of long term weight loss in the geriatric patient.

Effects of bariatric surgery on male lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual function.

AIM: To investigate the effect of bariatric surgery on male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and sexual function. METHODS: Fifty-five consecutive obese men who underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were prospectively enrolled. Two validated questionnaires, the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were used to assess LUTS and sexual function, before and 3 months after surgery. Fifty-three men (mean age 39 ± 12.5 years) completed all pre and postoperative questionnaires. Mean body mass index (BMI) before and 3 months after surgery was 42.8 ± 5.3 and 31.3 ± 5.4 kg/m2 ; respectively. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 41 (77%) men (mean age 40 ± 12.9, mean BMI 42.2 ± 5 kg/m2 ) had some degree of LUTS and 39 (74%) men (mean age 40.7 ± 12.4, mean BMI 42.8 ± 5.6 kg/m2 ) were sexually active. Postoperatively, the total IPSS score decreased significantly (5.5 ± 4.4 vs. 2.7 ± 2.6; P < 0.001), however this change was due to improvement in storage phase LUTS, measured by questions 2, 4, and 7 of the IPSS questionnaire. No statistically significant changes of voiding phase LUTS, measured by questions 1, 3, 5, 6 of the IPSS, were observed. Of the various aspects of sexual dysfunction, only erectile function, measured by questions 1-5 and 15 of the IIEF questionnaire was significantly improved (22.7 ± 7.2 vs. 26.1 ± 6.5, P = 0.02). Postoperative overall intercourse satisfaction (9.5 ± 4.2 vs. 11.5 ± 3, P = 0.01) and overall satisfaction (7.9 ± 2.5 vs. 8.9 ± 1.3, P = 0.02) were significantly improved as well. CONCLUSION: Male storage phase LUTS and erectile function were significantly and rapidly improved following bariatric surgery. Larger and long-term studies are required to investigate these apparently beneficial effects. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:636-639, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Is bariatric surgery the answer to urinary incontinence in obese women?

AIMS: To investigate the effect of bariatric surgery on female pelvic floor disorders. METHODS: Eighty consecutive obese women who underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were prospectively enrolled. Four validated questionnaires (ICIQ-UI, BFLUTS-SF, PFDI-20, PISQ-12) were used to evaluate pelvic floor symptoms before and 6 months after surgery. Outcome results were analyzed according to the presence of preoperative urinary incontinence (UI), defined as a positive answer to the question "how often do you leak urine?" on the ICIQ-UI questionnaire. RESULTS: Seventy-seven women (age 41.3 ± 11.5 years; parity 1.9 ± 1.6) completed all pre- and postoperative questionnaires. Mean body mass index (BMI) before and 6 months after surgery was 42 ± 4.7 and 33 ± 4.7, respectively. Preoperatively, 29 (37.7%) women (mean age 45.6 ± 11, mean BMI 42.3 ± 5.2) had UI, 17 (59%) of whom had stress urinary incontinence. Surgically induced weight loss was associated with statistically significant improvement in UI and filling symptoms, pelvic organ prolapse and colorectal-anal scores, and condition-specific sexual function and quality of life parameters. Specifically, the total score of the ICIQ-UI questionnaire decreased from 9.28 ± 3.6 preoperatively to 2.9 ± 3.8 postoperatively (P < 0.001), and the urinary score of the PFDI-20 questionnaire decreased from 31.4 ± 17.9 preoperatively to 9.3 ± 12.3 postoperatively (P < 0.001). Furthermore, 15 (51.7%) women reported complete resolution of UI following weight loss. CONCLUSION: Surgically induced weight loss resulted in resolution of UI in up to 52% of preoperatively incontinent women and subsequent improvement in other pelvic floor symptoms. Larger studies with longer follow-up are required to investigate the possible impacts of bariatric surgery on various aspects of pelvic floor function. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:184-187, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[LAPAROSCOPIC SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY IN THE ELDERLY].

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is an independent predictor of mortality, especially among patients suffering from chronic illnesses. Basically, obesity occurs as a result of an imbalance between the amount of food consumed and the energy expenditure of a person. Obesity treatment is aimed at creating a new imbalance of reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure. However, diet consultation and physical exercise have failed in the treatment of the majority of obese individuals. Surgical treatment (i.e. bariatric surgery) is aimed at reducing the amount of calories a patient can consume, and is the best treatment for weight reduction to date, and the only proven treatment for morbidly obese individuals. Despite the fact that bariatric surgery is covered by the medical insurer in Israel, individuals over the age of 65 cannot undergo bariatric surgery only on the basis of their obesity, and it requires the approval of the exceptions committee to enable coverage of the procedure. This review will focus on the prevalence of obesity in the elderly population, and will elaborate on the effect of such treatments in patients over 65 years of age compared to younger counterparts.

Effects of Helicobacter Pylori Colonization/Infection on the Metabolic Profile of Obese Persons Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery for Weight Reduction.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection of the gastric mucosa may be involved in the development of insulin resistance (IR). OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between HP status in stomach biopsies and weight reduction in patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). METHODS: In this retrospective analysis of medical charts, all patients who underwent LSG for weight reduction and had at least 1 year of follow-up were included. HP status was ascertained by two to four biopsies of the removed stomach. RESULTS: The study group comprised 70 patients; their mean age was 45.9 ± 11.9 years and 31.9% were males. Fourteen patients (20%) tested positive for HP colonization in gastric mucosa. HP status was not associated with age or smoking status. No difference was noted in the rate of diabetes mellitus (DM) or hypertension, but patients with HP had lower rates of hyperlipidemia (0 vs. 29 patients, 52%, P < 0.001). Patients lost an average of 10.5 kg/m2 after 12 months of follow-up, and no difference was noted between HP-positive and HP-negative patients. The rate of DM control was also similar between HP-positive and HP-negative patients at baseline (33.3 vs. 29.4, P = NS) and at 12 months of follow-up (70% vs. 50%, P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: HP status was not associated with changes in metabolic profiles and co-morbidity status, or in the efficacy of LSG.

Contour Transtar in true rectal prolapse.

BACKGROUND: A new device, the CCS-30 Contour Transtar, was recently launched for the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of the Contour Transtar in resection of true rectal prolapse in relation to age and concomitant urogynecologic procedures. METHODS: During a 50 (median) month period 15 women with rectal prolapse of ≥ 5 cm and complaints of obstructed defecation underwent perineal resection of rectal prolapse with the Contour Transtar. RESULTS: In 3 of the 15 patients (20%) rectal prolapse recurred. Amelioration of ODS symptoms and improved continence were noted in 82% and 75%, respectively, following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The Contour Transtar procedure for full-thickness rectal prolapse is a safe and promising procedure and is likely suitable for elderly poor risk patients.

Gastric leaks after sleeve gastrectomy: a multicenter experience with 2,834 patients.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) remains under scrutiny as a stand-alone bariatric procedure. The most feared complication after LSG is staple line leak. METHODS: Eight bariatric centers in Israel participated in this study. A retrospective analysis was performed by querying all the LSG cases performed between June 2006 and June 2010. The data collected included patient demographics, anthropometrics, and operative and perioperative parameters. RESULTS: Among the 2,834 patients who underwent LSG, 44 (1.5%) with gastric leaks were identified. Of these 44 patients, 30 (68%) were women. The patients had a mean age of 41.5 years and a body mass index (BMI) of 45.4 kg/m(2). Intraoperative leak tests and routine postoperative swallow studies were performed with 33 patients, and all but one patient (3%) failed to detect the leaks. Leaks were diagnosed at a median of 7 days postoperatively: early (0-2 days) in nine cases (20%), intermediately (3-14 days) in 32 cases (73%), and late (>14 days) in three cases (7%). For 38 patients (86%), there was clinical suspicion, later confirmed by imaging or operative findings. Computed tomography, swallow studies, and methylene blue tests were performed for 37, 21, and 15 patients, respectively, and the results were positive, respectively, for 31 (84%), 11 (50%), and 9 (60%) of these patients. Reoperation was performed for 27 of the patients (61%). Other treatment methods included percutaneous drainage (n = 28, 63.6%), endoscopic placement of stents (n = 11, 25%), clips (n = 1, 2.3%), and fibrin glue (n = 1, 2.3%). In 33 of the patients (75%), the leak site was found in the upper sleeve near the gastroesophageal junction. The median time to leak closure was 40 days (range, 2-270 days), and the overall leak-related mortality rate was 0.14% (4/2,834). CONCLUSION: Gastric leak is the most common cause of major morbidity and mortality after LSG. Routine tests to rule out leaks seem to be superfluous. Rather, selective utilization is recommended. Management options vary, depending mainly on patient disposition. An accepted algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric leak has yet to be proposed.

Does percutaneous cholecystostomy affect prognosis of patients with acute cholecystitis that are unresponsive to conservative treatment?

Background: Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) can be used as bridging or definitive therapy in some cases of acute cholecystitis. We aimed to compare hospital stay and survival of patients that underwent PC insertion because of acute calculus cholecystitis (ACC) compared to those who did not. Methods: This is a retrospective study in which patients with gangrenous cholecystitis and perforation were excluded. Regression models were used to evaluate the influence of PC on mortality and hospital stay. Results: Six hundred and eighty-three patients were admitted because of ACC, and 50 patients were referred to PC. Indication for PC insertion were high disease severity index (DSI, 8 pts) and failure of conservative treatment with total disease duration >7 days (42 pts). Those who underwent PC were older (76.0 ± 12.4 vs. 60.8 ± 19.2, P < 0.001); PC was associated with longer hospital stay (12.8 vs. 6.5 days) and higher one-year mortality (20% vs. 4.9%, P < 0.001). Among patients with non-severe disease severity index (DSI), PC was associated with longer length of hospital stay and higher one-year mortality compared to patients treated conservatively (9.9 ± 0.6 vs. 6.0 ± 0.2 days, and 16.7% vs. 4.0%, respectively, P < 0.001 for both). For patients with severe DSI, PC was associated with similar length of hospital stay and one-year mortality compared to similar patients treated conservatively (16.1 ± 8.1 vs. 18.4 ± 4.0 days, and 37.5% vs. 22.6%, respectively, P = 0.802 and P = 0.389, respectively). Conclusions: In patients with mild-moderate DSI unresponsive to conservative treatment, PC may be associated with deteriorated prognosis compared to conservative treatment. The decision to insert PC in patients unresponsive to conservative therapy even with disease duration >7 days must be re-evaluated.

Keep it Simple, Laboratory Parameters to Predict Complicated Acute Appendicitis in Children Younger Than Five Years.

BACKGROUND: The clinical presentation of acute appendicitis in the youngest age lacks specific signs and symptoms, and it is difficult to obtain an accurate clinical diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is made, it is necessary to determine if the appendicitis is simple and able to be managed non-surgically, or complicated, therefore requiring surgery. Together with the clinical picture and imaging, routine laboratory values play a vital role in this decision. The aim of this study is to evaluate routine blood in their ability to differentiate between complicated and uncomplicated acute appendicitis. METHOD: A retrospective analysis was conducted from a single pediatric surgery department of all children 5 years of age or younger who underwent surgery for acute appendicitis between the years 2010-2020. RESULTS: 728 children were diagnosed with acute appendicitis, and 42 children were under the age of 5 years. There was a significant difference in the C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and platelet/lymphocyte ratio in the complicated group versus the uncomplicated group. The value of these together for prediction complicated appendicitis were 84.8% sensitivity, 80.9% specificity, 82.8% positive predictive value, and 72.8% negative predictive value. These values were all higher than both the Alvarado score and the PAS (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: C-reactive protein, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and platelet/lymphocyte ratio are simple laboratory parameters that can help identify complicated versus uncomplicated appendicitis in children 5 years old or younger. These universal parameters may help guide the treatment and decision to operate on a difficult to diagnose population.

Changes in Serum Creatinine May Cause Hypoglycemia among Non-Critically Ill Patients Admitted to Internal Medicine Units.

Background: The association between changes in serum creatinine levels and hypoglycemia during hospitalization was investigated. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of medical charts. Patients were categorized as having significant change in creatinine (SCIC) when serum creatinine levels rose or dropped ≥ 0.3 mg/dL from admission values at any time during their hospitalization. Patients were considered hypoglycemic if they had at least one documented glucose level ≤ 70 mg/dL during the hospitalization. Multiple logistic, linear and Cox regression analyses were used to ascertain the association between incident SCIC, severity and timing with incident hypoglycemia. Results: Included were 25,400 (mean age 69.9 ± 18.0, 49.3% were males). The rate of SCIC was 22.2%, and 62.2% of them were diagnosed upon admission. Patients with SCIC had a higher incidence of hypoglycemia compared to patients without (13.1% vs. 4.1%, respectively, p < 0.001). Patients with SCIC had an increased risk of hypoglycemia (OR 1.853, 95% CI 1.586−2.166, p < 0.001). The magnitude of SCIC was associated with the incidence (OR 1.316, 95% CI 1.197−1.447, p < 0.001) and the number of events (HR 0.054, 95% CI 0.021−0.087, p = 0.001). More than 60% of patients with hypoglycemia had their first event documented during days 0−6 after SCIC occurrence. Of those, the majority of events occurred on day 0−1, and the rate showed a gradual decrease throughout the first 5 days from SCIC occurrence. The results were similar for patients with and without DM. Conclusions: Changes in creatinine during hospitalization may cause hypoglycemia among patients admitted to internal medicine departments, regardless of DM status.

Perioperative metabolic alkalemia is more frequent than metabolic acidemia in major elective abdominal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence, type and etiology of perioperative metabolic disturbances associated with major abdominal surgery. We hypothesized that metabolic alkalemia is more frequent than metabolic acidemia. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational study, performed in a university-affiliated hospital. 98 consecutive patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were included in the study. Patients were observed by serial vital signs and laboratory measurements during the preoperative, intraoperative, PACU and the first three postoperative day periods. Central venous pressure, systolic pressure variation, fluid input, urine output, temper- ature, electrolytes, and acid-base variables were recorded. The primary endpoint of the study was the incidence of metabolic alkalemia or acidemia. Metabolic alkalemia was defined as pH >7.45 and BE >+3. Metabolic acidemia was defined as pH <7.35 and BE <-3. Continuous variables were described as mean ± standard deviation. Distributions of continuous variables was assessed for normalty using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (cut off at P = 0.01). The frequency of metabolic acidemia or alkalemia was compared across time points using Cochran's Q test and between time points using the binomial distribution. RESULTS: Metabolic acidemia occurred only intraoperatively and in the PACU. Subjects with metabolic acidemia were older, (74 ± 9 yr. vs. 66 ± 12, P = 0.01). Intraoperative body temperature was inversely associated with PACU lactate (P = 0.035). Blood loss >500 mL was more frequent in acidemic patients (42% vs. 19%, P = 0.033). More patients with hyperphosphatemia had acidemia than subjects without hyperphosphatemia (39% vs. 17%, P = 0.019). Metabolic alkalemia occurred more frequently than metabolic acidemia (49% vs. 23%, P < 0.0001) and was correlated with hypochloremia. The incidence of metabolic alkalemia decreased from baseline to intraoperative and PACU periods (13% vs. 3%, P = 0.003) and increased from the PACU to the three postoperative days (3% vs. 45%, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic alkalemia occurred more frequently than metabolic acidemia and occurred mainly preoperatively and postoperatively, while acidemia occurred mainly during surgery and in the PACU.

Associations between body composition and prognosis of patients admitted because of acute pancreatitis: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the possible associations of muscle and visceral fat mass with the prognosis of patients hospitalized with acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Body composition analysis (Sliceomatic, TomoVision, Montreal, Canada) was performed on CT images at the L3 level in patients admitted with acute pancreatitis during 2008-2014. Regression analysis was used to examine associations of body composition with 1-year mortality and 1-year readmission rates. RESULTS: A total of 158 patients were included (mean age 63.7 ± 17.4 years, 91 (57.6%) were male). Fat was the most abundant tissue (408 ± 180 cm2 surface area). None of the prognostic factors examined were associated with 1-year mortality. Values below compared to above the medians for muscle mass and visceral fat were associated with higher mean 1-year readmissions: 1.7 versus 1.0, p = 0.02 and 1.6 versus 1.1, p = 0.09, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed an association of high visceral fat with reduced 1-year readmission (OR 0.995, 95% CI 0.991-1.000, p = 0.03). Linear regression analysis showed an inverse correlation of visceral fat mass with the number of 1-year readmissions (HR -0.004, 95% CI -0.008-000, p = 0.070). CONCLUSIONS: Higher amounts of visceral fat and muscle mass were positively associated with lower recurrent hospitalizations in patients admitted with acute pancreatitis. These results support the importance of nutritional rehabilitation in patients after admission due to acute pancreatitis.