Effect of single- versus double-layer uterine closure during caesarean section on postmenstrual spotting (2Close): multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled superiority trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether double-layer uterine closure after a first caesarean section (CS) is superior compared with single-layer uterine closure in terms of postmenstrual spotting and niche development in the uterine caesarean scar. DESIGN: Multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled superiority trial. SETTING: Thirty-two hospitals in the Netherlands. POPULATION: A total of 2292 women aged ≥18 years undergoing a first CS were randomly assigned to each procedure (1:1): 1144 women were assigned to single-layer uterine closure and 1148 women were assigned to double-layer uterine closure. METHODS: Single-layer unlocked closure and double-layer unlocked closure, with the second layer imbricating the first. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of days with postmenstrual spotting during one menstrual cycle 9 months after CS. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: perioperative and menstrual characteristics; transvaginal ultrasound measurements. RESULTS: A total of 774 (67.7%) women from the single-layer group and 770 (67.1%) women from the double-layer group were evaluable for the primary outcome, as a result of drop-out and amenorrhoea. The mean number of postmenstrual spotting days was 1.33 (bootstrapped 95% CI 1.12-1.54) after single-layer closure and 1.26 (bootstrapped 95% CI 1.07-1.45) after double-layer closure (adjusted mean difference -0.07, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.22, P = 0.810). The operative time was 3.9 minutes longer (95% CI 3.0-4.9 minutes, P < 0.001) and niche prevalence was 4.7% higher (95% CI 0.7-8.7%, P = 0.022) after double-layer closure. CONCLUSIONS: The superiority of double-layer closure compared with single-layer closure in terms of postmenstrual spotting after a first CS was not shown. Long-term obstetric follow-up of our trial is needed to assess whether uterine caesarean closure guidelines should be adapted. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Double-layer uterine closure is not superior for postmenstrual spotting after a first caesarean; single-layer closure performs slightly better on other outcomes.

Diagnosis and Management of Iron Deficiency in CKD: A Summary of the NICE Guideline Recommendations and Their Rationale.

The UK-based National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has updated its guidance on iron deficiency and anemia management in chronic kidney disease. This report outlines the recommendations regarding iron deficiency and their rationale. Serum ferritin alone or transferrin saturation alone are no longer recommended as diagnostic tests to assess iron deficiency. Red blood cell markers (percentage hypochromic red blood cells, reticulocyte hemoglobin content, or reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent) are better than ferritin level alone at predicting responsiveness to intravenous iron. When red blood cell markers are not available, a combination of transferrin saturation < 20% and ferritin level < 100ng/mL is an alternative. In comparisons of the cost-effectiveness of different iron status testing and treatment strategies, using percentage hypochromic red blood cells > 6% was the most cost-effective strategy for both hemodialysis and nonhemodialysis patients. A trial of oral iron replacement is recommended in people not receiving an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) and not on hemodialysis therapy. For children receiving ESAs, but not treated by hemodialysis, oral iron should be considered. In adults and children receiving ESAs and/or on hemodialysis therapy, intravenous iron should be offered. When giving intravenous iron, high-dose low-frequency administration is recommended. For all children and for adults receiving in-center hemodialysis, low-dose high-frequency administration may be more appropriate.

Liver transplantation in pigs with small-for-size grafts: effect of portocaval shunt.

Small-for-size livers are associated with graft dysfunction, probably due to portal hyperperfusion. Modulation of the recipient portal inflow is a new option in these cases. This article sought to analyze the effect of portocaval shunt in small-for-size liver grafts in pigs. Twelve liver transplants were performed in white pigs. The donors' mean weight was 10 kg and the recipient's mean weight was 34 kg. In all cases a standard technique was utilized. A portocaval shunt was added on the back-table in six cases. One hour after the procedure, the livers were sent for histologic examination. In all six cases without a portocaval shunt, the livers showed hemorrhagic necrosis, which was not observed in any of the six livers with a portocaval shunt. In small-for-size liver grafts in pigs, a portocaval shunt prevents hemorrhagic necrosis.