Martius flaps for low rectovaginal fistulae: a systematic review and proportional meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rectovaginal fistulae (RVF) are notoriously challenging to treat. Martius flap (MF) is a technique employed to manage RVF, among various others, with none being universally successful. We aimed to assess the outcomes of RVF managed with MF interposition. METHODS: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis searching for all studies specifically reporting on the outcomes of MF for RVF was performed. The primary objective was the mean success rate, whilst secondary objectives included complications and recurrence. The MedCalc software (version 20.118) was used to conduct proportional meta-analyses of data. Weighted mean values with 95% CI are presented and stratified according to aetiology where possible. RESULTS: Twelve non-randomized (11 retrospective, 1 prospective) studies, assessing 137 MF were included. The mean age of the study population was 42.4 (±15.7), years. There were 44 primary and 93 recurrent RVF. The weighted mean success rate for MF when performed for primary RVF was 91.4% (95% CI: 79.45-98.46; I2 = 32.1%; P = 0.183) and that for recurrent RVF was 77.5% (95% CI: 62.24-89.67; I2 = 58.1%; P = 0.008). The weighted mean complication rate was 29% (95% CI: 8.98-54.68; I2 = 85.4%; P < 0.0001) and the overall recurrence rate was 12.0% (95% CI: 5.03-21.93; I2 = 52.3%; P = 0.021). When purely radiotherapy-induced RVF were evaluated, the mean overall success rate was 94.6% (95% CI: 83.33-99.75; I2 = 0%; P = 0.350). CONCLUSIONS: MF interposition appears to be more effective for primary than recurrent RVF. However, the poor quality of the data limits definitive conclusions being drawn and demands further assessment with randomized studies.

Prehabilitation for general surgery: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Prehabilitation seeks to optimize patient health before surgery to improve outcomes. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted on prehabilitation, however an updated synthesis of this evidence is required across General Surgery to inform potential Supplementary discipline-level protocols. Accordingly, this systematic review of RCTs aimed to evaluate the use of prehabilitation interventions across the discipline of General Surgery. METHODS: This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023403289), and adhered to PRISMA 2020 and SWiM guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE and Ovid Embase were searched to 4 March 2023 for RCTs evaluating prehabilitation interventions within the discipline of General Surgery. After data extraction, risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Quantitative and qualitative data were synthesized and analysed. However, meta-analysis was precluded due to heterogeneity across included studies. RESULTS: From 929 records, 36 RCTs of mostly low risk of bias were included. 17 (47.2%) were from Europe, and 14 (38.9%) North America. 30 (83.3%) investigated cancer populations. 31 (86.1%) investigated physical interventions, finding no significant difference in 16 (51.6%) and significant improvement in 14 (45.2%). Nine (25%) investigated psychological interventions: six (66.7%) found significant improvement, three (33.3%) found no significant difference. Five (13.9%) investigated nutritional interventions, finding no significant difference in three (60%), and significant improvement in two (40%). CONCLUSIONS: Prehabilitation interventions showed mixed levels of effectiveness, and there is insufficient RCT evidence to suggest system-level delivery across General Surgery within standardized protocols. However, given potential benefits and non-inferiority to standard care, they should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Rotational thromboelastometry values across age groups in all trauma patients presenting to a level 1 trauma centre: An observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) values (FIBTEM A5, EXTEM A5 and EXTEM CT) across age groups and assess for a statistical trend; and to determine whether any trend in ROTEM values is affected by severity of injury and packed red blood cells (PRBC) requirement. METHODS: Retrospective observational study at a level 1 trauma centre in Queensland, Australia. A total of 1601 consecutive trauma patients presenting to the ED. ROTEM data described included FIBTEM A5, EXTEM A5 and EXTEM CT. These values are described by age group (≤30 years, 31-45 years, 46-60 years, 61-75 years and >75 years), Injury Severity Score (ISS) category (<12, ≥12, <25 and ≥25) and number of PRBCs transfused in the first 24 h of admission (0 units, 1-4 units, 5-9 units and ≥10 units). RESULTS: The median age of participants was 37 years (interquartile range [IQR] 25-54 years), with 48.2% of patients had severe trauma (ISS >12) and 13.2% receiving at least one unit of PRBC in the first 24 h of admission. Median (IQR) values for FIBTEM A5, EXTEM A5 and EXTEM CT were 13 mm (10-16 mm), 45 mm (40-49 mm) and 62 s (56-71 s), respectively. A test for trend over progressive age groups showed an increase in FIBTEM A5 (P < 0.001) and EXTEM A5 values (P < 0.001) and a decrease in EXTEM CT values (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated a pattern of increasing coagulability, as defined by ROTEM, with increasing age group in trauma patients, even among the severely injured. Further investigation is required to determine the clinical impact of these findings on both the ROTEM-guided management and longitudinal outcomes of these patients and whether an age-specific approach is beneficial.

Incidence and management of gallbladder cancer in cholecystectomy specimens: a 5-year tertiary centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an uncommon, but highly aggressive cancer. Half of these cases are diagnosed pre-operatively, and the remaining cases are discovered incidentally on post-cholecystectomy specimens. There is a significant geographical variability in GBC incidence, with increasing age, female sex, and prolonged duration of cholelithiasis being risk factors for GBC. The primary aim was to define the overall local incidence of GBC incidental GBC and management of these cases. The secondary aim was to determine any pertinent risk factors in our case population. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed on all the cholecystectomy specimens at the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service from 1 January 2016 to 2 December 2021. Data was collected via the electronic medical record. The incidence and management of gallbladder cancers was calculated, and association with body mass index (BMI), smoking status, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was identified. RESULTS: 3904 cholecystectomy specimens were reviewed. GBC was identified in 0.46% of cholecystectomies. 50% of these cases were found incidentally. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting complaint (94.4%). GBC was associated with increased age and BMI and female sex. There was no association between smoking status, diabetes or IBD with an increased incidence of cancer. Tumour staging guided surgical and/or adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: GBC is rare. Patients with symptoms are associated with a poor prognosis. Incidental cancers are common, and negative margin resection based on the T stage of the cancer is the most reliable curative option.

Time to acute general surgical review: a retrospective study in a tertiary referral centre.

BACKGROUND: The Acute Surgical Unit (ASU) is a busy service receiving Emergency Department (ED) referrals for adult and paediatric general surgery care alongside trauma. The ASU model deviates from the traditional on-call model and has been shown to improve efficiency and patient outcomes. The primary aim was to evaluate time to surgical review ED presentation and general surgical referral. Secondary aims were to assess referral numbers, pathology and demographics at our institution. METHODS: A retrospective observational analysis was conducted on all referral times from the ED to the ASU between 1 April and 30 September 2022. Patient demographics, triage and referral times, and diagnoses were collected from the electronic medical record. Time between referral, review and surgical admission were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 2044 referrals were collected during the study period, and 1951 (95.45%) were included for analysis. Average time from ED presentation to surgical referral was 4 hours and 54 min with average time to surgical review from referral taking 40 min. On average, total time from ED presentation to surgical admission was 5 h and 34 min. Trauma Responds took 6 min to review. Colorectal pathology was the most commonly referred disease type. CONCLUSION: The ASU model is efficient and effective within our health service. Overall delays in surgical care may be external to the general surgery unit, or before the patient is made known to the surgical team. Analysis of time to surgical review is a key statistic in the delivery of acute surgical care.

Incidence and management of choledocholithiasis on routine intraoperative cholangiogram: a 5-year tertiary centre experience.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of choledocholithiasis on routine intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) during cholecystectomy is approximately 12%. Cholecystectomy without IOC may lead to undiagnosed choledocholithiasis placing patients at risk of complications such as pancreatitis or cholangitis. This study aims to determine the incidence of choledocholithiasis intraoperatively as well as the associated risk factors and the methods of management. METHODS: A retrospective observational analysis of all laparoscopic cholecystectomies with IOC at the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service from 1 January 2016 to 2 December 2021 was carried out. Patient demographics, operative data and cholangiogram findings were collected from electronic medical systems. RESULTS: A total of 3904 cholecystectomies were carried out over the study period. 3520 (90.1%) had an IOC, and 474 (13.4%) had positive IOC findings. 158 (33.3%) of the cases were managed intraoperatively with hyoscine butylbromide with or without intravenous glucagon followed by biliary tree flushing alone, 183 (38.6%) received transcystic bile duct exploration (TCBDE) with a success rate of 83% and 167 (35.2%) received endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Choledocholithiasis was incidental in 44 (9.28%) patients. CONCLUSION: Incidental choledocholithiasis during routine IOC is not uncommon. Management predominantly includes intraoperative TCBDE or postoperatively via an ERCP. This study has not found reliable preoperative factors to predict choledocholithiasis based on preoperative clinical, radiological and biochemical factors. A small proportion of patients received preoperative endoscopic intervention, and the decision-making process requires further investigation.

Choledocholithiasis: A Review of Management and Outcomes in a Regional Setting.

Background Choledocholithiasis is a common surgical presentation with an incidence of 8% to 16% in symptomatic cholelithiasis. Treatment often requires a multi-stage approach via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), which can prolong the length of stay (LoS) and expose patients to unnecessary risks. A single-stage procedure, such as LC with common bile duct exploration (CBDE), is a safe and effective option that may decrease LoS. This study compares patient outcomes and management in a regional center and aims to identify factors that predict the presence of confirmed choledocholithiasis. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was performed on all patients admitted to Toowoomba Hospital for management of diagnosed or suspected choledocholithiasis from January 2021 to March 2023. Patient demographics, ERCP findings, and operative data were collated. Results A total of 195 patients were identified, including 136 patients undergoing multi-stage management, 34 patients who had an ERCP alone, and 25 patients who underwent single-stage management. Single-stage procedures had an 80% success rate with an average LoS of 3.6 days. Multi-stage procedures had an average LoS of 8.1 days and an ERCP success rate of 93%. Complication rates between ERCP (11.7%) and LC with CBDE (9.7%) were comparable. Time to index ERCP and serum bilirubin level were found to be significantly lower in those with positive index ERCP findings compared to those without. Conclusion Single-stage procedures are a safe way to manage choledocholithiasis and are associated with a reduced LoS when compared to multi-stage management, with comparable efficacy and morbidity rates.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Pregnancy: A Seven-Year Retrospective Study From an Australian Tertiary Center.

Background Cholecystectomy is the second most common non-obstetric indication for surgery during pregnancy; however, there is little recent literature specifically exploring perioperative care approaches, and a paucity of Australian data exists. This study investigates the incidence of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) during pregnancy, peri-operative management, and post-operative outcomes in a single Australian tertiary center. Methods A retrospective analysis of LCs performed on pregnant patients between the ages of 16 and 50 years at a tertiary hospital between 2016 and 2023 was completed. Results Twenty-three patients underwent LC. The median gestational age was 17+4 weeks (4+3-30+6). Cases were performed in all three trimesters, with the majority in the second trimester (n=12, 52.2%). Surgery indications were recurrent biliary colic (n=11, 47.8%), acute cholecystitis (n=8, 34.8%), and gallstone pancreatitis (n=4, 17.4%). Obstetrics and Gynecology (O&G) consultations occurred in 56.5% (n=13) of cases. Fetal heart rate (FHR) was recorded perioperatively in 82.6% (n=19) of cases. Preoperative steroids were given to 40% of eligible patients. An intraoperative cholangiogram was performed in 12 (52.2%) cases, of which eight (66.7%) utilized abdominal shielding. There was no perioperative maternal mortality nor fetal loss. Surgical morbidities were pancreatitis (n=1), bile leak (n=1), and intraoperatively recognized bile duct injury (n=1). Two threatened preterm labors and five (26.3%) preterm deliveries occurred. Conclusion Performing LC in pregnancy does carry a risk of major morbidity; however, there was no mortality or fetal loss across all trimesters. The decision to perform abdominal shielding during an intraoperative cholangiogram should be approached sensitively in a case-by-case manner, given recent paradigm shifts in radiology. A multidisciplinary approach with standardized local perioperative care policies regarding procedures such as O&G consultation, perioperative steroid use, and FHR monitoring is strongly recommended.

Spontaneous Cystogastrostomy: A Natural Response.

Pancreatic pseudocysts are a common complication of pancreatitis. Conservative management and repeat imaging are appropriate to monitor spontaneous regression. However, in some cases, rupture and haemorrhage of pseudocysts can lead to life-threatening events requiring urgent intervention. We present a male patient in his 30s who was presented to the emergency department with severe pancreatitis in the context of alcohol excess. Past medical history included pancreatitis with a small pseudocyst and splenic vein thrombosis for which he was anticoagulated six weeks previously. Computer tomography of the abdomen and pelvis showed an interval increase in his pseudocyst with haemorrhage secondary to a suspected splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. He was admitted for attempted embolisation and observation. Serial imaging demonstrated progression of the pancreatic pseudocyst and then spontaneous interval decompression via a transgastric fistula, leading to a natural cystogastrostomy confirmed on subsequent endoscopy. We discuss the uncommon sequelae of a complication of pancreatitis, and consider the hypotheses related to this rare occurrence, with suggestions for management and follow-up of these patients.

Uptake of breast reconstruction following mastectomy: a Gold Coast experience.

BACKGROUND: The breast reconstruction (BR) rate for women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer management is 18% in Australia. The Australian Access to Breast Reconstruction Collaborative Group recommends that all women should have access to BR. This study presents BR uptake and outcomes from a breast surgical unit. METHODS: A retrospective observational study identified women who had curative mastectomy for breast cancer between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2021. Patient factors and surgical complications were compared between BR and no BR (NBR) patients. RESULTS: Out of 929 women who had a curative mastectomy, 34% underwent reconstruction. Of this, 89% were immediate, and 11% were delayed. Reconstruction increased from 27% (2016) to 35% (2021). During this time, 588 women had a discussion for BR documented at their initial consultation, 58 after initial surgery and 283 were not documented. The rate of discussion prior to mastectomy increased from 38% to 74%. Women who had BR were more likely to be younger, premenopausal and less likely to be diabetic. Complications requiring return to theatre were higher in reconstructed women (13% vs. 7%). Overall, infected seroma, cellulitis requiring intravenous antibiotics and haematoma requiring drainage were comparable between both groups. CONCLUSION: Our unit achieved a reconstruction rate of 34%, which is higher than national and international averages. Open discussion of reconstruction is crucial for women to make an informed decision. Further prospective studies exploring barriers to timely reconstruction will improve uptake of BR surgery and allow prioritization of BR services in Australia.

Omentoplasty to reduce anastomotic leak in colorectal surgery: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leaks (AL) remain a devastating complication following intestinal anastomoses resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Wrapping the anastomosis with omentum may be protective although data are conflicting. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the effect of omentoplasty on colorectal anastomoses. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant articles from inception until August 2021. All randomized controlled trials (RCT) that reported on the use of omentoplasty in colon and rectal surgery were included. The primary outcome was rate of overall AL while secondary outcomes included clinical and radiological AL, overall reoperation and mortality. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled effect size estimates. Sensitivity analyses were also performed. RESULTS: Four RCTs were included capturing 1067 patients. The mean (SD) age of the cohort was 61.5 (±14.8) years. On random effects analysis, omentoplasty reduced rate of overall (OR 0.43, 95% CI = 0.21-0.87, p = 0.02) and clinical AL (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.15-0.81, p = 0.01). However, there was no difference in radiological AL (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.40-1.47, p = 0.42), overall reoperations (OR 0.48, 95% CI = 0.18-1.32, p = 0.16) or mortality (OR 0.52, 95% CI = 0.12 to-2.18, p = 0.37). On sensitivity analysis, assessing rectal anastomoses only, the results for overall AL remained similar (OR 0.28, 95% CI = 0.12-0.61, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Although omentoplasty appears to reduce the rate of overall and clinical AL, the heterogeneity in the data prevents definitive recommendations from being made. Further well-designed trials are needed to investigate this technique.

Trends in publication of general surgery research in Australia, 2000-2020.

BACKGROUND: The significance of evidence-based surgery has resulted in a shift towards producing high-quality surgical research. The aim of this bibliometric analysis was to evaluate trends in publication of general surgery research in Australia from 2000 to 2020. METHODS: General surgery publications including clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews and meta-analyses by Australian-affiliated authors between 2000 and 2020 were extracted from PubMed. Titles, abstracts, journals and authors were independently screened by two investigators and arbitrated by a third. Publication type and area of focus were manually entered. Quality of articles was measured by trends in impact factor (IF) and SCImago Journal Rank (SJR). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data and identify trends. RESULTS: Three hundered and ninety-eight articles met inclusion criteria for this study, with a progressive increase in publications over the study period. RCTs and systematic reviews accounted for 109 and 234 publications, respectively. The median number of authors remained constant (p = 0.060). There was a significant increase in publication of clinical trials and RCTs (p < 0.001) as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses (p < 0.001). The median IF increased from 1.93 to 3.08, whilst median SJR increased from 1.11 to 1.16, equivalent to organic growth of journal IF and SJR over this period. Female authorship significantly increased over time (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a trend towards increased quantity, quality and diversity in Australian general surgery publications, which is indicative of the progression and importance of robust modern surgical research.

Substitution of ROTEM FIBTEM A5 for A10 in trauma: an observational study building a case for more rapid analysis of coagulopathy.

PURPOSE: Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) allows guided blood product resuscitation to correct trauma-induced coagulopathy in bleeding trauma patients. FIBTEM amplitude at 10 min (A10) has been widely used to identify hypofibrinogenaemia; locally a threshold of < 11 mm has guided fibrinogen replacement. Amplitude at 5 min (A5) carries an inherent time advantage. The primary aim was to explore the relationship between FIBTEM A5 and A10 in a trauma. Secondary aim was to investigate the use of A5 as a surrogate for A10 within a fibrinogen-replacement algorithm. METHODS: Retrospective observational cohort study of arrival ROTEM results from 1539 consecutive trauma patients at a Level 1 trauma centre in Australia. Consistency of agreement between FIBTEM A5 and A10 was assessed. A new fibrinogen replacement threshold was developed for A5 using the A5-A10 bias; this was clinically compared to the existing A10 threshold. RESULTS: FIBTEM A5 displayed excellent consistency of agreement with A10. Intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.972 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.969-0.974). Bias of A5 to A10 was - 1.49 (95% CI 1.43-1.56) mm. 19.34% patients met the original local threshold of A10 < 11 mm; 19.28% patients met the new, bias-adjusted threshold of A5 < 10 mm. CONCLUSION: ROTEM FIBTEM A5 reliably predicts A10 in trauma. This further validates use of the A5 result over A10 allowing faster decision-making in time-critical resuscitation of trauma patients. A modification of -1 to the A10 threshold might be appropriate for use with the A5 value in trauma patients.

Intramuscular abdominal hibernoma: case report of a rare tumour and a review of the literature.

Hibernoma is a rare benign tumour that was first described by Merkel in 1906. It arises from remnants of brown fat and has a differential diagnosis of lipoma and liposarcoma. This is a case report of a 31-year-old male with a slow-growing mass in the left flank that produced constant pain radiating to the groin. Computerised tomography localised the mass within the external oblique muscle, which showed some heterogeneity and low attenuation. The mass appeared hypodense to muscle on T1 and hyperdense to muscle on T2 weighted magnetic resonance images. Prominent vascularity of the mass was noted. Finally, the lesion was found to be a 'typical' hibernoma on core-needle biopsy. It was surgically resected with a cuff of muscle. He recovered without complication, and there is no clinical evidence of recurrence at 6 months.

Targeted cryoprecipitate transfusion in severe traumatic haemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Severe traumatic haemorrhage is the leading cause of death in young adults. Trauma Induced Coagulopathy is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon associated with severe traumatic haemorrhage. Fibrinogen is one of the first coagulation factors to become depleted in TIC and evidence suggests that severely injured trauma patients with hypofibrinogenaemia have poor outcomes. It is postulated that early fibrinogen replacement can improve clinical outcomes. This study investigated cryoprecipitate transfusion in hyopfibrinogeneamic trauma patients. METHODS: This retrospective, single center, observational study investigated the use of cryoprecipitate in severely injured trauma patients admitted to an Australian Level I Trauma Centre. The primary outcome was time to administration of cryoprecipitate after identification of hypofibrinogenaemia using ROTEM (FIBTEM A5). Data collected included demographics, ISS, laboratory values of coagulation and blood product usage. RESULTS: 71 patients received cryoprecipitate with a median time of 61 minutes [IQR 37-93] from FIBTEM A5 result to initial cryoprecipitate administration. At 24 hours following admission to ED, Clauss Fibrinogen levels increased by 1.30g/L [IQR 0.45-1.85] and FIBTEM A5 assay increased by 8mm [IQR 3.0-11.3]. Changes in both variables were highly significant (p<0.001) and Clauss Fibrinogen versus FIBTEM A5 values showed moderate to strong correlation (R=0.75-0.80). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that early administration of cryoprecipitate was both feasible and efficacious in fibrinogen replacement in severe traumatic haemorrhage. High-level evidence supporting cryoprecipitate or fibrinogen concentrate replacement with regards to efficacy and feasibility is required to guide future clinical practice. This study provided baseline data to inform the design of further clinical trials investigating fibrinogen replacement in traumatic haemorrhage.

Investigating women with postmenopausal bleeding: The utility of endometrial thickness in transvaginal ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Australian clinical guidelines recommend further investigation in females with postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) and endometrial thickness (ET) of ≥4 mm on transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). However, the literature indicates that an ET of ≥3 mm as an upper limit is a more sensitive predictor of endometrial malignancy (EM) in females with PMB. AIMS: To assess whether Australian guidelines for PMB with an upper limit of 4 mm ET on ultrasound investigation, is sensitive enough for malignancy detection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on tissue results in PMB presentations to the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service between 2011 and 2015. RESULTS: Twenty point nine percent of women with PMB had a malignancy. With an upper limit of 4 mm in ET on ultrasound, malignancy was present in 22% of participants. [Correction added on 10 July 2020, after first online publication: percentage of women with PMB that had a malignancy has been amended to twenty point nine percent.] CONCLUSIONS: A limit of 3 mm for ET in PMB, along with office endometrial biopsy, should be considered to ensure timely diagnoses.

Targeted fibrinogen concentrate use in severe traumatic haemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: Fibrinogen is one of the first coagulation factors to be depleted during traumatic haemorrhage, and evidence suggests hypofibrinogenaemia leads to poor outcomes. A number of fibrinogen replacement products are currently available, with no clear consensus on the ideal product to use in severe traumatic haemorrhage. We hypothesised that it will be possible to rapidly administer fibrinogen concentrate (FC) guided by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) FIBTEM A5 in patients presenting with trauma haemorrhage. METHODS: We examined 36 consecutive patients with trauma admitted to a level 1 trauma centre in Australia who received FC as part of their initial resuscitation. ROTEM analysis was conducted at various time points from emergency department (ED) admission to 48 hours after admission. The primary outcome was time to administration of FC after identification of hypofibrinogenaemia using ROTEM FIBTEM A5. Data were collected on quantity and timing of product transfusion, demographics, Injury Severity Score and laboratory values of coagulation. Spearman rank order correlation was used to determine the correlation between FIBTEM A5 and Clauss fibrinogen (FibC). RESULTS: Thirty-six patients received FC as their initial form of fibrinogen replacement during the study. Patients were hypofibrinogenaemic by both FIBTEM A5 (6 mm) and FibC (1.7 g/L) on presentation to the ED. It took a median of 22 minutes (IQR, 17-30 minutes) from time of a FIBTEM A5 analysis to FC administration. Both parameters increased significantly (P < 0.05) by 24 hours after admission. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that administration of FC represents a rapid and feasible method to replace fibrinogen in severe traumatic haemorrhage. However, the optimal method for replacing fibrinogen in traumatic haemorrhage is controversial and large multicentre randomised controlled trials are needed to provide further evidence. This study provided baseline data to inform the design of further clinical trials investigating fibrinogen replacement in traumatic haemorrhage.

Clinical outcomes and glycaemic responses to different aerobic exercise training intensities in type II diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: To establish if aerobic exercise training is associated with beneficial effects on clinical outcomes and glycaemic profile in people with type II diabetes. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted to identify studies through a search of MEDLINE (1985 to Sept 1, 2016, Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry (1966 to Sept 1, 2016), CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and Science Citation Index. The search strategy included a mix of MeSH and free text terms for related key concepts. Searches were limited to prospective randomized or controlled trials of aerobic exercise training in humans with type II diabetes, aged >18 years, lasting >2 weeks. RESULTS: Our analysis included 27 studies (38 intervention groups) totalling 1372 participants, 737 exercise and 635 from control groups. The studies contain data from 39,435 patient-hours of exercise training. Our analyses showed improvements with exercise in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C%) MD: -0.71%, 95% CI -1.11, -0.31; p value = 0.0005. There were significant moderator effects; for every additional week of exercise HbA1C% reduces between 0.009 and 0.04%, p = 0.002. For those exercising at vigorous intensity peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) increased a further 0.64 and 5.98 ml/kg/min compared to those doing low or moderate intensity activity. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was also improved with exercise MD: -1.02, 95% CI -1.77, -0.28; p value = 0.007; as was fasting serum glucose MD: -12.53 mmol/l, 95% CI -18.94, -6.23; p value <0.0001; and serum MD: -10.39 IU, 95% CI -17.25, -3.53; p value = 0.003. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis support existing guidelines that for those who can tolerate it, exercise at higher intensity may offer superior fitness benefits and longer program duration will optimize reductions in HbA1C%.

Exercise training in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Exercise training induces physical adaptations for heart failure patients with systolic dysfunction but less is known about those patients with preserved ejection fraction. This study's aims were to establish if exercise training produces changes in peak VO2 and related measures, quality of life, general health and diastolic function in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We conducted a MEDLINE search (1985 to September 1, 2015), for exercise based rehabilitation trials in heart failure, using search terms 'exercise training, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, heart failure with  normal ejection fraction, peak VO2 and diastolic heart dysfunction'. Eight intervention studies were included providing a total of 174 exercising subjects and 143 control subjects, a total of 317 participants. Peak VO2 increased by a mean difference (MD) 2.08 mL kg-1 min-1 (95% C.I. 1.51 to 2.65, p<0.00001) in exercise training versus sedentary control, equating to a 17% improvement from baseline. VE/VCO2 slope was not different between groups, MD -3.10 mL kg-1 min-1 (95% C.I. -7.47 to 1.27, p=0.16); maximum heart rate was significantly increased in exercise groups, MD 3.46 bpm (95% C.I. 2.41 to 4.51, p<0.00001); 6 Minute Walk Distance (6MWT) MD 32.1m (95% C.I. 17.2 to 47.1, p<0.0001); diastolic  function; the ratio of early to late filling (E/A ratio) was improved after exercise training MD 0.07 (95% C.I. 0.02 to 0.12, p=0.006); as was filling pressure E/E' ratio MD -2.38 (95% C.I. -3.47 to -1.28, p<0.0001); Deceleration time (DT) MD -13.2 msec (95% C.I. -19.8 to -6.5, p=0.0001); Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) MD -6.77 (95% C.I. -9.70 to -3.84, p<0.00001); Short Form (36) Health Survey MD 11.38 (95% C.I. 5.28 to 17.48, p=0.0003).  In 3222 patient-hours of training, not a single death was directly attributable to exercise. Exercise training appears to effect several health-related improvements in people with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.