Suggested Flowchart Through Integrated C-Reactive Protein and White Blood Cell Count Analysis for Screening for Early Complications After Gastric Bypass: a Single-Center Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Early leakage detection following bariatric procedures is crucial, but a standardized evaluation method is lacking. The aim was to validate the potential benefits of postoperative day 1 (POD1) C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and white blood cell (WBC) counts in distinguishing at-risk patients following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) while considering the impact of obesity-related chronic inflammation. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 261 consecutive patients aged 18-65 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 32.5-50 kg/m2 who underwent primary RYGB between 2017 and 2022. Sequential changes in CRP levels and WBC counts measured 48 h preoperatively and on POD1 morning were collected and compared between patients with/without complications and in patients without complications stratified by preoperative CRP levels. RESULTS: Female patients and those with a higher BMI tended to have higher baseline CRP levels, which were positively related to postoperative CRP. Patients experiencing complications had higher WBC counts and a higher prevalence of WBC counts >14,000/µl (77.8% vs. 25.4%; p<0.001) than those without complications. Baseline CRP ≥ 0.3 mg/dl, a longer operative time, and blood loss >10 ml were significantly more common with WBC counts above 14,000/µl; a reasonable range of change in WBC count (∆WBC) derived from its positive correlation to postoperative WBC count (r=0.6695) may serve as a useful complementary indicator. CONCLUSION: An individualized CRP threshold setting and integrated interpretation of the WBC count can be more appropriate than using static criteria for differentiating at-risk patients after RYGB. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and determine their generalizability.

Effectiveness of a preoperative orlistat-based weight management plan and its impact on the results of one-anastomosis gastric bypass: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim was to first investigate the efficacy of a preoperative weight management program centered on orlistat, which is mechanistically similar to gastrointestinal bypass procedures in that it restricts dietary fat absorption, and then assess its impact on the results of one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of consecutive patients aged 20-65 years with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 42.5 kg/m2 who underwent primary OAGB from 2014 to 2020. Eligible patients who adhered to a 10-14 day orlistat regimen as part of a 4-6-week diet/lifestyle modification plan preceding surgery were stratified into weight reduction (Group 1) and weight gain (Group 2) groups post treatment. The correlation between pre- and postoperative weight loss and perioperative outcomes was assessed. RESULTS: Of 62 eligible patients, 55 met the inclusion criteria and complied with treatment; 35 (64%) patients in Group 1 lost a median of 2.0 kg, and Group 2 had a median weight gain of 2.9 kg. Group 1 had a significantly higher initial BMI (48.9 kg/m2 vs. 44.6 kg/m2; p = 0.003), more females (54% vs. 25%) and a shorter operation time than Group 2 (107 min vs. 140 min; p = 0.109). There was no difference in the incidence of 30-day complications. Weight loss did not differ between the groups at 24 months. CONCLUSION: Effective weight control through an orlistat-containing regimen benefitted two-thirds of patients who underwent OAGB; however, further weight loss was not observed at 2 years post-surgery.

Protective effects of statins on the incidence of NAFLD-related decompensated cirrhosis in T2DM.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and poses a significant threat to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic dysregulation. Statins exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antithrombotic effects that target mechanisms underlying NAFLD. However, the protective effects of the different doses, intensities and types of statins on the incidence of NAFLD-related decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC) in patients with T2DM remain unclear. METHODS: This study used the data of patients with T2DM who were non-HBV and non-HCV carriers from a national population database to examine the protective effects of statin use on DLC incidence through propensity score matching. The incidence rate (IR) and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of DLC in patients with T2DM with or without statin use were calculated. RESULTS: A higher cumulative dose and specific types of statins, namely rosuvastatin, pravastatin, atorvastatin, simvastatin and fluvastatin, reduced the risk of DLC in patients with T2DM. Statin use was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of DLC (HR: .65, 95% CI: .61-.70). The optimal daily intensity of statin use with the lowest risk of DLC was .88 defined daily dose (DDD). CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed the protective effects of specific types of statins on DLC risk in patients with T2DM and indicated a dose-response relationship. Additional studies are warranted to understand the specific mechanisms of action of different types of statins and their effect on DLC risk in patients with T2DM.

A Shared Decision-making Process may Affect Bariatric Procedure Selection and Alter Surgical Outcomes: a Single-unit Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: A shared decision-making (SDM) process centered on the patient perspective may increase understanding and treatment satisfaction. This study aimed to investigate whether SDM would increase the acceptance of bariatric/metabolic surgeries, change treatment decisions, and affect 1-year results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis enrolled 315 consecutive patients with a body mass index between 32.5 and 50 kg/m2 and aged 20-65 years who underwent consultation for a primary bariatric/metabolic procedure within 2 years before (pre-SDM) or after (post-SDM) SDM program implementation to assist in the decision to undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) surgery. Consent rate, procedure choice, weight loss, comorbidity remission, etc., were compared between periods and procedures. Statistical tests were two-sided, with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: More eligible patients underwent metabolic/bariatric procedures post-SDM than pre-SDM (115/159 [72%] vs. 106/156 [68%]; p = 0.395), and a stronger preference for RYGB post-SDM was observed (71% vs. 62%; p = 0.153). Significantly more patients with diabetes (28 [34.1%] vs. 5 [15.2%]; p = 0.041) chose RYGB over SG post-SDM. Patients who underwent RYGB had a higher diabetes remission rate both pre-SDM (70.0% vs. 58.3%; p = 0.571) and post-SDM (76.2% vs. 66.7%; p = 0.712) than those who underwent SG. While 1-year weight loss was similar between procedures, adherence to nutritional supplementation did not appear to be broadly enhanced post-SDM. CONCLUSION: SDM influenced procedure selection toward RYGB, which was more popular than SG among patients with diabetes. Higher diabetes remission was achieved with RYGB, although the results of other effects deserve further study.

Successful Implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in a Single-Surgeon Bariatric Practice.

The feasibility and safety of unselectively applying an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in a low-volume bariatric unit were determined. Retrospectively, review patients undergoing bariatric surgeries between 2015 and 2018 were included, and those receiving non-primary procedures or with BMI <32.5 kg/m2 were excluded. Demographics and 30-day outcomes were collected and compared between the ERAS (2017-2018) and control (2015-2016) groups. 62 (40.8%) were treated before and 90 (59.2%) were treated after ERAS. No differences in baseline demographics, except ERAS group had more Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures (58.9% vs. 12.9%). A markedly reduced operation time (101 min vs. 147 min) and shortened length of stay (2.6 days vs. 3.3 days) were observed with no increment of ER visits, readmissions (1.1% vs. 4.8%), or total complications between the groups (5.5% vs. 9.7%). Unselective ERAS implementation in low-volume units is feasible and safe, with significantly reduced operation times and shortened LOS without increased complications.

Factors that Hinder 24-Hour Discharge After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Retrospective Analysis at a Low-Volume Center.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify factors that hinder 24-h patient discharge after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in a low-volume practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients who fulfilled regional criteria and underwent primary LRYGB from 2018 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were discharged on the morning of the first postoperative day (POD1) after meeting the predefined criteria. The assessed outcome measures (POD1 vital signs, laboratory findings, pain scores and nausea/vomiting) and 30-day postoperative complications were compared between the early (stay ≤ 24 h) and delayed (>24 h) groups. RESULTS: For 107 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 48 (44.9%) were discharged within 24 h. There were no differences in the baseline demographics, except that the early group was more likely to have a previous abdominal operation (35.4% vs. 16.9%). Both groups had similar operation durations (89 min vs. 92 min), but the early group had a markedly shortened length of stay (23 (24-22) h vs. 27 (47-26) h). The POD1 parameters were the same between the groups, except that the delay group had a significantly higher visual analog scale score, with fewer patient scores of 0. Patients who were younger and female were more likely to need additional IV analgesics. No POD1 antiemesis was required throughout the study. There was no increase in the 30-day complications. CONCLUSION: Patient discharge at 24 h post-LRYGB is feasible and safe in a low-volume practice. A more comprehensive pain relief strategy may be required before generalizing this approach.

Reappraisal learning curve of laparoscopic Roux-en Y gastric bypass: retrospective results of one hundred and eight cases from a low-volume unit.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to reevaluate the learning curve of laparoscopic Roux-en Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in the modern era while considering a single surgeon's experience. METHODS: From the beginning of our LRYGB practice, all patients who met the regional criteria and underwent primary LRYGB were retrospectively enrolled. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 50 kg/m2 were excluded. Those who underwent surgery in 2016-17, 2018 and 2019 by a single surgeon with 10 + years of laparoscopic experience were assigned to groups A, B and C, respectively. The patient demographics and 30-day outcome data, including the operation time, length of stay (LOS), emergency room visits, readmission, and reoperation, were compared among the groups. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients met the inclusion criteria; 36, 38, and 34 patients were assigned to groups A, B and C, respectively. There were no differences in age, sex distribution or common comorbidities among the groups; however, B had a lower BMI (35.1 kg/m2 vs. 37.0 kg/m2) and a higher rate of hypertension (44.7% vs. 22.2%) than group A. The operation time was markedly reduced (96.1 min and 114.9 min, p < 0.001), and the LOS was shortened (2.2 days and 2.9 days, p < 0.001) in group B compared to group A and remained stationary in group C, with no further reduction in 30-day complications. CONCLUSION: The learning process of LRYGB can be shortened to approximately 30 cases if conducted selectively by experienced laparoscopic surgeons. Further follow-up is required to verify the long-term safety and applicability in other patient subgroups.

The learning curve of one anastomosis gastric bypass and its impact as a preceding procedure to Roux-en Y gastric bypass: initial experience of one hundred and five consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the learning curve of one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB-MGB) at the start of a low volume bariatric unit and analyze its impact as a preceding procedure to Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB). METHODS: From January 2014 to December 2017, all patients who underwent bariatric surgeries in our teaching hospital that were performed by the same surgeon were enrolled. The first 47 patients who underwent OAGB-MGB were assigned to group A. RYGB has been offered as a treatment option since July 2016; thereafter, 26 patients who underwent OAGB-MGB and 32 patients who underwent RYGB at the same time interval were assigned to group B and group C, respectively. Baseline characteristics, perioperative outcomes and percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) up to 12 months postoperatively were collected and analyzed between groups. RESULTS: Compared to the patients in group C, those in groups A and B were older (39.4 yrs. and 42.2 yrs., respectively, vs. 34.2 yrs.; p = 0.021) and predominantly male (48.9 and 73.1%, respectively vs. 40.6%; p = 0.04), and they had a higher body mass index (41.8 kg/m2 and 43.3 kg/m2, respectively vs. 37.7 kg/m2; p = 0.002) and a higher incidence of hypertension (44.7 and 61.5%, respectively vs. 21.9%; p = 0.008). In addition, the operation time was significantly reduced (118.2 min and 115.8 min, respectively vs. 153.1 min; p <  0.001), and the length of stay was shortened (3.0 days and 2.9 days, respectively vs. 3.4 days; p = 0.002) in groups B and C compared to group A. No mortality, conversion or leakage was reported throughout the study period. The 30-day complication rate was decreased in group C compared to groups A and B (0% vs. 6.4 and 7.7%, respectively; p = 0.307). The %TWL at the 12-month follow-up was 36.3, 30.9 and 28.3% for groups A, B and C, respectively (p <  0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study verified the early emergence of a learning curve effect for OAGB-MGB, and the proficiency acquired can be transferred to subsequent practice for RYGB in terms of acceptable operation time and length of stay without an increase in complications.

Trends in diagnostic approaches for pediatric appendicitis: nationwide population-based study.

BACKGROUND: To define the benefits of different methods for diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis in Taiwan, a nationwide cohort study was used for analysis. METHODS: We identified 44,529 patients under 18 years old who had been hospitalized with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis between 2003 and 2012. We analyzed the percentages of cases in which ultrasound (US) and/or computed tomography (CT) were performed and non-perforated and perforated appendicitis were diagnosed for each year. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors for perforated appendicitis. RESULTS: There were more cases of non-perforated appendicitis (N = 32,491) than perforated appendicitis (N = 12,038). The rate of non-perforated cases decreased from 0.068% in 2003 to 0.049% in 2012; perforated cases remained relatively stable at 0.024%~0.023% from 2003 to 2012. The percentage of CT evaluation increased from 3% in 2003 to 20% in 2012; the rates of US or both US and CT evaluations were similar annually. The percentage of neither CT nor US evaluation gradually decreased from 97% in 2003, to 79% in 2012. The odds ratios of a perforated appendix for those patients diagnosed by US, CT, or both US and CT were 1.227 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91, 1.65; p = 0.173), 2.744 (95% CI 2.55, 2.95; p < 0.001), and 5.062 (95% CI = 3.14, 8.17; p < 0.001), respectively, compared to patients who did not receive US or CT. The odd ratios of a perforated appendix for those patients 7-12 and ≤6 years old were 1.756 (95% CI 1.67, 1.84; p < 0.001) and 3.094 (95% CI 2.87, 3.34; p < 0.001), respectively, compared to those 13-18 years old. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that using CT scan as a diagnostic tool for acute appendicitis increased annually; most patients especially those ≤6 years old who received CT evaluation had a greater risk of having perforated appendicitis. We recommend a prompt appendectomy in those pediatric patients with typical clinical symptoms and physical findings for non-complicated appendicitis to avoid the risk of appendiceal perforation.

Therapeutic effectiveness of percutaneous drainage and factors for performing an interval appendectomy in pediatric appendiceal abscess.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we studied the therapeutic effectiveness of percutaneous drainage with antibiotics and the need for an interval appendectomy for treating appendiceal abscess in children with a research-oriented dataset released by the Bureau of National Health Insurance in Taiwan through the Collaboration Center for Health Information Application (CCHIA). METHODS: We identified 1225 patients under 18 years of age who had non-surgical treatment for an appendiceal abscess between 2007 and 2012 in a Taiwan CCHIA dataset. The treatment included percutaneous drainage with antibiotics or antibiotics alone. We also analyzed data of patient's baseline characteristics, outcomes of percutaneous drainage, and indicating factors for performing an interval appendectomy. RESULTS: Totally, 6190 children had an appendiceal abscess, an 1225 patients received non-operative treatment. Of 1225 patients, 150 patients received treatment with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics, 78 had recurrent appendicitis, 185 went on to receive an interval appendectomy, and 10 had postoperative complications after the interval appendectomy. We found that patients treated with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics had a significantly lower rate of recurrent appendicitis (p < 0.05), a significantly smaller chance of receiving an interval appendectomy (p < 0.05), and significantly fewer postoperative complications after the interval appendectomy (p < 0.05) than those without percutaneous drainage treatment. Older children (13 ~ 18 years) patients were found to have a significantly smaller need to receive an interval appendectomy than those who were ≤ 6 years of age (odd ratio (OR) = 2.071, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.34-3.19, p < 0.01), and those who were 7 ~ 12 years old (OR = 1.662, 95 % CI = 1.15-2.41, p < 0.01). In addition, those treated with percutaneous drainage were significantly less indicated to receive an interval appendectomy later (OR = 2.249, 95 % CI = 1.19 ~ 4.26, p < 0.05). In addition, those with recurrent appendicitis had a significantly increased incidence of receiving an interval appendectomy later (OR = 3.231, 95 % CI = 1.95 ~ 5.35, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we used nationwide data to demonstrate therapeutic effectiveness of percutaneous drainage and antibiotics was more beneficial than only antibiotics in treating patients with an appendiceal abscess. We also found three factors that were significantly associated with receiving an interval appendectomy: recurrent appendicitis, being aged ≤ 13 years, and treatment with antibiotics only.

Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in severe traumatic lung injury with respiratory failure.

OBJECTIVES: The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in managing acute respiratory distress syndrome had been accepted. Severe lung injury with respiratory failure is often encountered in trauma patients. We report our experience with the use of ECMO in severe traumatic lung injury. METHODS: Patients with severe traumatic lung injury that met the following criteria were candidates for ECMO: (1) severe hypoxemia, Pao2/fraction of inspired oxygen (1.0) less than 60, and positive end-expiratory pressure greater than 10 cm H2O in spite of vigorous ventilation strategy; (2) irreversible CO2 retention with unstable hemodynamics; and (3) an initial arterial Pao2/fraction of inspired oxygen (1.0) less than 60, where the pulmonary condition and hemodynamics rapidly deteriorated despite vigorous mechanical ventilation strategy. RESULTS: Over 60 months, a total of 19 patients with severe traumatic lung injury who received ECMO management were retrospectively reviewed. The median age was 38 years (25-58 years), the median injury severity score was 29 (25-34), the median admission Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score was 25 (21-36), and the median blood transfusion volume was 5500 mL (3500-13 000). There were 9 venovenous and 10 venoarterial types. The survival rate was 68.4% (13/19). The survivors were younger (30 vs 53 years; 21-39 vs 48-63). There were 6 mortalities (3 pneumonia, 2 coagulopathy, and 1 cardiac rupture with cardiac tamponade). There were 5 of 19 patients with pre-ECMO traumatic brain hemorrhage (3 survived and 2 mortalities). A total of 16 patients received heparinization with 5 mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ECMO may offer an additional treatment modality in severe traumatic lung injury with respiratory failure that is unresponsive to optimal conventional ventilator support. Timely ECMO intervention is of value.

Laparoscopic appendectomy versus open appendectomy in pregnancy: a population-based analysis of maternal outcome.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is the standard treatment of acute appendicitis for the general population; however, there is still some doubt regarding its safety for pregnant patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the maternal outcome of pregnant patients with acute appendicitis following either an open appendectomy (OA) or LA from a population-based database. METHODS: This study is based on the National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients with both ICD-9-CM codes for appendicitis (540.9, 540.0, and 540.1) and pregnancy (V22) in the same admission were considered to have acute appendicitis during pregnancy. These patients were divided into three groups according to the type of treatment: LA, OA, and non-operative treatment. Outcome measures that were compared between the groups included maternal complications such as preterm labor, abortion, and the need of cesarean section. Besides, the differences of medical expenditure and length of hospital stay between the groups were also analyzed. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2010, a total of 859 pregnant women who had acute appendicitis were identified. They had increased risks for preterm labor, abortion, and increased requirement of cesarean section compared to the control group (i.e., those without acute appendicitis). Among the three groups, the non-operated group has the highest risk of preterm labor. Patients who underwent LA did not have any increased risk of maternal complications compared to the OA group. Furthermore, LA patients had shorter hospital stay than OA. CONCLUSION: Compared to non-operative treatment, appendectomy is the preferred treatment for pregnant patients who have acute appendicitis. LA can be performed safely in pregnant patients without bringing additional maternal complications compared to OA.

Sutureless onlay omental patch for the laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Because the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic approaches for the treatment of perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) have been fully recognized, laparoscopic repair of PPU (LPPU) has become a widely accepted procedure. Following closure of a PPU, the rationale to add an omental patch is based on the assumptions that a patch may decrease the possibility of leakage and make the closure more secure. However, one of the often mentioned disadvantages of LPPU is that it requires a significantly longer operating time. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of LPPU with a sutureless onlay omental patch. METHODS: Over 60 months, 43 patients underwent LPPU with sutureless onlay omental patch, and another 64 patients underwent LPPU with sutured omental patch. Patient demographics, operation parameters, and surgical outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: All patients in both groups survived to the end of the study. There were no leaks in either group. The operating time and length of stay in the sutureless onlay omental patch group were significantly shorter than in the sutured omental patch group. CONCLUSIONS: A sutureless onlay omental patch is as safe and effective as a sutured omental patch for the laparoscopic repair of PPU.

Early predictors for tissue healing deficit and leakage in geriatric critically ill patients receiving emergent abdominal surgery: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: As our world ages and the elderly population grows. Surgery on the aged critically ill tend to result in additional morbidity and mortality. We sought to determine early predicting factors that were associated with postoperative leakage and tissue healing deficiency after emergent abdominal surgery in geriatric critically ill patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospectively, geriatric critically ill patients received anticipated, single-stage emergent abdominal surgery via emergency room were enrolled. Patients who received only one definitive surgery during their hospital course were labeled as group A, patients received anticipated one-stage surgery and eventually with postoperative leakage and tissue healing deficiency were labeled as group B. The demographics and parameters were obtained for comparison. RESULT: There were 45 patients in group A, and 34 patients in group B. The mean age is 77.4 ± 6.1 years in Group A and 76.9 ± 8.5 years in Group B, the mean APACHE score was 20.3 ± 7.5 vs. 21.6 ± 7.7. There were no significances in age, gender, comorbidities, and physiological scores. There were significances in the persistent post-operative use of vasopressors and hypoalbuminemia. The 30-day mortality rate was 0% in group A and 38.2% in group B. CONCLUSION: Persistent post operative vasopressor use and hypoalbuminemia are associated with higher rate of morbidity and mortality after emergent abdominal surgery in geriatric critically ill patients. Early recognition is essential for proper management. Further studies are required for a better understanding in identifying risk factors.

Does alcohol intoxication protect patients from severe injury and reduce hospital mortality? The association of alcohol consumption with the severity of injury and survival in trauma patients.

Alcohol-related motor vehicle collisions are a major cause of mortality in trauma patients. This prospective observational study investigated the influence of antecedent alcohol use on outcomes in trauma patients who survived to reach the hospital. From 2005 to 2011, all patients who were older than 18 years and were admitted as a result of motor vehicle crashes were included. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was routinely measured for each patient on admission. Patients were divided into four groups based on their BAC level, which included nondrinking, BAC less than 100, BAC 100 to 200, and BAC 200 mg/dL or greater. Patient demographics, physical status and injury severity on admission, length of hospital stay, and outcome were compared between the groups. Odds ratios of having a severe injury, prolonged hospital stay, and mortality were estimated. Patients with a positive BAC had an increased risk of sustaining craniofacial and thoracoabdominal injuries. Odds ratios of having severe injuries (Injury Severity Score [ISS] 16 or greater) and a prolonged hospital stay were also increased. However, for those patients whose ISS was 16 or greater and who also had a brain injury, risk of fatality was significantly reduced if they were intoxicated (BAC 200 mg/dL or greater) before injury. Alcohol consumption does not protect patients from sustaining severe injuries nor does it shorten the length of hospital stay. However, there were potential survival benefits related to alcohol consumption for patients with brain injuries but not for those without brain injuries. Additional research is required to investigate the mechanism of this association further.

Enhancing autophagy with activated protein C and rapamycin protects against sepsis-induced acute lung injury.

BACKGROUND: Autophagy plays distinct roles in apoptosis and the inflammatory process. Understanding the role of autophagy in sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) may provide new insights into developing novel therapeutic strategies for this group of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulation of autophagy in the septic lung and to use pharmacologic agents to modulate autophagy to study its functional significance. METHODS: Mice were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or a sham operation. At 1 hour after CLP, mice were treated with vehicle, activated protein C (APC), rapamycin, or bafilomycin A1. Mice were humanely killed at 4 or 24 hours after the operation or were observed for ≤ 7 days. RESULTS: CLP induced a systemic inflammatory response and significantly decreased survival. In lung tissue, increased leukocyte infiltration, inflammation, and apoptosis were observed. In contrast, autophagy was suppressed after CLP such that the expression of LC3II, Atg5, and Rab7 were downregulated. Rapamycin activated autophagy, limited the CLP-induced proinflammatory response, and downregulated apoptotic activity after CLP. The administration of APC after CLP had an effect similar to that of rapamycin. Both medications significantly improved survival 7 days after CLP. CONCLUSION: The downregulation of autophagy may lead to systemic inflammation and ALI after sepsis. The direct or indirect modification of autophagy using rapamycin or APC, respectively, resulted in improved survival. Enhancing or restoring autophagy early after sepsis seems to be a potential strategy for the treatment of sepsis-induced ALI.

Trauma during pregnancy: a population-based analysis of maternal outcome.

BACKGROUND: Serious injury during pregnancy is known to cause adverse maternal outcomes. However, the significance of minor injuries in adverse maternal outcomes requires clarification because most injuries sustained during pregnancy are minor ones. METHODS: Two population-based databases (inpatient and ambulatory care) were used to identify pregnant women who had severe (required hospitalization) or minor injuries (required ambulatory care only) prenatally. ICD-9-CM coding was used to categorize the types of prenatal injury and complications during delivery. The patient demographics, types and timing of the injuries, and their association with adverse maternal outcomes were compared among the uninjured, those with minor injury, and those with severe injury. Odds ratios were calculated to estimate the risks of having adverse outcomes in injured pregnant women compared with those who are uninjured. RESULTS: The severely injured women tended to be younger (<20 years old), lived in less urbanized regions, and had lower income levels than those who were uninjured or had minor injury. Motor vehicle crash was the most common mechanism of injury. While minor injuries were associated with preterm labor [odds ratio (OR)=1.25], a severe injury was strongly associated with increased risks of preterm labor, placental abruption, uterine rupture, and maternal death, especially during the third trimester (OR=2.71, 6.12, 7.79, and 20.15, respectively). Injuries away from the trunk could also lead to adverse maternal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma during pregnancy, whether minor or severe, is associated with unfavorable maternal outcomes. Injuries considered minor for the general population are not minor for pregnant women. Therefore, these patients should be monitored carefully.