Endoscopic transpapillary stenting for pancreatic fistulas after necrosectomy with necrotizing pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Data concerning the incidence and treatment of pancreatic fistula after necrosectomy in severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis (SAP) are scarce. Our aim was to assess the incidence of pancreatic fistula, and the feasibility and results of endoscopic transpapillary stenting (ETS) in patients with SAP after necrosectomy. METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2012 twenty-nine consecutive patients with SAP and necrosectomy in Oulu University Hospital were enrolled into this study. Five patients died before ETS because of the rapid progress of the disease and were, therefore, excluded. RESULTS: ERP was performed for the remaining 24 patients demonstrating fistula in 22/24 patients (92 %). ETS was successful in 23 patients and the fistula closed in all of them after a median of 82 (2-210) days with acceptable morbidity and no procedure-related mortality. CONCLUSION: All patients after necrosectomy for SAP seem to have internal or external pancreatic fistula. EST aimed at internal drainage of the necrosectomy cavity is a feasible and effective therapy in these patients.

Neurogenic pulmonary edema in patients with nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage: predictors and association with outcome.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is a well-recognized phenomenon after intracranial insult. In this study, we evaluated the predictors for NPE and its association with outcome in patients with intensive care unit-treated nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational clinical study in a university-level intensive care unit. Clinical characteristics, level of consciousness, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score were recorded on admission and the findings of primary head computed tomography were reviewed. A chest radiograph and arterial blood gas analysis were taken serially and NPE was determined as acute bilateral infiltrates in chest radiograph and hypoxemia. Echocardiography and cardiac and inflammatory markers were recorded. The 1-year outcome was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale. RESULTS: NPE developed in 38 (35%) of the 108 patients included. Predictors for NPE were higher APACHE II score (≥20, odds ratio 6.17, P = 0.003) and higher interleukin-6 plasma concentration (>40 pg/mL, odds ratio 5.62, P = 0.003). Of patients with 0, 1, or 2 predictors mentioned above, 4%, 37%, and 65% had NPE, respectively. NPE was associated with a higher 1-year mortality (37% vs 14%, P = 0.007, respectively), but with an unchanged functional outcome after 1 year (Glasgow Outcome Scale score 1-3, 53% vs 51%, P > 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Predictors for NPE are the severity of disease defined by APACHE II scores and higher levels of systemic inflammatory mediators. NPE is associated with a higher 1-year mortality, but not with a poorer 1-year functional outcome.