Cytoreductive Surgery with Bidirectional Intraoperative Chemotherapy (BDIC) Using Intravenous Ifosfamide Plus Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in Patients with Peritoneal Sarcomatosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal sarcomatosis (PS) is a rare tumor with limited therapeutic options. Bidirectional intraoperative chemotherapy (BDIC) using intravenous ifosfamide and doxorubicin-based hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is an emerging treatment for peritoneal malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with PS who underwent CRS/BDIC using intravenous ifosfamide and HIPEC from January 2017 to July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The last follow-up date was May 2022. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients were included. Overall survival (OS) rates at 6, 12, 24, and 48 months after CRS/BDIC were 93.1%, 89.2%, 81.4%, and 73.3%, respectively. As of May 2022, 6 patients (20.6%) had died, including four (13.8%) with a proven recurrent tumor and two with incomplete tumor resection [completeness of cytoreduction (CC)-2 or CC-3]. Of the 20 patients (68.9%) with CC-0 or CC-1, 7 had locoregional tumor recurrence without distant metastasis, whereas the other 13 were alive with no evidence of recurrent tumor in May 2022. Disease recurrence rates were 15% at 6 months and 35% at 12, 24, and 48 months after CRS/BDIC. Clavien-Dindo class ≥ IIIa complications developed in 9 patients (31.0%) with no deaths. Leukopenia occurred in 5 patients (17.2%) and thrombocytopenia in 12 patients (41.3%); these hematologic abnormalities resolved. A total of 9 (31.0%) patients developed nephrotoxicity; all recovered except one, who progressed to chronic kidney disease. CONCLUSIONS: CRS/BDIC using intravenous ifosfamide and doxorubicin-based HIPEC is a potentially effective treatment for PS and has an acceptable rate of complications.

Tigecycline and Hypoglycemia, When and How?

Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics of hypoglycemia that develop with tigecycline therapy and to review and summarize the current evidence of this uncommonly occurring metabolic adverse effect of tigecycline therapy. Underlying risk factors and potential mechanisms are also discussed. Data source: A 3-phase literature search was performed. In phase 1, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) Library, MEDLINE, and Embase electronic databases were searched for hypoglycemia and tigecycline, published from inception until August 2023. In phase 2, MEDLINE was searched for tigecycline randomized controlled trials and results were manually screened for hypoglycemia. In phase 3, the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System public dashboard was searched for reports on tigecycline and hypoglycemia from June 2005 until July 2023. Study selection and data extraction: Relevant English-language citations and those conducted in humans were considered. Relevance to patient care and clinical practice: Hypoglycemia of various causes is an independent mortality risk. This review raises awareness among clinicians about the possibility of hypoglycemia with tigecycline therapy. Conclusion: Data on tigecycline-related hypoglycemia are scarce. Hypoglycemia may occur at any time during tigecycline therapy and can be severe and persist for days after tigecycline cessation. Renal dysfunction or renal replacement therapy may predispose to severe hypoglycemia during tigecycline therapy. Tigecycline-related hypoglycemia may develop in patients with or without diabetes mellitus and appears independent of insulin or antidiabetic agents. Intravenous dextrose showed efficacy in the restoration of euglycemia. Studies are needed to determine whether tigecycline-related hypoglycemia is iatrogenic or spontaneous.

Direct Acting Oral Anticoagulants Following Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery.

ABSTRACT: Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) vary in bioavailability and sites of absorption in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Data on DOAC use after major GIT surgery are limited. The aim of this case series was to report the impact of surgical resection or bypass of the GIT on rivaroxaban and apixaban peak plasma concentrations. This was a case series of patients who received rivaroxaban or apixaban after GIT surgery, during the period of July 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020. Peak plasma concentrations of rivaroxaban and apixaban were assessed for the expected concentrations. Of the 27 assessed patients, 18 (66.7%) received rivaroxaban, and 9 (33.3%) received apixaban. After rivaroxaban therapy, 4 of 5 patients (80%) who underwent gastrectomy, and 3 of 3 patients (100%) who underwent duodenum and proximal jejunum exclusion had peak plasma concentrations of rivaroxaban lower than the effective range, whereas 11 of 11 patients (100%) who underwent distal bowel or ileostomy had peak rivaroxaban plasma within the effective range. After apixaban therapy, 5 of 6 patients (83.3%) who underwent total or partial gastrectomy achieved effective peak concentrations. All the patients who underwent proximal and distal bowel resection or bypass had peak concentrations of apixaban within the effective range. In conclusion, surgical resection or bypass of the upper GIT could affect DOAC absorption and subsequently peak plasma concentrations. This effect was more observed among rivaroxaban recipients. An injectable anticoagulant or vitamin K antagonist may be preferred if DOAC concentrations cannot be measured after GIT surgery.

Effect of major gastrointestinal tract surgery on the absorption and efficacy of direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been introduced as alternatives to warfarin for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation and for treatment of venous thromboembolism. Many patients undergoing major gastrointestinal resections or bypass receive anticoagulants for various indications, including the treatment of thrombotic complication of surgery and prevention of visceral vessels events recurrence. DOACs have a wide therapeutic range that allows fixed dosing determined based on studies conducted in healthy subjects with normal absorptive capacity. Patients with significantly altered gastrointestinal tracts were not included in the Phase II and III studies that assessed DOAC efficacy and safety. The aim of this article is to review clinical data on DOACs use in patients with major surgical resection or bypass. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched to identify studies and case reports of DOAC use in this population. Prescribing information for the four approved DOACs was also reviewed. The only types of available literature identified were case series and isolated case reports. Patients who underwent major distal intestinal resection were successfully anticoagulated with rivaroxaban, dabigatran was not effective. There is uncertainty about the efficacy of rivaroxaban and dabigatran in patients requiring anticoagulation after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Avoidance of rivaroxaban therapy in patients undergoing gastrectomy is advised Data are lacking regarding anticoagulation using apixaban and edoxaban in patients with major gastrointestinal resection or bypass is lacking. Clinicians should be aware of these limitations when using DOACs in this group of patients.

The incidence of cisplatin nephrotoxicity post hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and cytoreductive surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin is commonly used in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis. Little is known about the nephrotoxic effects of cisplatin use in HIPEC. OBJECTIVES: To report the incidence of nephrotoxicity post-HIPEC using cisplatin 50 mg/m(2) plus doxorubicin 15 mg/m(2). The incidence of hypomagnesemia was investigated as a secondary endpoint. METHODS: This is a retrospective study evaluating patients who received cisplatin with doxorubicin during HIPEC. RIFLE classification was used to assess the development of nephrotoxicity. Variables, such as comorbidities and nephrotoxic medications were obtained. Renal function parameters were also collected, including serum creatinine levels and serum magnesium levels at baseline and at days 3, 7 and 30 after HIPEC. Perioperative urine output (UO) was also recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were identified. Based on the RIFLE classification, two patients (3.7%) developed acute kidney injury (AKI) following HIPEC with cisplatin. One patient met criteria for renal failure and progressed to chronic renal failure. The other patient had renal injury. Comparable mean creatinine levels were observed at baseline and on day 30 following HIPEC (p > 0.05). The incidence of hypomagnesemia increased to 24.5% by day 7 (p = 0.041) and 30.1% by day 30 (p < 0.001) following HIPEC. Low intraoperative UO, angiotensin II receptor antagonist use and hypertension were associated with development of AKI (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nephrotoxicity can complicate HIPEC with cisplatin therapy and that permanent renal dysfunction may rarely occur. More attention to be directed toward monitoring magnesium levels after cisplatin use with HIPEC.

Treatment of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia using ceftolozane-tazobactam-based or colistin-based antibiotic regimens: A multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Ceftolozane-tazobactam is an emerging treatment for severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, limited data support its use in bacteremia treatment. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the treatment of MDR P. aeruginosa bacteremia using ceftolozane- tazobactam-based or colistin-based regimens. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective, cohort, multicentre study included adult patients with MDR P. aeruginosa bacteremia treated with either ceftolozane-tazobactam or colistin, between September 2018 and August 2021, at four hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The primary endpoint was the 30-day risk-adjusted mortality. Secondary endpoints included the 14-day risk of mortality, bacterial eradication, and clinical success. Cox proportional hazards regression and relative risk estimation were used for analysis, as appropriate. RESULTS: In total, 46 patients were included; 17 patients received ceftolozane- tazobactam-based regimen, and 29 received a colistin-based regimen. There was no association with the use of ceftolozane-tazobactam compared to colistin and the 30-day risk-adjusted mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-2.13, P = 0.42). Also, the 14-day risk of mortality and bacterial eradication were not different between the ceftolozane-tazobactam and colistin regimens, HR 2.1, 95% CI 0.42-10.48; P = 0.36; and relative risk (RR) 0.65; 95% CI 0.28-1.52; P = 0.30; respectively. On the other hand, ceftolozane-tazobactam use was associated with higher clinical success than colistin (RR 1.84, 95% CI 1.11-3.06: P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: The risk of mortality of MDR P.aeruginosa bacteremia was similar when treated with ceftolozane-tazobactam-based or colistin-based antimicrobial regimens. A higher clinical success was observed with the ceftolozane- tazobactam-based regimen compared to the colistin-based regimen. .

Effectiveness of ceftazidime-avibactam versus colistin in treating carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae bacteremia.

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial treatments for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) bacteremia are limited, with colistin-based regimens being a primary therapy. Ceftazidime-avibactam is an emerging treatment for various CRE infections. Our study aimed to assess ceftazidime-avibactam effectiveness compared with colistin in patients with CRE bacteremia. METHODS: This retrospective, multi-centre study included adult patients with CRE bacteremia treated with ceftazidime-avibactam or colistin, between September 1, 2017 and December 1, 2020, at two tertiary centres in Saudi Arabia. The risk of 14-day mortality was compared between recipients of ceftazidime-avibactam versus colistin, using Cox multivariable regression, adjusted for Pitt score, Charlson index score, and treatment with chemotherapy and immunosuppressive agents. RESULTS: In total, 61 patients were enrolled; 32 received ceftazidime-avibactam, and 29 received colistin. The adjusted risk for 14-day mortality was lower in the ceftazidime-avibactam group than the colistin group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10-0.99; p = 0.049), while the crude 14-day mortality did not differ between the two antibiotics (HR, 0.59; 95% CI 0.21-1.66; p = 0.32). The clinical success rate was higher with the use of ceftazidime-avibactam versus colistin (46.8% versus 20.4%, respectively; p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Ceftazidime-avibactam was associated with a lower risk of 14-day mortality than colistin in patients with CRE bacteremia.

Association of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Blockers With Severity of COVID-19: A Multicenter, Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Speculations whether treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) predisposes to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or worsens its outcomes. This study assessed the association of ACE-I/ARB therapy with the development of severe COVID-19. METHODS: This multi-center, prospective study enrolled patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and receiving one or more antihypertensive agents to manage either hypertension or cardiovascular disease. ACE-I/ARB therapy associations with severe COVID-19 on the day of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation and in-hospital death on follow-up were tested using a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for age, obesity, and chronic illnesses. The composite outcome of mechanical ventilation and death was examined using the adjusted Cox multivariate regression model. RESULTS: Of 338 enrolled patients, 245 (72.4%) were using ACE-I/ARB on the day of hospital admission, and 197 continued ACE-I/ARB therapy during hospitalization. Ninety-eight (29%) patients had a severe COVID-19, which was not significantly associated with the use of ACE-I/ARB (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.66-2.09; P = .57). Prehospitalization ACE-I/ARB therapy was not associated with ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, or in-hospital death. Continuing ACE-I/ARB therapy during hospitalization was associated with decreased mortality (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.073-0.67; P = .008). ACE-I/ARB use was not associated with developing the composite outcome of mechanical ventilation and in-hospital death (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.51-1.78; P = .87) versus not using ACE-I/ARB. CONCLUSION: Patients with hypertension or cardiovascular diseases receiving ACE-I/ARB therapy are not at increased risk for severe COVID-19 on admission to the hospital. ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and mortality are not associated with ACE-I/ARB therapy. Maintaining ACE-I/ARB therapy during hospitalization for COVID-19 lowers the likelihood of death. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT4357535.

Cutaneous Hyperpigmentation Secondary to High-Dose Tigecycline: A Case Report.

High-dose tigecycline therapy is gaining wide acceptance in treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. There are no reports of cutaneous hyperpigmentation with the use of high-dose tigecycline. Here we report a case of a woman who developed reversible cutaneous hyperpigmentation within 48 h of receiving high-dose tigecycline.

Anti-Factor Xa Levels in Low-weight Surgical Patients Receiving Enoxaparin for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Enoxaparin is indicated for thromboprophylaxis in non-orthopedic surgical patients at a fixed dose of 40 mg daily. According to the US Food and Drug Administration's enoxaparin prescribing information, this dose exposes low-weight patients (males < 57 kg, females < 45 kg) to a higher risk of bleeding. This study aimed to determine the rate of achieving a prophylactic peak anti-factor Xa (AFXa) level in low-weight surgical patients using enoxaparin 30 mg daily. Low-weight patients admitted for abdominopelvic or noncardiac thoracic surgery from May 2018 to May 2019 were prospectively studied. After receiving daily enoxaparin 30 mg, peak AFXa levels were assessed for achieving a prophylactic level (0.2-0.5 IU/mL). In 121 patients, the proportion of achieving a prophylactic peak AFXa level was 66.1%. More females (84.8%) achieved a prophylactic level compared to males (54.7%, P = .001). All out-of-range peak AFXa levels (33.9%) were sub-prophylactic. The median peak AFXa level was lower in males (0.24 [0.1-0.47] IU/mL) than females (0.31 [0.1-0.5] IU/mL; P < .001). On univariate analysis, female sex and weight were associated with achieving a prophylactic peak AFXa level. On multivariate analysis, only female sex was independently associated with an adequate prophylactic AFXa level (odds ratio 3.17, 95% CI: 1.32-11.94; P = .014). Four venous thromboembolism events (3.3%) were observed in patients with sub-prophylactic peak AFXa levels (9.7%). Two-thirds of low-weight surgical patients achieved a prophylactic peak AFXa level using daily enoxaparin 30 mg. This dose is likely to provide adequate thromboprophylaxis in low-weight females.

Inhibition of C-reactive protein in morbidly obese patients after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is considered a low-grade chronic inflammatory condition as reflected by increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Inflammation is emerging as a predictor of cardiovascular disease and it may be a precursor of the metabolic syndrome. Bariatric surgery is commonly performed as a treatment for morbid obesity offering significant reductions in premature myocardial infarction. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a relatively new bariatric procedure that is currently used as a definitive procedure for weight loss. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of sleeve gastrectomy on CRP levels. METHODS: This study is part of an ongoing, prospective, cohort study to evaluate LSG impact on iron indices. CRP levels were compared preoperatively and 6 months after surgery. Similarly, demographics including body mass index and excess weight were also compared at these same study points. Data were analyzed using Student paired t test and Pearson product moment correlation analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-nine morbidly obese patients were included. There was significant decrease in body mass index (BMI) between the preoperative and 6-month period (50.9 +/- 13.2 and 35.1 +/- 6.85, respectively; P < 0.001). Also CRP levels were statistically significantly lower at 6 months after surgery (preoperative 12.3 +/- 7.53 mg/L and postoperative 5.6 +/- 4.2 mg/L. P < 0.0001). The significant weight loss as reflected by change in BMI was correlated with the difference between preoperative and postoperative CRP levels. CONCLUSIONS: Massive weight loss in morbidly obese patients induced by LSG causes a significant decrease in CRP levels, which could reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in these patients.

Does nephrotoxicity develop less frequently when vancomycin is combined with imipenem-cilastatin than with meropenem? A comparative study.

Introduction: Nephrotoxicity is a frequent complication of vancomycin therapy. Experimental studies in different animal species have demonstrated the attenuation of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity with cilastatin administration. This study aimed to evaluate if imipenem-cilastatin attenuates vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity, in patients treated with combinations of vancomycin and carbapenems. Methods: This retrospective, propensity-score matched study was conducted at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh and Jeddah. Nephrotoxicity was compared in patients who received imipenem-cilastatin + vancomycin or meropenem + vancomycin. Patients with no history of renal disease who received imipenem-cilastatin + vancomycin or meropenem + vancomycin for a minimum of 72 h, from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017, were included. Nephrotoxicity was defined according to the RIFLE criteria (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End-stage renal disease) if sustained for least 72 h. Results: A total of 227 patients were included in the analysis, consisting of 121 patients in the imipenem-cilastatin + vancomycin group, and 106 patients in the meropenem + vancomycin group. In the unmatched data set the rate of nephrotoxicity was 8.2% in imipenem-cilastatin + vancomycin group and 20.7% in the meropenem + vancomycin group (p = .007). Logistic regression analysis showed that imipenem-cilastatin + vancomycin therapy was associated with a 56% lower rate of nephrotoxicity compared to meropenem + vancomycin therapy. Propensity-score matching resulted in rates of nephrotoxicity of 6.2% and 17.1% in the imipenem-cilastatin + vancomycin group and the meropenem + vancomycin groups, respectively (p = .034). Conclusion: Vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity developed less frequently when vancomycin was combined with imipenem-cilastatin than when combined with meropenem.

Sirolimus induced dyslipidemia in tacrolimus based vs. tacrolimus free immunosuppressive regimens in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Sirolimus is a potent immunosuppressive drug that has been shown to decrease the incidence of rejection post renal transplantation. Dyslipidemia is a well recognized side effect of sirolimus therapy, which may have an impact on patient survival and post-transplant cardiac morbidity and mortality. It is unknown whether sirolimus-induced dyslipidemia is aggravated by concomitant use of tacrolimus which may also affect lipid profile. To compare sirolimus induced dyslipidemia in tacrolimus based vs. tacrolimus free regimens in renal transplant recipients. MATERIAL/METHODS: Patients who received sirolimus post kidney transplantation for at least nine sequential months were included in our retrospective study. Forty-eight renal transplant recipients were divided into 2 groups based on the immunosuppressive regimen; Group 1 received prednisone, sirolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, while Group 2 received prednisone, sirolimus, mycophanolate mofetil and tacrolimus. Lipid profile was assessed pre-transplantation and at one, three, six and nine months post sirolimus therapy. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant but comparable elevation in total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglycerides with sirolimus therapy. The elevation was evident starting from the first month of sirolimus administration and remained to the ninth month at the end of the follow up period. At first month, mean triglycerides was 2.68 and 2.6 mmol/L (P>0.1) and mean total cholesterol was 6.3 and 5.7 mmol/L in group 1 and 2 (P>0.1); respectively. By the ninth month, triglycerides level was 2.6 and 3.9 mmol/L (P>0.1) while mean total cholesterol level was 6.2 and 6.1 mmol/L (P>0.1) in group 1 and 2 respectively. Lipid-lowering agents and total steroids dose were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia secondary to sirolimus therapy is independent from concomitant tacrolimus use. Lipid-profile should be monitored in all renal transplant recipients receiving sirolimus as early as first month regardless of the immunosuppressive regimen used.

Impact of tigecycline versus imipenem-cilastatin on fibrinogen levels following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): a randomized-controlled study.

The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to compare the effects of tigecycline and imipenem-cilastatin on fibrinogen levels in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Patients were empirically randomized to receive tigecycline or imipenem-cilastatin. Fibrinogen levels were measured in both patient groups on days 1, 3, 5 and 8 of antibiotic therapy and 3 days after antibiotic therapy completion. Twenty patients received tigecycline and 22 patients received imipenem-cilastatin . Patients in the tigecycline group had lower mean fibrinogen levels compared to those in the imipenem-cilastatin group on day 3 (4.1 ± 1.2 vs. 5.9 ± 1.3 g/L; p < 0.001), day 5 (3.7 ± 1.2 vs. 6.5 ± 1.1 g/L; p < 0.001), day 8 (3.5 ± 1.3 vs. 5.8 ± 1.6 g/L; p < 0.001), and day 3 after antibiotic completion (4.1 ± 1.4 vs. 6.1 ± 1.6 g/L; p < 0.001). In conclusion, compared to imipenem-cilastatin, tigecycline was associated with a significant decrease in fibrinogen levels, following CRS and HIPEC.

Incidence of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia with cisplatin plus mitomycin-c versus melphalan in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

INTRODUCTION: Cytopenia after hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) has been reported in non-comparative studies with various chemotherapeutic regimens. This study compared the incidence of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia in patients who underwent CRS/HIPEC and received melphalan or cisplatin plus mitomycin-c (CIS + MMC). METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent CRS/HIPEC at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from March 2011 to March 2017 and received melphalan 60 mg/m2 or CIS 100 mg/m2 combined with MMC 30 mg/m2. Incidences and severity of leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia were compared between groups. RESULTS: This study included 46 patients who received CIS + MMC and 35 patients who received melphalan. The leukopenia incidence was 25.7% in the melphalan group and 17.3% in the CIS + MMC group (P = 0.362), with one patient (2.8%) in the melphalan group developed grade V leukopenia. The number of days to leukocyte nadir was 32.8 days for CIS + MMC group compared to 9.8 days for melphalan group(P = 0.035). Thrombocytopenia occurred at a similar rate in the melphalan (60%) and CIS + MMC (68.8%) groups (P = 0.4). Grade III thrombocytopenia developed in 3.2% and 5% of patients in the melphalan and the CIS + MMC groups, respectively. Neutropenia did not occur in any patient. In multivariate analysis, leukopenia predictors were female gender (P = 0.047) and baseline leukocyte counts (P = 0.029). Baseline platelet count predicted thrombocytopenia (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Melphalan and CIS + MMC regimens were associated with comparable incidences of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Severe leukopenia and severe thrombocytopenia were rare following CRS/HIPEC using both chemotherapy regimens.

Glargine Insulin Use Versus Continuous Regular Insulin in Diabetic Surgical Noncritically Ill Patients Receiving Parenteral Nutrition: Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia is a major complication of parenteral nutrition (PN). Guidelines for hyperglycemia management in noncritically ill patients cite basal insulin administration but do not recommend a regimen. The GLUCOSE-in-PN study aimed to compare the efficacy of glargine insulin versus continuously infused regular insulin in PN (RI-in-PN) to achieve glycemic control in noncritically ill surgical patients with diabetes who were receiving PN. METHODS: This prospective randomized open-label study was conducted at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. Noncritically ill surgical patients with diabetes who were receiving PN were randomized to receive basal glargine insulin or RI-in-PN on day 4 of PN support. Mean blood glucose levels were compared on study days 5-9. The percentages of blood glucose measurements at goal were compared between groups. RESULTS: Sixty-seven PN treatment episodes were analyzed. There were no statistically significant differences in mean glucose levels between groups on any study day ( P > .1). Overall glycemic control rates were 52.24% (glargine insulin) and 47.76% (RI-in-PN; P = .06). A significantly higher percentage of hyperglycemia was observed on day 5 for glargine insulin versus RI-in-PN (22.39% vs 5.97%, P = .0059). Blood glucose measurements indicated 6 hypoglycemic events: 2 for glargine insulin (5.7%) and 4 for RI-in-PN (11.4%; P > .1). CONCLUSION: Both glargine insulin and RI-in-PN are effective basal insulin modalities for blood glucose control in noncritically ill surgical patients with diabetes who are receiving PN. Uncontrolled hyperglycemic events occurred more frequently with glargine insulin, and the rate of hypoglycemia was acceptable for both regimens.

Hypotension following treatment with aerosolized colistin in a patient with multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of a man who developed temporary hypotension after aerosolized colistin administration. CASE SUMMARY: A 62-year-old Arab male was admitted to the intensive care unit for respiratory failure and septic shock. Simultaneous therapy using intravenous and aerosolized colistin was initiated for the management of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A significant but transient drop in blood pressure occurred when aerosolized colistin was introduced. However, when it was stopped, but intravenous administration was continued, no hypotension was observed. Moreover, the combined use of aerosolized amikacin with intravenous colistin did not significantly affect blood pressure. DISCUSSION: It is widely accepted that aerosolization allows safe administration of colistin in the absence of significant systemic adverse effects. However, in our patient, hypotension was observed with aerosolized colistin, but not with the systemic formulation. The lack of adverse effects with administration of aerosolized amikacin in this patient demonstrates the safety of the aerosolization technique. Use of the Naranjo scale indicated a probable relationship between hypotension and aerosolized colistin administration. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggests that hypotension may be induced with administration of aerosolized colistin. Although this effect is rare, clinicians should be aware that hypotension may develop in critically ill patients following aerosolized colistin treatment.

Impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on iron indices: 1 year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been recently introduced as a stand-alone, restrictive bariatric surgery. Theoretically, LSG attenuates micronutrients deficiencies and associated complications that typically observed following malabsorptive procedures. The aim of this study was to assess iron indices and the 1-year incidence of iron deficiency in patients undergoing LSG. METHODS: This was a prospective, cohort study; patients who underwent LSG from June 2007 to April 2008 at our institution were screened for inclusion. Preoperative hemoglobin and iron indices including serum iron, transferrin saturation, ferritin, and soluble transferrin receptor were compared to their levels at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Similarly, vitamin B12 and red blood cell (RBC) folate were analyzed as secondary end points. Weight parameters and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were compared before surgery and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients were included in the study. One year after surgery, there was a significant decrease in the mean body mass index from 47.5 +/- 9.6 to 30.5 +/- 6.5 (P < 0.001). The incidence of iron deficiency was 4.9% at both follow-up time points. Anemia was evident in 4.9% of patients 1 year postoperatively. Significant decrease in the means of the natural logarithm of vitamin B12 and RBC folate were observed as early as 6 months after surgery (P = 0.014; P < 0.005, respectively). The decrease in mean CRP level 12 months postoperatively was statistically significant compared to its preoperative value (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: LSG is an effective procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity and its associated inflammatory state. One year after surgery, development of iron deficiency was insignificant.