Changes in Clinical Practice Reduce the Rate of Anastomotic Leakage After Colorectal Resections.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage is a serious clinical problem after colorectal resections and is associated with a significantly increased length of stay, morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of changes in clinical practice on anastomotic leakage rate after colorectal resections. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study based on prospectively collected data. All 894 patients with primary anastomosis after colorectal resection at a tertiary referral center between 2006 and 2013 were analyzed. Changes in clinical practice aiming at reducing the rate of anastomotic leakages were introduced in January 2010 and were characterized by exclusion of perioperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, introduction of intra-operative goal-directed fluid therapy and avoidance of primary anastomoses in emergency resections. The study population was divided into two groups, one treated before and one after the introduction of changes in clinical practice. Groups were compared regarding patient characteristics and incidence of anastomotic leakage. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of anastomotic leakage after colorectal resections decreased from 10.0% (41 of 409) to 4.5% (22 of 485) after changing clinical practice, relative risk 0.45 (95% CI 0.27-0.75, p = 0.002). The adjusted odds ratio was 0.45 (0.26-0.78, p = 0.004). A separate analysis showed a decrease after colon resections from 9.1% (23 of 252) to 4.5% (14 of 310), relative risk 0.49 (0.26-0.94, p = 0.039), and from 11.5% (18 of 157) to 4.6% (8 of 175) after rectal resections, relative risk 0.40 (0.18-0.89, p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Implementing a structured change of clinical practice can significantly reduce the anastomotic leakage rate after colorectal resections. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration number: ACTRN12617001497392.

[Irritant-induced asthma]. / Ärsytyksen aiheuttama astma.

Irritant-induced asthma is a rare disease, usually being caused by an accidental or other exceptionally strong exposure to substances irritating the respiratory passages. High-dose inhaled corticosteroid medication is immediately started at the emergency call service. If severe exposure is suspected, it is important to monitor the patient at least for a couple of days in hospital. Immediately after the acute stage diagnostic investigations are carried out, including a metacholine or histamine challenge test, since demonstration of airway hyperreactivity is of diagnostic and prognostic significance. The asthma may remain permanent.

Influence of sex on propofol metabolism, a pilot study: implications for propofol anesthesia.

PURPOSE: The basis of high intersubject variability of propofol metabolism is unclear. Therefore, we examined the influence of genetic polymorphisms of the key metabolizing enzymes cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) and uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferase 1A9 (UGT1A9), age, and sex on propofol biotransformation in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Plasma concentrations of propofol, 4-hydroxypropofol, and their glucuronides were measured over 20 min in 105 patients after a single intravenous bolus of propofol. Propofol 4-hydroxylation activity, genotypes, and content of CYP2B6 protein in 68 human livers were determined. The common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the CYP2B6 and UGT1A9 genes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Plasma levels of propofol metabolites showed high interindividual variability (range of coefficient of variation 89-128%). This was supported by in vitro data showing similar variability of propofol 4-hydroxylation in liver microsomes and 1.9-fold higher CYP2B6 protein content in the livers from women. No significant relationships were revealed between the SNPs studied and propofol metabolism. However, patients' sex had a pronounced effect on propofol metabolism. Thus, women had higher amounts of propofol glucuronide (1.25-fold; p = 0.03), 4-hydroxypropofol-1-glucuronide (2.1-fold; p = 0.0009), and 4-hydroxypropofol-4-glucuronide (1.7-fold; p = 0.02) as shown by the weight-corrected area under the time-plasma concentration curve of metabolites. Additionally, the sexual dimorphism in 4-hydroxypropofol glucuronidation was prominent in the 35- to 64-year-old subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: No significant effects of CYP2B6 and UGT1A9 SNPs or age on propofol metabolism were revealed in this pilot study, but there was a pronounced effect of sex, a finding that indicates an important factor for the previously described sex difference in systemic clearance of propofol seen.

[Peak expiratory flow monitoring--the basis for diagnosing occupational asthma--guidelines by the Finnish Expert Group on Occupational Lung Diseases]. / Ammattikeuhkosairauksien asiantuntijaryhmän (AKAR) suositus. PEF-työpaikkaseuranta--ammattiastma-diagnostiikan perusta.

Occupational exposures can cause adult-onset asthma. Early diagnosis and early avoidance of further exposure to causative agent improves the prognosis of occupational asthma. Occupational and primary care health services have an important role in the identification of new cases of occupational asthma. For the diagnosis of occupational asthma, serial peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements should be performed in an early stage. Although it requires an effort from the patient, high quality recordings offer the best approach to assess the relationship between workplace exposure and respiratory symptoms. Good guidance and performance of serial PEF measurements in primary care is recommended and is worth the effort.

[Specific challenge tests in occupational asthma--guidelines by the Finnish Expert Group on Occupational Lung Diseases]. / Ammattikeuhkosairauksien asiantuntijaryhmän (AKAR) suositus. Hengitysteiden spesifiset altistuskokeet ammattiastman osoittamisessa.

In a specific inhalation challenge (SIC) test the patient inhales an occupational agent in controlled environment and the subsequent asthmatic reaction is monitored. SIC is considered as the reference standard when confirming the diagnosis of sensitizer-induced occupational asthma. However, SIC is not always needed for the diagnosis; in many cases the causal relationship between an occupational agent and asthma can be shown also with serial peak flow measurements and specific immunologic testing. SIC is invaluable in identifying new occupational airway sensitizers. This is essential for preventing occupational asthma in the future.

Impairment of lung function in asbestos-exposed workers in relation to high-resolution computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the causes of impairment of ventilatory function and diffusing capacity in smoking asbestos-exposed workers (N=590) showing radiological pleural thickenings or pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS: High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and spirometry were performed, and diffusing capacity was measured. The workers were divided into five groups based on the HRCT scoring: pleural disease (N=190), pulmonary fibrosis (N=68), emphysema (N=148), combined fibrosis and emphysema (N=74), and marked adhesions (N=110). The graded lung function impairment was compared between the groups. RESULTS: Moderate impairment of forced expiratory volume in 1 second [odds ratio (OR) 2.72, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.31-5.57] and forced vital capacity (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.05-6.89) was associated with the persons with combined fibrosis and emphysema. Marked impairment of diffusing capacity was associated with the combined fibrosis and emphysema (OR 4.94, 95% CI 2.48-9.77) but not with pleural disease (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.09-0.45) or pulmonary fibrosis (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.08-1.05). For the persons with combined fibrosis and emphysema, the mean fibrosis score did not differ between normal, slightly reduced, or markedly reduced diffusing capacity, but the emphysema score was significantly higher for the patients with marked impairment than for those with normal diffusing capacity (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Different profiles of asbestos- and smoking-induced pulmonary or pleural disease were found. The results indicate that the most important factor determining the degree of functional impairment in smoking asbestos-exposed workers is the presence of pulmonary emphysema.

Sex difference in formation of propofol metabolites: a replication study.

Women recover faster from propofol anaesthesia and have been described to have a higher incidence of awareness during surgery, compared to men - an effect that may be inherent in sex differences in propofol metabolism. In an observational study, 98 ASA I-II patients treated with continuous propofol infusion were recruited. The associations between sex and CYP2B6 and UGT1A9 polymorphisms with dose- and weight-adjusted area under the total plasma level time curves (AUC) for propofol, and its metabolites propofol glucuronide (PG), 4-hydroxypropofol (OHP) and hydroxyl glucuronide metabolites 4-hydroxypropofol-1-O-ß-D-glucuronide (Q1G) and 4-hydroxypropofol-4-O-ß-D-glucuronide (Q4G), were analysed. Significantly higher AUC of PG (1.3 times, p = 0.03), Q1G (2.9 times, p < 0.001), Q4G (2.4 times, p < 0.01) and OHP (4.6 times, p = 0.01) were found in women (n = 53) than in men (n = 45) after intravenous infusion of propofol using target-controlled infusion system. There was, however, no significant impact of gene polymorphisms on propofol biotransformation. The results, which are supported by a previous pilot study using a propofol bolus dose, suggest that, compared to men, more rapid propofol metabolism may occur in women - a factor that may contribute to the mentioned differences in the efficacy of propofol anaesthesia between male and female patients.