Peritoneal resorption capacity for lipopolysaccharide and interleukin-6 in acute zymosan-induced chemical peritonitis.

AIM: To evaluate peritoneal resorption capacity for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in a model of chemical peritonitis. METHODS: Zymosan peritonitis was induced in anesthetized rats. LPS was injected intraperitoneally to different groups at 4 h (n = 10), 8 h (n = 9), 12 h (n = 9), and 24 h (n = 9) after peritonitis and to a control group (n = 8). Similarly, IL-6 was injected intraperitoneally to different groups at 4 h (n = 9), 8 h (n = 10), 12 h (n = 10), and 24 h (n = 10) after peritonitis, and to a control group (n = 10). Plasma levels of LPS or IL-6 were measured immediately after intraperitoneal injections of LPS or IL-6, respectively, and at 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min later. RESULTS: There was no change over time in plasma LPS levels in the groups receiving LPS intraperitoneally (p = 0.4). There was highly significant change over time in the IL-6 level in the studied time periods in the groups receiving IL-6 intraperitoneally (p < 0.0001). There was an increase in the plasma IL-6 level when sampled at 4 h after peritonitis. CONCLUSION: There was a reduction of resorption capacity of inflamed peritoneum for inflammatory mediators in acute chemical peritonitis.

Camel-related pancreatico-duodenal injuries: a report of three cases and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Human pancreatico-duodenal injuries caused by camels are extremely rare. OBJECTIVE: We report three patients who sustained camel-related pancreatico-duodenal injuries and review the literature on this topic. RESULTS: A 32-year camel caregiver was kicked by a camel which then stepped on his abdomen trying to kill him. The patient's abdomen was soft and lax. CT scan of the abdomen showed free retroperitoneal air. Laparotomy revealed a complete tear of the anterior wall of the second part of duodenum which was primarily repaired. A 40-year camel caregiver was directly kicked into his abdomen by a camel. He developed traumatic pancreatitis which was treated conservatively. A 31-year-old male fell down on his abdomen while riding a camel. Abdominal examination revealed tenderness and guarding. Abdominal CT Scan showed complete transection of the neck of the pancreas which was confirmed by laparotomy. The patient had distal pancreatectomy with preservation of the spleen. All patients were discharged home in good condition. CONCLUSION: These cases demonstrate the misleading presentation of the camel-related pancreatico-duodenal injuries and their unique mechanism of injury.

Trauma research in the United Arab Emirates: reality and vision.

INTRODUCTION: Trauma is a major health problem in the United Arab Emirates, and it is the second leading cause of death. Research can help us find solutions for this problem. We evaluated the published literature on trauma from United Arab Emirates to define research areas which need improvement. METHODS: A MEDLINE search for articles on trauma and injury from the United Arab Emirates covering the period 1960-2005 was performed. The content of articles was studied, classified and summarised. RESULTS: 32 articles were found, of which 18 were published in the last six years. 18 articles were on prevention and epidemiology, ten on clinical management and four on education. The first author was affiliated to the university in 19 articles. There were no articles on pre-hospital care, experimental work, trauma systems, trauma registry or post-hospital rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: There is a need for a strategic plan to support research in areas like pre-hospital care, implementation of trauma systems, trauma registries and post-hospital rehabilitations to reduce the socioeconomic impact of trauma in the United Arab Emirates.