Human recombinant growth hormone increases small bowel lengthening after massive small bowel resection in piglets.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Dramatic improvement in small bowel lengthening and in weight gain has been demonstrated in newborn rats treated with human growth hormone (GH) after massive small bowel resection. The aim of this study was to confirm these results in another animal model and to specify the part food intake plays in small bowel lengthening induced by GH. METHODS: Twenty-five piglets underwent laparotomy at day 28 of life. Intestinal length was measured under general anesthesia, and animals had an 80% resection of small bowel, leaving a similar length of jejunum and ileon. There were no perioperative deaths. One animal died 3 days after surgery. Animals were assigned to five groups: (1) S (n = 4): sham, mere laparotomy; (2) GH-S (n = 4): sham and GH treatment (0.1 IU/kg/d subcutaneously); (3) R (n = 7): intestinal resection; (4) GH-R (n = 6); and (5) GH-R AdL (n = 4): intestinal resection and GH treatment. S, GH-R, and GH-R AdL had a free diet; GH-S and GH-R were pair-fed with S and R, respectively. Animals were killed 28 days later. RESULTS: Weight gain was not different in the two nonresected groups (S, 144 +/- 6% of initial weight; GH-S, 150 +/- 3%) and was significantly higher than in the resected groups (R, 67 +/- 28%; GH-R, 74 +/- 16%; GH-R AdL, 55 +/- 16%; NS). GH did not enhance small bowel lengthening in the nonresected groups; S, 41.9 +/- 23% and GH-S, 36.9 +/- 9%, in sharp contrast with the resected groups; R, 28 +/- 9 cm versus GH-R, 96 +/- 39 cm (P = .0008) and versus GH-R AdL, 89 +/- 41 cm (P = .003). Compared with initial length, the increase was R, 16.2 +/- 5%; GH-R, 56.5 +/- 24%; GH-R AdL, 51 +/- 25%. Villus height and diameter, average number of mitosis per field, intestinal muscular layer, wall thickness, and crypt ratio were higher in resected groups than in unresected ones, with no difference observed between resected groups. CONCLUSIONS: GH improves the postoperative intestinal adaptation process after massive small bowel resection in newborn piglets in terms of small bowel lengthening. In contrast to rats, GH did not improve weight gain. In addition, no difference was observed whether animals were on a free or a controlled diet.

Effect of BN 50727 on pathological findings and tissue platelet activating factor levels during ileal ischemia in newborn piglets.

The role of platelet activating factor (PAF), a potent ulcerogen mediator in the digestive tract, is thought to be important in the genesis of necrotizing enterocolitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of PAF in the perpetuation and aggravation of gastrointestinal damage resulting from limited ischemia in the 2-day-old piglet using a natural PAF antagonist (BN 50727). Animals were separated into six groups: U4, controls; S, sham operated animals undergoing laparotomy; I4 and I9, ligation of the mesenteric vessels in the last ileal loop; IT4 and IT9, same procedure together with treatment with BN 50727 (50 mg/kg) orally before and after surgery and intraperitoneally during surgery. Animals were killed at day 4 in groups U4, S, I4 and IT4 and at day 9 in groups I9 and IT9, with histological studies and mediator measurements taken. Macroscopic and histological lesions of intestinal wall in groups I4, I9, IT4 and IT9 were similar to those of human neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis and did not vary according to the absence or the presence of BN 50727 treatment (P = .7, I4 v IT4 and P = .9, I9 v IT9). Peritoneal bands were significantly reduced in treated groups IT4 and IT9 as compared with untreated ones I4 and I9 (P = .003). Mucosal PAF levels in the terminal ileum were higher in group I4 than in groups U4 or I9. In the upper loop, mucosal PAF levels were comparable in all groups. An increase in stool PAF levels was observed only in group I9 (26.4 ng/g v 4.7 ng/g, I9 v U4 + S, P < .05), whereas values comparable to those observed in controls were detected in other groups (I4, 7.2 ng/g; IT4, 4.5 ng/g; IT9, 6.8 ng/g). Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) measurements did not exhibit any difference between groups. Using a PAF antagonist, the role of PAF in the aggravation of intestinal damage after ischemia was not remarkable because treatment did not induce any modifications of parietal intestinal lesions. PAF antagonists appeared to reduce significantly the local peritoneal consequences of local inflammation.

Bacterial translocation, intestinal morphology, and enzyme activities after ileal ischemia in newborn piglets.

Intestinal ischemia was created after a limited laparotomy by ligation of the terminal mesenteric vessels in the last 10 cm of distal ileum in 2-day-old piglets. Five groups (each n = 15) were studied: 1 (unoperated control group, killed on day 4), 2 (sham control with laparotomy, killed on day 4), 3 (ischemia, killed on day 4), 4 (ischemia, killed on day 9), and 5 (unoperated control on day 9, not killed). All animals in groups 1, 2 and 5 survived. Two animals in group 3 and 1 in group 4 died (peritonitis and distal ileal perforation). In animals killed on day 9, less weight gain was observed in group 4 compared to the unoperated controls. Macroscopically, no alteration was found at laparotomy in the animals in group 1, whereas in group 2, 1 animal showed beginning peritonitis and another some degree of peritoneal adhesions in group 3, 1 piglet had an intestinal perforation and 4 had intestinal distention above the ischemic loop. In group 4, 7 animals had dilatation of the upper loops, 4 a complete stricture, and 3 peritonitis with complete necrosis of the distal ileum. Microscopic examination revealed severe lesions of the ischemic area in groups 3 and 4 and mild lesions of the upper loop. The kidney was contaminated by translocation of gram-positive cocci in 36% of cases in group 2. Germ carriage for staphylococci was estimated at 80% in the terminal ileum of animals in group 3 versus 8.3% in group 2. In groups 3 and 4, the translocation rate was 30% in the kidney and 40% in the liver. Low disaccharidase activities were found in ischemic areas in groups 3 and 4, with no difference in activity in the upper loops.

[Pulmonary embolism in adolescents]. / Embolie pulmonaire chez l'adolescente.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism is rare in children, but its incidence is probably underestimated. While its causes are the same as in adults, the role of clotting factor deficiency and oral contraceptive agents has recently been stressed. CASE REPORTS: Case n. 1: A 15 year-old girl was immobilized for an ankle strain. She developed thrombophlebitis of the deep veins of the right leg. The condition was confirmed by Doppler. A phlebogram showed a clot floating in the inferior vena cava. This required the insertion of a clip around it and further thrombectomy. Despite immediate intravenous heparin therapy, the adolescent died of a massive pulmonary embolization. The girl had a congenital antithrombin III deficiency; she was also taking an oral contraceptive. Case n. 2: A 15 year-old suffered from left thoracic pain radiating to the shoulder. Perfusion scintiphotography showed evidence of pulmonary embolism of the left inferior lobe and a phlebogram showed thrombosis of the hypogastric veins. This adolescent was 4 months pregnant. A filter was placed inside the inferior vena cava to permit therapeutic interruption of the pregnancy. The girl was treated with intravenous heparin, followed by antivitamin K with an uneventful course. She suffered from no clotting factor deficiency. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary embolism remains a severe complication of thrombi in the femoral and pelvic veins. It can occur in adolescents, especially those with a congenital clotting factor deficiency, those on oral contraceptives or those who are pregnant.

[Heart volume overload in the rabbit during growth via chronic arteriovenous fistula. Evaluation of an original model]. / Surcharge volumétrique cardiaque chez le lapin en croissance par fistule artério-veineuse chronique. Evaluation d'un modèle original.

A heart volume overload model was developed in male New Zealand rabbit nine weeks old, using femorofemoral or jugulo-carotid fistulae, producing 50% increase of the mean cardiac output. An evaluation was performed after 2 and 11 weeks. It was evaluated by dimensional echocardiogram and doppler system flow measurement at the aorta ring, angiography and right cardiac pressure recording. This hemodynamic analysis was completed by a heart and fistulae histopathological study. In some volume overload cases, an increasing volume index parameter was described. Two weeks later an increase of the cardiac frequency and a dilatation of the aorta ring were observed but the stroke volume remained unchanged. 11 old weeks fistula animals presented similar frequency and stroke volume. So, the heart compensatory mechanisms varied with the age of the rabbit. The right catheter and cardiac angiography were not useful for ventricular volume overload estimation. Histopathological study showed parenchymal changes and alveolo capillary congestion. An increase of the heart weight/body weight ratio was described. When analysed by ultrasound and blood flow measurement, data were similar to those obtained by invasive pressure recordings or by dilution system. An experimental model of overload volume in rabbit with non invasive recording methods (bidimensional ultrasound and doppler system) can be proposed.

Management of abdominal contusion in polytraumatized children.

Management of abdominal contusion in polytraumatized children is based on the conservative treatment of spleen and liver lesions when it is possible. Ultrasonography and CTScan can give a good evaluation of splenic, liver, pancreas or kidney lesions. In some cases, if the haemodynamic conditions are good, a non-operative treatment may be proposed. We report our experience of conservative management of intra abdominal lesions in children, about 91 cases in ten years.

[Development of a safe technique for central venous access in pediatrics. Our experience with 700 percutaneous central catheters]. / Elaboration d'une technique sûre d'accès veineux central en pédiatrie. Notre expérience de 700 cathéters centraux percutanés.

Since 1977, the authors have performed 708 percutaneous catheterizations of superior vena cava in pediatric patients (from premature infant of 15 year old children). The greater part of these catheterizations concerns the internal jugular vein. Subclavian catheterization was rapidly abandoned because it is judged too dangerous in children. The evolution of the quality of materials, and the increasing technical experience of operators, both allowed to enlarge indications of percutaneous catheterization. That suppose a nearly total suppression of mechanical and infectious complications. The analysis of 7 severe vascular injuries in 445 patients made the authors change their technics and apply a very strict method: choice of a frontal access to internal jugular vein; catheterization performed in operating room, under anesthesia; percutaneous puncture with a lew diameter short catheter (external diameter: 9/10 mm); Seldinger technic and radioscopy; silicone catheters with or without a cuff, systematic tunellisation; operators having a very good practice of venous access in children. The analysis of the three last years shows no immediate mechanical complication and very little infections among 263 catheterizations.

[Gastric rupture in children. Apropos of a case]. / Rupture gastrique chez l'enfant. A propos d'un cas.

We report the case of a ten-year-old who sustained a barotrauma during resuscitation that caused rupture of the stomach. Ruptures of the stomach are infrequent occurrences in children. Most cases consist in a tear of the lesser curvature due to excessive pressures being used during face mask ventilation. Clinical features always include gradual development of a pneumoperitoneum with persistence of respiratory distress. The plain film of the abdomen confirms the diagnosis and immediate surgery is required. Various etiologies reported in the literature are reviewed. The need for caution when ventilating and use of age-appropriate equipment is emphasized. Rupture of the stomach should be considered in every patient who develops acute distension of the abdomen while undergoing resuscitation.

[Vascular injuries during percutaneous catheterization of the lower neck in children]. / Plaies vasculaires au décours des cathétérismes per-cutanés par voie cervicale basse chez l'enfant.

Four cases of vascular injuries of subclavian artery in children are reported after 414 percutaneous catheterization between 1980 and 1986. The first case reported is a 2 month old child with a right subclavian aneurysm after punction, witch be treated by a successful resection-anastomosis. Three others children, 12, 13, and 14 years old have been catheterized by a jugular approach for one and by a subclavian approach in the others. In this three cases the diagnosis was made by an important hemothorax requiring a drainage. In one case, the recovery was obtain only by drainage, in the two others a surgical approach was necessary with a suture of the subclavian artery in one and a ligation in the other case. The diagnosis of these vascular lesion is difficult = an hemothorax must be drained quickly and a persistent bleeding require a surgical treatment by a cervical route associated with a cleidotomy for the subclavian control. All catheterization in children must be realized by operator with a good practice and an adapted material. The jugular route must be preferred to the subclavian route in children.

[Endotracheal tube for laryngeal CO2 laser microsurgery. 208 cases]. / Sonde d'intubation pour la microchirurgie laryngée par laser CO2. 208 observations.

To suppress the risk inherent in laryngeal microsurgery performed with a CO2 laser beam, the authors suggest to use a reinforced silicone endotracheal tube, the cuff of which is protected by a silicone plus aluminium powder shield. The resistance of silicone to fire is augmented during laser shots by a nitrogen flow on the upper side of the shield at the rates of 2 l/min in patients breathing air and 30 l/min in patients give oxygen.

[Rectal anaesthesia with diazepam added to ketamine for preschool child (author's transl)]. / L'association kétamine-diazépam par voie rectale en anesthésie pédiatrique.

The authors relate their experience of 61 rectal anesthesias with ketamine (10 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.25-0.5 mg/kg). Rectal anesthesia is well accepted by children who are afraid of percutaneous injection. When ketamine is used alone, they obtained only 76 p. cent good result. When diazepam is associated, good results arise to 95 p. cent. Diazepam added to ketamine allows surface surgery during 10 to 15 minutes.

[Use of head tent for anesthesia of children (author's transl)]. / Intérêt de la tente de tête en anesthésie pédiatrique. Induction et anesthésie de courte durée.

The authors relate their experience of 61 inhalation anesthesia of children from 5 months to 15 years years old. Head-tent is usually employed for intensive care as a method to administrate pure oxygen. Children are often afraid of the face-mask and tolerate head-tent easier. Three different protocols were studied: Nitrous oxide and oxygen mixture at different level (50 p. cent oxygen, 50 p. cent nitrous-oxide; or 30 p. cent oxygen, 70 p. cent nitrous oxide). The authors also used halothan in the inhalated mixture. The rebreathing level of CO2 in the head-tent according to the gas flow was measured. No incident, nor accident are related. This new anesthetic apparatus is easy to use, well accepted by children.

[The advantages and disadvantages of different methods of access to the internal jugular veins (author's transl)]. / Avantages et inconvénients des voies d'abord veineuses jugulaires internes.

The authors have made a critical study of the respective advantages and disadvantages of the various methods of access to the internal jugular vein. These have been classified under 3 headings: frontal access, lateral access and rear access. They outline their experience of the technique described by Boulanger and Delva in 1977. This method of access seems to be favoured on two scores, its simplicity and the absence of immediate serious complications. These encouraging results lead them to advocate this as the technique they would choose especially in urgent cases.