A Prospective Observational Study Analyzing the Diagnostic Value of Hepcidin-25 for Anemia in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Iron deficiency (IDA) and chronic disease (ACD) anemia are complications of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Therapeutic modalities in remission and active IBD depend on the type of anemia. This study evaluated the link between hepcidin-25, proinflammatory cytokines, and platelet activation markers as biomarkers of anemia and inflammation in active IBD and remission. This prospective observational study included 62 patients with IBD (49 with ulcerative colitis and 13 with Crohn's) and anemia. Patients were divided into Group I (no or minimal endoscopic signs of disease activity and IDA), Group II (moderate and major endoscopic signs of disease activity and mild ACD), and Control group (10 patients with IBD in remission, without anemia). We assessed the difference among groups in the levels of CRP, hemoglobin (Hgb), serum iron, ferritin, hepcidin-25, interleukins, TNF-α, IFN-γ, soluble CD40 ligand, and sP-selectin. Hepcidin-25 levels were significantly higher in Group II versus Group I (11.93 vs. 4.48 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Ferritin and CRP values showed similar patterns in IBD patients: significantly higher levels were observed in Group II (47.5 ng/mL and 13.68 mg/L) than in Group I (11.0 ng/mL and 3.39 mg/L) (p < 0.001). In Group II, hepcidin-25 was positively correlated with ferritin (ρ = 0.725, p < 0.001) and CRP (ρ = 0.502, p = 0.003). Ferritin was an independent variable influencing hepcidin-25 concentration in IBD patients, regardless of disease activity and severity of anemia. IBD hepcidin-25 best correlates with ferritin, and both parameters reflected inflammation extent and IBD activity.

ESPEN practical guideline on clinical nutrition in acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Both acute and chronic pancreatitis are frequent diseases of the pancreas, which, despite being of benign nature, are related to a significant risk of malnutrition and may require nutritional support. Acute necrotizing pancreatitis is encountered in 20 % of patients with acute pancreatitis, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and may require artificial nutrition by enteral or parenteral route, as well as additional endoscopic, radiological or surgical interventions. Chronic pancreatitis represents a chronic inflammation of the pancreatic gland with development of fibrosis. Abdominal pain leading to decreased oral intake, as well as exocrine and endocrine failure are frequent complications of the disease. All of the above represent risk factors related to malnutrition. Therefore, patients with chronic pancreatitis should be considered at risk, screened and supplemented accordingly. Moreover, osteoporosis and increased facture risk should be acknowledged in patients with chronic pancreatitis, and preventive measures should be considered.

Interplay between chronic hepatitis B and atherosclerosis: Innovative perspectives and theories.

Elaboration of carotid atherosclerosis in the setting of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection should emphasize the significance of extrahepatic manifestations of the infection pathogenesis. Diverse processes comprise the pathoevolution of HBV infection, rendering it a multi-systemic disease in its essence. Our work not only exemplified atherosclerosis as an often-underestimated contributor to the severity of HBV infection but has also highlighted the bidirectional relationship between the two. Therefore, it is suggested that HBV-induced inflammation is one of the root causes of atherosclerosis, which in turn has a consequent effect on the severity of the chronic infection disease state, creating a vicious cycle. Additionally, we coupled prior data with the current concepts of HBV infection to postulate intriguing perspectives and theories.

Updates on Wound Infiltration Use for Postoperative Pain Management: A Narrative Review.

Local anesthetic wound infiltration (WI) provides anesthesia for minor surgical procedures and improves postoperative analgesia as part of multimodal analgesia after general or regional anesthesia. Although pre-incisional block is preferable, in practice WI is usually done at the end of surgery. WI performed as a continuous modality reduces analgesics, prolongs the duration of analgesia, and enhances the patient's mobilization in some cases. WI benefits are documented in open abdominal surgeries (Caesarean section, colorectal surgery, abdominal hysterectomy, herniorrhaphy), laparoscopic cholecystectomy, oncological breast surgeries, laminectomy, hallux valgus surgery, and radical prostatectomy. Surgical site infiltration requires knowledge of anatomy and the pain origin for a procedure, systematic extensive infiltration of local anesthetic in various tissue planes under direct visualization before wound closure or subcutaneously along the incision. Because the incidence of local anesthetic systemic toxicity is 11% after subcutaneous WI, appropriate local anesthetic dosing is crucial. The risk of wound infection is related to the infection incidence after each particular surgery. For WI to fully meet patient and physician expectations, mastery of the technique, patient education, appropriate local anesthetic dosing and management of the surgical wound with "aseptic, non-touch" technique are needed.

ESPEN guideline on clinical nutrition in acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Both acute and chronic pancreatitis are frequent diseases of the pancreas, which, despite being of benign nature, are related to a significant risk of malnutrition and may require nutritional support. Acute necrotizing pancreatitis is encountered in 20% of patients with acute pancreatitis, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and may require artificial nutrition by enteral or parenteral route, as well as additional endoscopic, radiological or surgical interventions. Chronic pancreatitis represents a chronic inflammation of the pancreatic gland with development of fibrosis. Abdominal pain leading to decreased oral intake, as well as exocrine and endocrine failure are frequent complications of the disease. All of the above represent risk factors related to malnutrition. Therefore, patients with chronic pancreatitis should be considered at risk, screened and supplemented accordingly. Moreover, osteoporosis and increased facture risk should be acknowledged in patients with chronic pancreatitis, and preventive measures should be considered.

Management of (Peri)Pancreatic Collections in Acute Pancreatitis.

The development of (peri)pancreatic fluid collections are frequent local complications in acute pancreatitis. These collections are classified as early (acute peripancreatic fluid collection or acute necrotic collection) or late (walled-off necrosis or pseudocyst). The majority of pancreatic fluid collections resolve spontaneously and do not require intervention. However, infection may require intervention. Interventions may include endoscopic or percutaneous catheter drainage, or in a next step endoscopic or surgical necrosectomy, minimally invasive or open. The best timing for the first intervention is still under investigation. Whereas some use antibiotics to postpone intervention until the stage of walled-off necrosis, others drain earlier. Endoscopic drainage of (peri)pancreatic fluid collections is now the preferred approach of drainage due to reduced morbidity as compared to surgical or percutaneous drainage. However, each collection must be treated according to a tailored approach. The final treatment should take into consideration anatomic characteristics, patient preference, comorbidity profile of the patient, and physician discretion. This review summarizes the current evidence on the treatment of (peri)pancreatic fluid collections.

Interventional Treatment of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome during Severe Acute Pancreatitis: Current Status and Historical Perspective.

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a marker of severe disease. It occurs as combination of inflammation of retroperitoneum, visceral edema, ascites, acute peripancreatic fluid collections, paralytic ileus, and aggressive fluid resuscitation. The frequency of ACS in SAP may be rising due to more aggressive fluid resuscitation, a trend towards conservative treatment, and attempts to use a minimally invasive approach. There remains uncertainty about the most appropriate surgical technique for the treatment of ACS in SAP. Some unresolved questions remain including medical treatment, indications, timing, and interventional techniques. This review will focus on interventional treatment of this serious condition. First line therapy is conservative treatment aiming to decrease IAP and to restore organ dysfunction. If nonoperative measures are not effective, early abdominal decompression is mandatory. Midline laparostomy seems to be method of choice. Since it carries significant morbidity we need randomized studies to establish firm advantages over other described techniques. After ACS resolves efforts should be made to achieve early primary fascia closure. Additional data are necessary to resolve uncertainties regarding ideal timing and indication for operative treatment.

Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the duodenum and pancreas: A case report and review of the literature.

Introduction: The extramedullary plasmacytomas (EMPs) are rare tumors of plasma cell disorders which are rarely found in the duodenum. We presented a case of solitary EMPs involving the duodenum and pancreas successfully treated by surgical resection after failure of chemotherapy. Case Report: A 55-year-old female with previously diagnosed solitary EMP of the duodenum was admitted to our institution after failure of three cycles of vincristine, adriablastine, dexamethasone (VAD) chemotherapy regimen with an upper gastrointestinal obstruction. On admission computed tomography of the abdomen showed tumor in the region of the second part of duodenum and uncinate process of the pancreas with a complete duodenal obstruction. Intraoperatively a tumor formation was in the region of the second duodenal part, originated from the wall of duodenum with the total diameter of 7 x 5 cm, covering the entire circumference of duodenal wall leaded to a narrowing of duodenal lumen to the thigh gap with an upper gastrointestinal obstruction. Infiltration in the head of the pancreas and uncinate process were also found. The Whipple's procedure was performed but postoperative course was complicated by rapidly refilling chylous ascites which was resolved 4 days after the surgery. Conclusion: Each patient with gastrointestinal EMPs should be considered separately and in timely manner, thus adequate treatment could provide local disease control.

Influence of open surgical and endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair on clot quality assessed by ROTEM® test.

Introduction/Aim: The disturbances in hemostasis are often in open surgical repair (OR) and endovascular repair (EVAR) of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). These changes may influence the perioperative and early postoperative period inducing serious complications. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of OR and EVAR of AAA on clot quality assessed by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) tests. Methods: The study included 40 patients who underwent elective AAA surgery and were devided into two groups (the OR and the EVAR group - 20 patients in each group). The ROTEM ® test was performed in 4 points: point 1 - 10 min before starting anesthesia in both groups; point 2 - 10 min after aortic clapming in the OR group and 10 min after the stent-graft trunk release in the EVAR group; point 3 - 10 min after the releasing of aortic clamp in the OR group and 10 min after stentgraft placement and releasing the femoral clamp in the EVAR group; point 4 - one hour after the procedure in both groups. Three ROTEM® tests were performed as: extrinsically activated assay with tissue factor (EXTEM), intrinsically activated test using kaolin (INTEM), and extrinsically activated test with tissue factor and the platelet inhibitor cytochalasin D (FIBTEM). All tests included the assessment of the maximum clot firmness (MCF) and the platelet component of clot strength was presented as maximal clot elasticity (MCE). Results: No significant difference in age, gender and diameter of AAA between groups was found. The time required for the procedure was significantly longer and loss of blood was greater in the OR group than in the EVAR group (p < 0.001). The significant deviation of MCF values in EXTEM test was found mainly in the point 3 (p ≤ 0.004) with significant difference between groups (p < 0.001). A significant difference of MCF values in INTEM test between groups was found in the points 3 and 4 (p < 0.001), which were dose-dependent by heparin sulfate. The MCF values in FIBTEM test were more prominent in the OR group than in the EVAR group without significant difference. The significant changes of MCF values in the FIBTEM test were found during time in both groups (p < 0.001). The values of MCE were lower in both groups, but without significant changes and difference between groups (p = 0.105). Conclusion: The disorders of hemostatic parameters assessed by ROTEM® tests are present in both the OR and the EVAR groups being more prominent in OR of AAA. Vigilant monitoring of hemostatic parameters evaluated by ROTEM® tests could help in administration of the adequate and target therapy in patients who underwent EVAR or OR of AAA.

Relationship between of short-course preoperative radiotherapy and serum albumin level and postoperative complications in rectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The identification of risk factors could play a role in improving early postoperative outcome for rectal cancer surgery patients. The air of this s5udy was to determine the relationship between short-course preoperative radiotherapy (RT), serum albumin level and the development of postoperative complications in patients after anterior rectal resection due to rectal cancer without creation of diverting stoma. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with histopathologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the rectum with the clinical stage of T2-T4 operated on between 2007 and 2012. All the patients underwent open anterior rectal resection without diverting stoma creation. Preoperative serum albumin was measured in each patient. Tumor location was noted intraoperatively as the distance between the inferior tumor margin and anal verge. Tumor size was measured and noted by the pathologist who assessed specimens. Some of the patients received short-course preoperative RT, and some did not. The patients were divided into two groups (group 1 with short-course preoperative RT, group 2 without short-course preoperative RT). Postoperative complications included clinically apparent anastomotic leakage, wound infection, diffuse peritonitis and pneumonia. They were compared between the groups, in relation to preoperative serum albumin level, patient age, tumor size and location. RESULTS: The study included 107 patients (51 in the group 1 and 56 in the group 2). There were no significant difference in age (p = 0.95), gender (p = 0.12) and tumor distance from anal verge (p = 0.53). The size of rectal carcinoma was significantly higher in the group 1 than in the group 2 (51.37 +/- 12.04 mm vs. 45.57 +/- 9.81 mm, respectively; p = 0.007). The preoperative serum albumin level was significantly lower in the group 1 than in the group 2 (34.80 +/- 2.85 g/L vs. 37.55 +/- 2.74 g/L, respectively; p < 0.001). A significant correlation between the tumor size and the serum albumin level was found (p = 0.042). Overall, postoperative complications were observed in 13 (25.5%) patients in the group 1 and in 10 (17.8%) patients in the group 2 without significant difference between the groups (p = 0.18). A significantly lower level of serum albumin was found in patients with postoperative complications and in those who died. A significant difference in anastomotic leakage occurrence between groups was found (p = 0.039). Male gender and the lower level of serum albumin were significant predictors for anastomotic leakage occurrence (p = 0.05 and p = 0.002, respectively), but preoperative RT had no significant impact on it. CONCLUSIONS: A lower serum albumin level, but not short-course of preoperative RT, was significantly associated with postoperative complications development after rectal resection with' out diverting stoma.

Visceral hybrid reconstruction of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm after open repair of type A aortic dissection by the Bentall procedure with the elephant trunk technique--a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of chronic type B dissection and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) remaining after the emergency reconstruction of the ascending thoracic aorta and aortic arch for acute type A dissection represents one of the major surgical challenges. Complications of chronic type B dissection are aneurysmal formation and rupture of an aortic aneurysm with a high mortality rate. We presented a case of visceral hybrid reconstruction of TAAA secondary to chronic dissection type B after the Bentall procedure with the 'elephant trunk' technique due to acute type A aortic dissection in a high-risk patient. CASE REPORT: A 62 year-old woman was admitted to our institution for reconstruction of Crawford type I TAAA secondary to chronic dissection. The patient had had an acute type A aortic dissection 3 years before and undergone reconstruction by the Bentall procedure with the 'elephant trunk' technique with valve replacement. On admission the patient had coronary artery disease (myocardial infarction, two times in the past 3 years), congestive heart disease with ejection fraction of 25% and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. On computed tomography (CT) of the aorta TAAA was revealed with a maximum diameter of 93 mm in the descending thoracic aorta secondary to chronic dissection. All the visceral arteries originated from the true lumen with exception of the celiac artery (CA), and the end of chronic dissection was below the origin of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The patient was operated on using surgical visceral reconstruction of the SMA, CA and the right renal artery (RRA) as the first procedure. Postoperative course was without complications. Endovascular TAAA reconstruction was performed as the second procedure one month later, when the 'elephant trunk' was used as the proximal landing zone for the endograft, and distal landing zone was the level of origin of the RRA. Postoperatively, the patient had no neurological deficit and renal, liver function and functions of the other abdominal organs were normal. Control CT after 6 months showed full exclusion of the aneurysm from the systemic circulation without endoleak and good flow through visceral anastomosis. CONCLUSION: In patients with comorbidities, like in the presented case, visceral hybrid reconstruction of chronic dissection type B with TAAA could be the treatment of choice.

Traumatic mesenteric pseudocyst.

INTRODUCTION: Mesenteric pseudocysts have rarely been described in literature. They belong to a group of mesenteric cysts that are very rare intra-abdominal pathology regardless of the origin. The diagnosis is often difficult to make, because of the diversity of clinical symptoms. The definitive histopathological diagnosis determines the origin and further course of treatment. CASE REPORT: We reported a patient with post-traumatic mesenteric pseudocyst. It was localised on the mesenteric side, in the direct contact with the small intestine. We surgically removed the pseudocyst along with a part of the small intestine with success. The patient's recovery was eventless, with no complications. CONCLUSION: Only by complete cyst removal, the definitive, accurate histopathological diagnosis and classification can be made.

A 60-year expirience in the treatment of pancreatic insulinoma in the Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Insulinomas are rare benign tumors in the most cases and the most frequent endocrine tumors of the pancreas. A wide spectrum of clinical manifestations in patients with insulinoma is the reason for difficult recognition of the disease with a long period of time between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis. Diagnostic procedures include Whipple's triad, 72-hour fast test and topographic assessment. The only currative therapy for patients with insulinoma is operative treatment. METHODS: This retrospective study included 42 patients with diagnosis of insulinoma treated in our institution in a 60-year period. In all the patients a demographic and clinical data, types of biochemical methods for diagnosis, and diagnostic procedures for insulinoma localization were analyzed. Tumor size and localization, surgical procedures, postoperative complications and outcome were assessed. RESULTS: A study included 42 patients, 29 women and 13 men. The median age at diagnosis was 43 years. Median time between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 3 years. The most common clinical symptoms and signs were disturbance of consciousness and abnormal behavior in 73%, confusion and convulsions in 61% of patients. The diagnosis of insulinoma was estimated by Whipple's triad and 72-hour fast test in 14 patients. Determination of insulinoma localization was assessed by angiography in 16 (36%) of the patients, by ultrasound (US) in 3 of 16 (18.8%) patients, by abdominal computed tomography (CT) in 8 of 18 (44.5%) patients, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 2 of 8 (25%) patients. Insulinoma was found in 13 of 13 (100%) patients by arterial stimulation with venous sampling (ASVS) and in 13 of 14 (93%) patients by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Of the 42 patients, 38 (90.5%) underwent operative procedure. Minimal resection was performed in 28 (73.6%) of the patients [tumor enucleation in 27 (71%) and central pancreatectomy in one (2.6%) of the patients], and the major resection was performed in 9 (23.6%) of the operated patients [distal splenopancreatectomy in 8 (21%) and pancreaticoduodenectomy in one (2.6%) patient]. The overall mortality rate in postoperative period was 2.6% (one patient). CONCLUSION: A combination of ASVS and EUS as diagnostic procedures ensures high accuracy for preoperative determination of insulinoma localization. Minimal resection such as enucleation shoud be performed whenever it is possible.

Endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

INTRODUCTION: Rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a potentially lethal state. Only half of patients with ruptured AAA reach the hospital alive. The alternative for open reconstruction of this condition is endovascular repair (EVAR). We presented a successful endovascular reapir of ruptured AAA in a patient with a number of comorbidities. CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old man was admitted to our institution due to diffuse abdominal pain with flatulence and belching. Initial abdominal ultrasonography showed an AAA that was confirmed on multislice computed tomography scan angiography which revealed a large retroperitoneal haematoma. Because of patient's comorbidites (previous surgery of laryngeal carcinoma and one-third laryngeal stenosis, arterial hypertension and cardiomyopathy with left ventricle ejection fraction of 30%, stenosis of the right internal carotid artery of 80%) it was decided that endovascular repair of ruptured AAA in local anaesthesia and analgosedation would be treatment of choice. Endovascular grafting was achieved with aorto-bi-iliac bifurcated excluder endoprosthesis with complete exclusion of the aneurysmal sac, without further enlargment of haemathoma and no contrast leakage. The postoperative course of the patient was eventless, without complications. On recall examination 3 months after, the state of the patient was well. CONCLUSION: The alternative for open reconstruction of ruptured AAA in haemodynamically stable patients with suitable anatomy and comorbidities could be emergency EVAR in local anesthesia. This technique could provide greater chances for survival with lower intraoperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality, as shown in the presented patient.

Sclerosing mesenteritis as a rare cause of upper ileus.

INTRODUCTION: Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare pathological entity characterized by non-specific tumor-like expansion in mesentery. Accurate diagnosis of this disease is rarely made preoperatively. Surgery takes place in diagnosis, as well in treatment of the disease. We presented a case of sclerosing mesenteritis that affected the final portions of duodenum and initial part of jejunum with clinical picture of upper gastrointestinal obstruction. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old man without previous medical history was presented with vomiting and loss of weight in the last 6 months. Due to suspicion of parapancreatic tumor by CT examination and clinical presentation of the disease, the patient underwent laparotomy. A mass infiltrated mesenteric root, initial part of superior mesenteric artery, the fourth duodenum portion and the ligament of Treitz, while the stomach and duodenum were dilatated. The intraoperative biopsy indicated a benign process. The mass was reduced with desobstruction of the duodenum. Definitively, histopathological finding showed fibromatosis in different phases of activity. Postoperative course passed without complications. The patient continued to receive an immunosuppressive drug therapy. After a 6-month treatment the patient showed no gastrointestinal problems. CONCLUSION: Sclerosing mesenteritis that affects the duodenum and the proximal part of the jejunum with subacute upper gastrointestinal obstruction is an extremely rare condition. In the presented case a surgical procedure was necessary for marking the diagnosis and treatment as well.

Endovascular repair of mycotic aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta: diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas-two case reports with 1-year follow-up.

A mycotic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta is a rare diagnosis with high mortality. We present two cases of endovascular reconstruction of mycotic descending thoracic aorta. Specific or nonspecific bacterial or other infectious agent in serial samples of blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and pleural puncture was not detected in the first case, but we found in sputum sample Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the second patient. We empirically began by administering broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics in the first case, with preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis and antituberculotic drugs therapy in the second case, and continued with the same medication for 4 months after endovascular repair. Control computed tomographic scans 6 months after reconstruction showed no endoleak in both patients. Repair of mycotic descending thoracic aortic aneurysms by endoluminal stent graft is reasonable alternative to open surgical intervention. A broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy has a high significance in the treatment of patients with mycotic aneurysm.

An aortoduodenal fistula as a complication of immunoglobulin G4-related disease.

Most primary aortoduodenal fistulas occur in the presence of an aortic aneurysm, which can be part of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related sclerosing disease. We present a case who underwent endovascular grafting of an aortoduodenal fistula associated with a high serum IgG4 level. A 56-year-old male underwent urgent endovascular reconstruction of an aortoduodenal fistula. The patient received antibiotics and other supportive therapy, and the postoperative course was uneventful, however, elevated levels of serum IgG, IgG4 and C-reactive protein were noted, which normalized after the introduction of steroid therapy. Control computed tomography angiography showed no endoleaks. The primary aortoduodenal fistula may have been associated with IgG4-related sclerosing disease as a possible complication of IgG4-related inflammatory aortic aneurysm. Endovascular grafting of a primary aortoduodenal fistula is an effective and minimally invasive alternative to standard surgical repair.