Toll-like Receptor 4 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Heart Transplant Rejection.

BACKGROUND: Transplant rejection is one of the major problems after heart transplantation (HTx). The aim of the study was to find possible links between chosen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and heart transplant rejection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood samples were taken from 24 patients subjected to HTx between 2010 and 2016 at the Clinic of Cardiac Surgery and Transplantation and under the control of I Clinic of Cardiology. All the patients were permanently controlled and had therapeutic levels of immunosuppressants in their blood. Their DNA was isolated and analyzed using the high-resolution melting method according to the Toll-like receptor 4 SNPs rs10983755 A/G, rs4986791 C/T, rs4986790 A/G, rs10759932 C/T, rs1927911 C/T, rs11536889 C/G, and rs12377632 C/T. The analysis of the clinical data of biopsies according to International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation classification was derived from the patients' medical history, divided into two groups: 0-1b and 2-4. A statistical analysis was then performed. RESULTS: The results obtained showed no association between analyzed SNPs and rejection. For rs10983755 A/G, P = .85; rs4986791 C/T, rs4986790 A/G, and rs1927911 C/T had P = .35; and rs10759932 C/T, rs11536889 C/G, and rs12377632 C/T had P = 1. CONCLUSIONS: No association between the SNPs rs10983755 A/G, rs4986791 C/T, rs4986790 A/G, rs10759932 C/T, rs1927911 C/T, rs11536889 C/G, and rs12377632 C/T and heart transplant rejection was found, but further investigation is suggested for TLR4 SNPs with P < .5.

In vitro sensitivity of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to carbapenems among intensive care unit patients.

Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogens are the most common causes of fatal pneumonia among patients treated in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Carbapenems remain a group of antibiotics characterized by the highest effectiveness in treatment of heavy infections of the lower respiratory tract. This study compared in vitro sensitivity of A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa to three carbapenems: imipenem, meropenem and doripenem. The material was collected from 71 patients treated in the ICU from April 2009 to January 2010. Bronchial tree was the predominant source of samples. Fifty-four strains of A. baumannii and 17 strains of P. aeruginosa were analyzed. Sensitivity to carbapenems was interpreted in line with Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) and European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) criteria (imipenem and meropenem) or in compliance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CLSI guidelines (doripenem). We found that A. baumannii was significantly more often sensitive to imipenem than to doripenem and meropenem, but only according to the CLSI and FDA and not EUCAST criteria. The sensitivity of P. aeruginosa was higher to imipenem than to doripenem and meropenem, according to both CLSI and EUCAST criteria (64.7 %). We conclude that the EUCAST criteria demonstrate a higher rigor than those of CLSI and FDA in the determination of carbapenems sensitivity. Imipenem appears more effective than doripenem and meropenem in treatment of A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa infections.

Prevalence of acute respiratory tract diseases among soldiers deployed for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Respiratory diseases are one of the most common health problems among service personnel assigned to contemporary military operations which are conducted in areas characterized by adverse environmental conditions. This article reviews the results of the studies into the prevalence of acute respiratory tract diseases among soldiers of the Polish Military Contingent deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. The article also discusses a number of factors which increase the prevalence of diseases diagnosed in the population of soldiers on a military mission in different climatic and sanitary conditions. Retrospective analysis was based on medical records of Polish troops treated on an outpatient basis in Iraq in 2003-2004 (n = 871) and in Afghanistan in 2003-2005 (n = 400), 2009 (n = 2,300), and 2010 (n = 2,500). The intensity rates were calculated and were then used to calculate the prevalence of diseases per 100 persons in a given population of the military personnel. We found that acute respiratory tract diseases were one of the most common health problems treated in outpatient medical facilities in all four study populations. The incidence rate was 45.6 cases in Iraq in 2003-2004, and in Afghanistan it amounted to 61.8 in 2003-2005, 45.3 in 2009, and 54.8-100 persons in 2010. In conclusion, the prevalence of respiratory diseases was closely related to the environmental factors, such as sand and dust storms, extreme temperature changes, unsatisfactory sanitary conditions, and common disregard of basic principles concerning disease prevention.

In vitro susceptibility of Staphylococci and Enterococci to vancomycin and teicoplanin.

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose a worldwide problem. They primarily concern intensive care, hematology-oncology, and surgical units. Coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative Staphylococci, especially their subgroups possessing the ability to develop resistance to methicillin, and Enterococci have a particular role in the etiology of HAIs. The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for vancomycin and teicoplanin, two of the most commonly administered antibiotics in the treatment of infections caused by Staphylococci resistant to methicillin, and infections caused by Enterococci. The material analyzed included 200 bacterial strains collected from patients treated in the Intensive Care Unit, the Musculoskeletal Infections Unit, and Surgical Clinics of the Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw, Poland. The study was conducted in accord with the European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) criteria by means of the Etest® gradient strips. We demonstrate a full susceptibility of Staphylococci MSSA (methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus), Staphylococci MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus), and Enterococci to both antibiotics. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci had a higher sensitivity to vancomycin. Teicoplanin had a lower MIC than vancomycin against the analyzed strains of Enterococci. As regards the coagulase-negative Staphylococci, vancomycin had a lower MIC than teicoplanin. In conclusion, the study confirmed current recommendations on the use of vancomycin and teicoplanin in the treatment of infections caused by gram-positive bacteria, emphasizing the need for the determination of MIC values.

Lung function in divers.

Correct lung function is indispensible to perform work underwater. Thus, spirometric tests of lung function remain an important element in the process of selecting candidates for professional diving. Studies conducted in the population of divers identified the phenomenon called 'large lungs', which is often associated with spirometric indices characteristic of obstructive impairment of lung function. This study investigated selected parameters of lung function in the population of divers and candidates for professional divers. Fifty two male subjects were examined as part of the selection process. Basic spirometric tests: forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1; dm(3)), forced vital capacity (FVC; dm(3)), forced expiratory flow in the range 25-75 % of FVC (FEF25-75; dm(3) s(-1)), and FEV1/FVC (%) were compared with compared with the predicted reference values estimated by the European Coal and Steel Community. The results demonstrate differences in FVC and FEF25-75 in divers, which may correspond to functional hyperinflation. The effects of 'large lungs' observed in divers, if persisting for an extended period of time, may lead to lung ventilation impairment of the obstructive type.

Test method development to evaluate hot, humid air decontamination of materials contaminated with Bacillus anthracis ∆Sterne and B. thuringiensis Al Hakam spores.

AIMS: To develop test methods and evaluate the survival of Bacillus anthracis ∆Sterne and Bacillus thuringiensis Al Hakam spores after exposure to hot, humid air. METHODS AND RESULTS: Spores (>7 logs) of both strains were dried on six different test materials. Response surface methodology was employed to identify the limits of spore survival at optimal test combinations of temperature (60, 68, 77°C), relative humidity (60, 75, 90%) and time (1, 4, 7 days). No spores survived the harshest test run (77°C, 90% r.h., 7 days), while > 6·5 logs of spores survived the mildest test run (60°C, 60% r.h., 1 day). Spores of both strains inoculated on nylon webbing and polypropylene had greater survival rates at 68°C, 75% r.h., 4 days than spores on other materials. Electron microscopy showed no obvious physical damage to spores using hot, humid air, which contrasted with pH-adjusted bleach decontamination. CONCLUSIONS: Test methods were developed to show that hot, humid air effectively inactivates B. anthracis ∆Sterne and B. thuringiensis Al Hakam spores with similar kinetics. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Hot, humid air is a potential alternative to conventional chemical decontamination.

200 Sentinel lymph node biopsies without axillary lymph node dissection -- no axillary recurrences after a 3-year follow-up.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the rate of axillary recurrences in sentinel lymph node (SLN)-negative breast cancer patients after sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) alone without further axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Between May 1999 and February 2002, 333 consecutive patients with primary invasive breast cancer up to 4 cm and clinically negative axillae were entered into this prospective study. Sentinel lymph nodes were identified using the combined method with blue dye (Patent blue V) and technetium 99m-labelled albumin (Nanocoll). Sentinel lymph nodes were examined by frozen sections, standard haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry staining. In SLN-positive patients, ALND was performed. Sentinel lymph node-negative patients had no further ALND. The SLN identification rate was 98.5% (328 out of 333). In all, 128 out of 328 (39.0%) patients had positive SLNs and complete ALND. A total of 200 out of 328 (61.0%) patients were SLN negative and had no further ALND. The mean tumour size of SLN-negative patients was 16.5 mm. The mean number of SLNs removed was 2.1 per patient. There were no local or axillary recurrences at a median follow-up of 36 months. The absence of axillary recurrences after SLNB without ALND in SLN-negative breast cancer patients supports the hypothesis that SLNB is accurate and safe while providing less surgical morbidity than ALND. Short-term results are very promising that SLNB without ALND in SLN-negative patients is an excellent procedure for axillary staging in a cohort of breast cancer patients with small tumours.

[Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients--results and experience after 500 sentinel lymph node biopsies]. / Die Sentinellymphknotenbiopsie beim Mammakarzinom. Ergebnisse und Erfahrungen nach 500 Sentinellymphknotenbiopsien.

INTRODUCTION: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a widely used technique for axillary staging in breast cancer patients. The principle to evaluate the axillary status of a breast cancer patient with a less invasive surgery than axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) meets the new minimally invasive concept in breast cancer surgery. Some breast cancer centers proceed to SLNB without ALND in SLN-negative patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 1998 and March 2002, 500 SLNBs were performed. After a learning period with SLNB and ALND in 75 patients with a sensitivity of 96.2% and a false-negative rate of 3.8%, SLNB alone without further ALND was performed in a group of patients. In addition, the feasibility of SLNBin patients with locally advanced breast cancer, in patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and in patients with multicentricity was evaluated. The combined method with blue dye and technetium-99m-labeled human albumin for identification of SLNs was applied. RESULTS: 500 SLNBs were performed. The identification rate was 86.2%. After exclusion of patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and patients with multicentricity, the identification rate was 94.5%. SLNs were positive in 41.3% of patients and negative in 58.7% of patients. DISCUSSION: SLNB is an excellent method for axillary stag-ing and an alternative for ALND in a certain group of breast cancer patients.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy alone without axillary lymph node dissection--follow up of sentinel lymph node negative breast cancer patients.

AIMS: To evaluate the rate of axillary recurrences in sentinel lymph node (SLN) negative breast cancer patients after sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) alone without further axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). METHODS: Between May 1999 and February 2001 all patients who had primary invasive breast cancer and were SLN negative were eligible for this prospective study. SLNB was performed by using the combined method with radioactive tracer and blue dye. SLNs were examined by frozen section, standard H/E staining and immunohistochemistry staining. SLN negative patients did not receive further ALND. Follow-up was done three-monthly with clinical controls, blood samples and ultrasound of the breast and axilla. An annual mammogram was performed. RESULTS: 116 patients with T1 or T2 invasive breast cancer were included in this trial. All 116 patients had negative SLNs in frozen sections, in H/E staining and in immunohistochemistry staining. The mean number of removed SLNs was 2.03+/-1.22. Mean tumor size was 17.15+/-7.62 mm. Postmenopausal patients totalled 79.3 and 20.7% of patients were premenopausal. No local or axillary recurrences occurred at a mean duration of follow-up of 22.12+/-6.38 months. CONCLUSION: The absence of axillary recurrences after SLNB without ALND in SLN negative breast cancer patients supports the hypothesis that SLNB is accurate and safe while providing less surgical morbidity. Short term results are very promising. SLNB without ALND in SLN negative patients is an excellent procedure for axillary staging in a cohort of breast cancer patients with small tumors.

Three-dimensional targeting: a new three-dimensional ultrasound technique to evaluate needle position during breast biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound (US) following needle breast biopsy under two-dimensional (2D) needle guidance. METHODS: A total of 188 core-needle biopsies and 24 fine-needle aspiration biopsies were 3D US correlated after typical 'freehand' US needle guidance. All cases were examined with a linear 3D US volume scanner (5-13 MHz, Voluson 530D, Medison-Kretztechnik, Zipf, Austria). After core-needle stroke or localization of fine needle, a 3D US data volume set was acquired and a multiplanar analysis performed. This needle position check in all three planes is called '3D targeting'. 66 women with a mean age of 51 years (range, 27-80 years) showed 77 breast lesions (55 solid lesions, 22 cysts) with a mean diameter of 1.5 (range, 0.3-5.0) cm. RESULTS: In 49 women with 55 solid breast lesions, 16 lesions were malignant and 39 lesions benign. In 53 solid breast lesions 188 core-needle biopsies were performed (mean 3.6 biopsies/lesion). After core-needle biopsy 23 lesions (16 malignant, seven benign) were surgically removed. In 22 cases final histology confirmed results of the core-needle specimen. In one case a core-needle specimen of a 5 mm lesion showed atypical lobular hyperplasia. The definitive histology after surgery was invasive lobular carcinoma. Twenty-two cysts and two benign solid lesions were punctured with a fine needle followed by aspiration biopsy. The overall sensitivity of core-needle results in this study was 94% (specificity 100%, accuracy 0.98, positive predictive value 1, negative predictive value 0.97). In 117 core-needle strokes of benign (21) and malignant (12) lesions 3D targeting prospectively revealed 95 lesion hits, Twelve marginal lesion hits and nine out-of-lesion hits. In one case after the initial large core-needle path a 5-mm lesion was disguised by air bubbles, therefore 3D targeting failed during the second biopsy procedure. CONCLUSION: 3D US combined with 3D targeting technique is a reliable and objective tool demonstrating exact spatial positioning of core and fine needle during biopsy procedure.

[Effects of confrontation of medical students and hospital physicians with human cadavers]. / Auswirkungen der Begegnung von Medizinstudenten und Krankenhausärzten mit dem menschlichen Leichnam.

Eighty male and female doctors of various ages working in a general hospital were questioned on their feelings on being confronted with human corpses and the possible effects of the experience. Their responses were analysed and compared with those of 100 male and female medical students. The potential short-term effects and lasting consequences are many and varied. Forty-four per cent of the doctors reported that repeated dealings with the bodies of patients known to them did not lead to habituation. A high proportion of the students and doctors stated that exposure to corpses had a positive effect on their dealings with living patients. The reluctance of some doctors to attend autopsies of their patients is connected with their difficulties in coping with the experience. Further, more detailed studies are called for.

A clinical computer database entry form for an intraoperative anesthesiology-based transesophageal echocardiography monitoring service.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been increasingly applied to supplement and, in instances, to supplant conventional intraoperative cardiac monitoring. Our body of experience (> 1600 intraoperative TEE procedures), combined with insights gleaned from an intramural quality assurance study, and clinical implications of certain recent advances in the field, led us to develop the following TEE computer database entry form. The form, completed intraoperatively, consists of a patient and surgical procedure demographics section, followed by fields based on the TEE examination. The scans encompass transverse plane basal short axis, long axis, and transgastric views of the heart and great vessels. The two-dimensional echocardiographic, saline-contrast, color flow and pulsed Doppler data represent both right and left ventricular performance, valvular function and specific lesions. This database entry form is intended to serve as a guide for performance of a nominally complete intraoperative study and facilitate maintenance of a TEE archive consistent with current advances.

An integrated software system for quality assurance-related kappa coefficient analysis of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography interpretive skills.

This report describes the development of a quality assurance-oriented integrated software system designed for an anesthesiology-based intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography service. Entry data include patient and operation demographics, two-dimensional echocardiographic, saline-contrast, and color flow/pulsed Doppler assessments of the heart and great vessels, presented in a defined sequence. A statistical analysis component (kappa coefficient analysis) allows for comparison of intraoperative real-time interpretations with laboratory interpretations made by experienced full-time echocardiographers on a field-by-field basis. This provides a means of quantifying expertise in each individual aspect of the patient examination sequence. We believe that such self-appraisal data are essential for delineating the status and tracking the progress of service being provided.

Transesophageal two-dimensional echocardiographic analysis of right ventricular systolic performance indices during coronary artery bypass grafting.

Sixteen patients (aged 59 +/- 14 years) undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery were evaluated to delineate the intraoperative course of transesophageal echocardiographic right ventricular (RV) systolic performance indices. Pre-induction data included thermodilution RV ejection fraction (RVEFTD), 0.43 +/- 0.13, RV end-diastolic volume index (EDVI), 110 +/- 33 mL/m2, cardiac index (CI), 3.4 +/- 1.0 L/min/m2, RV end-diastolic pressure (EDP), 7.1 +/- 4.2 mmHg, and mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), 21 +/- 6 mmHg. Eleven patients had significant right coronary artery (RCA) disease (> 70% occlusion). Five patients arrived with an ongoing nitroglycerin infusion (1 to 3 micrograms/kg/min), which was maintained intraoperatively. Echocardiographic measurements included longitudinal-axis (LA) and short-axis (SA) planimetered area excursion fractions (2DLA and 2DSA, respectively) and LA maximal major and minor axis shortening fractions (max majorLA and max minorLA, respectively). Hemodynamic measurements included RVEFTD, EDVI, CI, EDP, and PAP. Measurements were determined following induction/endotracheal intubation, following sternotomy/pericardiotomy, and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with the chest open. All patients were maintained on vasodilator therapy post-CPB (nitroglycerin, 1 to 3 micrograms/kg/min [N = 16] and nitroprusside, 0.5 to 4.5 microgram/kg/min [N = 4]) post-CPB. Two patients received inotropic support (epinephrine, 0.2 to 0.3 microgram/kg/min). CPB was associated with significant decreases in max major axisLA and 2DLA (P < 0.05) as compared to measurements determined prior to CPB. Maximum major axisLA values pre-CPB were 0.35 +/- 0.06 and 0.33 +/- 0.08 versus post-CPB values of 0.24 +/- 0.08.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

ST segment depression during labor and delivery.

ECG changes suggestive of myocardial ischemia are common during cesarean delivery under regional anesthesia. To determine the time course, duration, and significance of these ECG changes, we monitored 111 parturients with continuous ambulatory ECG (Holter) during and after cesarean delivery. Twenty-two parturients undergoing vaginal delivery were similarly monitored. ST segment depression was present in 25% of patients undergoing cesarean delivery but was not found in those patients delivering vaginally. ST segment elevation was not detected in either group. The incidence of ST segment depression during cesarean delivery was similar with epidural (29%), spinal (17%), and general (18%) anesthesia, occurring most commonly in the 30 min following delivery (P less than 0.001). Transthoracic echocardiographic imaging was performed in 23 patients undergoing cesarean section. Five of the 23 patients had seven episodes of intraoperative ST segment depression. Regional wall motion abnormalities were not present in any patient. A decrease in ejection fraction area greater than 15% from baseline or from previous interval ejection fraction area was present during four episodes of ST change. Three episodes of ST depression were not associated with significant decreases in ejection fraction area. Precordial Doppler monitoring for detection of venous air embolism in 25 patients revealed no association between the occurrence of venous air embolism and ST segment depression. We conclude that although significant myocardial impairment during cesarean delivery does not occur, episodes of ST depression may not all be merely an artifact of parturition.

Incidental demonstration of pericardial fistula during hepatobiliary scintigraphy.

Biliary vomiting developed 16 mo after resection of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus in a patient with a complex postoperative course. A biliary scan revealed an outline of the pericardium, suggesting a fistula. The potential role of radionuclide imaging in this rare and potentially fatal complication is discussed.

Onset of altered interventricular septal motion during cardiac surgery. Assessment by continuous intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography.

Abnormal motion of the interventricular septum is frequently observed after uncomplicated cardiac surgery. We sought to elucidate the mechanism underlying this phenomenon by using continuous echocardiographic imaging of the heart from a constant transesophageal location in 21 patients undergoing their first cardiac operation. Quantitative global and regional functional analyses were performed in each patient at baseline (stage 1), after median sternotomy (stage 2), after sternal retraction (stage 3), after pericardiotomy (stage 4), after completion of cardiopulmonary bypass (stage 5), and after chest closure (stage 6). During the first four surgical stages, mean left ventricular fractional shortening varied little among regions with a fixed reference system (maximum range, 31.6-39.2%; p = NS) but changed dramatically after the discontinuation of cardiopulmonary bypass (stage 5). The apparent medial hypokinesis that was observed (4.9 +/- 4.7% [SD]) was accompanied by lateral hyperkinesis (65.2 +/- 4.1%, p less than 0.0001). These regional differences were completely eliminated with a floating reference system (33.6 +/- 2.7% for medial, and 34.8 +/- 1.7% for lateral; p = NS), suggesting cardiac translation. Quantitative curvature analysis supported this conclusion, with preservation of baseline regional curvature seen throughout the procedure. The mean length of individual translational vectors (reflecting systolic movement of the endocardial centroid) remained minimal (less than or equal to 1.0 mm) through stage 4 but increased more than fourfold at stage 5, continuing in a medial direction after chest closure (5.2 +/- 3.0 mm and 271 +/- 6 degrees from anterior). Thus, abnormal postoperative septal motion is not caused by removal of restraining forces of the pericardium or anterior mediastinum but rather appears to be directly related to events occurring during cardiopulmonary bypass.

DNA fingerprinting in a random sample of Japanese population with the minisatellite probe MZ 1.3.

The DNA fingerprinting analysis with minisatellite probe MZ 1.3 with a nonisotopic technique is described. We determined a random sample of Japanese population with 36 samples.

Decompression-feeding regimen. Accelerating recovery after abdominal surgery.

From the time the patients enter the hospital until discharge, the accelerated recovery technique demands more intensive treatment from nurses and physicians. These patients do not require a stay in the intensive care unit, but they do require intensive nursing care. Savings from reduced length of stay, however, far outweigh the nursing care cost. As the emphasis on earlier discharge in health care grows, accelerated recovery in abdominal surgery and other major procedures will become more common. With the accelerated recovery technique, the patient has an active, demanding role in his or her recovery. Much is expected of these patients during pulmonary physiotherapy, which begins shortly after admission and is maintained until discharge. The more conscientiously a patient participates in the physiotherapy, the more quickly and comfortably he or she will leave the hospital. The patient can honestly take credit for a quick recovery.

Sucralfate delays gastric emptying of liquids and solids in duodenal ulcer patients.

Gastric emptying studies were performed on nine healthy volunteers and ten duodenal ulcer (DU) patients utilizing a dual radionuclide technique to assess simultaneously emptying rates of liquid (111In labeled water) and solid (99mTc sulfur colloid labeled chicken liver) components of a meal. One gram of sucralfate was compared to placebo in separate days in a randomized double-blind crossover fashion. Subjects ingested the radiolabeled test meal 1 h after receiving medication, and gastric emptying was monitored for 3 h using a gamma camera interfaced with a computer. We found that DU patients had significantly faster gastric emptying of solids (P less than 0.05) compared to normals on the placebo days, while liquid emptying rates were similar. Sucralfate, in the DU patients, significantly (P less than 0.05) slowed gastric emptying of water from 20 to 40 min and emptying of the solid component from 100-160 min after the meal compared to placebo. In normal subjects, gastric emptying of liquids and solids was not significantly affected by sucralfate. We conclude that slowing of gastric emptying, possibly mediated through aluminum ions, occurs in DU patients on sucralfate. This may be one mechanism by which sucralfate enhances healing and decreases recurrence of duodenal ulcer.