How advantageous is it to use computed tomography image-based artificial intelligence modelling in the differential diagnosis of chronic otitis media with and without cholesteatoma?

OBJECTIVE: Cholesteatoma (CHO) developing secondary to chronic otitis media (COM) can spread rapidly and cause important health problems such as hearing loss. Therefore, the presence of CHO should be diagnosed promptly with high accuracy and then treated surgically. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of artificial intelligence applications (AIA) in documenting the presence of CHO based on computed tomography (CT) images. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was performed on CT images of 100 CHO, 100 non-cholesteatoma (N-CHO) COM, and 100 control patients. Two AIA models including ResNet50 and MobileNetV2 were used for the classification of the images. RESULTS: Overall accuracy rate was 93.33% for the ResNet50 model and 86.67% for the MobilNetV2 model. Moreover, the diagnostic accuracy rates of these two models were 100% and 95% in the CHO group, 90% and 85% in the N-CHO group, and 90% and 80% in the control group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the use of AIA in the diagnosis of CHO will improve the diagnostic accuracy rates and will also help physicians in terms of reducing their workload and facilitating the selection of the correct treatment strategy.

Relationship between nurses' practice environments and nursing outcomes in Turkey.

AIM: This study aimed to understand nursing practice environment characteristics in Istanbul-area hospitals in Turkey, the relationship between these characteristics, nurse burnout levels and nurses' intentions to leave work. BACKGROUND: A well-known relationship exists in many countries between nursing practice environments and nurse burnout and intention to leave work. However, little is known about the relationship between practice environment characteristics and nursing outcomes in Turkey. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 2592 nurses in 20 Ministry of Health and 29 private hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey. A demographic questionnaire, Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index and Maslach Burnout Inventory were used for data collection. RESULTS: Almost half of nurses suffered from high-level burnout related to emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment, and one-third reported depersonalization and the intent to leave their jobs within a year. A poor nursing practice environment was the leading factor, increasing nurses' burnout levels in all subdimensions. Burnout related to emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment and poor practice environment increased intention to leave. Permanent positions decreased intention. DISCUSSION: There was a relationship between poor practice environments and nursing outcomes in Turkey. LIMITATIONS: The use of a survey data collection method is a potential study limitation. Quantitative and qualitative methods could be combined to obtain more detailed objective data about nursing practice environments. CONCLUSION: Poor practice environments, high-level burnout and intention to leave work are significant problems in Istanbul, Turkey. Favourable practice environments and job security should be provided to improve nursing outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY: Policymakers and nurse managers should be aware of any negative issues regarding nursing practice environments and job security to improve nursing outcomes.

Effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on cisplatin ototoxicity.

PURPOSE: To report histological and electrophysiological data in rats treated with cisplatin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester. METHODS: We randomly divided 28 Wistar rats into four groups of seven, to be treated as follows: control (saline), cisplatin, CAPE and cisplatin-CAPE. Distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) measurements were performed on day one (before drug administration) and day five under anaesthesia. All animals were killed under general anaesthesia on day five after the DPOAE measurement. The cochleae of each rat were histopathologically and immunohistochemically evaluated. RESULTS: The outer hair cells were mostly preserved in the control and CAPE groups. Moderate-to-severe and mild-to-moderate hair cell losses were detected in the cisplatin and cisplatin-CAPE groups, respectively. DPOAE assessments revealed significant deterioration in the cisplatin group (P < 0.05). The difference between the cisplatin and cisplatin-CAPE groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CAPE prevents cisplatin ototoxicity.

Temporal bone erosion in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse temporal bone erosion sites (including scutum, labyrinth, facial canal, mastoid tegmen, posterior fossa dural plate and sigmoid sinus plate) in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). METHODOLOGY: Retrospective case review in a tertiary referral centre. Medical records were reviewed from 905 patients (121 complicated; 784 non-complicated) who received a mastoidectomy as a minimum intervention for the treatment of CSOM. RESULTS: All types of temporal bone erosion were found to be more frequent in patients with complicated CSOM. Erosion in the scutum, mastoid tegmen, posterior fossa dural plate and labyrinth was observed significantly more frequently in complicated-CSOM patients with a cholesteatoma. Granulation/polyp tissue invaded the sigmoid sinus and facial canal at a rate similar to cholesteatoma. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that bone erosion is more frequent in complicated-CSOM patients. Temporal bone erosion can be seen in both cholesteatomatous and non-cholesteatomatous CSOM patients. Granulation/polyp tissue was as important as cholesteatoma in the erosion of the facial canal and sigmoid sinus plate.

Complications of chronic suppurative otitis media: a retrospective review.

The purpose of this study was to review our patients with complications of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and compare with literature. This retrospective study was performed over 10 years in our tertiary referral university hospital. During this period 4,630 patients with CSOM were admitted to the department and 906 patients underwent a surgery. From the records of the 4,630 patients, 121 patients (2.6%) with complications were identified. Of the 906 CSOM patients that underwent a surgery, 511 had cholesteatoma, and 395 had granulation and/or polyp tissue. Ninety-four of 511 (18.4%) patients with cholesteatoma and 27 of 395 (6.8%) patients with granulation and/or polyp tissue had a complication. Of the 121 complicated CSOM patients, 57 extracranial (47.1%) and 37 intracranial (30.6%). Multiple combined complications were occurred in 27 (22.3%) patients. The mastoid abscess was the commonest extracranial complication (28.3%); it was followed by labyrinthitis (9%), facial nerve paralysis (8.4%), and Bezold's abscess (1.3%). The most common intracranial complication was lateral sinus thrombophlebitis (19.5%), followed by perisigmoid sinus abscess (13.5%), meningitis (9%), brain abscess (6.5%), and extradural abscess (4.5%). Most frequent intraoperative finding of complicated CSOM patients was cholesteatoma, with the exception of patients with facial nerve paralysis. There was no mortality in any of our patients. The additional morbidities were recorded in 25 patients (20.6%). In this study, we emphasize the importance of an accurate and early diagnosis, followed by adequate surgical therapy and a multidisciplinary approach.

Evaluation of hemostatic changes using n thromboelastography after crystalloid or colloid fluid administration during major orthopedic surgery

The effects of Ringer lactate, 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) (130/0.4) or 4% succinylated gelatin solutions on perioperative coagulability were measured by thromboelastography (TEG). Seventy-five patients (ASA I-III) who were to undergo major orthopedic procedures performed under epidural anesthesia were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into three groups of 25 each for the administration of maintenance fluids: group RL (Ringer lactate), group HES (6% HES 130/0.4), and group JEL (4% gelofusine solution). Blood samples were obtained during the perioperative period before epidural anesthesia (t1, baseline), at the end of the surgery (t2), and 24 h after the operation (t3). TEG data, reaction time (R), coagulation time (K), angle value (α), and maximum amplitude (MA) were recorded. TEG parameters changed from normal values in all patients. In group RL, R and K times decreased compared to perioperative values while the α angle and MA increased (P < 0.05). In group HES, R and K times increased, however, the α angle and MA decreased (P < 0.05). In group JEL, R time increased (P < 0.05), but K time, α angle and MA did not change significantly. In the present study, RL, 6% HES (130/0.4) and 4% JEL solutions caused changes in the coagulation system of all patients as measured by TEG, but these changes remained within normal limits.

Evaluation of hemostatic changes using n thromboelastography after crystalloid or colloid fluid administration during major orthopedic surgery.

The effects of Ringer lactate, 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) (130/0.4) or 4% succinylated gelatin solutions on perioperative coagulability were measured by thromboelastography (TEG). Seventy-five patients (ASA I-III) who were to undergo major orthopedic procedures performed under epidural anesthesia were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into three groups of 25 each for the administration of maintenance fluids: group RL (Ringer lactate), group HES (6% HES 130/0.4), and group JEL (4% gelofusine solution). Blood samples were obtained during the perioperative period before epidural anesthesia (t1, baseline), at the end of the surgery (t2), and 24 h after the operation (t3). TEG data, reaction time (R), coagulation time (K), angle value (α), and maximum amplitude (MA) were recorded. TEG parameters changed from normal values in all patients. In group RL, R and K times decreased compared to perioperative values while the α angle and MA increased (P < 0.05). In group HES, R and K times increased, however, the α angle and MA decreased (P < 0.05). In group JEL, R time increased (P < 0.05), but K time, α angle and MA did not change significantly. In the present study, RL, 6% HES (130/0.4) and 4% JEL solutions caused changes in the coagulation system of all patients as measured by TEG, but these changes remained within normal limits.

Determination of trigeminocardiac reflex during rhinoplasty.

In most rhinoplasty procedures, osteotomies are usually required. The osteotomy areas are innervated by sensory branches of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is clinically defined as the sudden onset of parasympathetic activity during stimulation of the trigeminal nerve. When an osteotomy is performed or external pressure is applied over the nasal bone, the infraorbital nerve may send signals via this nerve. The aim of this prospective study is to determine the blood pressure changes and occurrence of TCR during rhinoplasty. one hundred and eight patients were enrolled into the study. Lidocaine and adrenaline combination (LAC) was injected only into the left lateral osteotomy sites. All patients underwent median, right-side, then left-side lateral osteotomies and nasal pyramid infracture. The haemodynamic changes were recorded. A 10% or more decrease in the heart rate from baseline was considered a TCR. TCR was detected in nine patients following lateral osteotomies and nasal pyramid infracture procedures (8.3%). The authors determined that LAC injection prior to osteotomy did not prevent TCR. Manipulation at or near the infraorbital nerve during rhinoplasty may cause TCR, even if local anaesthetic infiltration is used.

Effects of lidocaine and adrenaline combination on postoperative edema and ecchymosis in rhinoplasty.

Nasal osteotomies are the most important cause of periorbital edema and ecchymosis. Injection of lidocaine and adrenaline is recommended to reduce bleeding. Whilst the lidocaine and adrenaline combination (LAC) is claimed to reduce postoperative ecchymosis and edema, this effect remains to be proven conclusively. This study, on 48 patients, was designed to investigate the effects of LAC injection on postoperative edema/ecchymosis in rhinoplasty. LAC was applied at a random side prior to the lateral osteotomy. The opposite side was used as a control. The relationship between edema/ecchymosis and the degree of LAC on the injected and uninjected sides was evaluated on the first, third and seventh day postoperatively. The relationships between edema and ecchymosis with operation time and intraoperative systolic blood pressure were also evaluated. Bleeding was reduced on the side treated with LAC (p=0.050). The degrees of edema/ecchymosis increased with increases in the duration of operation and the systolic blood pressure on the first postoperative day for the LAC-applied side (p<0.05). This correlation was not observed on the opposite side (p>0.05). Application of LAC reduces bleeding during rhinoplasty and pain control postoperatively but reduced edema and ecchymosis should not be expected following LAC application.

Evaluation of piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin as a preemptive analgesic in functional endoscopic sinus surgery

The preemptive analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of preoperatively administered piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin for post-endoscopic sinus surgery pain was determined in a prospective, double-blind, randomized, clinical study. Seventy-five American Society of Anesthesiologists status I-II patients, aged 18-65 years, were divided into three groups with similar demographic characteristics: group 1 received 20 mg piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin, group 2 received 40 mg piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin and group 3 received placebo orally before induction of general anesthesia. A blinded observer recorded the incidence and severity of pain at admission to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), at 15, 30, and 45 min in the PACU, and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h postoperatively. All patients received patient-controlled morphine analgesia during the postoperative period and consumption was recorded for 24 h. During the PACU period, mean visual analogue scale values were significantly lower in groups 1 and 2 compared to group 3 (P < 0.05). During the postoperative period, morphine consumption was 3.03 ± 2.54, 2.7 ± 2.8, and 5.56 ± 3.12 mg for each group, respectively (P < 0.05). As a side effect, bleeding was observed in groups 1 and 3, nausea and vomiting in all groups, and edema only in group 3. However, no significant differences were detected in any of the parameters analyzed, which also included epigastric pain, constipation/diarrhea and headache. Similar hematological test results were obtained for all groups. Preemptive administration of piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin effectively reduced analgesic consumption, and 40 mg of the drug was more effective than 20 mg piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin without side effects during the postoperative period.

Evaluation of piroxicam-beta-cyclodextrin as a preemptive analgesic in functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

The preemptive analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of preoperatively administered piroxicam-beta-cyclodextrin for post-endoscopic sinus surgery pain was determined in a prospective, double-blind, randomized, clinical study. Seventy-five American Society of Anesthesiologists status I-II patients, aged 18-65 years, were divided into three groups with similar demographic characteristics: group 1 received 20 mg piroxicam-beta-cyclodextrin, group 2 received 40 mg piroxicam-beta-cyclodextrin and group 3 received placebo orally before induction of general anesthesia. A blinded observer recorded the incidence and severity of pain at admission to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), at 15, 30, and 45 min in the PACU, and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h postoperatively. All patients received patient-controlled morphine analgesia during the postoperative period and consumption was recorded for 24 h. During the PACU period, mean visual analogue scale values were significantly lower in groups 1 and 2 compared to group 3 (P < 0.05). During the postoperative period, morphine consumption was 3.03 +/- 2.54, 2.7 +/- 2.8, and 5.56 +/- 3.12 mg for each group, respectively (P < 0.05). As a side effect, bleeding was observed in groups 1 and 3, nausea and vomiting in all groups, and edema only in group 3. However, no significant differences were detected in any of the parameters analyzed, which also included epigastric pain, constipation/diarrhea and headache. Similar hematological test results were obtained for all groups. Preemptive administration of piroxicam-beta-cyclodextrin effectively reduced analgesic consumption, and 40 mg of the drug was more effective than 20 mg piroxicam-beta-cyclodextrin without side effects during the postoperative period.

The effect of epidural and general anesthesia on newborn rectal temperature at elective cesarean section.

Both epidural and general anesthesia can impair thermoregulatory mechanisms during surgery. However, there is lack of information about the effects of different methods of anesthesia on newborn temperature. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in newborn rectal temperature related to type of anesthesia. Sixty-three pregnant women were randomly assigned to receive general or epidural anesthesia. Maternal core temperature was measured three times with a rectal probe just before anesthesia, at the beginning of surgery and at delivery. In addition, umbilical vein blood was sampled for pH. The rectal temperatures of the babies were recorded immediately after delivery, and Apgar scores were determined 1, 5, and 10 min after birth. The duration of anesthesia and the volume of intravenous fluid given during the procedure (833 +/- 144 vs 420 +/- 215 mL) were significantly higher in the epidural group than in the general anesthesia group (P < 0.0001). Maternal rectal temperatures were not different in both groups at all measurements. In contrast, newborn rectal temperatures were lower in the epidural anesthesia group than in the general anesthesia group (37.4 +/- 0.3 vs 37.6 +/- 0.3 degrees C; P < 0.05) immediately after birth. Furthermore, the umbilical vein pH value (7.31 +/- 0.05 vs 7.33 +/- 0.01; P < 0.05) and Apgar scores at the 1st-min measurement (8.0 +/- 0.9 vs 8.5 +/- 0.7; P < 0.05) were lower in the epidural anesthesia group than in the general anesthesia group. Since epidural anesthesia requires more iv fluid infusion and a longer time for cesarean section, it involves a risk of a mild temperature reduction for the baby which, however, did not reach the limits of hypothermia.

The effect of epidural and general anesthesia on newborn rectal temperature at elective cesarean section

Both epidural and general anesthesia can impair thermoregulatory mechanisms during surgery. However, there is lack of information about the effects of different methods of anesthesia on newborn temperature. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in newborn rectal temperature related to type of anesthesia. Sixty-three pregnant women were randomly assigned to receive general or epidural anesthesia. Maternal core temperature was measured three times with a rectal probe just before anesthesia, at the beginning of surgery and at delivery. In addition, umbilical vein blood was sampled for pH. The rectal temperatures of the babies were recorded immediately after delivery, and Apgar scores were determined 1, 5, and 10 min after birth. The duration of anesthesia and the volume of intravenous fluid given during the procedure (833 ± 144 vs 420 ± 215 mL) were significantly higher in the epidural group than in the general anesthesia group (P < 0.0001). Maternal rectal temperatures were not different in both groups at all measurements. In contrast, newborn rectal temperatures were lower in the epidural anesthesia group than in the general anesthesia group (37.4 ± 0.3 vs 37.6 ± 0.3°C; P < 0.05) immediately after birth. Furthermore, the umbilical vein pH value (7.31 ± 0.05 vs 7.33 ± 0.01; P < 0.05) and Apgar scores at the 1st-min measurement (8.0 ± 0.9 vs 8.5 ± 0.7; P < 0.05) were lower in the epidural anesthesia group than in the general anesthesia group. Since epidural anesthesia requires more iv fluid infusion and a longer time for cesarean section, it involves a risk of a mild temperature reduction for the baby which, however, did not reach the limits of hypothermia.

Diagnostic contribution of virtual endoscopy in diseases of the upper airways.

PURPOSE: Virtual endoscopy (VE) is a new diagnostic tool that generates 3-dimensional (3D) views of a lumen by exploiting cross-sectional images. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of VE as a diagnostic tool in the diseases of the larynx and pharynx. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with a mean age of 57 years were included in the study. The patients underwent larynx examination, optical endoscopy (OE), and computed tomography (CT) of the larynx. Later, VE was produced from the CT images. RESULTS: Eight patients had larynx carcinoma, a 5-year-old patient had a laryngeal web, a 43-year-old man had fish bone stuck in his submucosal layer, 10 patients were normal, and the remaining two patients were under follow-up for treated nasopharynx carcinoma and had no evidence for recurrence. VE showed the laryngeal tumor in seven patients and the laryngeal web in one patient, but failed to show a plaquelike tumor and the fishbone within the submucosa. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that VE is a useful and complimentary method of 3D imaging in the diseases compromising the laryngeal lumen. Furthermore, it may be superior to OE in severe stenosis or obstructions where the endoscope cannot be passed through.

Isolated hemifacial hypertrophy: a case with upper airway obstruction and sensorineural hearing loss.

Hemifacial hypertrophy is an uncommon developmental disorder characterized by facial asymmetry that involves abnormal bone development and facial enlargement. Many cases of hemihypertrophy have been reported since the first case was reported by Wagner in 1839. We identified a child diagnosed with hemifacial hypertrophy and sensorineural hearing loss who presented with upper airway obstruction and cyanosis. We discuss treatment selection and review the associated head and neck symptoms.

[Effectiveness of clonidine and fentanyl addition to bupivacaine in postoperative patient controlled epidural analgesia]. / Wirksamkeit von Clonidin und Fentanyl als Zusatz bei der postoperativen patientenkontrollierten Epiduralanalgesie mit Bupivacain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective randomized double-blinded study was to compare the analgesic and side-effects of bupivacaine in combination with clonidine or fentanyl during patient-controlled-epidural analgesia (PCEA) in the postoperative period after abdominal hysterectomy. METHODS: 75 patients from 18 to 65 years of age with ASA status I - II were investigated. After preoperative epidural catheterization, the patients were operated in general anesthesia. After surgery, the patients were randomly allocated to 3 PCEA-groups: Group B 0.125 % bupivacaine, Group F 0.125 % bupivacaine plus 1 microg x ml (-1) fentanyl, Group C 0.125 % bupivacaine plus 0.75 microg x ml (-1) clonidine (10 ml loading dose, 5 ml repetitive bolus dose, 10 min lockout time, 30 ml limit within 4 h). During the following 24 hours, hemodynamic parameters, pain score using visual analog scale (VAS), total analgesic consumption, additional analgesic requirements, sedation, satisfaction, nausea scores and probable side-effects were evaluated. RESULTS: Total analgesic consumption was not different between Group F and Group C, but lower than in Group B (p < 0.05). Additional analgesic use was not different between the groups. Group F and Group C had lower VAS-scores in 24 hours than Group B (p < 0.05). Hemodynamic and sedation scores of patients were not different. In Group C, incidence of nausea was lower and satisfaction of patients was higher (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Addition of clonidine or fentanyl to local anesthetics for PCEA can reduce the analgetic demand. Epidural clonidine can reduce postoperative nausea and is connected with higher patients' satisfaction.

Seizures, metabolic acidosis and coma resulting from acute isoniazid intoxication.

Isoniazid is an anti-tuberculosis drug, used commonly for treatment and prophylaxis of tuberculosis. Acute isoniazid intoxication is characterized by a clinical triad consisting of metabolic acidosis resistant to treatment with sodium bicarbonate, seizures which may be fatal and refractory to standard anticonvulsant therapy, and coma. Treatment requires admission to the intensive care unit for ventilatory support, management of seizures and metabolic acidosis. Pyridoxine, in a dose equivalent to the amount of isoniazid ingested, is the only effective antidote. We report the successful treatment of two isoniazid intoxication cases: the case of a child developing an accidental acute isoniazid intoxication and an adult case of isoniazid intoxication with the intent of suicide.

Tumour angiogenesis and mast cell density in the prognostic assessment of colorectal carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Tumour angiogenesis is essential for the growth, invasion and metastasis of solid tumours. There are several lines of evidence that the mast cells play an important role in tumour angiogenesis. AIMS: The study focused to determine the correlation between the microvessel and mast cell densities, and to evaluate whether tumour angiogenesis and mast cell density could predict recurrence following curative surgery in patients with colorectal carcinomas. PATIENTS: Microvessel and mast cell densities were investigated in tumour specimens from 60 patients with colorectal carcinoma. METHODS: Microvessels were stained by immunohistochemical method using a monoclonal antibody anti-CD34. The routine Giemsa blue staining method was used to assess the mast cells. Microvessels and mast cells were counted in a x400 field. RESULTS: The mean microvessel and mast cell counts were higher in patients with recurrence compared with those patients who were disease-free for at least 24 months (p<0.001). The Spearman's correlation coefficient revealed a significant correlation between mast cell and microvessel counts in colorectal carcinomas (r=0.684; p<0.001). Kaplan-Meier plots of survival showed that the high microvessel (>28) and mast cell (>6) counts correlated with a shorter disease-free survival (p=0.0003 and p=0.0013, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that the depth of penetration (T4 versus T2) (p=0.004), liver metastasis (p=0.04) and microvessel density (p=0.003) were independent predictors of recurrence. In multivariate analysis, mast cell density did not reach significance. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the microvessel density of the primary tumour may be an important independent predictor of tumour recurrence and time to recurrence in colorectal carcinomas. The significant correlation between mast cell and microvessel counts suggest that the mast cells may have a role in tumour progression via promoting angiogenesis.

[Effects of sevofluran on cell division and levels of sister chromatid exchange]. / Die Wirkung von Sevofluran auf Zellteilung, Mitoseindex (MI) und Austausch der Schwesterchromatide (Sister Chromatide Exchange SCE).

OBJECTIVE: Purpose of the study was to investigate the mitotic index (MI) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) levels to identify the mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of sevoflurane (sevoflurane). METHODS: 42 non-smoking male and female turkish patients of ASA-risk I and II were included. The patients received an anaesthesia induction with 8 % sevoflurane in 100 % oxygen ("tidal volume methode") and 0.1 mg/kg BW vecuronium for neuromuscular block and endotracheal intubation. Anaesthesia was maintained with 2.0 - 2.5 sevoflurane in 60 % N(2)O and 40 % O(2). Four 5 ml venous blood samples werde taken: before induction (control), 60 minutes, 24 hours and 5 days after sevoflurane anesthesia. Samples were prepared according to the periferic blood culture assay, modified by Morhead and co-workers, and levels of MI and SCE were examined. RESULTS: 60 minutes after sevoflurane-anaesthesia a significant decrease of MI was found compared to controls (p < 0.01). This depression was lower after 24 hours (p < 0.05) and reversible after 5 days. SCE increased significantly during 60 minutes of anaesthesia (p < 0.001), was also lower after 24 hours (5.6 +/- 2.4 vs. 4.4 +/- 1.7) and returned to normal levels after 5 days (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The application of sevoflurane for anaesthesia may influence the cell division in humans and may have a mutagenic effect on DNA at the cell level, which is reversible.

[Relationship between nutrition and ASA-classification in the elderly]. / Der Zusammenhang von Ernährungszustand und ASA-Klassifikation bei älteren Patienten.

OBJECTIVE: Old age and bad nourishment are risk factors for the postoperative period. In this study, the "mini nutritional assessment" (MNA) of elderly patients was evaluated before the operation and compared with their ASA-classification. METHODS: 215 outpatients (age > 60 years) were included. MNA-score was fixed as follows: MNA 24 - 30 = normal (MNA I); MNA 17 - 23.5 = risk of malnutrition (MNA II; MNA < 17 = undernourished (MNA III). In addition, the ASA-score of all patients was registered. chi (2)-, Mann-Whitney-U- and correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis. A cut off-value of 24 was fixed for MNA and correlated with the ASA-score. RESULTS: 34.9 % of all patients were allocated to MNA II or III, but only 19.9 % to ASA III or IV. The sensitivity of the ASA-classification for evaluation of the nutritional status was 0.33, selectivity was 0.87, positive predictive value was 0.58 and negative predictive value was 0.70. CONCLUSION: ASA evaluation is not suitable for assessment of the nutritional status. With regard to typical postoperative complications, the nutritional status of patients should be assessed separately.