Effectiveness of the sternocleidomastoid muscle contraction asymmetry and filter: cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the precautions that can be taken to increase the reliability of the vestibular evoked myogenic potentials test without being affected by the asymmetry of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the issues that should be considered in the interpretation of vestibular evoked myogenic potential results if these precautions are not taken. METHOD: Individuals with sternocleidomastoid muscle activity of less than 30 µV in cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential testing and an asymmetry ratio of more than 0.35 were excluded. In our study, individuals were divided into different groups according to sternocleidomastoid muscle asymetry. RESULTS: A total of 53 individuals were included in the study. Intergroup comparisons were made to determine the effect of electromyogram scaling and filter use on amplitude asymmetry ratio according to sternocleidomastoid muscle asymmetry. CONCLUSION: Keeping the sternocleidomastoid muscle asymmetry not exceeding 10 µV maximises the reliability of cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials. As a result of our study, it can be concluded that in clinical applications the asymmetry should not exceed 20 µV.

Comparación de los resultados hemodinámicos y respiratorios entre dos posiciones quirúrgicas para la nefrolitotomía percutánea: ensayo clínico prospectivo y aleatorizado / Comparison of hemodynamic and respiratory outcomes between two surgical positions for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A prospective, randomized clinical trial

Introducción La nefrolitotomía percutánea (NLPC) se ha consolidado como el gold standard en el tratamiento de cálculos renales de gran tamaño y complejidad. Objetivos El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad de la NLPC realizada en pacientes en posición de decúbito lateral frente a decúbito prono. Métodos En nuestro ensayo prospectivo aleatorizado, 60 pacientes programados para NLPC guiada por fluoroscopia y ecografía en decúbito prono o lateral se dividieron en dos grupos. Se compararon las características demográficas, los parámetros hemodinámicos, respiratorios y metabólicos, las puntuaciones de dolor postoperatorio, la necesidad de analgésicos, la cantidad de líquido administrado, la pérdida de sangre y las transfusiones, el tiempo quirúrgico y la estancia hospitalaria, y las complicaciones perioperatorias. Resultados Se determinó que la PaO2, la SaO2, la SpO2 y el índice de reserva de oxígeno (ORi) en el minuto60 del procedimiento y en el periodo postoperatorio, el índice de variabilidad pletismográfica (PVi) en el minuto60, la presión de distensión en todos los periodos de tiempo y el volumen del sangrado durante la intervención fueron superiores en el grupo de decúbito prono, de forma estadísticamente significativa. No hubo diferencias entre los grupos en cuanto a otros parámetros. Conclusiones Según nuestros resultados, la posición de decúbito lateral puede ser de preferencia en los procedimientos de NLPC, teniendo en cuenta que esta debe elegirse con base en la experiencia del cirujano, las características anatómicas y fisiológicas del paciente, los efectos positivos sobre los parámetros respiratorios y el sangrado, y que el tiempo quirúrgico puede disminuir al aumentar la experiencia (AU)

Introduction Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has become the gold standard for the treatment of large and complex kidney stones. Objectives The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PCNL for patients in the flank position versus prone position. Methods In our prospective randomized trial, 60 patients who would undergo fluoroscopy and ultrasound-guided PCNL in prone or flank position were divided into two groups. Demographic features, hemodynamics, respiratory and metabolic parameters, postoperative pain scores, analgesic requirements, amount of fluid given, blood loss and transfusion, duration of operation and hospital stay, and perioperative complications were compared. Results PaO2, SaO2, SpO2 and oxygen reserve index (ORi) at the 60th minute of the operation and in the postoperative period, pleth variability index (PVi) at the 60th minute of the operation, driving pressure in all time periods and the amount of bleeding during the operation were determined to be statistically significantly higher in the prone group. There was no difference between the groups in terms of other parameters. Was found to be statistically significantly higher in the prone group. Conclusions Due to our results the flank position can be preferred in PCNL operations, considering that the position should be chosen according to the surgeon's experience, the patient's anatomical and physiological data, positive effects on respiratory parameters and bleeding, and the operation time can be shortened as the experience increases (AU)

The value of NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide and left ventricular ejection fraction for prediction of premature ventricular complexes burden.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the relation of NT-pro BNP level and left ventricular ejection fraction with premature ventricular complex burden. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 94 patients with PVC burden > 5% (age 45.9+12.9 years, 53 males, 41 females) were included in the study. The primary outcome was PVC burden % and main prognostic factors were LVEF% and NT-Pro BNP level. Gender, age, DM, HTN, presence of symptoms, symptom duration and heart rate were used as adjustment predictor variables. We created four different linear multivariable models to compare performance measures of prognostic factors: Model-1 has gender, age, DM, HTN, symptoms and heart rate, while LVEF has been added in addition to model-1 in model-2. Model-3 included NT-Pro-BNP alongside model-1 variables, while model-4 included both LVEF and NT-Pro-BNP variables in addition to model-1 variables. Accordingly, we compare the performance (R2, likelihood ratio X2) of models. RESULTS: The median PVC burden was 18% (IQR; 11-27). When model-1 consisting of gender, age, DM, HTN, presence of symptoms, symptomS duration and heart rate and model-2 consisting of LVEF in addition to variables of model-1 were compared, it was observed that both LRX2 and R2 values improved (likelihood ratio test p-value=0.013). Model-1 compared with model-3 which consisting of NT-pro BNP in addition to variables of model-1, and it was observed that both LRX2 and R2 values improved (likelihood ratio test p-value=0.008). However, when compared to model-1, the most significant improvement was observed in both LRX2 and R2 values in model-4 consisting of model-1 plus NT-Pro-BNP and LVEF (likelihood ratio test p-value <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We determined that NT-pro-BNP levels and LVEF could predict PVC burden in patients. Higher levels of NT-pro-BNP and lower LVEF values were associated with increased PVC burden.

Comparison of hemodynamic and respiratory outcomes between two surgical positions for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a prospective, randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has become the gold standard for the treatment of large and complex kidney stones. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for patients in the flank position versus prone position. METHODS: In our prospective randomized trial, 60 patients who would undergo fluoroscopy and ultrasound-guided PCNL in prone or flank position were divided into two groups. Demographic features, hemodynamics, respiratory and metabolic parameters, postoperative pain scores, analgesic requirements, amount of fluid given, blood loss and transfusion, duration of operation and hospital stay, and perioperative complications were compared. RESULTS: PaO2, SaO2, SpO2 and Oxygen Reserve Index (ORi) at the 60th minute of the operation and in the postoperative period, Pleth Variability index (PVi) at the 60th minute of the operation, driving pressure in all time periods and the amount of bleeding during the operation were determined to be statistically significantly higher in the prone group. There was no difference between the groups in terms of other parameters. Was found to be statistically significantly higher in the prone group. CONCLUSIONS: Due to our results the flank position can be preferred in PCNL operations, considering that the position should be chosen according to the surgeon's experience, the patient's anatomical and physiological data, positive effects on respiratory parameters and bleeding, and the operation time can be shortened as the experience increases.

V-NOTES hysterectomy under spinal anaesthesia: A pilot study.

Background: Spinal anaesthesia has not been widely adopted for laparoscopic surgeries until now. There are a few studies that have shown that spinal anaesthesia is at least as safe as general anaesthesia. The need for additional analgesics can be reduced by utilising early postoperative analgesic effects of spinal anaesthesia, and maximum benefit can be obtained from minimally invasive approaches when V-NOTES surgery is performed under spinal anaesthesia. Objective: Combining V-NOTES with spinal anaesthesia to improve minimally invasive surgical techniques and provide maximum benefit to patients. Materials and Methods: Patients who were found to have benign pelvic organ pathologies, required a hysterectomy and were considered suitable for V-NOTES hysterectomy under spinal anaesthesia were included in this study. Spinal anaesthesia was achieved with 12.5 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine in the sitting position. Perioperative events and complications related to spinal anaesthesia were noted. Postoperatively, the pain was evaluated using a visual analogue scale at the 6th, 12th, and 24th hours. Main outcome measures: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of spinal anaesthesia in VNOTES hysterectomy and to increase the advantages of minimally invasive surgical procedures. Results: No conversion to conventional laparoscopy or laparotomy was required in all six operated patients. Conversion from spinal anaesthesia to general anaesthesia was unnecessary, and no major perioperative incident occurred in any of the cases. Conclusion: In the current study by our team, we demonstrated that V-NOTES hysterectomy could be performed safely under spinal anaesthesia in well-selected patients. The need for additional analgesics can be reduced by utilising early postoperative analgesic effects of spinal anaesthesia, and maximum benefit can be obtained from minimally invasive approaches when VNOTES surgery is performed under spinal anaesthesia. What is new?: V-NOTES hysterectomy could be performed safely under spinal anaesthesia in well-selected patients.

Screening of 23 candidate genes by next-generation sequencing of patients with permanent congenital hypothyroidism: novel variants in TG, TSHR, DUOX2, FOXE1, and SLC26A7.

PURPOSE: To date, many genes have been associated with congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Our aim was to identify the mutational spectrum of 23 causative genes in Turkish patients with permanent CH, including thyroid dysgenesis (TD) and dyshormonogenesis (TDH) cases. METHODS: A total of 134 patients with permanent CH (130 primary, 4 central) were included. To identify the genetic etiology, we screened 23 candidate genes associated with CH by next-generation sequencing. For confirmation and to detect the status of the specific familial variant in relatives, Sanger sequencing was also performed. RESULTS: Possible pathogenic variants were found in 5.2% of patients with TD and in 64.0% of the patients with normal-sized thyroid or goiter. In all patients, variants were most frequently found in TSHR, followed by TPO and TG. The same homozygous TSHB variant (c.162 + 5G > A) was identified in four patients with central CH. In addition, we detected novel variants in the TSHR, TG, SLC26A7, FOXE1, and DUOX2. CONCLUSION: Genetic causes were determined in the majority of CH patients with TDH, however, despite advances in genetics, we were unable to identify the genetic etiology of most CH patients with TD, suggesting the effect of unknown genes or environmental factors. The previous studies and our findings suggest that TSHR and TPO mutations is the main genetic defect of CH in the Turkish population.

Intensive care nurses' evidence-based knowledge and experiences regarding closed suctioning system.

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal suctioning is a vital procedure performed by intensive care nurses to maintain airway patency and optimal gas exchange in critically ill patients under mechanical ventilation. As the procedure can cause several complications, intensive care nurses should have adequate evidence-based knowledge on how to perform the procedure. AIMS: This study aimed at examining intensive care nurses' knowledge and experience of the closed suctioning system. This study was a prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, and multi-centered study conducted with 195 nurses working in the tertiary intensive care units in five Turkish hospitals. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The data were collected with a questionnaire developed by the researchers in light of the literature. The data were evaluated with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The mean age of the nurses was 30.58 ± 6.28 years. The mean knowledge score of the nurses for the closed system was 27.35 ± 12.05 (range = 0-80) and 80.5% of them obtained scores ranging between 0 and 40. Also, 71.8% stated that they did not have any difficulty performing suctioning with the closed system catheter, and 85% said that they saved time with the closed system. However, 50.8% of the nurses said they were not able to suction viscous and sticky secretions efficiently, 44.6% stated they did not need to irrigate the inside of the catheter, and 45.1% of them were undecided whether the coude tip catheter led to hemorrhagic secretion more than straight tip catheter. CONCLUSIONS: Almost one-fifth of the nurses had good scores on evidence-based knowledge of suctioning. Most of the nurses' experiences regarding the use and manipulation of the closed system were positive. However, almost half of the nurses pointed out that the closed system was not effective enough to suction viscous and sticky secretions. Regular in-service training sessions may help to improve nurses' current knowledge and experiences.

Hemopressin increases penicillin-induced epileptiform activity in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Hemopressin (Hp) is the first peptide ligand described for the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of hemopressin on pencillin-induced epileptiform activity by using electrophysiological recording (ECoG) technique. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were anesthetized with urethane (1.25 g/kg), and epileptiform activity was induced by intracortical injection of penicillin (500 IU). Animals were randomly divided into eight groups. Subsequently, the rats were administered with saline or hemopressin as follows: saline control group (Group I: 2 µl/i.c.v/saline), hemopressin groups (Group II: 0.025 µg/i.c.v; Group III: 0.075 µg/i.c.v; Group IV: 0.15 µg/i.c.v; Group V: 0.3 µg/i.c.v; Group VI: 0.6 µg/i.c.v; Group VII: 1.2 µg/i.c.v; Group VIII: 2.4 µg/i.c.v). The various doses of hemopressin were injected intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v) 30 minutes after penicillin (2.5µl) injection. After hemopressin injection, ECoGs were recorded for three hours. RESULTS: Hp at doses of 0.075, 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 µg/kg significantly increased the frequency of epileptiform ECoG activity compared to penicillin-injected group without changing the amplitude. The 0.6 µg hemopressin was the most effective dose to increase the epileptiform activity (p 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provided electrophysiological evidence for hemopressin to be modulating penicillin-induced epileptiform activity by acting as CB1 receptor antagonist. Further studies are required to elucidate the involved mechanism underlying this effect (Fig. 3, Ref. 40).

Combat application tourniquet (CAT) eradicates popliteal pulses effectively by correcting the windlass turn degrees: a trial on 145 participants.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to define an ideal range of windlass turn degrees for 100 % success rates within the study population. METHODS: CAT was applied at mid-thigh level. Data included age, lower extremity circumference (LEC), body mass index (BMI), and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Windlass turn degrees were measured in failed and successful participants. The failed participants' windlass mechanisms were twisted until the popliteal artery was occluded. Failure to success and additional turn degrees to secure the windlass mechanism of CAT was determined. Doppler ultrasound was used to examine the popliteal artery blood flow. RESULTS: 145 servicemen have participated in the study. Initially, 70 % successfully applied CAT. There was no statistically significant difference in BMI and MAP values between successful and failed participants. The mean LEC for failed and successful applications were 57.5 ± 4 and 56.8 ± 4, respectively. The required turn degrees for success ranged between 45° and 270°. After correction, the cumulative success rate of 93 and 100 % was reached at 990° and 1170° overall turn degrees. DISCUSSION: In order to adequately stop limb hemorrhage, soldiers should be taught their optimal turn degrees.

Simultaneous integrated boost to intraprostatic lesions using different energy levels of intensity-modulated radiotherapy and volumetric-arc therapy.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the dosimetry of volumetric-arc therapy (VMAT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with a dynamic multileaf collimator using the Monte Carlo algorithm in the treatment of prostate cancer with and without simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) at different energy levels. METHODS: The data of 15 biopsy-proven prostate cancer patients were evaluated. The prescribed dose was 78 Gy to the planning target volume (PTV78) including the prostate and seminal vesicles and 86 Gy (PTV86) in 39 fractions to the intraprostatic lesion, which was delineated by MRI or MR-spectroscopy. RESULTS: PTV dose homogeneity was better for IMRT than VMAT at all energy levels for both PTV78 and PTV86. Lower rectum doses (V30-V50) were significantly higher with SIB compared with PTV78 plans in both IMRT and VMAT plans at all energy levels. The bladder doses at high dose level (V60-V80) were significantly higher in IMRT plans with SIB at all energy levels compared with PTV78 plans, but no significant difference was observed in VMAT plans. VMAT plans resulted in a significant decrease in the mean monitor units (MUs) for 6, 10, and 15 MV energy levels both in plans with and those without SIB. CONCLUSION: Dose escalation to intraprostatic lesions with 86 Gy is safe without causing serious increase in organs at risk (OARs) doses. VMAT is advantageous in sparing OARs and requiring less MU than IMRT. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: VMAT with SIB to intraprostatic lesion is a feasible method in treating prostate cancer. Additionally, no dosimetric advantage of higher energy is observed.

A measuremental approach to calcaneal fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The calcaneus is the most frequently broken tarsal bone in the setting of trauma. The diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of calcaneal fractures depend on the location and type determined by the Sanders classification. With the help of measurements on lateral view radiographs like the Böhler's angle, the angle of Gissane, the calcaneal inclination angle and the calcaneal facet height, we can predict the severity of the trauma and prognosis by assessing the collapse of the calcaneus. On computed tomography (CT), calcaneal fractures which reach into the joint space can be classified by the Sanders classification system according to the number of fragments. In this study, we tried to determine whether calcaneal fracture severity determined by angle and facet height measurements on lateral X-ray radiographs correlate with the Sanders classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 69 patients diagnosed with calcaneal fractures, we performed a retrospective study by analysing the Böhler's angle, the angle of Gissane, the calcaneal inclination angle and the calcaneal facet height on digital lateral X-rays and by classifying the fractures according to the Sanders classification by CT. We compared the results of the two different imaging modalities. RESULTS: We found that, as the Sanders classification type became more severe from type 1 to type 4, a general decrease was observed in the Böhler's angle, the inclination angle and the facet length, whereas a general increase was observed for the mean values of the angle of Gissane. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that measurements obtained from lateral X-rays coincide with the Sanders classification and, therefore, might indicate the prognosis.

RIFLE criteria for acute kidney dysfunction following heart transplantation: incidence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are few data regarding the occurrence of (RIFLE)-based acute kidney dysfunction (AKD) after heart transplantation (HT) and its risk factors. The aim of this study was to apply RIFLE criteria in patients who developed AKD following HT to compare patients with and without AKD and to determine incidence and risk factors of AKD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 65 patients who underwent HT between 2003 and 2012. We investigated 3 levels of renal dysfunction outlined in RIFLE criteria: risk (R), injury (I), and failure (F). Appropriate class was assigned comparing baseline creatinine level to peak levels in the first 7 days after HT. Perioperative variables of heart transplant recipients were collected. RESULTS: The mean age at transplantation was 32.8 ± 16.6 years with 72.7% males. The incidence of AKD was 61%, risk occured in 18%, injury in 16%, and failure in 27% of the patients. Patients who had AKD were significantly older (37.9 ± 15.6 vs 24.6 ± 15.0 years: P = .008), had higher body mass index (24.7 ± 6.7 vs 18.6 ± 4.3; P = .002), and more frequently had history of hypertension (92% vs 8%; P = .011) and smoking (100% vs 0%; P = .008) when compared with those who did not have AKD. When compared with patients who did not develop AKD postoperatively, preoperative higher creatinine levels (1.1 ± 0.3 vs 0.8 ± 0.4; P = .025), intraoperative higher mean arterial pressures (99.2 ± 14.1 vs 89.0 ± 11.4 mm Hg; P = .011), a higher frequency of intraoperative acidosis (81% vs 19%; P = .041), higher lactate levels (5.1 ± 3.8 vs 2.8 ± 1.7 mmol/L; P = .038), and postoperative more frequent use of cyclosporine (91% vs 9%; P = .025) were seen in those who developed AKD. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio [OR], 1.057; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.010-1.106; P = .018) and use of cyclosporine (OR, 0.099; 95% CI, 0.010-0.935; P = .043) were independent risk factors for AKD. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that based on RIFLE criteria, AKD occur in more than half of HTs postoperatively. Older age and use of cyclosporine are associated with AKD following HT.

Early-onset posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome after solid organ transplantation in pediatric patients: a report of 2 cases.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurological disturbance that occurs due to different reasons and presents with different clinical symptoms. It can be a devastating situation, but, timely treatment may lead to complete recovery. We report 2 cases of PRES, which developed and fully recovered in the early period after solid organ transplantation in pediatric patients.

Comparison of serum creatinine and spot urine interleukin-18 levels following radiocontrast administration.

Radiocontrast administration is an important cause of acute renal failure. In this study, compared the plasma creatinine levels with spot urine IL-18 levels following radiocontrast administration. Twenty patients (11 males, 9 females) underwent radiocontrast diagnostic and therapeutic-enhanced examinations. The RIN Mehran risk score was low (≤5). The radiocontrast agents used were 623 mg/mL Iopromid (1.5 mL/kg), and 100 mL of 650 mg/mL meglumine diatrizoate as three-way oral and rectal contrast material for abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans. Serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, Na, K, Cl, Ca, P, creatinine clearance, and spot urine IL-18 levels were analyzed before and repeated at 24, 48, and 72 h after radiocontrast administration. Six and 24-h urinary IL-18 levels were measured with a human IL-18 ELISA kit following radiocontrast administration. An increase in plasma creatinine 24 and 48 h following radiocontrast administration was observed compared with precontrast values, but it was not statistically significant (P=0.052 and P=0.285, respectively). A statistically significant increase in IL-18 levels was observed at 6 and 24 h, compared with precontrast values (P=0.048 and P=0.028, respectively). A tendency for postcontrast 24-h urinary IL-18 levels to increase was observed compared with 6 h, but the increase was not statistically significant (P=0.808). Our results show that plasma creatinine starts to increase at 24(th) hour; however, spot urine IL-18 levels go up at 6(th) hour following radiocontrast administration implying urine IL-18 to be an earlier parameter for kidney injury.

Diagnosis and treatment of late-onset portal vein stenosis after pediatric living-donor liver transplantation.

PURPOSE: Portal vein stenosis is a relatively rare complication after living-donor liver transplantation, which sometimes leads to a life-threatening event owing to gastrointestinal bleeding or graft failure. This study sought to evaluate the diagnoses and management of late-onset portal vein stenosis in pediatric living-donor liver transplants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since September 2001, we performed 123 living-donor liver transplant procedures in 120 children, among which 109 children with a functioning graft at 6 months after living-donor liver transplant are included in this analysis. Seven instances of portal vein stenosis were diagnosed and were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The median age of the children was 5.3 years, and the median body weight was 19.2 kg. Portal vein stenosis was diagnosed at 11.2±3.1 months after living-donor liver transplantation. Whereas 3 children were asymptomatic, splenomegaly and/or massive ascites were observed in the remaining 4. Additionally, platelet counts were below the normal limit in 4 children. All children were treated with transhepatic balloon dilatation except 1. Intraluminal stent placement was needed in 1 child owing to resistance of balloon dilatation. The mean pressure gradient decreased from 12.4 to 3.2 mmHg after successful treatment. We did not observe any treatment-related complications. Portal venous patency was maintained in all children during posttreatment follow-up of 43.2±20.4 months. There were no recurrences of portal vein stenosis. One child died; the remaining 6 children are alive with good graft function at 49.8±23.9 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although most portal vein stenosis is asymptomatic, splenomegaly and platelet counts are 2 important markers for portal vein stenosis. Early detection of portal vein stenosis with these 2 markers can lead to successful interventional percutaneous approaches and avoid graft loss.

Rifle criteria for acute kidney dysfunction following liver transplantation: incidence and risk factors.

RIFLE criteria have been used to determine the incidence of acute kidney dysfunction (AKD) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). However, no studies have focused on the incidence of AKD after OLT in patients with normal pre-OLT kidney functions. Using the RIFLE criteria, we determined the incidence and risk factors for AKD after OLT in patients with normal pre-OLT kidney function. We retrospectively analyzed the records of 112 patients who underwent OLT from January 2000 to February 2009 with normal prior kidney function. We investigated three levels of renal dysfunction outlined in the RIFLE criteria: risk (R); injury (I); and failure (F). Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were collected. AKD occurred in 64 (57%) OLTs with risk, injury, and failure frequencies of 19%, 11%, and 28%, respectively. Compared with those who did not develop AKD postoperatively, those who did had significantly higher MELD scores (19 ± 7 vs 16 ± 8; P = .018), more frequently use of inotropic agents intraoperatively (54% vs 35%; P = .070), more colloid treatment (300 ± 433 mL vs 105 ± 203 mL; P = .007), longer anhepatic phase (88.0 ± 42.0 minutes vs 73.0 ± 20.0 minutes; P = .037), and a greater incidence of intraoperative acidosis (64% vs 44%; P = .047). Logistic regression analysis revealed that MELD score (odds ratio 1.107, 95% CI 1.022-1.200, P = .013), duration of anhepatic phase (odds ratio 1.020 95% CI 1.000-1.040, P = .053), and intraoperative acidosis (odds ratio 0.277 95% CI 0.093-0.825 P = .021) were independent risk factors for AKD. In conclusion, our results suggested that, based on RIFLE criteria, AKD occurs in more than half of OLTs postoperatively. A higher MELD score, longer anhepatic phase, and occurrence of intraoperative acidosis were associated with AKD.

A giant villous adenoma: case mimicking rectosigmoid malignancy; radiological survey to diagnosis.

Villous adenomas are benign lesions, which are difficult to interpret because of their malignancy potential. They have similar radiological findings to malignant lesions. Usually, villous adenomas are asymptomatic although they may cause rectal bleeding like malignant tumours. We present a case of giant villous adenoma to evaluate the contribution of its radiological features including double contrast barium enema, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations for the differential diagnosis.

Preemptive living donor renal transplantation: a single-center experience.

Renal transplantation is considered preemptive if it occurs before initiation of dialysis. In our experience and in the literature, preemptive transplantation has been shown not only to reduce the costs of renal replacement therapy but also to avoid the long-term adverse effects of dialysis. Preemptive renal transplantation therefore is associated with better survival of both the allograft and the recipient. Our aim was to evaluate the outcomes of preemptive renal transplantation experience at our center. Since 1985, 1385 renal transplantations have been performed at our center. We retrospectively analyzed the 16/1385 recipients (11 male, 5 female) of overall mean age of 28.5 +/- 15 years who underwent preemptive procedures. The causes of end-stage renal failure were focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (n = 5), vesicular ureteral reflux (n = 4), Berger disease (n = 2), polycystic renal disease (n = 2), and others (n = 3). Ten patients were adults, the remaining six, children. The mean creatinine clearance and plasma creatinine levels of the recipients before renal transplantation were 13.5 +/- 8.5 mL/min and 6.7 +/- 2.4 mg/dL, respectively. All renal transplantations were performed from living related donors. The mean preoperative serum creatinine levels, mean glomerular filtration rate, and creatinine clearance rates of the donors were 0.8 +/- 0.1 mg/dL, 61.6 +/- 6.5 mL/min, and 112.5 12 mL/min, respectively. Two episodes of acute cellular rejection and one of humoral rejection occurred during a mean follow-up of 48.7 +/- 14 months (range = 25-76 months). The two patients who experienced graft losses due to humoral rejection or chronic rejection were retransplanted 2 and 48 months thereafter, respectively. At this time all patients are alive with good renal function. In conclusion, our single-center results are promising for preemptive renal transplantation as the optimal, least-expensive mode of treatment for end-stage renal disease.

Living related liver transplantation in Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 1.

Four children underwent living related liver transplantation because of Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 1. Three were infants aged 2, 8(1/2), and 15 months, and weighed 5, 8, and 10 kg, respectively. Pretransplantation unconjugated bilirubin concentration was 22 to 30 mg/dL despite 12 to 14 hours of phototherapy daily. Patient 1, the 2-month-old infant, with unconjugated bilirubin concentration of 30 mg/dL, had a high-pitched cry, suggestive of bilirubin encephalopathy; results of neurologic examination were normal. Plasmapheresis and urgent liver transplantation were performed. Patient 4, a 13-year-old girl, had learning difficulties at school and attended a special class. Three patients received left lateral liver segments, and 1 patient received a left lobe. Biliary reconstruction was completed with duct-to-duct anastomosis. Bile leakage developed at the anastomosis in 2 patients, which was treated successfully with cholangioplasty. In all patients, the unconjugated bilirubin concentration normalized by day 1 posttransplantation, and no phototherapy was necessary. After transplantation, the 2-month-old infant with suspected encephalopathy exhibited hypotonia, spasticity of the lower extremities, and lack of head control. He died after vomitus aspiration during sleep at 10 months posttransplantation. The other 3 patients are alive with normal neurodevelopmental milestones. Irreversible brain damage may occur early in the course of Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 1. Urgent treatment including plasmapheresis, exchange transfusion, phototherapy, and liver transplantation may not reverse brain damage. Young infants must be evaluated carefully for subtle signs and symptoms of bilirubin encephalopathy. Liver transplantation is curative if performed before development of neurologic dysfunction.

Liver transplantation in management of alveolar echinococcosis: two case reports.

Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis is an infectious disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis, which grows primarily in the liver of an infected person and develops as a tumorlike lesion. In advanced cases, the organisms infiltrate every organ neighboring the liver and spread hematogenously to distant organs such as lungs and brain. Surgical resection and liver transplantation are accepted treatment options for early and advanced disease, respectively. Herein, we present case reports of 2 patients with advanced alveolar echinococcal disease that invaded both lobes of the liver and neighboring vital structures including the inferior vena cava. Despite the technical difficulty of the surgery, both patients were successfully treated with living donor liver transplantation. Liver transplantation should be accepted as a life-saving treatment of choice in patients with alveolar echinococcosis for whom there is no other medical or surgical treatment options.