Pathologic tumor response to neoadjuvant therapy in resected pancreatic cancer: does it affect prognosis?

Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) + surgical resection for pancreatic cancer (PC) has gained consensus in recent years. Pathological response (PR) is generally assessed according to the College of American Pathologists grading system, ranging from 0 (complete response) to 3 (no response). The aim of our study is to evaluate the PR in a series of resections for PC after NAT and its prognostic implication. 112 patients undergone NAT and resection for PC between 2011 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. PR was 0/1, 2 and 3 in 18 (15%), 79 (61%) and 29 (24%) cases, respectively. Chemotherapy regimens different from FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel (OR 11.61 (2.53-53.36), p = 0.002) and lymphovascular invasion (OR 11.28 (1.89-67.23), p = 0.008) were associated to PR-3. Median follow-up was 25.8 (3.6-130.5) months. For PR-0/1, PR-2 and PR-3, median DFS was 45.8, 11.5, 4.6 months (p < 0.0001), respectively, while median OS was not reached, 27.1 and 17.5 months (p = 0.0006), respectively. At univariate analysis, PR-0/1 was significantly associated to better DFS and OS (HR 0.33 (0.17-0.67), p = 0.002; HR 0.20 (0.07-0.54), p = 0.002, respectively). At multivariate analysis, pancreaticoduodenectomy (HR 0.50 (0.30-0.84), p = 0.009), LNR (HR 27.14 (1.21-608.9), p = 0.038) and lymphovascular invasion (HR 1.99 (1.06-3.76), p = 0.033) were independently associated to DFS; pre-treatment CA 19.9 value (HR 1.00 (1.00-1.00), p = 0.025), post-treatment resectability status (HR 0.51 (0.28-0.95), p = 0.035), pancreaticoduodenectomy (HR 0.56 (0.32-0.99), p = 0.050), severe morbidity (2.99 (1.22-7.55), p = 0.017), LNR (HR 56.8 (2.08-1548.3), p = 0.017), lymphovascular invasion (HR 2.18 (1.08-4.37), p = 0.029) were independently associated to OS. PR did not reach statistical significance at multivariate analysis. A favorable PR is observed only in a limited number of cases. The prognostic role of PR, despite being promising, remains unclear and further multicentric studies are needed.

Long-Term Impact of a Low-Cost Paediatric Intussusception Air Enema Reduction Simulation-Based Education Programme in a Low-Middle Income Country.

INTRODUCTION: Intussusception is one of the commonest causes of bowel obstruction in infants. Most infants in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) undergo an invasive operative intervention. Supported by simulation-based education (SBE), the Air Enema (AE) non-operative technique was introduced in 2016 in Myanmar. This study assesses the long-term outcomes. METHODS: Mixed methods study design over 4 years including clinical outcomes and surgeon's attitudes towards the AE technique and SBE. Prospectively collected clinical outcomes and semi-structured interview with reflexive thematic analysis (RTA). Primary outcome measure was a long-term shift to non-operative intervention. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: Length of Stay (LoS), recurrence rates, intestinal resection rates, compared to the operative group. The data was analysed according to intention to treat. Quantitative data analysis with Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, Student's T-Test or Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test utilised. A p-value of <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 311 infants with intussusception were included. A sustained shift to AE was revealed with high success rates (86.1-91.2%). AE had a reduced LoS (4 vs. 7 days p ≤ 0.0001), Duration of Symptoms (DoS) was lower with AE (1.9/7 vs. 2.5/7, p = 0.002). Low recurrence rates (0-5.8%) and intestinal resection rates stabilised at 30.5-31.8% vs.15.3% pre-intervention. Four RTA themes were identified: Expanding conceptions of healthcare professional education and training; realising far reaching advantages; promoting critical analysis and reflective practice of clinicians; and adapting clinical practice to local context. RTA revealed an overall positive paradigm shift in attitudes and application of SBE. CONCLUSIONS: A sustained change in clinical outcomes and appreciation of the value of SBE was demonstrated following the intervention.

Parental Views on the Non-Operative Management of Simple Appendicitis in Children: Results of a Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: To determine parental attitudes for the non-operative management of simple appendicitis and determine willingness to participate in research evaluating different management options. METHOD: Voluntary cross-sectional survey of parents/guardians presenting to paediatric outpatient department. Likert scale of 0-10 (strongly disagree-strongly agree) was utilised, analysis by individual question responses. Results are presented as medians [IQR], paired t test, the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test analysis as appropriate. A p value of < 0.05 is considered significant. RESULTS: Of 311 respondents, 81% (252/311) completed all the questions. The majority (73%, 220/303) believed that appendicitis needed an urgent operation, and 88% (264/299) believed that perforated appendicitis was a life-threatening condition. Fifty-two per cent (131/252) preferred operative management, and 48% (121/252) preferred antibiotic treatment. The most important factors influencing treatment choice were removal of pain (84%, 246/293), removal of infection (83%, 244/293) and minimising complications (54%, 162/293). Concerns regarding antibiotic treatment included the potential for recurrence (75%, 204/271), the risk of progression (63%, 170/271) and the potential of future surgery (53%, 145/271). The perceived beneficial factors of antibiotic treatment included avoiding surgery, 64% (173/269) and surgical complications 68% (184/269). When asked to consider whether they would participate in clinical research evaluating the two treatment options, parents were equally in favour (39%), against (26%) or unsure (35%). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates equipoise in the parental acceptance of antibiotics as a treatment simple appendicitis in children, or participation in research evaluating this topic. However, the important factors that may influence this decision have been identified to guide future conversations.

Current assessment of parental and health professional perception of the colour of neonatal vomiting: Results of a scoping survey.

PURPOSE: To determine current perceptions of doctors, nurses and parents for the colour of a neonatal vomit which should prompt an urgent surgical review. METHODS: A voluntary scoping survey of parents/guardians of patients and non-surgical healthcare professionals was conducted with respondents asked to choose from 8 different selections in a colour swatch from pale yellow to dark green. A control group consisted of 13 paediatric surgeons. Data were analysed using the paired t test, Fishers exact test. A p value of < 0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: 365 participants responded: 36% (131/365) parents, 18% (64/365) nurses and 46% (166/365) doctors. 4/365 (1%) did not state their role. 343 participants completed all questions and responses were analysed using total responses for each question. 82% (121/148) of doctors and 78% (50/64) of nurses had more than 3 years of post-graduate experience. Overall, 63% (227/361) of participants (100% paediatric surgeons, 78% other doctors, 75% nurses/midwives & 30% parents) considered dark and light green vomits to be a sign of intestinal obstruction. 67% (242/361) of participants (100% paediatric surgeons, 72% other doctors, 56% nurses/midwives and 62% parents) believed dark and light green vomiting needed an urgent surgical referral. There were significant differences between the control group and other groups in terms of whether the neonate could wait until the next day for a review; nursing staff (p = 0.0002), postnatal/midwifery (p = < 0.0001), emergency medicine (p = 0.04), general practice (p = 0.002), neonatal (p = 0.0001) and paediatricians (p = 0.005). Only the neonatologists (p = 0.04), nursing staff (p = 0.001) and postnatal/midwifery (p = 0.004) believed that the neonate could have safe observation. CONCLUSION: Although the perception that green vomiting is potentially serious is acknowledged by the majority of healthcare professionals surveyed, there is still a requirement for more targeted educational practices in nursing, midwifery and medical staff.

Recovering from chronic myeloid leukemia: the patients' perspective seen through the lens of narrative medicine.

PURPOSE: The main objective of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of how patients suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cope with their illness. The study aims to reconstruct the subjective meaning-making process related to CML in order to gain insights into the impact the disease has on patients' emotions and everyday lives, as well as to explore the psychological impact of their being presented with the chance to suspend their therapy and recover from the disease. METHODS: Data were gathered from a qualitative study conducted in Italy on 158 Italian CML patients. Basing the study on the narrative inquiry approach, the patients were required to describe their patient journey in a qualitative narrative diary. These contained prompts to elicit the free expression of their needs, expectations, and priorities. A lexicographic analysis was carried out with T-LAB software and in particular a thematic analysis of elementary contexts (TAECs) and a word association analysis (WAA). RESULTS: The TAEC detected four thematic clusters related to two factors (temporal frame and contextual setting) that explained the variance among the narratives. The WAA evidenced a wide variety of emotions, both positive and negative, as patients reacted to the possibility of interrupting their therapy. CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of patients' experiences can offer insights into promoting the development of more sustainable healthcare services and into therapeutic innovation aimed at improving patients' quality of life and at engaging them more in their treatment. The findings of this study can also help make medical professionals more aware of the patient's burden and help them identify potential interactions and emotional levers to improve clinical relationships.

Investigation of the First Seven Reported Cases of Candida auris, a Globally Emerging Invasive, Multidrug-Resistant Fungus-United States, May 2013-August 2016.

November 11, 2016/65(44);1234-1237. What is already known about this topic? Candida auris is an emerging pathogenic fungus that has been reported from at least a dozen countries on four continents during 2009-2015. The organism is difficult to identify using traditional biochemical methods, some isolates have been found to be resistant to all three major classes of antifungal medications, and C. auris has caused health care-associated outbreaks. What is added by this report? This is the first description of C. auris cases in the United States. C. auris appears to have emerged in the United States only in the last few years, and U.S. isolates are related to isolates from South America and South Asia. Evidence from U.S. case investigations suggests likely transmission of the organism occurred in health care settings. What are the implications for public health practice? It is important that U.S. laboratories accurately identify C. auris and for health care facilities to implement recommended infection control practices to prevent the spread of C. auris. Local and state health departments and CDC should be notified of possible cases of C. auris and of isolates of C. haemulonii and Candida spp. that cannot be identified after routine testing.

Laparoscopic nephro-sparing surgery of juxtaglomerular cell tumor in a child.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of juxtaglomerular cell tumour of the kidney (reninoma) in a child treated with laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery. PATIENTS AND RESULTS: A 14-year-old girl was incidentally found to have hypertension (180/114 mmHg) at the time of adenotonsillectomy. Pre-operative investigations revealed a plasma renin level of 225.9 ng/dl (4.4-46), normal aldosterone, cortisol and urinary catecholamine. Abdominal ultrasound detected a 1.9 × 1.5-cm hypoechoic lesion in the right kidney lower pole; CT scan confirmed the presence of a 1.5-cm, circumscribed, solid, hypoenhancing cortical lesion in the right lower pole. Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery was accomplished by clamping the renal artery for 30 min; after excision, the tumour bed was closed using barbed V-loc sutures. The procedure was completed laparoscopically in 150 min with no peri-operative complications. The patient was discharged home on day 4 postoperatively. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of a juxtaglomerular cell tumour that was completely excised. The J-J stent was removed 1 month later. At follow-up, the patient's blood pressure was normalized and medications were stopped. A DMSA scan confirmed 36% residual right kidney function. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery should be considered in children with juxtaglomerular tumours. This technique allows prompt recovery with preservation of significant renal function.

Outcome of fetal exomphalos diagnosed at 11-14 weeks of gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sonographic findings in cases of exomphalos detected at the 11-14-week scan can be used to guide pregnancy management. METHODS: Retrospective study of cases of exomphalos identified from the Fetal Medicine Unit database, University College London Hospitals between January 1998 and January 2010. Pregnancy and neonatal data were ascertained from maternal and neonatal records. Fetal exomphalos was categorized into three groups: exomphalos associated with other major structural malformation(s), isolated exomphalos with increased nuchal translucency (NT) and isolated exomphalos with normal NT. RESULTS: A total of 98 cases of exomphalos were identified, of which 45 (45.9%) were associated with other major structural malformation(s), identified antenatally. Isolated exomphalos was found with increased NT in 22 cases (22.4%) and with normal NT in 31 cases (31.6%). Of 80 (81.6%) fetuses that were karyotyped, 43 (53.8%) had a chromosomal abnormality; the most common aneuploidy was trisomy 18 (n = 31; 72.1%). Where exomphalos was associated with other major structural abnormalities, or was isolated with increased NT, the incidence of aneuploidy was high, at 78.9% and 72.2%, respectively. Cases of isolated exomphalos with normal NT were all euploid. In 21 cases (21.4%), exomphalos resolved later in pregnancy and none had apparent abnormalities at birth; isolated exomphalos persisted in only three neonates (3.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The finding of a major structural abnormality or of increased NT in association with exomphalos in the first trimester implies a high risk of aneuploidy. Parents can be reassured that fetuses with isolated exomphalos and normal NT are likely to be euploid.

Gastric emptying is accelerated following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The effects on gastric motility following Nissen fundoplication in children are poorly documented. Some paediatric surgeons advocate additional procedures at the same time as fundoplication, such as a pyloroplasty, to enhance gastric emptying. The aim of this study was to determine whether laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication without pyloroplasty affects gastric emptying. METHODS: Gastric emptying was measured before laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in 8 children after ingestion of a standardised volume of milk for age mixed with 150 mg of (13)C-octanoic acid. None of the patients had a gastrostomy insertion at the time of fundoplication and 2 patients had neurological impairment. Breath samples were collected by breathing into a mask at baseline and every 15 minutes up to 3 hours, and were analysed for (13)CO (2)/ (12)CO (2) ratio by mass spectrometry. Gastric emptying time (t (1/2)) was derived from the curve of (13)CO (2)/ (12)CO (2) ratio against time. The test was repeated in 6 children following Nissen fundoplication at the time of full feeds. Data are reported as mean +/- SD and were analysed by the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: There were 4 males and 4 females; mean age at surgery was 3.3 +/- 3.0 years. Mean gastric emptying time was 59 +/- 17 min prior to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and 45 +/- 4 min following surgery (p = 0.03). Gastric emptying was accelerated in all except one patient. Gastric emptying for liquids is accelerated following Nissen fundoplication in children. Procedures aimed at improving gastric emptying time such as pyloroplasty or pyloromyotomy might not be justified at the time of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Umbilical polyp in infants and children.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The umbilical polyp is a rare congenital lesion resulting from the persistence of omphalomesenteric duct (OMD) enteric mucosa at the umbilicus. Exploration of the abdomen to exclude the presence of associated OMD remnants is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the need for peritoneal cavity exploration in children with umbilical polyp. METHODS: All umbilical lesions (n = 53) excised between 1995 and 2005 in a single institution were reviewed to identify patients with umbilical polyp (n = 13). This is characterised histologically by the presence of gastrointestinal mucosa. A follow-up study of patients with umbilical polyp was performed. Data are reported as median (range). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: All 13 patients underwent excision of an umbilical polyp at a median age of 15.1 months (3.1 - 80.5). All presented with a discharging polyp (associated with bleeding in 9) which did not respond to topical silver nitrate. Median diameter of the lesions was 0.5 cm (0.2 - 1). Histology revealed the presence of small bowel mucosa in 11 (associated with pancreatic tissue in 1 and gastric mucosa in 1) and large bowel mucosa in 2. All patients underwent inspection and probing of the base of the polyp after its excision. In 6 patients an associated OMD anomaly was suspected and exploration of the peritoneal cavity was performed (mini-laparotomy in 5 and laparoscopy in 1). No OMD anomaly was found. The 7 children who did not undergo exploration of the abdominal cavity remain asymptomatic after 5.8 years (0.9 - 13.7) follow-up. An umbilical polyp can be present in the absence of other OMD anomalies. Exploration of the peritoneal cavity in children with an umbilical polyp does not seem to be necessary.

Absorption of carbon dioxide during laparoscopy in children measured using a novel mass spectrometric technique.

BACKGROUND: Carbon dioxide (CO(2)) is absorbed during pneumoperitoneum and may cause adverse haemodynamic effects. The aim of this study was to measure the elimination of exogenous CO(2) during laparoscopy in children. METHODS: Ten children [27.6 (56.5) months; mean (SD)] undergoing laparoscopic and nine [24.5 (17.3) months] undergoing open surgery were studied. Breath samples were collected at the line for end-tidal CO(2) and analysed for (13)CO(2)/(12)CO(2) ratio expressed as deltaPDB (difference from standard), by isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. The proportion of absorbed CO(2) was calculated comparing exhaled (13)CO(2)/(12)CO(2) before and during CO(2) pneumoperitoneum. RESULTS: (13)CO(2)/(12)CO(2) in medical CO(2) was -32.7 (2.1) deltaPDB. (13)CO(2)/(12)CO(2) in breath of patients undergoing open procedures was -24.3 (2.4) deltaPDB at the start of operation and did not change during the operation (P > 0.2). (13)CO(2)/(12)CO(2) in breath of patients undergoing laparoscopy was -21.5 (5.4) deltaPDB at the start of insufflation, and decreased during pneumoperitoneum by 2.5 (1.6) deltaPDB, indicating absorption of exogenous CO(2). The percentage of expired CO(2) absorbed rose to 15.5 (7.7)% after 30 min of pneumoperitoneum and decreased rapidly after desufflation. CONCLUSION: After 10 min of laparoscopy 10-20% of expired CO(2) derives from the exogenous CO(2). CO(2) absorption can be measured using a simple mass spectrometric technique.

Radial artery pseudoaneurysm successfully treated by compression bandage.

In children, surgery for radial artery pseudoaneurysm (PA) may be followed by growth retardation of the hand because of inadequate blood flow. We believe this is the first report of a child with PA of the radial artery cured by compression bandage. Conservative management is a safe and valuable initial treatment option for uncomplicated radial PA.

Central pulmonary artery lesions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A transesophageal echocardiography study.

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute pulmonary embolism, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) often reveals presumably thrombotic lesions within the central pulmonary arteries (CPAs). These CPA lesions, when found in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension, have been attributed to in situ thrombosis or atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that similar CPA lesions may also develop in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the absence of pulmonary embolism. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined by TEE 25 patients with COPD and 27 control patients with left heart disease. None of the patients had previous pulmonary embolism or ileofemoral and popliteal vein thrombosis. By use of TEE, CPA lesions were found in 12 COPD patients (48%) and 2 control patients (7.4%) (P<0.01). When CPA lesions were subdivided into types 1 (protruding and mobile) and 2 (wall-adherent), type 1 lesions proved to be uncommon, being found within the pulmonary trunk in 12% and 3.7% of COPD and control patients, respectively (P=NS). Conversely, type 2 lesions, which were always localized in the right pulmonary artery, were frequent in COPD patients (36%) and rare in control patients (3.7%) (P<0.01). When available, helical CT and MR angiography confirmed TEE findings, supporting an atherosclerotic origin of type 2 lesions, which were different from typical thrombotic lesions. FEV(1)/FVC ratio, RV/TLC ratio, PaO(2), hematocrit value, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure were not significantly different in COPD patients with and without CPA lesions. At TEE, however, COPD patients with CPA lesions showed a larger size of the main and right pulmonary arteries. CONCLUSIONS: TEE often reveals CPA lesions in stable patients with COPD even in the absence of significant pulmonary hypertension and not in close relation with the severity of pulmonary dysfunction.

Comparison of steerable continuous-wave versus pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography to renal artery angiography in diagnosing renal artery stenosis.

Pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography is widely used to noninvasively diagnose renal artery stenosis. The use of steerable continuous-wave Doppler has never been tested. We compared pulsed and steerable continuous-wave Doppler ultrasonography, demonstrating that although both methods are highly sensitive for severe stenoses, continuous-wave Doppler shows a better sensitivity for mild to moderate stenoses.

[Weaning in cardiopulmonary bypass patients with compromised cardiac function. Comparison of enoximone and dopamine]. / Weaning dal bypass cardiopolmonare di pazienti coronaropatici a funzionalità cardiaca compromessa. Confronto tra enoximone e dopamina.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of enoximone and dopamine in patients with impaired left ventricular function after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). DESIGN: Prospective study on a consecutive series of patients subdivided into two groups: enoximone (Group E) and dopamine (Group D). SETTING: Policlinico Umberto I, University La Sapienza of Rome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients undergoing elective myocardial revascularization. Before weaning from CPB the patients received inotropic drugs as follows: Group E: enoximone: bolus: 1 mg/kg in 10 min, and continuous infusion of 5 mcg/kg/min; Gruppo D: dopamine: continuous infusion of 5 mcg/kg/min. Hemodynamic measurements were made using a Swan-Ganz catheter inserted before the induction of anaesthesia. RESULTS: Enoximone has proved to be effective in decreasing pre-load and after-load of both right and left ventricle by a positive lusitropic effect and a reduction of systolic stress, thereby increasing the cardiac index. In group D patients maintenance of cardiac output has been demonstrated to be dependent on a chronotropic effect. As a consequence in group D the increase in rate-pressure product has reached potentially dangerous values, reflecting a marked increase in myocardial oxygen consumption. On the contrary in Group E the increase in rate-pressure product has been much more limited. Finally both drugs have proven effective, since all patients have been easily weaned from CPB. CONCLUSIONS: Enoximone is a useful and easily-handled drug to facilitate weaning from CPB of patients with preoperative impaired ventricular function.

Changes in coagulation patterns, blood loss and blood use after cardiopulmonary bypass: aprotinin vs tranexamic acid vs epsilon aminocaproic acid.

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) increases risk of postoperative bleeding and need for transfusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aprotinin, epsilon aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid on coagulation patterns and need for banked blood transfusion. Ninety-six consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery were randomly assigned to 4 groups (24 patients each). The following parameters were monitored before, during and after CPB: activated lotting time, hemoglobin, prothrombin time, activated prothromboplastin time, fibrinogen, antithrombin III, xDP, Factor VIII, Thrombin-Antithrombin Complex and plasminogen. Analysis of postoperative bleeding and need for transfusion showed that the aprotinin group had significantly lower mediastinal bleeding. Transfused patients were 2, 4, 12 and 18 respectively in the aprotinin, epsilon aminocaproic acid, tranexamic acid and placebo treated group. In conclusion the use of protease inhibitors significantly reduces postoperative bleeding and transfusion. The aprotinin-treated group had the lower need for transfusion.

[Doppler flow-velocity analysis of the renal arteries in left ventricular dysfunction]. / Analisi della curva di flusso-velocità doppler delle arterie renali nella disfunzione ventricolare sinistra.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Chronic heart failure leads to renal hypoperfusion. Clinical methods for monitoring renal artery flow have several limitations. We analyzed the renal artery flow-velocity in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and normal controls by pulsed-wave (PW) color-guided Doppler technique. The relation between PW Doppler quantitative indexes and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), creatinine clearance, and age, was also assessed. METHODS: We studied 53 patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF by 2D echo < or = 40%) and no systemic hypertension, diabetes, parenchymal nephropathy, serum creatinine levels > 150 mmol/l, nor renal artery stenosis. Five patients were excluded for suboptimal renal artery PW Doppler recordings. Thus, the study group was constituted of 48 patients (mean age: 64 +/- 13 years). Twenty-eight normal subjects (mean age: 61 +/- 9 years) were the control group. By PW Doppler we measured the maximum (Vmax), the minimum (Vmin) and the mean (Vmean) velocities of both renal arteries. The resistivity index (RI), obtained from the formula (Vmax-Vmin)/ Vmax, and the pulsatility index (PI), obtained from the formula (Vmax-Vmin)/Vmed were calculated. Creatinine clearance was determined in each patient. RESULTS: RI and PI were greater in patients with left ventricular dysfunction than in normal controls. In normal controls, RI and PI were related to age (r: 0.63, p < 0.001; and r: 0.45, p < 0.05) and creatinine clearance (r: -0.44 and -0.40, respectively; both: p < 0.05), not to LVEF. In patients with left ventricular dysfunction, RI and PI were related to LVEF (r: -0.67 and -0.59; both: p < 0.001), other than to age (r: 0.57 and 0.55; both: p < 0.001) and creatinine clearance (r: -0.59, p < 0.001, and r = -0.46, p < 0.01, respectively). In this group, however, there was no sharp separation of RI and PI between patients with different degree of left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF < or = 30% and > 30%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with left ventricular dysfunction, by renal artery PW Doppler analysis it is possible to detect noninvasively a reduction in regional flow-velocity and an increase in Doppler-derived vascular resistance indexes. These Doppler changes mainly depend on severity of left ventricular dysfunction and less on age of patients.

[Intramuscular and oral clonidine in premedication of the heart surgery patient: hemodynamic effects and interaction with high-dose fentanyl induction]. / Clonidina i.m. e per os nella premedicazione del paziente cardiochirurgico: effetti emodinamici ed interazioni con alti dosaggi induttivi di fentanyl.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral and i.m. clonidine as premedication in reducing the requirements of fentanyl for induction and to analyze its effects on the hemodynamics of patients with ischemic heart disease. SETTING: University Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors considered 30 patients (27 male and 3 female) undergoing CABG. Patients were premedicated 60-90 min before induction of anesthesia and were randomly distributed in three groups: Group A: oral diazepam 0.1 mg x kg -1; Group B: oral diazepam 0.1 mg x k-1 + oral clonidine 5 micrograms x kg-1; Group C: oral oral diazepam 0.1 mg kg-1 + i.m. clonidine 4 micrograms x kg-1. Induction of anesthesia was realized with fentanyl at speed of 500 mcg x min-1 until loss of consciousness was reached (no answer to three consecutive questions). MEASUREMENT: Hemodynamic data were recorded at TO(baseline), T1(induction of anesthesia), T2(3 min after intubation), T3(3 min. after skin incision). Results were analyzed by utilizing the average comparison Student "t" test and paired "t" test. A value of p < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. MAIN RESULTS: In groups B and C the inductive dose of fentanyl was much lower (p < 0.001) compared to control group (B = 19.23 +/- 3.57 micrograms x kg-1; C = 19.92 +/- 4.15 micrograms x kg-1; A = 28.39 +/- 6.4 micrograms x kg-1). This difference remained statistically significant (p < 0.001) also at T2 and T3 (T1: A = 42.79 +/- 3.21 mcg x kg-1; B = 29.07 +/- 6.18 micrograms x kg-1; C = 29.84 +/- 5.46 micrograms x kg-1; T2: A = 57.28 +/- 5.32 micrograms x kg-1; B = 43.22 +/- 3.87 micrograms x kg-1; C = 43.48 +/- 4.25 micrograms x kg-1). Considering the hemodynamic data, we report the heart rate in group B increased at T2 (p < 0.01), and systolic artery pressure raised in groups A (p < 0.05) and C (p < 0.01) at T2. Compared to baseline cardiac index showed a decrement at T3 in all groups of patients (p < 0.05). Systemic vascular resistance increased in all groups at T3 compared to baseline (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Clonidine proved to be useful to reduce narcotic requirements and to provide hemodynamic stability.

[Anesthesia with high dosage fentanyl in coronary patients: effects of pretreatment with droperidol and diazepam]. / Anestesia con fentanyl ad alti dosaggi nel paziente coronarico: effetti di un pretrattamento con droperidolo e diazepam.

The Authors have considered the effects of droperidol or diazepam treatments in patients undergoing high-dose fentanyl anesthesia in cardiac surgery. Twenty patients have been examined and divided in two groups: group A received droperidol (0.2 mg.kg-1) and group B diazepam (0.1 mg.kg-1) five minutes after fentanyl anesthesia induction (500 micrograms.min-1) to reach the "sleep dose". The diazepam pretreatment, as regards droperidol, reduces a dose of fentanyl necessary to obtain the conscience loss (21.5 +/- 2.5 micrograms.kg-1 vs 28 +/- 2.9 micrograms.kg-1). Hemodynamically the droperidol group is very stable, whereas the diazepam group shows certain myocardial depression and less protection at the OTI time.