Association of liver abnormalities with in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The evolution and clinical significance of abnormal liver chemistries and the impact of hepatitis B infection on outcome in patients with COVID-19 is not well characterized. This study aimed to explore these issues. METHODS: This large retrospective cohort study included 2,073 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and definite outcomes in Wuhan, China. Longitudinal liver function tests were conducted, with associated factors and risk of death determined by multivariate regression analyses. A prognostic nomogram was formulated to predict the survival of patients with COVID-19. The characteristics of liver abnormalities and outcomes of patients with COVID-19, with and without hepatitis B, were compared after 1:3 propensity score matching. RESULTS: Of the 2,073 patients, 1,282 (61.8%) had abnormal liver chemistries during hospitalization, and 297 (14.3%) had a liver injury. The mean levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and direct bilirubin (D-Bil) increased early after symptom onset in deceased patients and showed disparity compared to levels in discharged patients throughout the clinical course of the disease. Abnormal AST (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.39; 95% CI 1.04-1.86, p = 0.027) and D-Bil (adjusted HR 1.66; 95% CI 1.22-2.26; p = 0.001) levels at admission were independent risk factors for mortality due to COVID-19. A nomogram was established based on the results of multivariate analysis and showed sufficient discriminatory power and good consistency between the prediction and the observation. HBV infection in patients did not increase the risk of poor COVID-19-associated outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal AST and D-Bil levels at admission were independent predictors of COVID-19-related mortality. Therefore, monitoring liver chemistries, especially AST and D-Bil levels, is necessary in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. LAY SUMMARY: Liver test abnormalities (in particular elevations in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and direct bilirubin [D-Bil]) were observed after symptom onset in patients who went on to die of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Abnormal levels of AST and D-Bil at admission were independent predictors of COVID-19-related mortality. HBV infection in patients did not increase the risk of poor COVID-19-associated outcomes.

Massive pulmonary haemorrhage due to severe trauma treated with repeated alveolar lavage combined with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Massive pulmonary haemorrhage can spoil the entire lung and block the airway in a short period of time due to severe bleeding, which quickly leads to death. Alveolar lavage is an effective method for haemostasis and airway maintenance. However, patients often cannot tolerate alveolar lavage due to severe hypoxia. We used extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to overcome this limitation in a patient with massive pulmonary haemorrhage due to severe trauma and succeeded in saving the life by repeated alveolar lavage. CASE SUMMARY: A 22-year-old man sustained multiple injuries in a motor vehicle accident and was transferred to our emergency department. On admission, he had a slight cough and a small amount of bloody sputum; computed tomography revealed multiple fractures and mild pulmonary contusion. At 37 h after admission, he developed severe chest tightness, chest pain, dizziness and haemoptysis. His oxygen saturation was 68%. Emergency endotracheal intubation was performed, and a large amount of bloody sputum was suctioned. After transfer to the intensive care unit, he developed refractory hypoxemia and heparin-free venovenous ECMO was initiated. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy revealed diffuse and profuse blood in all bronchopulmonary segment. Bleeding was observed in the trachea and right bronchus, and repeated alveolar lavage was performed. On day 3, the patient's haemoptysis ceased, and ECMO support was terminated 10 d later. Tracheostomy was performed on day 15, and the patient was weaned from the ventilator on day 21. CONCLUSION: Alveolar lavage combined with ECMO can control bleeding in trauma-induced massive pulmonary haemorrhage, is safe and can be performed bedside.

Serum calcium as a biomarker of clinical severity and prognosis in patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlations between serum calcium and clinical outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this retrospective study, serum calcium levels, hormone levels and clinical laboratory parameters on admission were recorded. The clinical outcome variables were also recorded. From February 10 to February 28, 2020, 241 patients were enrolled. Of these patients, 180 (74.7%) had hypocalcemia on admission. The median serum calcium levels were 2.12 (IQR, 2.04-2.20) mmol/L, median parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were 55.27 (IQR, 42.73-73.15) pg/mL, and median 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (VD) levels were 10.20 (IQR, 8.20-12.65) ng/mL. The serum calcium levels were significantly positively correlated with VD levels (P =0.004) but negatively correlated with PTH levels (P =0.048). Patients with lower serum calcium levels (especially ≤2.0 mmol/L) had worse clinical parameters, higher incidences of organ injury and septic shock, and higher 28-day mortality. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, septic shock, and 28-day mortality were 0.923 (P <0.001), 0.905 (P =0.001), and 0.929 (P <0.001), respectively. In conclusion, serum calcium was associated with the clinical severity and prognosis of patients with COVID-19. Hypocalcemia may be associated with imbalanced VD and PTH levels.

Predictive value of transabdominal intestinal sonography in critically ill patients: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the feasibility of transabdominal intestinal ultrasonography in evaluating acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI). METHODS: A total of 116 patients were included. Intestinal ultrasonography was conducted daily within 1 week after admission to the intensive care unit. Ultrasonography indicators including intestinal diameter, changes in the intestinal folds, thickness of the intestinal wall, stratification of the intestinal wall, and intestinal peristalsis (movement of the intestinal contents) were observed to determine the acute gastrointestinal injury ultrasonography (AGIUS) score. The gastrointestinal and urinary tract sonography ultrasound (GUTS) protocol score was also calculated. During the first week of the study, the gastrointestinal failure (GIF) score was determined daily. The correlations between transabdominal intestinal scores (AGIUS and GUTS) and the GIF score were analyzed to clarify the feasibility of evaluating AGI through observation of the intestine. The utility of intestinal ultrasonography indicators in predicting feeding intolerance was investigated to improve the ability of clinicians to manage AGI. RESULTS: A total of 751 ultrasonic examinations were performed with 511 images (68%) considered to be of "good quality." AGIUS and GUTS scores differed significantly between AGI patients (GIF score 0-2) and non-AGI patients (GIF score 3-4) (p < 0.001). Both scores correlated positively with GIF score (r = 0.54, p < 0.001; r = 0.66, p < 0.001). These ultrasonography indicators could predict feeding intolerance, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.60 (0.48-0.71; intestinal diameter), 0.76 (0.67-0.85; intestinal folds), 0.71 (0.62-0.80; wall thickness), 0.77 (0.69-0.86; wall stratification), and 0.78 (0.68-0.88; intestinal peristalsis). Compared to patients with a normal rate of peristalsis (5-10/min), patients with abnormal peristalsis rates (< 5/min or > 10/min) have increased risk for feeding intolerance (16/83 vs. 25/33, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The transabdominal intestinal ultrasonography represents an effective means for assessing gastrointestinal injury in critically ill patients. Intestinal ultrasonography indicators, especially the degree of intestinal peristalsis, may be used to predict feeding intolerance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT03589248. Registered 04 July 2018-retrospectively registered.

Venovenous extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome: a matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although the use of extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been rapidly increasing, the benefit of ECMO in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains unclear. Our objective was to investigate the effect of venovenous ECMO (VV-ECMO) on adult patients with severe ARDS. METHODS: We conducted a multi-center, retrospective, cohort study in the intensive care units (ICUs) of six teaching hospitals between January 2013 and December 2018. Patients with severe ARDS who received VV-ECMO support were included. The detailed demographic data and physiologic data were used to match ARDS patients without ECMO. The primary endpoint was the 28-day mortality. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients with severe ARDS supported by VV-ECMO and 72 patients without ECMO were included in this study. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score was 23.1 ±â€Š6.3 in the ECMO group and 24.8 ±â€Š8.5 in the control group (P = 0.1195). The sequential organ failure assessment score was 12.8 ±â€Š3.4 in the ECMO group and 13.7 ±â€Š3.5 in the control group (P = 0.0848). The 28-day mortality of patients with ECMO support was 39.4%, and that of the control group was 55.6%. The survival analysis curve showed that the 28-day mortality in the ECMO group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P = 0.0097). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the independent predictors of the 28-day mortality were the requirement of vasopressors before ECMO (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.006; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001-1.013; P = 0.030) and duration of mechanical ventilation before ECMO (HR: 3.299; 95% CI: 1.264-8.609; P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that ECMO improved the survival of patients with severe ARDS. The duration of mechanical ventilation and the requirement of vasopressors before ECMO might be associated with an increased risk of death.

Lipid-rich enteral nutrition controls intestinal inflammation, improves intestinal motility and mucosal barrier damage in a rat model of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that lipid-rich enteral nutrition (EN) could ameliorate inflammation in various diseases. In this study, we investigated whether lipid-rich EN could control intestinal inflammation, improve intestinal motility and mucosal barrier injury after intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: Male adult rats received saline, conventional EN, or lipid-rich EN via gavage before and after intestinal I/R injury. The superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 60 min. The sham group underwent laparotomy without superior mesenteric artery occlusion and was administrated saline. Intestinal motility was measured 4 h after intestinal I/R injury by fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran transit assay; the intestinal and systemic inflammation were assessed by analyzing intestinal and serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)- 6, and IL-10, separately. The intestinal mucosal barrier injury was assessed by analyzing the serum levels of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) and intestinal mucosal tight junction (TJ) proteins. RESULTS: The intestinal I/R injury decreased intestinal motility and intestinal mucosal TJs expression significantly when compared with the sham group (P < 0.05). The intestinal and systemic inflammatory parameters and the serum I-FABP were also significantly higher in the I/R groups than those in the sham group (P < 0.05). Both conventional and lipid-rich EN increased the intestinal motility and the intestinal mucosal TJs expression and decreased the intestinal and systemic inflammatory parameter and serum I-FABP levels to different degrees when compared with the I/R group (P < 0.05). However, lipid-rich EN significantly improved the negative alterations in these biochemical parameters when compared with the conventional EN (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that lipid-rich EN might be able to control intestinal inflammation, improve intestinal motility and mucosal barrier injury after intestinal I/R injury. Thus, the administration of lipid-rich EN may be an effective treatment for promoting gastrointestinal function recovery after intestinal I/R injury.

Evaluation of Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block in Hernia Surgery: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block reduces opiate requirements and pain scores in abdominal surgery, but the effect has not been evaluated in hernia surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of TAP block in hernia surgery. METHODS: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of TAP block in adults undergoing hernia surgery was performed. The primary outcomes were morphine requirements 24 hours after surgery and the number of rescue analgesia patients. Secondary outcomes were pain scores on rest and on movement at 24 hours after surgery, postoperative nausea and vomiting and general postoperative complications. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 231 articles after duplicates have been removed, and finally 8 RCTs with a total of 791 patients were included. In patients who received a TAP block, the cumulative morphine utilization was significantly reduced at 24 hours (weighted mean difference [WMD] -11.40 mg, -22.41 to -0.39; P=0.04). The number of patients needing a rescue analgesia (relative risk: 0.35, 0.22 to 0.55; P<0.001), the pain scores on rest 24 hours after surgery (WMD: -0.29, -0.55 to -0.04; P=0.02) and the pain scores on movement or coughing 24 hours after surgery (WMD: -0.70, -1.33 to -0.06; P=0.03) were all lower in patients who received a TAP block. There was also significant reduction in the postoperative nausea and vomiting, and the general postoperative complications in TAP block group. CONCLUSIONS: Within a heterogeneous group of RCTs, TAP block reduces postoperative morphine requirements and the severity of pain after hernia surgery.

High-fat enteral nutrition reduces intestinal mucosal barrier damage after peritoneal air exposure.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal air exposure is needed in open abdominal surgery, but long-time exposure could induce intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction followed by many postoperative complications. High-fat enteral nutrition can ameliorate intestinal injury and improve intestinal function in many gastrointestinal diseases. In the present study, we investigated the effect of high-fat enteral nutrition on intestinal mucosal barrier after peritoneal air exposure and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Male adult rats were administrated saline, low-fat or high-fat enteral nutrition via gavage before and after peritoneal air exposure for 3 h. Rats undergoing anesthesia without laparotomy received saline as control. Twenty four hours after surgery, samples were collected to assess intestinal mucosal barrier changes in serum D-lactate levels, intestinal permeability, intestinal tight junction protein ZO-1 and occludin levels, and intestinal histopathology. The levels of malondialdehyde and the activity of superoxide dismutase in the ileum tissue were also measured to assess the status of intestinal oxidative stress. RESULTS: High-fat enteral nutrition significantly decreased the serum D-lactate level and increased the intestinal tight junction protein ZO-1 level when compared to the group treated with low-fat enteral nutrition (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, histopathologic findings showed that the intestinal mucosal injury assessed by the Chiu's score and the intestinal epithelial tight junction were also improved much more in the high-fat enteral nutrition-treated group (P < 0.05). In addition, the intestinal malondialdehyde level was lower, and the intestinal superoxide dismutase activity was higher in the high-fat enteral nutrition-treated group than that in the low-fat enteral nutrition-treated group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that high-fat enteral nutrition could reduce intestinal mucosal barrier damage after peritoneal air exposure, and the underlying mechanism may be associated with its antioxidative action. Perioperative administration of high-fat enteral nutrition may be a promising intervention to preserve intestinal mucosal barrier function in open abdominal surgery.

High-fat enteral nutrition controls intestinal inflammation and improves intestinal motility after peritoneal air exposure.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal air exposure is a common phenomenon in abdominal surgery, but long-term exposure could induce intestinal inflammatory responses, resulting in delayed recovery of gastrointestinal motility after surgery. High-fat enteral nutrition has been reported to ameliorate inflammation in many diseases. In the present study, we investigated whether high-fat enteral nutrition could control intestinal inflammation and improve intestinal motility after peritoneal air exposure. METHODS: Male adult rats were administrated saline, low-fat enteral nutrition, or high-fat enteral nutrition via gavage before and after peritoneal air exposure for 3 h. Control rats underwent anesthesia without laparotomy and received saline. Intestinal motility was assessed 24 h after surgery by charcoal transport assay; systemic inflammation was assessed by analyzing serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10; and intestinal inflammation was assessed by analyzing myeloperoxidase activity and concentrations and gene expression of tumor necrosis factor α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10 in the intestinal tissue. RESULTS: Peritoneal air exposure decreased intestinal motility significantly compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The systemic and intestinal inflammatory parameters were also much higher in the peritoneal air exposure groups than in the control group. Both low-fat and high-fat enteral nutrition increased intestinal motility and reduced systemic and intestinal inflammatory parameter levels to different degrees. However, high-fat enteral nutrition significantly improved the negative alterations in these biochemical parameters compared with low-fat enteral nutrition (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that high-fat enteral nutrition might be able to control intestinal inflammation and improve intestinal motility after peritoneal air exposure. Thus, the perioperative administration of high-fat enteral nutrition may be a promising treatment to enhance the recovery of intestinal motility after surgery.

Impact of ß-adrenoceptor blockade on systemic inflammation and coagulation disturbances in rats with acute traumatic coagulopathy.

BACKGROUND: Sympathetic hyperactivity occurs early in acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) and is closely related to its development. ß-adrenoceptor antagonists are known to alleviate adverse sympathetic effects and improve outcome in various diseases. We investigated whether ß-blockers have protective effects against inflammation and endothelial and hemostatic disorders in ATC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: ATC was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by trauma and hemorrhagic shock. Rats were randomly assigned to the sham, ATCC (ATC control), and ATCB (ATC with beta-adrenoceptor blockade) groups. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with propranolol or vehicle at baseline. Heart rate variability (HRV) and markers of inflammation, coagulation, and endothelial activation were measured, and Western blotting analysis of nuclear factor (NF)-κB was done after shock. Separate ATCC and ATCB groups were observed to compare overall mortality. RESULTS: HRV showed enhanced sympathetic tone in the ATCC group, which was reversed by propranolol. Propranolol attenuated the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, as well as fibrinolysis markers plasmin antiplasmin complex and tissue-type plasminogen activator. The increased serum syndecan-1 and soluble thrombomodulin were inhibited by propranolol, and the NF-κB expression was also decreased by propranolol pretreatment. But propranolol did not alter overall mortality in rats with ATC after shock. CONCLUSIONS: Beta-adrenoceptor blockade can alleviate sympathetic hyperactivity and exert anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrinolysis, and endothelial protective effects, confirming its pivotal role in the pathogenesis of ATC. Its mechanism in ATC should be explored further.

Chemical sympathectomy attenuates inflammation, glycocalyx shedding and coagulation disorders in rats with acute traumatic coagulopathy.

Acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) may trigger sympathoadrenal activation associated with endothelial damage and coagulation disturbances. Overexcitation of sympathetic nerve in this state would disrupt sympathetic-vagal balance, leading to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the autonomic function in ATC and its influence on inflammation, endothelial and coagulation activation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to sham, ATC control (ATCC) and ATC with sympathectomy by 6-hydroxydopamine (ATCS) group. Sham animals underwent the same procedure without trauma and bleeding. Following trauma and hemorrhage, rats underwent heart rate variability (HRV) test, which predicts autonomic dysfunction through the analysis of variation in individual R-R intervals. Then, rats were euthanized at baseline, and at 0, 1 and 2 h after shock and blood gas, conventional coagulation test and markers of inflammation, coagulation, fibrinolysis, endothelial damage and catecholamine were measured. HRV showed an attenuation of total power and high frequency, along with a rise of low frequency and low frequency : high frequency ratio in the ATC rats, which both were reversed by sympathectomy in the ATCS group. Additionally, sympathetic denervation significantly suppressed the increase of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α and the fibrinolysis markers including tissue-type plasminogen activator and plasmin-antiplasmin complex. Serum catecholamine, soluble thrombomodulin and syndecan-1 were also effectively inhibited by sympathectomy. These data indicated that autonomic dysfunction in ATC involves both sympathetic activation and parasympathetic inhibition. Moreover, sympathectomy yielded anti-inflammatory, antifibrinolysis and endothelial protective effects in rats with ATC. The role of autonomic neuropathy in ATC should be explored further.

Protective effects of terminal ileostomy against bacterial translocation in a rat model of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury.

AIM: To investigate the effects of terminal ileostomy on bacterial translocation (BT) and systemic inflammation after intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. METHODS: Thirty-two rats were assigned to either the sham-operated group, I/R group, I/R + resection and anastomosis group, or the I/R + ileostomy group. The superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 60 min. After 4 h, tissue samples were collected for analysis. BT was assessed by bacteriologic cultures, intestinal permeability and serum levels of endotoxin; systemic inflammation was assessed by serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10, as well as by the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and by intestinal histopathology. RESULTS: Intestinal I/R injury not only caused morphologic damage to ileal mucosa, but also induced BT, increased MPO activity and promoted the release of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 in serum. BT and ileal mucosa injuries were significantly improved and levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum were decreased in the I/R + ileostomy group compared with the I/R + resection and anastomosis group. CONCLUSION: Terminal ileostomy can prevent the detrimental effects of intestinal I/R injury on BT, intestinal tissue, and inflammation.

Non-operative management of isolated liver trauma.

Liver trauma is the most common abdominal emergency with high morbidity and mortality. Now, non-operative management (NOM) is a selective method for liver trauma. The aim of this study was to determine the success rate, mortality and morbidity of NOM for isolated liver trauma. Medical records of 81 patients with isolated liver trauma in our unit were analyzed retrospectively. The success rate, mortality and morbidity of NOM were evaluated. In this series, 9 patients with grade IV-V liver injuries underwent emergent operation due to hemodynamic instability; 72 patients, 6 with grade V, 18 grade IV, 29 grade III, 15 grade II and 4 grade I, with hemodynamic stability received NOM. The overall success rate of NOM was 97.2% (70/72). The success rates of NOM in the patients with grade I-III, IV and V liver trauma were 100%, 94.4% and 83.3%. The complication rates were 10.0% and 45.5% in the patients who underwent NOM and surgical treatment, respectively. No patient with grade I-II liver trauma had complications. All patients who underwent NOM survived. NOM is the first option for the treatment of liver trauma if the patient is hemodynamically stable. The grade of liver injury and the volume of hemoperitoneum are not suitable criteria for selecting NOM. Hepatic angioembolization associated with the correction of hypothermia, coagulopathy and acidosis is important in the conservative treatment for liver trauma.

Thromboelastography can Identify Postoperative Active Bleeding and Evaluate Blood Product Requirements in Abdominal Surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hemorrhage after abdominal surgery remains a frequent clinical complication, and associated with prolonged length of stay, increased complications and mortality. Indication of blood product requirements accurately and promptly is very important for recovery of patients. Thrombelastography (TEG) as a tool for evaluation of bleeding and effects of blood components and blood products is increasing. We investigated that whether TEG can identify postoperative active bleeding and evaluate blood product requirements in abdominal surgery. METHODOLOGY: Between June to December in 2012, there were 55 patients who had bleeding after operation in SICU of Jinling Hospital. Recorded data included vital signs (MAP, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation), urine volume per hour, blood routine (Hb, Hct, Plt), the coagulation tests (Fib, PT, aPTT, INR), TEG parameters (R, K, Angle, MA, Cl) and blood product requirements within 24h. Patients were divided into active bleeding group and non-active bleeding group based on the findings of reoperation or digital subtraction angiography (DSA). To compare vital signs, laboratory values, TEG values and blood product requirements in two groups. RESULTS: Vital signs (MAP, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation), urine volume per hour and the coagulation tests (Fib, PT, INR) showed no significant correlations with subsequent blood product requirements, but aPTT (R = 0.546, P = 0.000) and MA (R = 0.665, P = 0.000) correlated with the blood products use. MA values of patients had more blood loss was significantly lower and had a descending tendency which did not showed in aPTT values. 25 patients had postoperative active bleeding confirmed by reoperation or DSA. They had significantly increased use of blood products, and significantly lower MA, Hb, Hct, and Fib values, whereas aPTT exhibited no significant differences. CONCLUSION: MA can not only identify postoperative active bleeding together with hemoglobin, hematocrit, and fibrinogen, but also evaluate blood product requirements in abdominal surgery.

Temporary Decompression in Critically Ill Patients: Retrospective Comparison of Ileostomy and Colostomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In critically ill patients, gastrointestinal function plays an important role in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Patients suffering from acute lower gastrointestinal dysfunction need to be performed a temporary fecal diversion after the failure of conservative treatment. This study aims to determine which type of fecal diversion is associated with better clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. METHODOLOGY: Data of critically ill patients requiring surgical decompression following acute lower gastrointestinal dysfunction between January 2008 and June 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Comparison was made between ileostomy group and colostomy group regarding the stoma-related complications and the recovery after stoma creation. RESULTS: 63 patients consisted of temporary ileostomy group (n = 35) and temporary colostomy group (n = 28) were included in this study. First bowel movement and length of enteral nutrition intolerance after fecal diversion were both significantly shorter in the ileostomy group than in the colostomy group (1.70 ± 0.95 vs. 3.04 ± 1.40; p < 0.001 and 3.96 ± 2.84 vs. 8.12 ± 7.05; p = 0.009). In comparison of the complication rates, we found a significantly higher incidence of dermatitis (31.43% vs. 7.14%; p = 0.017), hypokalemia (25.71 vs. 3.57; p = 0.017) and hypocalcemia (28.57 vs. 7.14; p = 0.031), and slightly lower incidence of stoma prolapse (0% vs. 10.71%; p = 0.082) in the ileostomy group than in the colostomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Both procedures provide an effective defunctioning of the distant gastrointestinal tract with a low complication incidence. We prefer a temporary ileostomy to temporary colostomy for acute lower gastrointestinal dysfunction in critically ill patients.

Predictors and outcomes of superior mesenteric artery syndrome in patients with constipation: a prospective, nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome may occur in patients with constipation, whereas the association between these two distinct diseases has not been confirmed yet. We investigated the incidence, risk factors and treatment strategy associated with SMA syndrome in constipated patients. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a prospective nested case-control study from a 9-year hospitalization cohort (n=973). Cases were matched to controls 1:4 on factors of age and gender. Cases developed SMA syndrome in long term follow-up (n=26) and controls did not (n=104). Independent risk factors were identified by using univariate analysis and conditional logistic regression analysis. Enteral nutritional support was applied in all cases and its curative effect was evaluated by retrospective analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of SMA syndrome was 2.67%. The risk factors under scrutiny were body mass index (BMI)≤18 (odds ratio (OR) 2.89, 95% CI 1.14 to 9.31) and abnormal colon transit time (OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.36 to 9.35). Twenty-two patients recovered after treatment of nutritional support, and the success rate of conservative treatment was 84.6%. CONCLUSIONS: BMI≤18 and prolonged colon transit time both were risk factors associated with SMA syndrome in constipated patients. Enteral nutritional support should be adopted as the first-line treatment for this condition.

[Bacteriological spectrum and drug susceptibility of pus from severe intra-abdominal infected patients with abdominal trauma].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the bacteriological spectrum and drug susceptibility of pus flora from abdominal traumatic patients with severe intra-abdominal infection. METHODS: A total of 41 severe intra-abdominal infected patients with abdominal trauma were recruited to collect 123 abdominal pus specimens. And the results of laboratory microbiology and drug sensitivity were analyzed with the WHONET 5.4 software. RESULTS: A total of 297 strains of bacteria were isolated at (7.2 ± 2.3) strains for each patient. Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 44.1% (131/297) , Gram-negative bacteria 55.2% (164/297) and fungi 0.7% (2/297). The top five isolates were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Those antibiotics highly sensitive (>90%) to Escherichia coli included cefoperazone (91%), imipenem (98%); highly sensitive to Gram-positive cocci included teicoplanin (100%) and linezolid (100%). Staphylococcus aureus was 100% sensitive to vancomycin. The agents with a high susceptibility to Klebsiella pneumonia included imipenem (100%) and amikacin (79%). Ciprofloxacin (90%) had the highest sensitivity to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CONCLUSIONS: The predominant bacteria of causing severe intra-abdominal infection of traumatic patients is Gram-negative bacteria, but the infection of Gram-positive bacteria, especially the ratio of Staphylococcus aureus infection is also comparatively high. Cefoperazone, ciprofloxacin, imipenem, vancomycin, teicoplanin and linezolid have higher antibacterial activity.

Restricted intravenous fluid regimen reduces fluid redistribution of patients operated for abdominal malignancy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recent studies indicate that perioperative fluid restriction leads to better preserved clinical data as well as reduced complication rates. This study aimed to determine the probable mechanism of fluid restriction influence on the complication rate of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery for malignancy. METHODOLOGY: Patients (n = 174) undergoing restricted fluid regimen (R group) or standard fluid regimen (S group) were included in this prospective, randomized trial over 16 months. Fluid distribution was determined by Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer (BIA) and the difference between two groups was compared regarding complications and the relationship between complications and fluid distribution changes. RESULTS: The restricted intravenous fluid regimen significantly reduced perioperative intravenous fluid volume. Weight gained in S group and was not significantly changed in R group after surgery, especially in POD2 (media; R vs. S; 61.17 vs. 65.40 kg, p = 0.017). The number of patients with postoperative complications was reduced in R group compared with in S group (34.5% vs. 47.8%, p = 0.076). Systemic complications were significantly reduced in R group (t = -5.895, p = 0.000). Patients with complications had an average of 1.6 complications in R group vs. 2.0 in S group (t = -1.345, p = 0.183). The multivariate analysis suggested that perioperative fluid distribution changes were associated with the development of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative fluid restriction could effect on fluid distribution and reduce tissue and cellular edema, and further, could reduce postoperative complication rates.

Conservative treatment of early postoperative small bowel obstruction with obliterative peritonitis.

AIM: To investigate the effect of somatostatin and dexamethasone on early postoperative small bowel obstruction with obliterative peritonitis (EPSBO-OP). METHODS: This prospective randomized study included 70 patients diagnosed with EPSBO-OP from June 2002 to January 2009. Patients were randomized into two groups: a control group received total parenteral nutrition and nasogastric (NG) tube feeding; and an intervention group received, in addition, somatostatin and dexamethasone treatment. The primary endpoints were time to resolution of bowel obstruction and length of hospital stay, and the secondary endpoints were daily NG output and NG feeding duration, treatment-related complications, postoperative obstruction relapse, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were allocated to the intervention group and 34 to the control group. No patient needed to undergo surgery. Patients in the intervention group had an earlier resolution of bowel obstruction (22.4 ± 9.1 vs 29.9 ± 10.1 d, P = 0.002). Lower daily NG output (583 ± 208 vs 922 ± 399 mL/d, P < 0.001), shorter duration of NG tube use (16.7 ± 8.8 vs 27.7 ± 9.9 d, P < 0.001), and shorter length of hospital stay (25.8 vs 34.9 d, P = 0.001) were observed in the intervention group. The rate of treatment-related complications (P = 0.770) and relapse of obstruction (P = 0.357) were comparable between the two groups. There were no significant differences in postoperative satisfaction at 1, 2 and 3 years between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Somatostatin and dexamethasone for EPSBO-OP promote resolution of obstruction and shorten hospital stay, and are safe for symptom control without increasing obstruction relapse.