The algal trophic mode affects the interaction and oil production of a synergistic microalga-yeast consortium.

The use of non-food feedstocks to produce renewable microbial resources can limit our dependence on fossil fuels and lower CO2 emissions. Since microalgae display a virtuous CO2 and O2 exchange with heterotrophs, the microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was combined with the oleaginous yeast Lipomyces starkeyi, known for their production of oil, base material for biodiesel. The coupled growth was shown to be synergistic for biomass and lipid production. The species were truly symbiotic since synergistic growth occurred even when the alga cannot use the organic carbon in the feedstock and in absence of air, thus depending entirely on CO2-O2 exchange. Since addition of acetate as the algal carbon source lowered the performance of the consortium, the microbial system design should take into account algal mixotrophy. The mixed biomass was found be suitable for biodiesel production, and whereas lipid production increased in the consortium, yields should be improved in future studies.

Combined yeast and microalgal cultivation in a pilot-scale raceway pond for urban wastewater treatment and potential biodiesel production.

A mixed culture of oleaginous yeast Lipomyces starkeyi and wastewater native microalgae (mostly Scenedesmus sp. and Chlorella sp.) was performed to enhance lipid and biomass production from urban wastewaters. A 400 L raceway pond, operating outdoors, was designed and used for biomass cultivation. Microalgae and yeast were inoculated into the cultivation pond with a 2:1 inoculum ratio. Their concentrations were monitored for 14 continuous days of batch cultivation. Microalgal growth presented a 3-day initial lag-phase, while yeast growth occurred in the first few days. Yeast activity during the microalgal lag-phase enhanced microalgal biomass productivity, corresponding to 31.4 mgTSS m-2 d-1. Yeast growth was limited by low concentrations in wastewater of easily assimilated organic substrates. Organic carbon was absorbed in the first 3 days with a 3.7 mgC L-1 d-1 removal rate. Complete nutrient removal occurred during microalgal linear growth with 2.9 mgN L-1 d-1 and 0.96 mgP L-1 d-1 removal rates. Microalgal photosynthetic activity induced high pH and dissolved oxygen values resulted in natural bactericidal and antifungal activity. A 15% lipid/dry weight was measured at the end of the cultivation time. Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis indicated that the lipids were mainly composed of arachidic acid.

Gasto energético, composición corporal, trastornos metabólicos e ingesta energética en pacientes con antecedentes de craneofaringioma / Energy expenditure, body composition, metabolic disorders, and energy intake in patients with a history of craniopharyngioma

Introducción: Los craneofaringiomas son malformaciones histológicamente benignas que se sitúan entre el hipotálamo y la hipófisis, zonas con un rol determinante en la modulación de la saciedad. Aun siendo tumores benignos, presentan una considerable morbilidad. La obesidad está presente hasta en un 52% de los pacientes. Objetivo: evaluar factores de riesgo cardiovascular, composición corporal y gasto energético en pacientes con craneofaringioma, y compararlos con un grupo de obesos multifactoriales. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con resección quirúrgica de craneofaringioma, menores de 21 años, en seguimiento en nuestro centro entre mayo 2012 hasta abril 2013 que aceptaron participar por medio del consentimiento informado. Se realizó valoración antropométrica, composición corporal con impedanciometría, gasto energético con calorimetría indirecta y valoración de ingesta energética y de macronutrientes. Se determinó resistencia a la insulina (HOMA-IR) y dislipemia. Se comparó a los pacientes con craneofaringioma con obesidad, con un grupo de pacientes con obesidad multifactorial. Resultados: se estudiaron 39 pacientes. El 59% era obeso y presentó significativamente menor% de masa magra (62.4 vs 67.5 p=0.01) y mayor% de masa grasa (37.5 vs 32.5 p=0.01) comparados con los obesos multifactoriales. No se encontró diferencias en el compromiso metabólico entre los obesos con y sin antecedente de craneofaringioma. Se dividieron los pacientes en tertilos según% de gasto energético para categorizar en gasto bajo vs normal. Se encontró asociación positiva entre% de gasto energético y% de masa magra en obesos multifactoriales (68±1%; en los gasto normal vs 62.6± 1% en los gasto bajo: p 0,04). Sin diferencias dentro de la población de obesos con antecedente de craneofaringioma (62±2.7 en los gasto normal/alto vs 61.2±1.8% en los gasto bajo: p 0,8). El gasto energético basal (REE) fue menor en los pacientes con antecedente de craneofaringioma vs obesos multifactoriales, independientemente de la masa magra, lo que sustenta que existirían otros factores que actuarían disminuyendo el gasto energético. No hubo diferencia con respecto a la ingesta en ambos grupos estudiados. Conclusiones: los pacientes con antecedente de craneofaringioma presentan menor gasto energético no relacionado a la masa magra y similar ingesta energética comparado con obesos multifactoriales. No hubo diferencias en el compromiso metabólico entre los obesos con y sin antecedentes de craneofaringioma (AU)

Introduction: Craniopharyngiomas are histologically benign malformations located between hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, areas that play an important role in satiety modulation. Although the tumors are benign, they may cause significant morbidity. Obesity is found in up to 52% of patients. Aim: To assess cardiovascular risk factors, body composition, and energy expenditure in patients with craniopharyngioma, and to compare them to results in a group of children with multifactorial obesity. Material and methods: All patients who underwent surgical resection of craniopharyngioma, younger than 21 years of age, who were being followed-up at our center between May 2012 and April 2013 who gave their informed consent to participate were enrolled in the study. Anthropometric measurements, body composition with impedanciometer, energy expenditure with indirect calorimetry, and energy and macronutrient intake were evaluated. Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and dyslipidemia were determined. Patients with craniopharyngioma associated with obesity were compared to patients with multifactorial obesity. Results: Of 39 patients studied, 59% were obese and a significantly lower percentage of lean mass (62.4 vs 67.5 p=0.01) and a higher percentage of fat mass (37.5 vs 32.5 p=0.01) compared to multifactorial obese subjects. No differences were found in metabolic involvement between obese subjects with and those without a history of craniopharyngioma. Patients were divided into tertiles according to percentage of energy expenditure to categorize low versus normal expenditure. A positive correlation was found between percentage of energy expenditure and lean mass percentage in subjects with multifactorial obesity (68±1%; in those with normal energy expenditure versus 62.6±1% in those with low energy expenditure: p 0.04). No difference was found within the group of obese patients with a history of craniopharyngioma (62±2.7 in those with normal/high expenditure versus 61.2±1.8% in those with low expenditure: p 0.8). Baseline energy expenditure (BEE) was lower in craniopharyngioma patients than in those with multifactorial obesity, regardless of lean mass percentage, supporting the hypothesis that other factors may be involved in the decrease of energy expenditure. There was no difference in the food intake between both groups. Conclusions: Patients with a history of craniopharyngioma had a lower energy expenditure unrelated to lean mass and a similar energy intake compared to subjects with multifactorial obesity. No differences were found in metabolic involvement between obese subject with and those without a history of craniopharyngioma (AU)

Expansión posterior con resortes y avance fronto-orbitario simultáneo en craneosinostosis sindrómicas / Spring-assisted posterior expansion and simultaneous fronto-orbitary expansion in syndromic cranyosinostosis

Las craneoestenosis sindrómicas son anomalías congénitas de difícil resolución y requieren generalmente varios procedimientos quirúrgicos. La expansión posterior de la calota permite disminuir la hipertensión endocraneana y sus efectos sobre el cerebro. La utilización de resortes para la expansión posterior ha demostrado ser un método efectivo y estable, disminuyendo la morbilidad de los procedimientos tradicionales. La combinación de la expansión posterior con resortes y el avance frontoorbitario en una sola etapa, antes del año de vida, disminuye el número de intervenciones necesarias obteniéndose una buena remodelación de la bóveda craneana. Presentamos nuestra experiencia en 3 casos de craneoestenosis sindrómica mediante la realización simultánea de ambos procedimientos con buenos resultados estéticos y funcionales (AU)

Syndromic craniosynostosis is a difficult-to-resolve congenital anomaly generally requiring several surgical procedures. Expansion of the posterior cranial vault diminishes intracranial hypertension and its deleterious effect on the brain. The use of spring-assisted distraction for posterior vault expansion showed to be an effective and stable method with lower morbidity than that seen intraditional procedures. The combination of spring-assisted posterior vault expansion and fronto-orbital advancement in a single stage before one year of life decreases the number of surgical interventions necessary and leads to adequate remodeling of the cranial vault. Here we present 3 cases of syndromic craniosynostosis who simultaneously underwent both procedures with good esthetic and functional results (AU)

Prospective comparison of radial and linear endoscopic ultrasound for diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Linear endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is currently favored by many endosonographers for the evaluation of pancreatic pathology. However, radial EUS was used in early studies validating EUS for chronic pancreatitis. Radial and linear EUS have never been compared for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to compare radial and linear EUS for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis using the secretin-stimulated endoscopic pancreatic function test (ePFT) as the reference standard. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients evaluated for pain of possible pancreatic origin underwent combined radial EUS, linear EUS, and secretin ePFT during a single endoscopic session. EUS images were acquired on videotape and blindly scored by three reviewers. The main outcome measure was diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: The accuracy of radial EUS and linear EUS (cutpoint > or = 4 criteria) was 84 % and 74 %, respectively. The statistical test for noninferiority was significant ( P < 0.001) suggesting that the accuracy of radial EUS is as good as or superior to linear EUS. The ratio of accuracy (pi (radial)/pi (linear)) was 1.14 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.99 to 1.28). No statistically significant differences were found between radial and linear EUS in terms of sensitivity, specificity, or overall discriminative ability (area under receiver operating characteristic curve 0.84 vs. 0.76, P = 0.10). Interobserver variability was similar for radial (Fleiss' kappa = 0.61, 95 %CI 0.43 to 0.79) and linear EUS (kappa = 0.50, 95 %CI 0.28 to 0.72). CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of radial EUS is as good as linear EUS for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.

Craneoestenosis: Modalidad de atención postquirurgica en un area de cuidados intermedios / Craniostenosis: Postsurgical care in a moderate care unit

La craneoestenosis es una anomalía congénita en la cual una o más suturas se fusionan prematuramente, generando una forma anormal del cráneo. Sin tratamiento, puede producir hipertensión endocraneana, pérdida visual, epilepsia y retraso madurativo además del compromiso estético. Su resolución es quirúrgica, en lo posible dentro de los primeros meses de vida. La recuperación posquirúrgica inmediata se realiza habitualmente en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI). El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar mediante una evaluación prospectiva y longitudinal la atención de pacientes operados de craneoestenosis en una unidad de cuidados intermedios y moderados (CIM). Se elaboró un protocolo de atención y se capacitó al personal médico y de enfermería. Criterios de inclusión: posquirúrgico de craneoestenosis simple, edad menor de 36 meses, cumplimiento de un período de estabilización hemodinámica en sala de recuperación anestésica. Criterios de exclusión: inestabilidad hemodinámica, y/o respiratoria, complicaciones intra quirurgicas, alto requerimiento transfusional intra quirúrgico, arritmias. Se analizaron los resultados mediante el programa Epi info 6.0. Cumplieron los criterios de inclusión 44 pacientes, mediana de edad 9 meses (rango 3 menos 36). Los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron escafocefalia n=31p y plagiocefalia n=9p. El procedimiento quirúrgico más utilizado fue la sagitectomía n=27p. La complicación más frecuente fue anemia (98 por ciento de los pacientes). Otras complicaciones: colección hemática subgaleal (11.4 por ciento), dolor (9 por ciento), hipotermia y acidosis metábolica (9 por ciento). No hubo muertes ni infecciones del sistema nervioso central. La estadia media fue de 4 dias. Conclusiones: Mediante la modalidad implementada, los pacientes que cursan el posquirúrgico de craneoestenosis pueden ser atendidos en CIM, permitiendo la internación conjunta con los padres y optimizando la utilizacion de plazas de UCI

A randomized prospective trial comparing unsedated esophagoscopy via transnasal and transoral routes using a 4-mm video endoscope with conventional endoscopy with sedation.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Unsedated upper endoscopy is an attractive alternative to conventional sedated endoscopy because it can reduce the cost, complications, and recovery time of the procedure. However, it has not gained widespread acceptance in the United States. A prototype 4-mm-diameter video esophagoscope is available. Our aims were to compare unsedated esophagoscopy using this 4-mm esophagoscope with conventional sedated endoscopy with regard to diagnostic accuracy and patient tolerance, to determine the optimal intubation route (transnasal vs. transoral), and to identify the predictors of tolerance of unsedated endoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Outpatients presenting for conventional endoscopy were randomized to undergo unsedated esophagoscopy by either the transnasal or the transoral route, followed by conventional endoscopy. The diagnostic findings, optical quality, and patient tolerance scores were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients were approached and 90 (65.6 %) were randomized to undergo esophagoscopy by the transnasal route (n = 44) or by the transoral route (n = 46) before undergoing conventional esophagoscopy. Patient tolerance of unsedated esophagoscopy was comparable to that of conventional endoscopy. The transnasal route was better tolerated than the transoral route, except with respect to pain, and 93.2 % in transnasal group and 91.3 % in transoral group were willing to have the procedure again. The diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy using the 4-mm video endoscope was similar to that of standard endoscopy. Patients who tolerated the procedure well had lower preprocedure anxiety scores (29 vs. 42.5, P = 0.021) and a higher body mass index (31.5 kg/m2 vs. 28 kg/m2, P = 0.029) than the other patients. CONCLUSIONS: Unsedated esophagoscopy with a 4-mm esophagoscope was well tolerated and has a level of diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of conventional endoscopy. Factors associated with good tolerance of unsedated esophagoscopy were low anxiety levels, high body mass index, and use of the transnasal route. Unsedated endoscopy may be offered to a selected group of patients based on these criteria.

Laparoscopic resection of a periampullary villous adenoma.

BACKGROUND: Adenomas of the duodenal papilla are rare lesions. Because of their malignant potential, resection is mandatory. Options for resection include endoscopic resection, transduodenal local excision, and pancreaticoduodenectomy. This report details a case of periampullary villous adenoma diagnosed endoscopically and resected laparoscopically via a transduodenal approach. CASE REPORT: A healthy 75-year-old woman with heartburn underwent an upper endoscopy for vague right upper abdominal pain. A periampullary tumor was diagnosed. Endoscopic biopsy results were consistent with a villous adenoma, and endoscopic ultrasound showed distal bile duct involvement. The patient underwent laparoscopic transduodenal local excision of the tumor with biliary reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic transduodenal resection of periampullary lesions provides advantages similar to those of an endoscopic resection by removal of the tumor using minimally invasive techniques. In addition, laparoscopic surgery maintains the surgical tenents of open transduodenal resection with en bloc tumor resection including the adjacent duodenal wall and ductal structures as necessary. As noted in this case, laparoscopic techniques resect ampullary lesions involving the ductal structures as well. Laparoscopic transduodenal ampullectomy is a valuable treatment option for benign and selected premalignant ampullary lesions.

Esophagoscopy and endoscopic esophageal ultrasound in the assessment of esophageal function.

Esophagoscopy is an ideal method to detect mucosal or structural abnormalities of the esophagus and proximal stomach. The exclusion of malignant dysphagia is the prime role of esophagoscopy in assessment of esophageal function. Esophagoscopy and biopsy are mandatory for mucosal assessment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Indirect and sometimes subtle evidence of abnormal esophageal motility is a valuable and underused aspect of esophagoscopy in the evaluation of swallowing disorders. Esophagoscopy has multiple roles in the appraisal and treatment of esophageal motility disorders, including the detection of secondary or pseudoachalasia, placement of manometry catheters, and dilation of peptic strictures caused by GERD associated with disorders such as scleroderma.

Optical coherence tomography of the esophagus and proximal stomach in health and disease.

OBJECTIVE: Surveillance of Barrett's esophagus is problematic, as high-grade dysplasia cannot be recognized endoscopically. Endoscopic ultrasound lacks the resolution to detect high-grade dysplasia. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) employs infrared light reflectance to provide in vivo tissue images at resolution far superior to endoscopic ultrasound, nearly at the level of histology. We have developed a catheter-based system well suited for study of the GI tract. The purpose of this study was to test this catheter-based OCT system and characterize the OCT appearance of normal squamous mucosa, gastric cardia, Barrett's esophagus, and carcinoma. METHODS: The OCT catheter was passed through the operating channel of the endoscope and placed in contact with the esophageal mucosa. Image acquisition occurred in approximately 3 s. OCT images were correlated with biopsy and/or resection specimens. RESULTS: OCT was used to construct 477 images of the esophagus and stomach in 69 patients. There were unique, distinct OCT appearances of squamous mucosa, gastric cardia, Barrett's esophagus, and carcinoma. Further, these OCT images were accurately recognized by observers unaware of their site of origin. CONCLUSIONS: OCT provides a highly detailed view of the GI wall, with clear delineation of a multiple layered structure. It is able to distinguish squamous mucosa, gastric cardia, Barrett's esophagus, and cancer. This technique holds great potential as an adjunct to the surveillance of patients with Barrett's esophagus, ulcerative pancolitis, and other premalignant conditions.

A randomized, double blind study of interleukin 10 for the prevention of ERCP-induced pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: Inflammatory cytokines are released during acute pancreatitis. Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a potent antiinflammatory cytokine with immunosuppressive and antiinflammatory activities. IL-10 has been shown to attenuate pancreatitis in an animal model. A double blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of low dose IL-10 for the prevention of ERCP-induced pancreatitis. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive a single i.v. dose of recombinant human IL-10 (8 microg/kg) or a placebo i.v. bolus injection 15 min before the procedure. Pancreatitis was defined as abdominal pain radiating to the back associated with elevated amylase or lipase two or more times the upper limit of normal requiring hospitalization for > or =2 days. Severity of pancreatitis was based on days of hospitalization. RESULTS: Two hundred patients were enrolled (101 IL-10, 99 placebo). No difference in age, gender, degree of pancreatic duct filling, therapeutic intervention, or complication was detected between the two groups. Eleven patients in the IL-10 group and nine patients in the placebo group had pancreatitis (p = 0.65). The median length of hospitalization was 4 days in the IL-10 group and 3 days in the placebo group (p = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: IL-10 at the 8-microg/kg i.v. dose was not effective in reducing the incidence or severity of ERCP-induced pancreatitis. Further investigations are necessary to determine if manipulation of the cytokine pathway can prevent ERCP-induced pancreatitis.

A prospective, randomized, controlled trial of covered expandable metal stents in the palliation of malignant esophageal obstruction at the gastroesophageal junction.

OBJECTIVE: Palliation of malignant esophageal obstruction is an important clinical problem. Expandable metal stents are a major advance in therapy, but many stents become obstructed because of tumor ingrowth. The aim of this study was to compare a new, membrane-covered expandable metal stent to conventional prostheses in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Sixty-two patients with malignant inoperable esophageal obstruction at the gastroesophageal junction participated in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to covered or uncovered stents. The principal outcome measure was the need for reintervention because of recurrent dysphagia or migration. Secondary endpoints were relief of dysphagia measured by a dysphagia score (grade 0 = no dysphagia, grade 1 = able to eat solid food, grade 2 = semisolids only, grade 3 = liquids only, grade 4 = complete dysphagia) and the rate of complications and functional status. All patients were observed at monthly intervals until death or for 6 months. RESULTS: One week after stenting the dysphagia score improved significantly in both the uncovered (n = 32, 3 +/- 0.1 to 1 +/- 0.1 [means +/- SEMs], p < 0.001) and covered (n = 30, 3 +/- 0.1 to 1 +/- 0.2 [means +/- SEMs], p < 0.001) stents. Obstructing tumor ingrowth was significantly more likely in the uncovered stent group (9/30) than in the covered group (1/32) (p = 0.005). Significant stent migration occurred in 2/30 patients with uncovered stents, as compared with 4/32 patients in the covered group (p = 0.44). Reinterventions for tumor ingrowth were significantly greater in the uncovered stent group (27%), as compared with 0% in the covered group (p = 0.002). Life table analysis showed similar survival in both groups. CONCLUSION: Membrane-covered stents have significantly better palliation than conventional bare metal stents because of decreased rates of tumor ingrowth that necessitate endoscopic reintervention for dysphagia.

N1 esophageal carcinoma: the importance of staging and downstaging.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of clinical staging and downstaging by induction chemoradiation therapy in patients with N1 esophageal carcinoma. METHODS: Sixty-nine consecutive patients with regional lymph node metastases (cN1) according to clinical staging received induction therapy before surgery. These were compared to 75 patients both clinically and pathologically N1 (cN1/pN1) who underwent surgery without induction therapy and 79 patients clinically and pathologically not N1 (cN0/pN0) who underwent surgery without induction therapy. Analyses focused on survival and the cost and benefit of therapy. RESULTS: For comparison, the extremes of 5-year survival were 69% for cN0/pN0 patients who underwent surgery alone and 12% for cN1/pN1 patients who underwent surgery alone. Of 69 patients who received induction therapy, 37 were pN0 at resection (downstaged); they had an intermediate survival of 37% at 5 years. Those patients not downstaged with induction therapy had a 12% 5-year survival, similar to patients with cN1/pN1 who underwent surgery alone. After adjusting for the strongest predictors of poor outcome, pN1, and increasing N1 burden, a modest increased risk of death after induction therapy was identified. However, this cost of induction therapy was more than counterbalanced by the benefit of improved survival of downstaging to pN0. CONCLUSIONS: (1) pN1 is the strongest determinant of poor outcome. (2) cN1 patients who are downstaged by induction chemoradiation therapy to pN0 have an intermediate outcome. (3) cN1 patients who are not downstaged by induction therapy have a poor outcome.

Role of differential neuroaxial blockade in the evaluation and management of pain in chronic pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic pancreatic pain is difficult to treat. Surgical and medical therapies directed at reducing pain have met with little long-term success. In addition, there are no reliable predictors of response including pancreatic duct diameter. A differential neuroaxial blockade allows characterization of chronic abdominal pain into visceral and nonvisceral pain origins and may be useful as a guide to the treatment. Pain from an inflamed, and scarred pancreas should be visceral in origin. The purpose of our study was to determine the frequency with which patients with chronic pancreatitis have visceral pain and whether our modified differential neuroaxial blockade technique using thoracic epidural analgesia can accurately predict which patients will respond to medical or surgical therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with a firmly established diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis (Cambridge classification, calcifications) who had undergone a differential neuroaxial block for their chronic abdominal pain evaluation. Patient demographics and medical or surgical treatment for pancreatic pain was recorded. Response to therapy was defined by a 50% reduction in pain by verbal response score. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients were identified. Alcohol was the most common etiology for chronic pancreatitis (15 of 23, 55%). Surprisingly, the majority of chronic pancreatitis patients had nonvisceral pain (18 of 23, 78%) and only 22% (5 of 23) had visceral pain by differential neuroaxial block. Four of five patients (80%) with visceral pain responded to therapy, whereas only 5 of 17 (29%) of patients with nonvisceral pain responded. CONCLUSIONS: Surprisingly, patients with chronic pancreatitis commonly have nonvisceral pain. Differential neuroaxial blockade can predict which patients will respond to therapy.

Massive osteolysis of skull bones secondary to lymphangioma of paranasal sinuses and mastoid sinus: report of two cases in children.

Massive osteolysis (MO) is a rare condition in which progressive localized bone tissue resorption is associated with proliferating thin-walled vessels in the absence of inflammation. Rare cases have been reported to occur in the skull. This paper describes two patients with MO who presented with massive assymetric swelling of the skull. This was associated with extensive enlargement of the paranasal sinuses (frontal, ethmoidal, and sphenoidal in one and the mastoid air cells in the other). The second patient developed subcutaneous emphysema on several occasions and the Valsalva maneuver increased the swelling, indicating transmission of the air from the nasopharynx to the mastoid cells and from there to the subcutaneous tissue. In the first patient, the sinus mucosa was shown to be involved by an extensive lymphangioma, and a similar change was seen in the mastoid air cells (patient 2). We are proposing that MO of these two patients resulted from bone resorption due to progressive extension of sinus mucous lymphangiomata.

Pancreatic enzyme therapy and nutritional status of outpatients with chronic pancreatitis.

Patients with chronic pancreatitis are at risk for poor nutritional status. The two major clinical features of chronic pancreatitis are abdominal pain and maldigestion, both resulting in malnutrition. Abdominal pain often results in decreased oral intake, and decreased enzyme production results in maldigestion. Enzyme therapy often is included in treating chronic pancreatitis. There is limited data on the nutritional assessment of outpatients with chronic pancreatitis, and the efficacy of the use of enzyme therapy remains controversial. Serum albumin level and measurement of ideal body weight are two simple measures of nutritional status that can be obtained by gastroenterology nurses. A retrospective chart review was done of patients seen in our outpatient clinic for management of chronic pancreatitis. Serum albumin levels, an indicator of protein calorie malnutrition, were reviewed for 34 patients. Thirty-three percent of these patients were found to have mild-to-moderate protein calorie malnutrition as evidenced by low serum albumin levels. Enzyme therapy information was reviewed for 33 patients. Patients receiving enzyme therapy had better nutritional status based on both serum albumin levels and percent of ideal body weight. Gastroenterology nurses can be instrumental in the recognition and treatment of nutritional deficiencies in chronic pancreatitis.

Sedation for colonoscopy using a single bolus is safe, effective, and efficient: a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial.

OBJECTIVE: Practice guidelines call for the careful titration of sedatives and analgesics during endoscopy, with time taken between incremental doses to assess effect. This approach is time-consuming and has never been validated in a prospective trial. The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of titration, as outlined in practice guidelines, with a single, rapid bolus of sedatives before colonoscopy. METHODS: Consecutive colonoscopy outpatients were randomized to a single, rapid bolus of meperidine and midazolam or to a titration of doses every 3 min until predefined levels of somnolence were achieved. The colonoscopist was not present during sedation and remained blinded as to which technique was used. Supplemental O2 was given for SaO2 <90% on three or more occasions. Total physician time was calculated from the first injection of sedatives to the removal of the colonoscope. Patient assessments of pain and tolerance were obtained at the time of discharge using visual analog scales of 100 mm (0 = excellent and 100 = unbearable). RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were randomized (49 bolus, 52 titration). Demographic features were similar for both groups. Titration required more physician time than did bolus (32.2 min vs 20.1 min, p < 0.001) and was associated with an increased need for supplemental O2 (44% vs 14%, p = 0.002). Mean tolerance scores were similar (titration 16.3 vs bolus 15.3, p = 0.72). CONCLUSIONS: Rapid bolus sedation for colonoscopy saves significant endoscopist time, is associated with less O2 desaturation, and provides equivalent levels of patient comfort. A revision of the guidelines for sedation and analgesia during endoscopy should be considered.

Gastroenterologist-administered propofol for therapeutic upper endoscopy with graphic assessment of respiratory activity: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Traditional methods of sedation and analgesia for advanced endoscopic procedures can be inadequate and frequently prolong recovery room observation. Propofol is a rapidly acting agent that produces an excellent hypnotic state, but its use is typically limited to anesthesiologist-assisted cases because of the inadequacy of current monitoring standards to reliably detect early stages of respiratory depression. METHODS: Ten patients undergoing advanced upper endoscopic procedures (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic ultrasound, esophageal stent placement) received a propofol infusion under the control of a second qualified gastroenterologist with advanced cardiac life support skills. Graphic assessment of respiratory activity was made by using a sidestream carbon dioxide detecting cannula. Patient satisfaction was measured with a 100 mm visual analog scale. Recovery scores were measured by standardized scoring of discharge criteria. RESULTS: Monitoring with graphic assessment of respiratory activity detected early phases of respiratory depression, resulting in a timely decrease in the propofol infusion without significant hypoxemia, hypercapnia, hypotension, or arrhythmias. Satisfaction scores were extremely high (median score 92 of 100) and 9 of 10 patients met discharge criteria at 15 minutes after discontinuation of the propofol infusion. CONCLUSIONS: With the use of monitoring by graphic assessment of respiratory activity, propofol infusion by a second qualified gastroenterologist for prolonged upper endoscopic procedures is safe and results in high levels of patient satisfaction with rapid recovery times.

Does paclitaxel improve the chemoradiotherapy of locoregionally advanced esophageal cancer? A nonrandomized comparison with fluorouracil-based therapy.

PURPOSE: A phase II trial of accelerated fractionation radiation with concurrent cisplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy was performed to investigate the role of the paclitaxel, when substituted for fluorouracil (5-FU), in the chemoradiotherapy of esophageal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with an esophageal ultrasound stage of T(3) or N(1) or M(1) (nodal) esophageal cancer were treated with two courses of a cisplatin infusion (20 mg/m(2)/d for 4 days) and paclitaxel (175 mg/m(2) over 24 hours) concurrent with a split course of accelerated fractionation radiation (1.5 Gy bid to a total dose of 45 Gy). Surgical resection was performed 4 to 6 weeks later followed by a single identical postoperative course of chemoradiotherapy (24 Gy) in patients with significant residual tumor at surgery. Toxicity and results of this treatment were retrospectively compared with our previous 5-FU and cisplatin chemoradiotherapy experience. RESULTS: Between September 1995 and July 1997, 40 patients were entered onto this study. Although dysphagia proved worse in our 5-FU-treated patients, profound leukopenia and a need for unplanned hospitalization were significantly more common in the paclitaxel group. Thirty-seven patients (93%) proved resectable for cure. The 3-year projected overall survival is 30%, locoregional control is 81%, and distant metastatic disease control is 44%. When compared with a similarly staged cohort of 5-FU-treated patients, there was no advantage for any survival function studied. CONCLUSION: This paclitaxel-based treatment regimen for locoregionally advanced esophageal cancer produced increased toxicity with no improvement in results when compared with our previous 5-FU experience. Paclitaxel-based treatments must be carefully and prospectively studied before their incorporation into the standard management of esophageal cancer.