Management patterns of multiple magnet ingestion reported to New Jersey Poison Information and Education System.

BACKGROUND: Ingestion of multiple high-powered neodymium rare-earth magnets poses a significant risk for gastrointestinal (GI) injury such as bowel perforation or ischemia. Given the rising incidence of rare earth magnetic ingestions and the corresponding increase in serious injuries in children, published guidelines recommend urgent endoscopic removal of all magnets within endoscopic reach in cases involving ingestions of two or more magnets. RESEARCH QUESTION: Do management patterns for multiple magnet ingestion align with current practice guidelines, and does hospital length of stay (LOS) differ based on the initial emergency department (ED) approach? METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of consecutive patient encounters reported to the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) between January 2021 and April 2022 involving multiple magnet ingestion. Potential cases were retrieved from the NJPIES TOXICALL® database, using substance codes relating to magnet or foreign body ingestion. Two-sample T tests were used to determine the statistical difference in the hospital LOS between the group of patients receiving early emergent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) versus those receiving expectant management on initial presentation. RESULTS: There was a difference in the average LOS of 2.7 days (p = 0.023) longer in the expectant management group with no medical complications in either group. Twenty-five percent or 2 out of 8 cases deviated from guidelines. CONCLUSION: The initial ED decision to pursue expectant management instead of attempting emergent EGD removal of magnets may result in prolonged hospitalization, increased risk for readmission, and delayed definitive removal of magnets due to nonprogression along the GI tract.

Gastric variceal bleeding as a form of presentation of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor / Sangrado por varices gástricas como forma de presentación de un tumor neuroendocrino pancreático

NETs (neuroendocrine tumors) constitute a heterogeneous group of epithelial-type neoplasms with a predominantly neuroendocrine differentiation. Although the most common locations are the pancreas, digestive tract, and lung, this type of neoplasm can arise in virtually any organ in the body. They are rare tumors with a wide variety of clinical presentations. Symptomatic tumors are more frequent in younger patients and present at more advanced pathological stages. We present the case of a 42-year-old male with idiopathic splenomegaly and bicytopenia (anaemia and thrombocytopenia) under study by haematology department who was admitted due to an episode of melena and hemoglobin of 4.5 mg/dl. Isolated gastric varices (IGV1) with red spots were confirmed at gastroscopy and endoscopic variceal obturation using cyanoacrylate was performed in two sessions. An endoscopic ultrasonography was performed, showing thrombosis of the splenic vein extending towards the splenoportal confluence with anechoic serpiginous structures outside and inside the gastric wall suggestive of collateral circulation with gastric varices (GV). An increase in portal caliber was observed, with no signs of liver cirrhosis. Computed tomography confirms the findings. Two months/week/days later he was readmitted with rebleeding signs after starting anticoagulant treatment, so it was decided to perform a splenectomy due to failure of the endoscopic treatment. Histology revealed infiltration of the spleen by a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (NET). Gallium PET/CT and Octreotid scan showed uptake in the body and tail of the pancreas with positivity for somatostatin receptors previously undetected by other means. Finally, treatment was completed with distal pancreatectomy and splenoportal axis trombectomy with vascular esplenic resection and the patient was discharged from hospital.(AU)

Place of plasma argon coagulation in the treatment of vascular abnormalities of the digestive tract in adults

The aim of our study is to evaluate the value of Argon Plasma Coagulation in the treatment of gastrointestinal vascular abnormalities. Patients and methods: This is a descriptive and analytical retrospective study, from January 2009 to September 2020. 198 patients who have benefited from treatment with Argon Plasma Coagulation for vascular anomalies of the digestive tract divided into 2 groups: -Group A: Patients with radial rectitis lesions (n = 107). -Group B: Patients with lesions of digestive angiodysplasia (n = 91). Results: The mean age of our patients was 64.95 ± 9.88 years [43 - 83] in group A, while in group B the mean age was 65.19 ± 14.29 years [40 - 91] with a clear male predominance in 72.5%. The majority of patients in group A were followed for prostate cancer in 33,8%, and 26.3% of patients in group B had chronic renal failure, followed by stomach cancer in 15.8%, and esophageal cancer in 10.5%. Clinical symptomatology was dominated by rectories in 40.2% in group A versus 46.8% in group B. Rectal involvement was dominated in group A in 98.1%, whereas in group B the lesions were mainly located in the stomach in 60.5%. The endoscopic evolution was favorable in all our patients with a clear improvement of rectal lesions and digestive angiodysplasia lesions. The total complication rate in our series was nil. Conclusion: Plasma Argon coagulation is a very effective method in the endoscopic treatment of digestive haemorrhages with good tolerability and a low complication rate. (AU)

Ascariasis errática biliar como causa exótica de ictericia obstructiva / Erratic Biliary Ascariasis as an Exotic Cause of Obstructive Jaundice

Introducción: Áscaris lumbricoides es el helminto más frecuente en el tracto gastrointestinal humano; la mayor prevalencia se registra en países en desarrollo, tropicales y subtropicales. En Cuba constituye una causa exótica de ictericia obstructiva con pocos casos reportados. Objetivo: Describir el manejo terapéutico exitoso de un caso de un hombre con ictericia obstructiva secundaria a ascariasis coledociana. Caso clínico: Paciente de 74 años operado en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico "Lucía Íñiguez Landín" de la provincia Holguín por ictericia obstructiva por ascariasis coledociana, con evolución clínico-quirúrgica satisfactoria. Conclusiones: En países en desarrollo debe tomarse en cuenta la ascariasis como causa de enfermedad obstructiva biliar o pancreática. El conocimiento del cuadro clínico y sus complicaciones, además, de las diferentes opciones en el tratamiento, debe ser del dominio de todo médico. La ictericia obstructiva por áscaris lumbricoides constituye en Cuba una causa exótica de esta infestación por parásitos(AU)

Introduction: Ascaris lumbricoides is the most frequent helminthiasis in the human gastrointestinal tract; the highest prevalence is recorded in developing, tropical and subtropical countries. In Cuba, it constitutes an exotic cause of obstructive jaundice with few reported cases. Objective: To describe the successful therapeutic management of a case of a man with obstructive jaundice secondary to choledochal ascariasis. Clinical case report: We report the case of a 74-year-old patient operated on at Lucía Íñiguez Landín Surgical Clinical Hospital, in Holguín province, for obstructive jaundice due to choledochal ascariasis, with satisfactory clinical-surgical evolution. Conclusions: In developing countries, ascariasis should be taken into account as a cause of biliary or pancreatic obstructive disease. Knowledge of the clinical condition and its complications, in addition to the different treatment options, should be the domain of every physician. Obstructive jaundice due to ascaris lumbricoides constitutes an exotic cause of this parasite infestation in Cuba(AU)

Gastrointestinal tissue as a "new" target of pollution exposure.

Airborne pollution has become a leading cause of global death in industrialized cities and the exposure to environmental pollutants has been demonstrated to have adverse effects on human health. Among the pollutants, particulate matter (PM) is one of the most toxic and although its exposure has been more commonly correlated with respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal (GI) complications have also been reported as a consequence to PM exposure. Due to its composition, PM is able to exert on intestinal mucosa both direct damaging effects, (by reaching it either via direct ingestion of contaminated food and water or indirect inhalation and consequent macrophagic mucociliary clearance) and indirect ones via generation of systemic inflammation. The relationship between respiratory and GI conditions is well described by the lung-gut axis and more recently, has become even clearer during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, when respiratory symptoms were associated with gastrointestinal conditions. This review aims at pointing out the mechanisms and the models used to evaluate PM induced GI tract damage.

Profiling of inflammatory cytokines in patients with caustic gastrointestinal tract injury.

INTRODUCTION: Study of inflammatory cytokines in patients with caustic gastrointestinal tract injury is sketchy. This study investigated the cytokine profiling of patients with caustic substance ingestion, and analyzed the differences between patients with severe and mild injury. METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional study enrolled 22 patients admitted to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between March and October 2018. All patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy in 24 hours. Patients were categorized into two subgroups, as mild (<2b, n = 11) or severe (≥2b, n = 11) group. RESULTS: The neutrophil count was higher in severe than mild group (P = 0.032). Patients in mild and severe groups exhibited significantly higher circulating inflammatory cytokines than healthy control, including interleukin (IL)-2, IL-5, IL-8, IL-9, IL-12, IL-13, interferon-gamma inducible protein-10, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta, regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Furthermore, the levels of IL-2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were significantly higher in patients with severe group than mild group. Although there was no difference in cumulative survival between both groups (P = 0.147), the severe group received more operations (P = 0.035) and suffered more gastrointestinal complications (P = 0.035) than mild group. CONCLUSION: Caustic substance ingestion produces mucosal damages and leads to excessive neutrophils and inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood.

Guía de Práctica Clínica de cuerpo extraño gastrointestinal en niños / Clinical practice guideline of gastrointestinal foreign bodies in children

La ingestión de un cuerpo extraño es un tipo de lesión no intencionada muy frecuente en la infancia, particularmente en lactantes mayores de 6 meses y preescolares. El propósito deseado con la publicación de esta guía es contar con herramientas actualizadas en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta afección que permitan sistematizar la conducta y mejorar la calidad de la asistencia médica. Dentro de los cuerpos extraños más frecuentes tenemos: monedas, imanes, baterías, juguetes pequeños, plásticos, joyas, botones, huesos e impactaciones alimentarias en los niños mayores. La sintomatología varía según la naturaleza del cuerpo extraño, el lugar donde se impacte, que casi siempre es en las estrecheces anatómicas o adquiridas del tubo digestivo o por la presencia de complicaciones. Para confirmar el diagnóstico son necesarios diferentes estudios imagenológicos y endoscópicos, estos últimos con un valor terapéutico. El tratamiento depende de factores como la edad, el tiempo de ingerido, la localización, la presencia de complicaciones, la naturaleza del cuerpo extraño, su número y el potencial lacerante, tóxico o corrosivo. En la mayoría de los casos los cuerpos extraños son expulsados de forma espontánea y tienen un pronóstico favorable, pero queda un grupo de pacientes donde es necesario un tratamiento quirúrgico. Después de realizar una búsqueda de revisiones sistemáticas de calidad y tomando en cuenta la experiencia del Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica de Matanzas en el tratamiento de estos pacientes se elaboró esta guía que fue discutida y aprobada en el IV Simposio Nacional de Cirugía Pediátrica. La publicación de esta guía permitiría a los servicios de Cirugía Pediátrica emplearla como referencia y aplicarla en sus propias instituciones con el consecuente beneficio para los pacientes(AU)

Ingestion of a foreign body is a very common type of unintentional injury in childhood, particularly in infants older than 6 months and preschoolers. The desired purpose with the publication of this guideline is to have up-to-date tools in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition that allow to systematize the behavior and improve the quality of medical care. Within the most frequent foreign bodies we have: coins, magnets, batteries, small toys, plastics, jewelry, buttons, bones and food impactations in older children. Symptomatology varies depending on the nature of the foreign body, the place where it impacted, which is almost always in anatomical or acquired narrowness of the digestive tract, or by the presence of complications. To confirm the diagnosis, different imaging and endoscopic studies are necessary, the latter with a therapeutic value. Treatment depends on factors such as age, ingestion time, location, presence of complications, the nature of the foreign body, the amount and the lacerating, toxic or corrosive potential. In most cases foreign bodies are expelled spontaneously and have a favorable prognosis, but there is a group of patients left for whom surgical treatment is necessary. After conducting a search for quality systematic reviews and taking into account the experience of Matanzas province's Pediatric Surgery Service in the treatment of these patients, this guideline was created and it was discussed and approved at the IV National Symposium of Pediatric Surgery. The publication of this guideline would allow Pediatric Surgery services to use it as a reference and apply it in their own institutions with the consequent benefit for patients(AU)

Protective Effects of Small-Molecule Oligopeptides Isolated from Tilapia Fish Scale on Ethanol-Induced Gastroduodenal Injury in Rats.

Peptic ulcer has a serious impact on people's health around the world, and traditional medicines can cause adverse reactions. This study investigated the protective effects of tilapia collagen oligopeptides (TCOPs) on gastroduodenal injury. Seventy-two specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups according to body weight: normal control group, ethanol group, whey protein group (500 mg/kg BW), and three TCOPs dose groups (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg BW). After intragastric administration for 30 days, the acute gastroduodenal injury was induced by anhydrous ethanol (5 mL/kg, intragastrically) in all groups except the normal control group. Biomarkers in gastric and duodenal tissue and serum were measured. Furthermore, western blot was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. The results showed that the administration with TCOPs significantly reduced gastric and duodenal ulcer index, increased gastric juice pH, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, along with the reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. TCOPs decreased tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, while interleukin- 10 (IL-10) levels were increased. Furthermore, pepsinogens 1 (PG1), pepsinogens 2 (PG2), gastrin (GAS), and the pepsinogen ratio (PGR) were decreased, the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and NO contents were increased after TCOPs intervention. Moreover, TCOPs up-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and inhibited the expression of Bax and Caspase-3. In conclusion, TCOPs have protective effects on ethanol-induced gastroduodenal injury through gastrointestinal mucosal microcirculation promotion, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis mechanisms.

Sangrado digestivo masivo por heterotopia gástrica. Reporte de un caso / Massive digestive bleeding as a result of gastric heterotopy: a case repor

Introducción: La heterotopia gástrica es una entidad infrecuente enla población pediátrica. Se presenta en el tracto gastrointestinal llevandoa cuadros clínicos de sangrado digestivo. Caso clínico: Se reporta el caso de un escolar de 10 años, el cualpresentó tejido gástrico en el yeyuno proximal, originando sangradodigestivo masivo en dos ocasiones. La secuencia de apoyos diagnósti-cos requirió cápsula endoscópica, enteroscopia y biopsia. Fue llevadoa laparotomía y resección de la lesión. En el seguimiento al año semantuvo asintomático. Discusión: Su abordaje genera un reto diagnóstico. Debido a suinfrecuente presentación no hay un consenso global para el tratamien-to, sin embargo, la intervención quirúrgica es la terapia definitiva. Eneste caso no se hizo resección intestinal y anastomosis sino resecciónde la pared intestinal comprometida. No se reportó malignidad en laliteratura revisada.(AU)

Introduction: Gastric heterotopy is a rare entity in the pediatricpopulation. It occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to digestivebleeding. Clinical case: This is the case of a 10-year-old boy with gastrictissue in the proximal jejunum, which caused two massive digestivebleeding episodes. Diagnostic techniques included endoscopic capsule,enteroscopy, and biopsy. The patient was scheduled for laparotomyand resection. After one year of follow-up, he remained asymptomatic. Discussion: Gastric heterotopy approach represents a diagnosticchallenge. Owing to how rare it is, there is no global consensus in termsof treatment. However, surgery is the definitive therapy. In this case,decision was made not to perform intestinal resection and anastomosis,but resection of the compromised intestinal wall. No malignity wasreported in the literature reviewed.(AU)

Gastrointestinal perforation secondary to COVID-19: Case reports and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) presents primarily with respiratory symptoms. However, extra respiratory manifestations are being frequently recognized including gastrointestinal involvement. The most common gastrointestinal symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Gastrointestinal perforation in association with COVID-19 is rarely reported in the literature. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS: In this series, we are reporting 3 cases with different presentations of gastrointestinal perforation in the setting of COVID-19. Two patients were admitted with critical COVID-19 pneumonia, both required intensive care, intubation and mechanical ventilation. The first one was an elderly gentleman who had difficult weaning from mechanical ventilation and required tracheostomy. During his stay in intensive care unit, he developed Candidemia without clear source. After transfer to the ward, he developed lower gastrointestinal bleeding and found by imaging to have sealed perforated cecal mass with radiological signs of peritonitis. The second one was an obese young gentleman who was found incidentally to have air under diaphragm. Computed tomography showed severe pneumoperitoneum with cecal and gastric wall perforation. The third case was an elderly gentleman who presented with severe COVID-19 pneumonia along with symptoms and signs of acute abdomen who was confirmed by imaging to have sigmoid diverticulitis with perforation and abscess collection. INTERVENTIONS: The first 2 cases were treated conservatively. The third one was treated surgically. OUTCOME: Our cases had a variable hospital course but fortunately all were discharged in a good clinical condition. CONCLUSION: Our aim from this series is to highlight this fatal complication to clinicians in order to enrich our understanding of this pandemic and as a result improve patients' outcome.

Cirugía mayor abdominal electiva sin descompresión nasogástrica y con apertura precoz de vía oral / Major Elective Abdominal Surgery without Nasogastric Decompression and with Early Opening of the Oral Route

Introducción: La descompresión con sonda nasogástrica y la vía oral cerrada por varios días, ha sido práctica común tras procedimientos quirúrgicos electivos del tracto digestivo. Los programas para mejorar la recuperación posoperatoria (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery), aconsejan cambiar esta práctica. Objetivo: Evaluar el cumplimiento y repercusión en la evolución posoperatoria de dos acciones del programa en el retiro de la sonda nasogástrica y la apertura de la vía oral el día de la intervención. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital "Hermanos Ameijeiras" de septiembre 2017 a agosto 2020. La muestra fue de 270 pacientes con intervención quirúrgica mayor electiva del colon, hígado, vía biliar o páncreas, a los que se les aplicó el programa para mejorar la recuperación posoperatoria. Resultados: En 79,6 por ciento de pacientes, la sonda nasogástrica se retiró en el quirófano tras la intervención y esto se asoció a más rápida recuperación de la función intestinal, menor estadía, complicaciones, reingresos y reintervenciones. En 60 por ciento se inició la vía oral 6 horas después de la cirugía y 79,6 por ciento toleraban dieta blanda a las 48 horas. Estos pacientes presentaron menos complicaciones y mortalidad. Conclusiones: En el contexto de un programa para mejorar la recuperación posoperatoria, tras cirugía abdominal electiva, el retiro de la sonda nasogástrica el día de la intervención, con apertura precoz de la vía oral y rápida progresión a dieta blanda, son acciones bien toleradas que repercuten positivamente en la evolución posoperatoria(AU)

Introduction: Nasogastric tube decompression, together with the oral route closed for several days, has been a common practice after elective surgical procedures of the digestive tract. Programs to improve postoperative recovery (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) advise changing this practice. Objective: To assess compliance and impact on postoperative evolution of two program actions for nasogastric tube removal and opening of the oral route on the intervention day. Methods: A prospective study was carried out, from September 2017 to August 2020, in the general surgery service of Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital. The sample consisted of 270 patients who underwent major elective surgery of the colon, liver, bile duct or pancreas and were applied the program to improve postoperative recovery. Results: In 79.6 percent of patients, the nasogastric tube was removed in the operating room after the intervention, a fact associated with faster recovery of intestinal function, shorter stay, as well as fewer complications, readmissions and reinterventions. In 60 percent of the patients, the oral route was started at six hours after surgery, while 79.6 percent of them tolerated a soft diet at 48 hours. These patients presented fewer complications and mortality. Conclusions: In the context of a program to improve postoperative recovery after elective abdominal surgery, nasogastric tube removal on the intervention day, with early opening of the oral route and rapid progression to a soft diet, are well-tolerated actions that have a positive effect on postoperative evolution(AU)

Accelerated cell cycles enable organ regeneration under developmental time constraints in the Drosophila hindgut.

Individual organ development must be temporally coordinated with development of the rest of the organism. As a result, cell division cycles in a developing organ occur on a relatively fixed timescale. Despite this, many developing organs can regenerate cells lost to injury. How organs regenerate within the time constraints of organism development remains unclear. Here, we show that the developing Drosophila hindgut regenerates by accelerating the mitotic cell cycle. This process is achieved by decreasing G1 length and requires the JAK/STAT ligand unpaired-3. Mitotic capacity is then terminated by the steroid hormone ecdysone receptor and the Sox transcription factor Dichaete. These two factors converge on regulation of a hindgut-specific enhancer of fizzy-related, a negative regulator of mitotic cyclins. Our findings reveal how the cell-cycle machinery and cytokine signaling can be adapted to accomplish developmental organ regeneration.

Strenuous 12-h run elevates circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation and intestinal permeability in middle-aged amateur runners: A preliminary study.

Given the solid evidence that prolonged strenuous exercise is a cause of metabolic stress, this study sought to determine whether a 12-h run would affect total oxidant status (TOS), total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant status (TAS), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the biomarkers of intestinal permeability (protein fatty acid-binding proteins (I-FABP) and zonulin) in middle-aged male subjects. Ten amateur long-distance runners (aged 52.0 ± 6.2 years, body height 176.9 ± 4.9 cm, body mass 73.9 ± 6.0 kg) were enrolled in the study. The venous blood samples were collected 1 hour before and right after the run and were analyzed for the levels of TAS, TOS/TOC, hs-CRP, I-FABP and zonulin. The post-run concentrations of TOS/TOC were significantly elevated (p < 0.001), but TAS changes were not significant. Pearson's correlation coefficients calculated for the post run values of TAS and TOS/TOC were statistically significant and negative (r = -0.750, p < 0.05). Significant increases in the concentrations of hs-CRP (p < 0.001), I-FABP (p < 0.05) and zonulin (p < 0.01) were noted. The results indicate that a strenuous 12-h run disturbs the prooxidant-antioxidant balance in middle-aged men, as well as promoting inflammation and impairing intestinal permeability.

SPS(Kayexalate)/CPS(K-Bind) crystals in the gastrointestinal tract-An experience from a tertiary center.

INTRODUCTION: Kayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate/SPS) and K-bind (Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate/CPS) are cation exchange resins, commonly used for treatment of hyperkalaemia. SPS/CPS induced injury of the gastrointestinal tract(GIT) is rare, can be potentially life threatening but is under-recognized. This study aims to increase awareness of pathologists and clinicians of this under-reported complication of a drug commonly used to treat hyperkalaemia. MATERIALS: Study population comprised patients with SPS/CPS (Kayexalate or its analogues) crystals identified in gastrointestinal specimens from 2017-2019 at a tertiary care centre. Clinical details, relevant investigations, imaging and endoscopic findings, patient follow up details were obtained from the hospital electronic information system. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients with SPS/ CPS crystals in the GIT were encountered over 2 years. Male to female ratio was 9:1, with mean age 66.5years (range 52-82 years). Eight cases were mucosal biopsies and 2 were resection specimens. Additional pathology (tumours, colonic perforation) was present in 80% of patients. The characteristic morphological appearance of the CPS/SPS crystals on H&E stains were supported by special stains -Periodic acid Schiff(PAS) and Acid fast Bacilli(AFB). In all cases, the treatment history with SPS/CPS for hyperkalaemia was obtained only after the histological examination. Most common etiology of hyperkalaemia encountered was chronic kidney disease(CKD)/ Acute on chronic kidney disease. CONCLUSION: It is important for pathologists to recognise the presence of these crystals especially in small biopsies as early feedback to clinicians can help in appropriate management and avoidance of more serious adverse outcome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first series of 10 consecutive cases of SPS/CPS crystals encountered in gastrointestinal tract to be reported from India.

Air-Evacuation-Relevant Hypobaria Following Traumatic Brain Injury Plus Hemorrhagic Shock in Rats Increases Mortality and Injury to the Gut, Lungs, and Kidneys.

ABSTRACT: Rats exposed to hypobaria equivalent to what occurs during aeromedical evacuation within a few days after isolated traumatic brain injury exhibit greater neurologic injury than those remaining at sea level. Moreover, administration of excessive supplemental O2 during hypobaria further exacerbates brain injury. This study tested the hypothesis that exposure of rats to hypobaria following controlled cortical impact (CCI)-induced brain injury plus mild hemorrhagic shock worsens multiple organ inflammation and associated mortality. In this study, at 24 h after CCI plus hemorrhagic shock, rats were exposed to either normobaria (sea level) or hypobaria (=8,000 ft altitude) for 6 h under normoxic or hyperoxic conditions. Injured rats exhibited mortality ranging from 30% for those maintained under normobaria and normoxia to 60% for those exposed to 6 h under hypobaric and hyperoxia. Lung histopathology and neutrophil infiltration at 2 days postinjury were exacerbated by hypobaria and hyperoxia. Gut and kidney inflammation at 30 days postinjury were also worsened by hypobaric hyperoxia. In conclusion, exposure of rats after brain injury and hemorrhagic shock to hypobaria or hyperoxia results in increased mortality. Based on gut, lung, and kidney histopathology at 2 to 30 days postinjury, increased mortality is consistent with multi-organ inflammation. These findings support epidemiological studies indicating that increasing aircraft cabin pressures to 4,000 ft altitude (compared with standard 8,000 ft) and limiting excessive oxygen administration will decrease critical complications during and following aeromedical transport.

Chronic stress and corticosterone exacerbate alcohol-induced tissue injury in the gut-liver-brain axis.

Alcohol use disorders are associated with altered stress responses, but the impact of stress or stress hormones on alcohol-associated tissue injury remain unknown. We evaluated the effects of chronic restraint stress on alcohol-induced gut barrier dysfunction and liver damage in mice. To determine whether corticosterone is the stress hormone associated with the stress-induced effects, we evaluated the effect of chronic corticosterone treatment on alcoholic tissue injury at the Gut-Liver-Brain (GLB) axis. Chronic restraint stress synergized alcohol-induced epithelial tight junction disruption and mucosal barrier dysfunction in the mouse intestine. These effects of stress on the gut were reproduced by corticosterone treatment. Corticosterone synergized alcohol-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the colonic mucosa, and it potentiated the alcohol-induced endotoxemia and systemic inflammation. Corticosterone also potentiated alcohol-induced liver damage and neuroinflammation. Metagenomic analyses of 16S RNA from fecal samples indicated that corticosterone modulates alcohol-induced changes in the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota. In Caco-2 cell monolayers, corticosterone dose-dependently potentiated ethanol and acetaldehyde-induced tight junction disruption and barrier dysfunction. These data indicate that chronic stress and corticosterone exacerbate alcohol-induced mucosal barrier dysfunction, endotoxemia, and systemic alcohol responses. Corticosterone-mediated promotion of alcohol-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction and modulation of gut microbiota may play a crucial role in the mechanism of stress-induced promotion of alcohol-associated tissue injury at the GLB axis.

Gastric secretion in patients with caustic ingestion: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Caustic ingestion can lead to structural changes in the upper gastrointestinal tract. However, there are limited data on the effect of caustic ingestion on gastric secretion. This study was planned to determine the changes in gastric acid output in patients with caustic ingestion. METHODS: It was a prospective study done at a tertiary care center in northern India. Twenty consecutive patients in chronic phase of caustic ingestion were evaluated for the study. The gastric secretory function was estimated in the basal state and following pentagastrin stimulation. These results were compared with normal values for our laboratory. RESULTS: The mean age of the included patients (n = 20) was 27.35 ± 2.96 years and 14 patients were male. Sixteen (80%) patients had a history of acid ingestion. Patients with caustic ingestion had significantly lower mean gastric acid secretion (0.8 ± 0.4 mEq/h vs. 4 ± 0.4 mEq/h; p < 0.001) compared to controls. After pentagastrin stimulation, the mean gastric juice volume (31.8 ± 6 mL/h vs. 62.3 ± 11.7 mL/h; p < 0.01) and acidity (15.3 ± 5.1 mEq/L vs. 39.6 ± 9.3 mEq/L; p < 0.001) increased in patients with caustic ingestion, but were lower than those in control subjects. Patients with a lower esophageal stricture (n = 6) had decreased maximum acid output (0.62 ± 0.32 mEq/h vs. 6.05 ± 0.55 mEq/h; p < 0.05) compared to patients with stricture in the upper or middle esophagus. CONCLUSION: Caustic ingestion is associated with reduced gastric juice volume and acid output. Patients with stricture in the lower one third of the esophagus are at a higher risk of hypochlorhydria compared to patients with stricture in either the upper or middle esophagus.

Tubo gástrico isoperistáltico, alternativa quirúrgica en quemadura faringoesofágica. Caso clínico / Isoperistaltic gastric tube: a surgical alternative in a pharyngoesophageal burn - a clinical case

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las quemaduras por ingesta de cáusticos en la población pediátrica continúan siendo causa de lesiones esofágicas complejas. Sin embargo, las posibilidades terapéuticas en casos severos son limitadas. Se propone un abordaje quirúrgico en el cual se obtiene mayor longitud del neoesófago, esófago isoperistáltico y mejor vascularización con el subsecuente menor riesgo de complicaciones (necrosis, estenosis, perforación). CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 16 meses de edad, quien presenta ingesta accidental de sosa cáustica que ocasiona quemadura grado IIIb que compromete desde la faringe hasta el estómago. Se realizó reemplazo esofágico con tubo gástrico isoperistáltico, con lo cual se obtuvo un neoesófago de longitud apropiada, vascularización óptima para el injerto y peristaltismo fisiológico. COMENTARIOS: El abordaje quirúrgico propuesto permite obtener un esófago con irrigación proveniente de la arteria gastroepiploica derecha, preservando irrigación de la curvatura mayor, una longitud mayor y por el posicionamiento anatómico del esófago con un peristaltismo fisiológico

INTRODUCTION: Caustic burns still cause complex esophageal lesions in the pediatric population. However, therapeutic possibilities in severe cases are limited. A surgical approach allowing for a longer neoesophagus, an isoperistaltic esophagus, and a better vascularization, with a lower risk of complications such as necrosis, stenosis, or perforation, is proposed. CLINICAL CASE: 16-month-old patient who accidentally ingested caustic soda. This caused a IIIb degree burn compromising the pharynx down to the stomach. Esophageal replacement with an isoperistaltic gastric tube was carried out, which allowed for a neoesophagus of appropriate length, an optimal vascularization for the graft, and physiological peristalsis. COMMENTS: The surgical approach proposed allows the esophagus to be irrigated from the right gastro-omental artery, thus preserving irrigation of the greater curvature. It also allows for a longer esophagus, and thanks to anatomical positioning, for physiological peristalsis

A new perspective of the risk of caustic substance ingestion: the outcomes of 468 patients in one North Taiwan medical center within 20 years.

INTRODUCTION: Caustic substance ingestion is frequently life-threatening, and its pathological mechanisms of tissue damage are well documented. However, few studies have assessed the combined effects of pH and the ingested dose on patient outcomes. Additionally, the miscellaneous chemical properties are not immediately available for providing predictive insights to physicians. This study aimed to provide a new perspective of the risk assessment of caustic substance ingestion based on the pH and dose. METHODS: The retrospective study analyzed adults treated for caustic substance ingestion at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between January 1999 and December 2018. Uniformly strict inclusion/exclusion criteria and a double-checked process during chart review were adopted. All patients underwent urgent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) within 24 h. Caustic mucosal damage was graded using Zargar's modified endoscopic classification. The pH and ingested dose of caustic substances were clearly recorded. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS, version 22. RESULTS: Based on the 468 enrolled cases, the pH and dose were valuable predictors of the extent of gastrointestinal tract injury, commonly encountered complications, and long-term overall survival outcomes. Risks of mortality and perforation were dose-dependent for acids and pH-dependent for alkalis. The severe EGD findings (grade ≥ 2b) in this study were pH-dependent for both substances and additionally dose-dependent for acids. CONCLUSION: Combining pH and dose, we proposed a new perspective for the risk assessment of caustic substance ingestion. Such findings may provide predictive insights for resolving clinical uncertainty before the availability of examination results. "Large doses of acids" and "high pH of alkalis" deserve special attention. This new perspective with a retrospective nature requires further validation.