Novel circulating biomarkers for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review.

Currently, a liver biopsy remains the only reliable way to precisely diagnose non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and establish the severity of liver injury, presence of fibrosis, and architecture remodeling. However, the cost and the intrinsic invasive procedure of a liver biopsy rules it out as a gold standard diagnostic test, and the imaging test are not the best choice due to the price, and currently is being refined. The lack of a biomarker of NAFLD pushes to develop this new line of research. The aim of the present systematic review is to clarify and update all the NAFLD biomarkers described in the literature until recently. We highlight α-ketoglutarate and CK18-F as currently the best potential biomarker of NAFLD. However, due to methodological differences, we propose the implementation of international, multicenter, multiethnic studies with larger population size, and biopsy proven NAFLD diagnosis to analyze and compare α-ketoglutarate and CK18-F as potential biomarkers of the silent evolution of NAFLD.

Exploring the role of paraoxonases in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease: a systematic review.

Paraoxonases (PON) are three enzymes (PON1, PON2 and PON3) that play a role in the organism's antioxidant system; alterations in which are associated with diseases involving oxidative stress. In this review, we summarize the evidence of PON related to the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and atherosclerosis. We searched three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Database) with no date limit. All of the articles selected investigated PON enzymatic activity and/or PON gene polymorphisms. The selection focused on PON in relation to atherosclerosis, CAD and myocardial infarction. The exclusion criteria were a sample size <100 patients, non-human studies, editorials and systematic reviews without restrictions on the country of origin. With these criteria, we identified thirty-five prospective studies published between 1986 and 2014 with a total of 28,164 participants. The relationship between PON gene polymorphisms and CAD was not conclusive, but most studies support the concept that alterations in PON1 enzymatic activity levels do influence atheroma formation. Conversely, relationships between PON2 and PON3 vs. CAD have not been extensively investigated. Our review of the current data concludes that the bases of paraoxonases involvement in atherosclerosis are poorly understood and that this issue requires future comprehensive, multi-centered studies.

Comparative analysis of 2 surgical techniques in the treatment of subxiphoid incisional hernia. Observational study.

INTRODUCTION: The surgical procedure to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia is a complex technique due to the anatomical area that it appears. The objective of our study is the analysis of the results obtained with the different surgical techniques performed in our center for 9 years, especially postoperative complications and the recurrence rate. METHODS: It is an observational, retrospective study from January 2011 to January 2019 of patients operated of subxiphoid incisional hernia in our Unit. We analysed the comorbidities, surgical techniques (preperitoneal hernia repair or TP, and adjusted double mesh technique) and postoperative variable, especially the hernia recurrence. The postoperative complications were summarized flowing the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: 42 patients were operated: 22 (52,4%) TP and 20 (47,6%) adjusted double mesh technique. All the complications registered were minor (grade I) and it appeared mostly in TP group (P = .053). The average follow up was 25.8 ± 15.1 months; there were no statistically significant differences in hernia recurrence comparing two treatment groups (P = .288). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, TP is the ideal technique to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia. Adjusted double mesh technique may represent an effective approach with a low complication rate, although globally analyzing the recurrence rate, aponeurosis closure over the preperitoneal mesh entails less impact on it.

Small bowel obstruction secondary to a pericecal hernia in an adult patient, an extremely rare condition.

Internal hernias are defined by the protrusion of an abdominal organ through a peritoneal or mesenteric aperture. They are responsable for up to 5.8% of all small bowel obstructions (SBOs). Pericecal hernia is a highly unusual variation. We present a case of a 17-year-old Asian male turned to the emergency department due to abrupt abdominal pain and peritonitis. An emergent laparotomy revealed a small bowel herniation through the avascular space of Treves with small bowel necrosis. A pericecal hernia is an extremely unusual clinical entity; however, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of SBO.

ANTECEDENTES: La hernia interna se define como la protrusión de un órgano abdominal a través de un orificio peritoneal o mesentérico. Las hernias son causa de hasta el 5% de las obstrucciones de intestino delgado. La hernia pericecal es un subtipo extremadamente infrecuente. Presentamos el caso de un varón asiático de 17 años que acudió a nuestro centro por un cuadro de abdomen agudo con dolor y peritonitis. Durante la laparotomía se evidenció la herniación del intestino delgado a través del espacio avascular de Treves, con necrosis del mismo. La hernia pericecal es un subtipo extremadamente raro, pero que debemos plantearnos en el diagnóstico diferencial del síndrome de obstrucción intestinal.

Comparative analysis of 2 surgical techniques in the treatment of subxiphoid incisional hernia. Observational study. / Análisis comparativo de 2 técnicas quirúrgicas en el tratamiento de la hernia incisional subxifoidea. Estudio observacional.

INTRODUCTION: The surgical procedure to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia is a complex technique due to the anatomical area that it appears. The objective of our study is the analysis of the results obtained with the different surgical techniques performed in our center for 9 years, especially postoperative complications and the recurrence rate. METHODS: It is an observational, retrospective study from January 2011 to January 2019 of patients operated of subxiphoid incisional hernia in our Unit. We analysed the comorbidities, surgical techniques (preperitoneal hernia repair or TP, and adjusted double mesh technique) and postoperative variable, especially the hernia recurrence. The postoperative complications were summarized flowing the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: 42 patients were operated: 22 (52,4%) TP and 20 (47,6%) adjusted double mesh technique. All the complications registered were minor (grade I) and it appeared mostly in TP group (P=.053). The average follow up was 25.8±15.1 months; there were no statistically significant differences in hernia recurrence comparing two treatment groups (P=.288). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, TP is the ideal technique to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia. Adjusted double mesh technique may represent an effective approach with a low complication rate, although globally analyzing the recurrence rate, aponeurosis closure over the preperitoneal mesh entails less impact on it.

Systematic review and meta-analysis deciphering the impact of fibrates on paraoxonase-1 status.

OBJECTIVE: A significant residual cardiovascular risk is consistently observed in patients treated with statins. A combined treatment with fibrates reduces cardiovascular events in very high-risk patients. Because this is apparently unconnected to an improvement in lipid-related outcomes we hypothesized that the cardioprotective effects of fibrates might be associated with an improvement in paraoxonase-1 (PON1) status. METHOD: The search for existing evidence, using the Medline, Scopus and Cochrane databases, was systematic and followed the PRISMA statement without restrictions on publication date. We excluded non-clinical and observational studies and we extracted data on baseline and post-treatment values of serum PON1 activity and other measurements of PON1 status. RESULTS: Nine studies (including 12 treatment arms) in patients with hyperlipidemia, diabetes or metabolic syndrome treated with fibrates, alone or in combination with statins, were included to synthesize results. A meta-analysis of the data using a random-effects model revealed a significant increase in serum PON1 activity following fibrate therapy (WMD: 15.64U/L, 95% CI: 6.94, 24.34, p<0.001), an effect that was robust and not sensitive to any particular study. Subgroup analysis indicated differences in the effect size among types of fibrates and that PON1 alterations were associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol changes following fibrate therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate a significant PON1-enhancing effect of fibrates. Whether this effect is associated with a clinical benefit, although likely, remains to be further investigated.

Análisis comparativo de 2 técnicas quirúrgicas en el tratamiento de la hernia incisional subxifoidea. Estudio observacional / Comparative analysis of 2 surgical techniques in the treatment of subxiphoid incisional hernia. Observational study

Introducción: La hernia incisional subxifoidea presenta complejidad en su solución quirúrgica por las características de la región anatómica donde aparece. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue el análisis de los resultados obtenidos con las diferentes técnicas realizadas en nuestro centro durante 9 años, incidiendo en las complicaciones postoperatorias y la tasa de recidiva. Métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo desde enero de 2011 hasta enero de 2019 de los pacientes intervenidos de hernia incisional subxifoidea en nuestra Unidad. Se analizaron las comorbilidades, técnicas quirúrgicas empleadas (eventroplastia preperitoneal o TP, y técnica de doble malla ajustada) y variables postoperatorias, incidiendo en la recidiva herniaria. Las complicaciones se recogieron según la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo. Resultados: Se intervinieron un total de 42 pacientes: 22 (52,4%) mediante una TP, y 20 (47,6%) mediante técnica de doble malla ajustada. Todas las complicaciones registradas fueron leves (grado i) y aparecieron mayoritariamente en el grupo de la TP (p=0,053). El seguimiento medio postoperatorio fue 25,8±15,1 meses; no existieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a recidiva comparando los 2 grupos de tratamiento (p=0,288). Conclusiones: Según nuestros resultados, la TP fue la técnica ideal para reparar una hernia incisional subxifoidea. La técnica de doble malla ajustada puede representar un abordaje eficaz con un bajo índice de complicaciones, aunque analizando globalmente la tasa de recidiva, el cierre fascial por encima de la prótesis preperitoneal conlleva un menor impacto en la misma. (AU)

Introduction: The surgical procedure to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia is a complex technique due to the anatomical area that it appears. The objective of our study is the analysis of the results obtained with the different surgical techniques performed in our center for 9 years, especially postoperative complications and the recurrence rate. Methods: It is an observational, retrospective study from January 2011 to January 2019 of patients operated of subxiphoid incisional hernia in our Unit. We analysed the comorbidities, surgical techniques (preperitoneal hernia repair or TP, and adjusted double mesh technique) and postoperative variable, especially the hernia recurrence. The postoperative complications were summarized flowing the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: 42 patients were operated: 22 (52,4%) TP and 20 (47,6%) adjusted double mesh technique. All the complications registered were minor (grade I) and it appeared mostly in TP group (P=.053). The average follow up was 25.8±15.1 months; there were no statistically significant differences in hernia recurrence comparing two treatment groups (P=.288). Conclusions: According to our results, TP is the ideal technique to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia. Adjusted double mesh technique may represent an effective approach with a low complication rate, although globally analyzing the recurrence rate, aponeurosis closure over the preperitoneal mesh entails less impact on it. (AU)

Is There Any Benefit of Neuromonitoring During Descending and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair?

OBJECTIVE: Paraplegia remains the most feared and a devastating complication after descending and thoracoabdominal aneurysm operative repair (DTA and TAAAR). Neuromonitoring, particularly use of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), for this surgery has gained popularity. However, ambiguity remains regarding its use and benefit. We systematically reviewed the literature to assess the benefit and applicability of neuromonitoring in DTA and TAAAR. METHODS: Electronic searches were performed on 4 major databases from inception until February 2014 to identify relevant studies. Eligibility decisions, method quality, data extraction, and analysis were performed according to predefined clinical criteria and end points. RESULTS: Among the studies matching our inclusion criteria, 1297 patients had MEP monitoring during DTA and TAAAR. In-hospital mortality was low (6.9% ± 3.6). Immediate neurological deficit was low (3.5% ± 2.6). In one third of patients (30.4% ± 14.2), the MEPs dropped below threshold, which were 30.4% and 29.4% with threshold levels of 75% and 50%, respectively. A range of surgical techniques were applied after reduction in MEPs. Most patients whose MEPs dropped and remained below threshold had immediate permanent neurological deficit (92.0% ± 23.6). Somatosensory-evoked potentials were reported in one third of papers with little association between loss of somatosensory-evoked potentials and permanent neurological deficit (16.7% ± 28.9%). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that MEPs are useful at predicting paraplegia in patients who lose their MEPs and do not regain them intraoperatively. To date, there is no consensus regarding the applicability and use of MEPs. Current evidence does not mandate or support MEP use.

Aortic Valve Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Published Literature.

UNLABELLED: Background : It is widely accepted that aortic valve disease is surgically managed with aortic valve replacement (AVR) using different available prostheses. The long-term survival, durability of the valve, and freedom from reoperation after AVR are well established in published literature. Over the past two decades, aortic valve repair (AVr) has evolved into an accepted surgical option for patients with aortic valve disease. We review and analyze the published literature on AVr. Methods : A systematic review of the current literature was performed through three electronic databases from inception to August 2013 to identify all relevant studies relating to aortic valve repair. Articles selected were chosen by two reviewers. Articles were excluded if they contained a pediatric population or if the patient number was less than 50. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies conformed to the inclusion criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. In total, 4986 patients underwent aortic valve repair. 7 studies represented bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) repair, 5 studies represented cusp prolapse, and 3 studies represented valve repair with root dilation or aneurysm. Overall weighted in-hospital mortality for all studies was low (1.46% ± 1.21). Preoperative aortic insufficiency (AI) ≥ 2+ did not correlate to reoperation for valve failure (Pearson's Rs 0.2705, P = 0.2585). AI at discharge was reported in 9 studies with a mean AI ≥ 2+ in 6.1% of patients. Weighted average percentage for valve reoperation following BAV repair was 10.23% ± 3.2. Weighted average reoperation following cusp prolapse repair was 3.83 ± 1.96. Weighted average reoperation in aortic valve sparing procedures with root replacement was 4.25% ± 2.46. Although there are limitations and complications of prosthetic valves, especially for younger individuals, there is ample published literature that confers strong evidence for AVR. On the contrary, aortic valve repair may be a useful option for selected patients, but there is lack of uniformity in data and absence of compelling supporting evidence. An international multi-center study comparing and assessing the results between AVR & AVr is the next step required. Currently, higher levels of evidence do not exist for aortic valve repair.