Sodium Thiosulfate Reduces Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery Plus Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy with Cisplatin: A Single-Center Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in combination with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) represents a multimodal treatment concept for patients with peritoneal surface malignancies. The use of intraperitoneal cisplatin (CDDP) is associated with a risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). The aim of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of perioperative sodium thiosulfate (STS) administration on kidney function in patients undergoing CRS and CDDP-based HIPEC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of all patients who underwent CRS and CDDP-based HIPEC at our hospital between March 2017 and August 2020. Patients were stratified according to the use of sodium thiosulfate (STS vs. no STS). We compared kidney function and clinical outcome parameters between both groups and determined risk factors for postoperative AKI on univariate and multivariate analysis. AKI was classified according to acute kidney injury network (AKIN) criteria. RESULTS: Of 238 patients who underwent CRS and CDDP-based HIPEC, 46 patients received STS and 192 patients did not. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. In patients who received STS, a lower incidence (6.5% vs. 30.7%; p = 0.001) and severity of AKI (p = 0.009) were observed. On multivariate analysis, the use of STS (OR 0.089, p = 0.001) remained an independent kidney-protective factor, while arterial hypertension (OR 5.283, p < 0.001) and elevated preoperative urea serum level (OR 5.278, p = 0.032) were predictors for postoperative AKI. CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggest that STS protects patients from AKI caused by CRS and CDDP-based HIPEC. Further prospective studies are needed to validate the benefit of STS among kidney-protective strategies.

Temperatures in Pigs During 3 T MRI Temperatures, Heart Rates, and Breathing Rates of Pigs During RF Power Deposition in a 3 T (128 MHz) Body Coil.

Exposure to radiofrequency (RF) power deposition during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) induces elevated body-tissue temperatures and may cause changes in heart and breathing rates, disturbing thermoregulation. Eleven temperature sensors were placed in muscle tissue and one sensor in the rectum (measured in 10 cm depth) of 20 free-breathing anesthetized pigs to verify temperature curves during RF exposure. Tissue temperatures and heart and breathing rates were measured before, during, and after RF exposure. Pigs were placed into a 60-cm diameter whole-body resonator of a 3 T MRI system. Nineteen anesthetized pigs were divided into four RF exposure groups: sham (0 W/kg), low-exposure (2.7 W/kg, mean exposure time 56 min), moderate-exposure (4.8 W/kg, mean exposure time 31 min), and high-exposure (4.4 W/kg, mean exposure time 61 min). One pig was exposed to a whole-body specific absorption rate (wbSAR) of 11.4 W/kg (extreme-exposure). Hotspot temperatures, measured by sensor 2, increased by mean 5.0 ± 0.9°C, min 3.9; max 6.3 (low), 7.0 ± 2.3°C, min 4.6; max 9.9 (moderate), and 9.2 ± 4.4°C, min 6.1, max 17.9 (high) compared with 0.3 ± 0.3°C in the sham-exposure group (min 0.1, max 0.6). Four time-temperature curves were identified: sinusoidal, parabolic, plateau, and linear. These curve shapes did not correlate with RF intensity, rectal temperature, breathing rate, or heart rate. In all pigs, rectal temperatures increased (2.1 ± 0.9°C) during and even after RF exposure, while hotspot temperatures decreased after exposure. When rectal temperature increased by 1°C, hotspot temperature increased up to 42.8°C within 37 min (low-exposure) or up to 43.8°C within 24 min (high-exposure). Global wbSAR did not correlate with maximum hotspot. Bioelectromagnetics. 2021;42:37-50. © 2020 The Authors. Bioelectromagnetics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Clinical application of modern ultrasound techniques after liver transplantation.

Liver transplantation has been established as a first-line therapy for a number of indications. Conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) are methods of choice during the postoperative period as a safe and fast tool to detect potential complications and to enable early intervention if necessary. CEUS increases diagnostic quality and is an appropriate procedure for the examination of vessels and possibly bile ducts. This article presents the state of the art of ultrasound application during the early period after liver transplantation. It addresses common vascular complications and describes the identification of postoperative abnormal findings using ultrasound and CEUS.

CD44 and CXCL9 serum protein levels predict the risk of clinically significant allograft rejection after liver transplantation.

The diagnosis of acute cellular rejection (ACR) after liver transplantation is based on histological analysis of biopsies because noninvasive biomarkers for allograft rejection are not yet established for clinical routines. CD31, CD44, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL) 9 have previously been described as biomarkers for cross-organ allograft rejection. Here, we assessed the predictive and diagnostic value of these proteins as serum biomarkers for clinically significant ACR in the first 6 months after liver transplantation in a prospective study. The protein levels were measured in 94 patients immediately before transplantation, at postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, 7, and 14 and when biopsies were performed during episodes of biochemical graft dysfunction. The CD44 serum protein levels were significantly lower at POD 1 in patients who experienced histologically proven ACR in the follow-up compared with patients without ACR (P < 0.001). CXCL9 was significantly higher before transplantation (P = 0.049) and at POD 1 (P < 0.001) in these patients. Low CD44 values (cutoff, <200.5 ng/mL) or high CXCL9 values (cutoff, >2.7 ng/mL) at POD 1 differentiated between rejection and no rejection with a sensitivity of 88% or 60% and a specificity of 61% or 79%, respectively. The combination of both biomarker cutoffs at POD 1 had a positive predictive value of 91% and a negative predictive value of 67% for clinically significant ACR. Moreover, CD44 was significantly lower at the time of ACR (P < 0.001) and differentiated the rejection group from patients with graft dysfunction due to other reasons. Our results suggest that CD44 and CXCL9 may serve as predictive biomarkers to identify liver allograft recipients at risk for clinically significant ACR.

Early diagnosis of sepsis-related hepatic dysfunction and its prognostic impact on survival: a prospective study with the LiMAx test.

INTRODUCTION: Liver dysfunction can derive from severe sepsis and might be associated with poor prognosis. However, diagnosis of septic liver dysfunction is challenging due to a lack of appropriate tests. Measurement of maximal liver function capacity (LiMAx test) has been successfully evaluated as a new diagnostic test in liver resection and transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the LiMAx test during sepsis in comparison to biochemical tests and the indocyanin green test (ICG-PDR). METHODS: We prospectively investigated 28 patients (8 female and 20 male, age range 35 to 80 years) suffering from sepsis on a surgical ICU. All patients received routine resuscitation from septic shock (surgery, fluids, catecholamines, antibiotic drugs). The first LiMAx test and ICG-PDR were carried out within the first 24 hours after onset of septic symptoms, followed by day 2, 5 and 10. Other biochemical parameters and scores determining the severity of illness were measured daily. Clinical outcome parameters were examined after 90 days or at the end of treatment. The population was divided into 2 groups (group A: non-survivors or ICU length of stay (ICU-LOS) >30 days versus group B: survivors and ICU-LOS <30 days) for analysis. RESULTS: Epidemiological baseline characteristics of both groups were similar. Group A patients had significant lower LiMAx and ICG-PDR values than patients in group B. Determination of ICG-PDR by finger probe failed in 14.3% of tests due to insufficient peripheral pulses. Respiratory, renal and hepatic dysfunction (LiMAx and ICG-PDR) were associated with prolonged ICU-LOS. Only LiMAx <100 µg/kg/h and respiratory dysfunction were associated with increased mortality. For LiMAx <100 µg/kg/h receiver operating characteristic-analysis revealed a 100% sensitivity and 77% specificity for death. CONCLUSIONS: Sepsis-related hepatic dysfunction can be diagnosed early and effectively by the LiMAx test. The extent of LiMAx impairment is predictive for patient morbidity and mortality. The sensitivity and specificity of the LiMAx test was superior to that of ICG-PDR regarding the prediction of mortality.

Extended right posterior liver sectionectomy for HCC in a patient with left ventricular assist device-a case report.

Successful implementation of left ventricular assist devices lead to a prolonged survival in patients with chronic terminal heart failure. Thus, patients with pre-existing left ventricular assist devices with abdominal comorbidities requiring abdominal surgery, e.g. for malignancy, are upcoming issues. We carried out a major liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in a patient with pre-existing left ventricular assist device. The importance of this case report is that it outlines the significance of oncologic resections in patients with left ventricular assist devices as an upcoming issue and provides an interdisciplinary approach.

[Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)]. / Epidemiologie und Pathophysiologie des akuten Lungenversagens (ARDS).

Despite the implementation of a multimodal concept of treatment, the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is still afflicted with high mortality rates. A reasonable application and combination of possible treatment strategies, such as prone position, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), restrictive volume therapy or nitric oxide (NO), requires pathophysiological and epidemiological knowledge. In the following article we describe basic pathophysiological parameters in development, progression and therapy of ARDS. Furthermore, we try to elucidate possible reasons for considerable limitations of multicentric studies in this field.

Influenza A (H1N1) vs non-H1N1 ARDS: analysis of clinical course.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to compare H1N1-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with ARDS due to other causes of severe community-acquired pneumonia focusing on pulmonary function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective data analysis of adult ARDS patients between January 2009 and December 2010 in an ARDS referral center. Patient characteristics, severity of illness scores, modalities, and duration of extracorporeal lung support were evaluated as well as intensive care unit stay and survival. Parameters of mechanical ventilation and pulmonary function were analyzed on day of admission and over the consecutive 10 days using a nonparametric analysis of longitudinal data in a 2-factorial design. In a logistic regression analysis, risk factors for extracorporeal lung support were investigated. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with H1N1-ARDS and 41 with non-H1N1-ARDS were identified. Gas exchange was more severely impaired in patients with H1N1-ARDS over course of time. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was more frequently needed in H1N1-ARDS. Despite significantly prolonged weaning off extracorporeal lung support and intensive care unit stay in H1N1 patients, the proportion of survivors did not differ significantly. Only Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Assessment score could be identified as an independent predictor of extracorporeal lung support. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical course of H1N1-ARDS is substantially different from non-H1N1-ARDS. Affected patients may require extensive therapy including extracorporeal lung support in ARDS referral centers.

Prone position during ECMO is safe and improves oxygenation.

PURPOSE: Combination of prone positioning (PrP) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) might be beneficial in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), because both approaches are recommended. However, PrP during ECMO might be associated with complications such as dislocation of ECMO cannulae. We investigated complications and change of oxygenation effects of PrP during ECMO to identify "responders" and discuss our results considering different definitions of response in the literature.
 METHODS: Retrospective analysis of complications, gas exchange, and invasiveness of mechanical ventilation during first and second PrP on ECMO at specified time points (before, during, and after PrP). We used multivariate nonparametric analysis of longitudinal data (MANOVA) to compare changes of mechanical ventilation and hemodynamics associated with the first and second procedures.
 RESULTS: In 12 ECMO patients, 74 PrPs were performed (median ECMO duration: 10 days (IQR: 6.3-15.5 days)). No dislocations of intravascular catheters/cannulae, endotracheal tubes or chest tubes were observed. Two PrPs had to be interrupted (endotracheal tube obstruction, acute pulmonary embolism). PaO2/FiO2-ratio increased associated with the first and second PrP (p = 0.002) and lasted after PrP in 58% of these turning procedures ("responders") without changes in ECMO blood flow, respiratory pressures, minute ventilation, portion of spontaneously triggered breathing, and compliance. Hemodynamics did not change with exception of increased mean pulmonary arterial pressure during PrP and decrease after PrP (p<0.001), while norepinephrine dosage decreased (p = 0.03) (MANOVA).
 CONCLUSIONS: Prone position during ECMO is safe and improves oxygenation even after repositioning. This might ameliorate hypoxemia and reduce the harm from mechanical ventilation.

Computed tomography findings from patients with ARDS due to Influenza A (H1N1) virus-associated pneumonia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate whether computed tomography (CT) findings have prognostic value for the prediction of mortality and severity of the clinical course in patients presenting with early stage of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to swine-origin influenza A (S-OIV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chest CT (16-/64-row multidetector CT) of 23 patients (of whom 9 patients died) were retrospectively reviewed by three independent blinded observers. The CT findings were graded on a 3-point scale (1: normal attenuation, 2: ground-glass attenuation, 3: consolidation). The extent of each abnormality was determined by visually estimating the percentage (to the nearest 10%) of the affected lung parenchyma in each zone and multiplied by the CT-score described above. RESULTS: All patients presented with a mixture of bilateral patchy consolidations and ground glass opacities. Spearman rank correlation in evaluation of the presence and extent of lung abnormalities by the three different observers was good (correlation coefficient, 0.876-0.922; p < 0.001). The overall CT-score in survivors (mean, 96.0 (± 26.2); range, 53-158) was significantly lower than that in non-survivors (mean, 116.2 (± 14.0); range, 101-139). ROC analysis revealed an area under curve of 0.79 (p = 0.021) for the CT score with an optimal cutoff value of a CT-score of 100 for prediction of survival, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 64% (accuracy, 78%). For this optimal cutoff, Kaplan-Meier estimator showed a significant difference for the survival ratio (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: In patients with severe ARDS due to S-OIV-infection, the CT-score has a prognostic value in the prediction of mortality.