Comparative study of hematological and immunological responses to splentectomy versus splenic autotransplantation in patients with traumatic rupture of the spleen

The present study was carried out on 20 male patients admitted to the Main Alexandria University Hospital with traumatic rupture of the spleen. Group 1 patients [n=10] were subjected to total splenectomy with intraperitoneal splenic tissue autotransplantation via an omental pouch, while group 2 patients [n=10] were subjected to total splenectomy alone and served as controls. Both groups were compared, utilizing hematological and immunological parameters measured preoperatively and 4 weeks and 8 weeks postoperatively, in order to assess function of the splenic implants. Results revealed partial restoration of splenic function as reflected by a statististically significant reduction [P<0.05] of the mean percentage of vaculated RBCs at 8 weeks postoperatively as compared to controls and significant increase of serum IgM levels at 8 weeks postoperatively as compared to their level at 4 weeks. Based on these data, it may be concluded that whenever total splenectomy is unavoidable following trauma, intraperitoneal autotransplantation of splenic tissue restores, at least partially, splenic function, particularly its role as a blood filter

Serum sodium level in children receiving home-mixed oral rehydration solution

This study aimed at studying the serum sodium level in infants receiving home-mixed oral rehydration solution [ORS] for the prevention and treatment of dehydration caused by acute infantile diarrhea. It included 100 infants aged from 2-18 months, having received ORS at home during the last 24 hours. All cases were subjected to full clinical examination and to a questionaire about the amount, the reconstittution of ORS as well as any other food or additional fluids adminestered with it. The questionaire included also an inquiry on the source of knowledge of the mothers about ORS and feeding practice during diarrhea. Measurement of serum sodium proved that it ranged from 120-170 with a mean of 142.2 +/- 10.36 m Eq/Litre a value which though still within normal range was significantly higher than that reported for normal controls of matching age. Only 6% of patients showed a serum sodium level above 150 m Eq/Litre and all were asymptomatic. A positive correlation could be found only between serum sodium level and the degree of dehydration. The results were discussed

Body temperature and acid-base changes during pediatric anaesthesia in different environmental temperatures

68 cases undergoing pediatric surgery in non-conditioned operating theaters were studied under three different groups according to environmental temperature and relative humidity. These groups were classified as hot, moderate or cold with environmental temperatures of 27.6, 23.07, and 18.46°C respectively. In each group some patients received halothane while others received ether. The effect of environmental temperature and humidity was studied on the body temperature [skin and rectal] as well as acid-base parameters [pH, PCO[2], standard bicarbonate and base excess]. Samples were taken before premedication, after induction, half hourly during anaesthesia and in the post-operative period 24 hours after surgery. Results were also analyzed in relation to the anaesthetic agents used