Current progress of source control in the management of intra-abdominal infections / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Intra-abdominal infection (IAI) is a deadly condition in which the outcome is associated with urgent diagnosis, assessment and management, including fluid resuscitation, antibiotic administration while obtaining further laboratory results, attaining precise measurements of hemodynamic status, and pursuing source control. This last item makes abdominal sepsis a unique treatment challenge. Delayed or inadequate source control is an independent predictor of poor outcomes and recognizing source control failure is often difficult or impossible. Further complicating issue in the debate is surrounding the timing, adequacy, and procedures of source control. This review evaluated and summarized the current approach and challenges in IAI management, which are the future research directions.

The value of early postoperative albumin reduction in the prediction of surgical site infection after colorectal cancer surgery / 肠外与肠内营养

Objective: To investigate the value of early postoperative monitoring of serum albumin in the prediction of surgical site infection (SSI) in colorectal cancer surgery. Methods: A total of 169 patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery between December 2012 and January 2016 were collected for this study. Patients was divided into SSI group and no SSI group according to whether SSI occurred after surgery. We continuously collected venous blood three days after surgery. Serum albumin, C-reactive protein level, Procalcitonin and White blood-cell were performed to evaluate the relationship between albumin changes and postoperative SSI. Results: There were 40 cases (23. 7％) of SSI, and the average time for clinical diagnosis of SSI was 3. 2 days after surgery. ALB decreased, and PCT, CRP, and WBC levels increased in the SSI group on the second postoperative day. The decrease in albumin concentration (A ALB2) was significantly higher on the second postoperative day than in the SSI group (P ＜ 0. 001). Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis showed that △ ALB2 had significant value in predicting the occurrence of SSI (area under the curve = 0. 864, sensitivity 97. 5％, specificity 70. 5％), and the optimal cutoff was 15. 5％. Multiple regression analysis showed that A ALB2 ＞15. 5％ was an independent predictor of SSI (OR=2. 10, 95％CI=1. 52-2. 90, P ＜ 0. 001). Conclusions: The dynamic change of serum albumin is valuable to predict the occurrence of SSI after colorectal cancer surgery.

Impaired Coagulation Status in the Crohn's Disease Patients Complicated with Intestinal Fistula / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>Background</b>Intestinal fistula is one of the common complications of Crohn's disease (CD) that might require surgical treatment. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of CD with intestinal fistula are much different from CD alone. This study was to investigate whether the coagulation status of CD is changed by intestinal fistula.</p><p><b>Methods</b>Data were retrospectively analyzed for 190 patients with a definitive diagnosis of CD who were registered at the Jinling Hospital between January 2014 and September 2015. Baseline clinical characteristics and laboratory indices of initial admission and 7 days after intestinal fistula resections were collected. Student's t-test and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used to compare differences between the two groups.</p><p><b>Results</b>Compared with CD patients without intestinal fistula, prothrombin time (PT) in patients with intestinal fistula was significantly longer (12.13 ± 1.27 s vs. 13.18 ± 1.51 s, P < 0.001 in overall cohort; 11.56 ± 1.21 s vs. 12.61 ± 0.73 s, P = 0.001 in females; and 12.51 ± 1.17 s vs. 13.37 ± 1.66 s, P = 0.003 in males). Platelet (PLT) count was much lower in intestinal fistula group than in nonintestinal fistula group (262.53 ± 94.36 × 10/L vs. 310.36 ± 131.91 × 10/L, P = 0.009). Multivariate logistic regression showed that intestinal fistula was significantly associated with a prolonged PT (odds ratio [OR] = 1.900, P < 0.001), a reduced amount of PLT (OR = 0.996, P = 0.024), and an increased operation history (OR = 5.408, P < 0.001). Among 65 CD patients receiving intestinal fistula resections, PT was obviously shorter after operation than baseline (12.28 ± 1.16 s vs. 13.02 ± 1.64 s, P = 0.006).</p><p><b>Conclusions</b>Intestinal fistula was significantly associated with impaired coagulation status in patients complicated with CD. Coagulation status could be improved after intestinal fistula resections.</p>

Clinical characteristics of non-perianal fistulating Crohn's disease in China: a single-center experience of 184 cases / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>There is little information of non-perianal fistulating Crohn's disease in the consensus published by the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization in 2006 and 2010. This study was designed to demonstrate the clinical characteristics of non-perianal fistulating Crohn's disease among homogenous Chinese population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One-hundred-and-eighty-four patients were retrospectively collected. All of these patients were diagnosed of Crohn's disease between February 2001 and April 2011.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The male-to-female ratio was 2.7:1. The most common symptoms at onset were abdominal pain (88.0%), diarrhea (34.7%), and fever (28.3%). The most common disease location and behavior at diagnosis were small bowel (56.0%) and penetrating (51.6%). Among 324 non-perianal fistulae, the most common types were ileocolonic anastomotic (30.9%), terminal ileocutaneous (19.7%), and enteroenteric anastomotic (11.4%). One-hundred-and-thirty- eight (75.0%) patients received antibiotics, and β-lactam (85.5%) and metronidazole (67.4%) are most frequently used. One-hundred-and-seventy-eight (96.7%) patients suffered 514 surgical operations, and the cumulative surgical rates after 1, 3, and 5 years were 38.0%, 52.2%, and 58.7% respectively. Nine patients died during the follow-up period, and the cumulative survival rates after 1, 3, and 5 years were 97.8%, 96.7%, and 96.2% respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study displayed the clinical characteristics of non-perianal fistulating Crohn's disease in our center. Large population-based studies are required for further investigation in China.</p>

Impact of complicated intra-abdominal infection on albumin synthesis rate / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the impact of complicated intra-abdominal infections on albumin synthesis rate.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eight patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections associated with intestinal fistula were admitted to the Research Institute of General Surgery at the Jinling Hospital between December 2009 and October 2010. Eight healthy volunteers matched for age, sex, and body mass index were enrolled as controls. All the subjects were given a primed, constant infusion of sterile L-[ring-(2)H(5)]-phenylalanine solution (priming dose: 4 μmol/kg, infusion rate: 6 μmol·kg(-1)·min(-1)) via peripheral venous lines in fast state. Arterial blood samples(3 ml) were drawn before and throughout the infusion at hourly intervals. The enrichment of L-[ring-(2)H(5)]-phenylalanine from the plasma free amino acid pool and from albumin were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Both plasma total protein concentration(62.2±1.0) g/L and plasma albumin concentration (32.5±4.0) g/L in patients with complicated intra-abdominal infection were lower compared with controls[(74.2±1.7) g/L and (46.1±2.6) g/L, both P<0.05]. Body temperature, neutrophil count and plasma C-reactive protein concentration in patients with infection were significantly greater than the levels in control subjects(P<0.05). Albumin synthesis rate in patients with intra-abdominal infection was significantly lower than that in the control group [(5.3±1.6)%/d and (7.8±1.2)%/d respectively, P<0.05]. The measurement of plasma free amino acid concentration showed that plasma glutamic acid level was greater than that in control subjects, and that plasma phenylalanine and proline levels were lower than those in controls.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Complicated intra-abdominal infection inhibits albumin synthesis rate in patients with intestinal fistula, which may partially contribute to the decrease of plasma albumin concentration.</p>

Placement of double cannula using trocar puncture for abdominal abscess drainage / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of placement of double cannula using trocar puncture for intra-abdominal abscess drainage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective study was performed to investigate the clinical data of 32 patients undergoing intra-abdominal abscess drainage with double cannula placed using trocar puncture between June 2010 and December 2010.</p><p><b>TECHNIQUES</b>the location and size of the abscess was evaluated by ultrasound and CT. Placement of double cannula using trocar puncture was performed under CT or ultrasound guidance.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Trocar puncture was successful in all the patients. One patient died of liver metastasis and multiple organ failure after surgery for pancreatic cancer. One patient required laparotomy and drainage because non-localization of sepsis from intestinal fistula. The remaining 30 patients experienced alleviation of septic symptoms after drainage and eventually cured. The mean healing time was(7±3) days. Two patients developed subcutaneous bleeding and were management by local compression.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Placement of double cannula using trocar puncture for intra- abdominal abscess drainage results in satisfactory outcomes. This technique is especially suitable for abscesses with viscous drainage, those with the presence of phlegmon or necrotic debris, and those with multiple large cavities.</p>

Experimental study of liver injury in rats of abdominal infection with abdominal compartment syndrome / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the liver injury in rats of abdominal infection complicated with abdominal compartment syndrome(ACS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>SD rats were divided into four groups, including the sham group, the abdominal infection group, the ACS group, and the abdominal infection plus ACS group (combination group). Rats were sacrificed at 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h after operation with 6 rats at each time point. Blood specimens were collected for liver function testing. Liver tissues were assessed by pathologically examination with hepatic injury severity scoring(HISS). The expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4),TNF-α and IL-6 were examined by reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At 24 h after operation, as compared to the sham group(18.2±1.3) U/L and (105.6±25.5) U/L, ALT and AST increased obviously in the abdominal infection group(68.2±17.5) U/L and (184.6±36.1) U/L, the ACS group (305.2±128.2) U/L and (638.0±104.8) U/L and the combination group (409.2±67.1) U/L and (743.2±250.2) U/L, while the combination group had a higher level as compared to the infection group and the ACS group(all P<0.05). HISS scores were significantly higher in the abdominal infection group(5.0), the ACS group(5.5) and the combination group(7.0) as compared to the sham group(1.5), but no significant differences were found among the three groups at 24 h after operation. Expressions of TLR4, TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly higher in combination group than those in the other three groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Liver function can be affected by abdominal infection and ACS. Abdominal infection plus ACS results in more severe liver injury.</p>

Open abdomen management treatment of liver injury in rats with abdominal compartment syndrome and sepsis / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the open and closed management treatment of liver injury in rats with sepsis and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The sepsis and ACS rats (n = 72) were randomized divided into two groups. One group used closed management (n = 36), the other accepted the open abdomen management (n = 36). The rats were killed at 1, 6 h, 1, 3, 5, 7 d after operation. Blood was collected for liver function tests. Liver sections assessed pathologically and the expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, signal transducers actuators of transcription (STAT3) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) of rat livers were examined by RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The early stage after operation, TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations, STAT3 expressions in rat liver were higher in open abdomen rats than the closed management ones (P < 0.05). TLR4 and SOCS3 expressions were lower in open abdomen rats than the closed management ones (P < 0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase levels also was lower in open abdomen ones (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The randomized study demonstrates that open abdomen management could improve liver regeneration in the early stage after operation. Also open abdomen could reduce inflammatory response by reducing TLR4 expressions.</p>

Protein loss in critically ill patients during continuous veno-venous hemofiltration / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate protein loss in critically ill patients with acute renal failure during continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) and analysis the major factor impacting protein clearance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A analysis was carried out in eighteen (twelve male and six female) sepsis or severe acute pancreatitis patients with acute renal failure from September 2008 to September 2009. The average age was 45 years (39 - 62 years). CVVH was conducted for 24 h in all patients. Effluent volume, blood speed, ultrafiltration rate and transmembrane pressure (TMP) were 4000 ml/h, (277 ± 89) ml/h, (179 ± 4) ml/min and (173 ± 48) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) respectively. Blood samples were collected before and after filtration in order to detect protein concentration. Ultrafiltrate was obtained hourly to measure protein concentration and calculate protein loss during session.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Mean protein concentration was (231 ± 67) mg/L and protein loss was (22 ± 6) g/d in ultrafiltrate samples. The difference in serum protein level during hemofiltration was not significant [(56 ± 6) g/L vs. (55 ± 10) g/L, P > 0.05], while there was a weak, but statistically significant correlation between the ultrafiltrate protein concentration and the corresponding value for serum protein (r = 0.481, P < 0.05). However, there was a strong and statistically significant correlation between the ultrafiltrate protein concentration and the TMP (r = 0.564, P < 0.01). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that TMP and serum protein concentration played a pivotal role in ultrafiltrate protein loss.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In addition to renal replacement therapy, serum protein would be cleared through hemofilter during CVVH. TMP and serum protein concentration are the main factors that affect protein loss in ultrafiltrate. As a result, it is necessary to take account of the protein loss in ultrafiltrate when setting nutritional schedule.</p>

Risk factors for leukopenia in patients with gastrointestinal fistula / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>White blood cell count is an important index to the outcome of patients. In hospital, leukopenia is accompanied by high mortality, morbidity and treatment costs. However, in infectious diseases, the reasons responsible for leucopenia was not well elucidated. We investigated patients with gastrointestinal fistula to find risk factors for leukopenia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A prospective case control investigation was carried out in the Gastrointestinal Fistula Center, General Surgical Institute of Jinling Hospital. Cases included gastrointestinal fistula patients with leukopenia (n = 98) and controls composed of gastrointestinal fistula patients with normal white blood cell count (n = 78). The two groups were compared for risk factors of leucopenia by statistical analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Factors associated with an increased risk for leukopenia included bacterial infection (25.5%) and hypoalbuminaemia (61.2%). Multivariable Logistic regression analysis identified bacterial infection (80%), urinary catheter (70%) and central vein catheter (60%) as the independent determinants for mortality in cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In patients with gastrointestinal fistula, two independent factors for leukopenia and three significant predictors of mortality were elucidated. We suggest that clinicians give patients more supportive management and apply prevention strategies to treat and prevent leukopenia.</p>

Effects of enteral nutrition on intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes of intestinal mucosal and the barrier of mucus in patients with stomal type enteric fistula / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of enteral nutrition on intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes and the barrier of mucus in patients with stomal type enteric fistulas.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ten patients with stomal type enteric fistulas after long-term fasting were observed. They received enteral nutrition of 146 kJ.kg(-1).d(-1) non-protein calorie and 0.25 g.kg(-1).d(-1) nitrogen per day. Intestinal mucosa were taken by endoscope through stoma of fistula before, 5 and 10 days after enteral nutrition support. Hematoxylin-eosin stain and immunohistochemical stain were performed to count the cell counts of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (iIELs) and mucin-2 (MUC2) positive cells, specific stain (Alcian Blue) was performed to test the thickness of mucus.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Five days after enteral nutrition, MUC2 positive cells and the thickness of mucus were significantly higher than that before enteral nutrition support (P<0.05). Ten days after enteral nutrition, iIEL cell and CD8 counts were also significantly higher than that before enteral nutrition support (P<0.05), MUC2 positive cells and the thickness of mucus showed a significant increase (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Enteral nutrition is effective in protecting the gut mucosal and improving the immune function of the intestinal intraepithelial in patients with stomal type fistula.</p>

Diagnosis and management of Crohn disease complicated with gastrointestinal fistulae / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of patients with Crohn disease (CD) complicated with gastrointestinal fistulae.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of sixty-two cases with CD complicated with gastrointestinal fistula e from 1978 to 2004 were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>These were 68 external fistulae in 6 2 patients including recurrent fistulae in 6 cases, internal fistulae in 8 cases . Twenty- seven fistulae were located in the terminal ileum and 21 fistulae wer e located in ileocolic anastomosis site. The main surgery included 14 ileocecal resections with primary anastomosis and 26 resections of original ileocolic anastomosis with fistula and re-anastomosis. The incidence of recurrence was lower (15.4% ) in patients with postoperative medication including sulfasalazine and immunomodulator than that (34.8% ) in patients without postoperative immunomodulator,but the recurrence time was longer [(40+/- 17) months] in patients with postoperative medication than that [(8+/- 3)months] in the patients without postoperative specific medication.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Most CD fistulae are external fistulae,most of the external fistulae are treated by resection of the fistula and anastomosis. Specific medication including sulfasalazine,mesalamine and immunomodulators should be used to prevent postoperative complications and CD recurrence.</p>