Prognostic Factors of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal emergency in the neonatal population. The aim of this study is to evaluate surgical indication and prognostic factors of NEC. Clinical data of seventy patients, diagnosed as NEC between January 2000 & January 2007, were reviewed retrospectively. Fifty-seven patients had medical treatment and 7 of them died. Thirteen patients who presented with pneumoperitoneum on plain abdominal film or were refractory to medical treatment received surgical treatment, and 5 of them died. All the expired 12 patients weighed less than 2500g. Twenty out of seventy patients showed thrombocytopenia, and 11 patients of them died. The finding of pneumoperitoneum and thrombocytopenia could be the most important surgical indication. Prematurity, low birth weight and thrombocytopenia were related to a bad prognosis. NEC patients who presents with these findings must be considered for close observation and intensive care.

Clinical Features and Radiological Findings of Cystic Tumor of the Pancreas

PURPOSE: Most cystic tumors of the pancreas are composed of serous cystic tumor, mucinous cystic tumor, solid pseudo- papillary epithelial neoplasm (SPEN) and intraductal papillary mucinous tumor (IPMT). With advancements in diagnostic imaging, cystic lesions of the pancreas are being detected with increasing frequency; however, there is still difficulty determining the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic plan. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 15 cases that underwent surgery for pancreatic cystic tumors in our department between July 1995 and August 2005. All 15 cases identified had their records and radiological images reviewed. Radiological findings were characterized and analyzed by one radiologist. RESULTS: The median age was 55.9 years. Six cases were male and nine were female. Common symptoms included: epigastirc pain 6/14 (43%) and palpable mass 2/14 (14%). The accuracy of the preop radiological diagnosis including abdominal CT and US was 12/15 (80%). One case of serous cystic tumor, one of chronic pancreatitis and one SPEN were misdiagnosed; the preoperative diagnosis for these cases was mucinous cystic tumor. Serous cystic tumors were seen with central calcification 2/3 (67%), external lobulation 3/3 (100%); however, the mucinous cystic tumors were seen with peripheral calcification 4/5 (80%), no external lobulation 5/5 (100%) by radiological evaluation. There was no calcification, but external lobulation was common in the IPMT. The SPEN had no specific radiological findings except for peripheral calcification. CONCLUSION: Future multicenter studies with endoscopic sonography and aspiration cytology is needed for improved accuracy of diagnosis.

Analysis of Prognostic Factors in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

PURPOSE: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and are immunohistochemically defined as c-KIT (CD117) positive tumors. This study investigated the behaviors of GISTs of the gastrointestinal tract and determined the prognostic factors associated with GISTs. METHOD: The clinical records of 22 patients, who were diagnosed and underwent surgery for a GIST of the GI tract at Inje university Sanggye Paik hospital from 1998 to 2004, were retrospectively analyzed. The relationship between the disease-free survival rate of the GISTs and several factors including age, gender, mitotic count, tumor site, tumor size, tumor necrosis & hemorrhage, and Ki-67 index was examined. RESULTS: The study group comprised of 13 men and 9 women. The mean age was 57.1 years (31~77 years) at the time of diagnosis. The median follow-up period was 24 months (3~45 months). A complete resection of the tumor was performed in 19 patients. There were lymph node metastases in 1 case. Five out of the 19 patients who had undergone a complete tumor resection showed recurrence (27%). The sites of recurrence were the back (1), liver (1), and abdominal cavity (3). Univariate analysis revealed, the following to be prognostic factors for the disease-free survival of patients with GISTs: high power field mitotic counts of the tumor ( or =5/50; P=0.013), the tumor size ( or =5 cm; P=0.047) and the Ki-67 index ( or =5%; P=0.001). CONCLUSION: The prognostic factors for disease-free survival rate of GISTs were high power field mitotic counts of the tumor, the tumor size and the Ki-67 index. It is recommended that more careful and frequent postoperative follow-up examinations be performed for patients showing the poor prognostic factors.

Relationship of Interleukin-4, 6, 10, 12 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha Serum Levels to Severity of Injury and Clinical Outcome in Trauma Patients

PURPOSE: Trauma has been recognized to be accompanied by alterations of leukocyte, functions such as cytokine release. The regulatory mechanisms involved in these changes are still poorly defined. The aims of this prospective clinical study are to evaluate serum concentrations of cytokines in trauma patients with high risk of developing multiple organ failure, to investigate early change, and to examine the possible prognostic value of these elements. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with multiple traumatic injuries were studied. Patients were classified by age, sex, vector, Injury Severity Score (ISS), Triage Revised Trauma Score (T-RTS), and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS). Patients were categorized into two groups, depending on the severity of injury. Group 1 (n=21) consisted of patients with severe injuries and an ISS equal to or greater than 17 points. Group 2 (n=11) consisted of patients with minor injuries and an ISS less than 17 points. Whole blood and serum were obtained immediately after admission to the emergency department, and on days 1 and 3 after trauma. The post-traumatic serum levels of TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12 were monitored using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA). RESULTS: The 32 severely injured patients had a mean Injury Severity Score of 19.28+/-7.35 points. SIRS developed in 24 patients. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha were increased immediately and at 1 day and 3 days after the trauma, but the levels of IL-4 and IL-12 were not changed. Serum levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-alpha were not related to the severity of the injury. However, the serum level of IL-10 was significantly increased at admission and on day 1 in patients who died (p<0.05 ). CONCLUSION: Serum IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha levels were affected by injury. However, their levels did not correlate with the degree of injury. The serum level of IL-10 was significantly increased at admission and on day 1 in patients who died.