ERCP in total situs viscerum inversus.

A 69-year-old cholecystectomized female with known total situs viscerum inversus presented recurrent colicky pain in the left upper abdominal quadrant and jaundice. Laboratory parameters showed increased neutrophils and coniugated bilirubin of 5.53 mg/dl. US and MRCP confirmed total situs viscerum inversus and a dilatation of the intra- and extrahepatic ducts with a peripapillary 13 mm stone. ERCP, sphincterotomy and successful common bile duct stone extraction were performed in the conventional way. ERCP was carried out successfully despite situs inversus maintaining the patient in the prone position with the endoscopist on the right side of the table. Some authors have reported similar cases in whom ERCP was performed in other positions, while this report shows that an experienced endoscopist can achieve the same results in the conventional way as it is possible when anatomical changes, Billroth II or Roux-en-Y, or different positions of the patient, supine or on the left side, are present.

Prognostic role of B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with diabetes and acute decompensated heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported the prognostic value of natriuretic peptides, but their predictive value in patients with diabetes mellitus is unknown. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that measurement of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in ambulatory patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and diabetes can predict the occurrence of cardiovascular events at 6-month follow-up. METHODS: We enrolled 145 consecutive patient with diabetes [age 72 +/- 9 years, hypertension (21%), ischaemic heart disease (52%), atrial fibrillation (22%), preserved left ventricular function (29%)] seen in the outpatient heart failure clinic after an acute episode of cardiac failure. RESULTS: The median (25th/75th interquartile range) BNP concentrations at discharge were 186 (75-348) pg/ml. At 6-month clinical follow-up 10/145 (7%) subjects had died and 31/145 (21%) had been readmitted because of cardiac decompensation. BNP values of 200 and 500 pg/ml were found to have the best compromise between sensitivity (88 and 46%, respectively) and specificity (71 and 89%, respectively) for predicting events at 6 months. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified only two parameters as predictors of events: serum creatinine [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.3; P = 0.02], and BNP plasma level BNP cut-off values (HR = 3.8; P = 0.03 for 201-499 pg/ml and HR = 7.7; P = 0.001 for > or = 500 pg/ml). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that BNP and serum creatinine are strong predictors of clinical events in patients with diabetes and CHF. In these patients, clinical outcome might be stratified by plasma BNP levels.

Palliative treatment of upper gastrointestinal obstruction using self-expansible metal stents.

Gastric outlet obstruction is either a late event in the natural history of bilio-pancreatic tumors or the result of recurrent gastric or pancreatic tumors. Self-expansible metal stents, inserted under endoscopic and fluoroscopic control, can be used for palliative treatment. The present study was aimed at evaluating both the feasibility and the results of stenting in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction; in addition, some technical suggestions are presented. A total of 33 patients, who had a metal stent positioned, were retrospectively evaluated; 20 of them were women and 13 were men, aged from 45 to 94 years, with a mean age of 75 years. Twenty-seven patients had a pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 4 had a stricture of a gastrojejunal anastomosis due to recurrent pancreatic tumor, 2 had a stricture of a gastrojejunal anastomosis secondary to gastric cancer surgery. No postoperatory complications were observed. Improvement in the quality of life was obtained in all patients. Following the stenting procedure, the median duration of hospitalization was 8 days (range: 6-20 days), and the mean survival rate was 12 weeks (range: 2-66 weeks). Endoscopic stenting for the palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction is feasible and is well tolerated by most patients. In some cases a period of enteral nutrition had to be necessarily carried out; nonetheless, the insertion of the stent improved the quality of life.

The effects of hospitalization on the nutritional status of children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nutritional status of children at hospital admission and again at hospital discharge and to investigate factors associated with the onset and/or exacerbation of malnutrition. METHOD: An observational study of 203 children under 5 years old admitted to a hospital in the city of Fortaleza between August and December 2003. Nutritional status, expressed in z-scores for weight/age, stature/age and weight/stature, was compared at the time of admission and on hospital discharge and broken down by sex, age, condition responsible for hospitalization and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: On admission prevalence rates for moderate and/or severe malnutrition (z-score < -2) were 18.7, 18.2 and 6.9%, for weight/age, stature/age and weight/stature, respectively. During their stay in hospital 51.6% of the 186 children who completed the study lost weight, with most weight being lost by those with prolonged hospital stays and pneumonia as the disease responsible for their hospitalization. Children who had malnutrition on admission were still malnourished at hospital discharge and 10 (9.17%) well-nourished children developed mild malnutrition while hospitalized. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of malnutrition at the time of admission was elevated and remained unchanged by discharge. Prolonged hospitalization and pneumonia were linked with weight loss in hospital.

The effects of hospitalization on the nutritional status of children

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nutritional status of children at hospital admission and again at hospital discharge and to investigate factors associated with the onset and/or exacerbation of malnutrition. METHOD: An observational study of 203 children under 5 years old admitted to a hospital in the city of Fortaleza between August and December 2003. Nutritional status, expressed in z-scores for weight/age, stature/age and weight/stature, was compared at the time of admission and on hospital discharge and broken down by sex, age, condition responsible for hospitalization and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: On admission prevalence rates for moderate and/or severe malnutrition (z-score < -2) were 18.7, 18.2 and 6.9%, for weight/age, stature/age and weight/stature, respectively. During their stay in hospital 51.6% of the 186 children who completed the study lost weight, with most weight being lost by those with prolonged hospital stays and pneumonia as the disease responsible for their hospitalization. Children who had malnutrition on admission were still malnourished at hospital discharge and 10 (9.17%) well-nourished children developed mild malnutrition while hospitalized. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of malnutrition at the time of admission was elevated and remained unchanged by discharge. Prolonged hospitalization and pneumonia were linked with weight loss in hospital.

Comparison between normal saline and a polyelectrolyte solution for fluid resuscitation in severely dehydrated infants with acute diarrhoea.

UNLABELLED: The optimal intravenous solution for rehydration of infants and children with severe dehydration is debated. AIM: The aim was to compare the efficacy of a polyelectrolyte solution (group PS) with sodium chloride 0.9% solution (group NS) in rapid parenteral rehydration of severely dehydrated infants with acute diarrhoea. METHODS: Primary outcomes were volume and time to hydration. Secondary outcomes were urea, creatinine, electrolytes, glucose, arterial pH and bicarbonate levels. Patients were assigned randomly and openly to one of the two treatment groups. Severe dehydration was defined as one or more of the following associated with any other sign of dehydration: depressed consciousness, a weak or absent pulse or capillary refill time > 10 sec. Peripheral blood samples for chemical pathology were collected before and after rapid fluid therapy. The mean age of the 36 enrolled infants was 9.1 mths. All had depressed consciousness or severe hypotension/shock. The fluid infusion rate was 50 ml/kg/hr until haemodynamic stability was restored (absence of severe hypotension and two urine emissions). Fluid volume, time to rehydration and weight before and after rehydration were recorded. RESULTS: All infants recovered full pulse within 1 hr; most had a better level of consciousness or capillary refill <3 sec. Group NS (15 infants) showed (before and after treatment, respectively) a decrease of plasma potassium (3.4 to 3.1 mmol/L, p=0.07), bicarbonate (13.3 to 12.2 mmol/L, p=0.01) and glucose (8.2 to 5.8 mmol/L, p<0.01). Group PS (21 infants) showed a decrease of potassium (4.4 to 3.2 mmol/L, p<0.01) but an increase in bicarbonate (11.6 to 13.3 mmol/L, p<0.01) and glucose (11.4 to 14.8 mmol/L, p=0.08). CONCLUSION: Polyelectrolyte solution was as effective as normal saline on volume expansion and better for correcting acidosis.

Relationship between B-type natriuretic peptide levels and ventilatory response during cardiopulmonary exercise test in patients with chronic heart failure.

AIM: Aim of the study was to evaluate if brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, a cardiac neurohormone well correlated with prognosis in chronic heart failure (CHF), are associated with enhanced ventilatory response to exercise, in ambulatory patients with intermediate peak oxygen uptake (PVO2). METHODS: Resting BNP was measured in 129 consecutive stable CHF patients with mild to moderate heart failure (90% New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II or III) and intermediate (10-18 mL/kg/min) PVO2, assessed during cardiopulmonary exercise test. Mean (SD) left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and pulmonary systolic pressure (PAP) were 41 +/- 3% and 47 +/- 14 mmHg, respectively. The enhanced ventilatory response to exercise (EVR) was assessed as a slope of the relation between minute ventilation and carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2 slope) > 35. RESULTS: Thirty-three over 129 patients (26%) had EVR. Mean BNP plasma level was 394 +/- 347 pg/mL. A significant correlation between BNP and EVR (r = 0.310; p < 0.01), was observed. In the logistic multivariate model, a BNP plasma level > 100 pg/mL had an independent predictive value for EVR (95% IC 1.68 to 10.5, Odds Ratio 4.23, p = 0.02). We found a significant correlation between BNP and PAP (r = 0.390; p < 0.001), and between PAP and EVR (r = 0.511; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In CHF patients with intermediate PVO2, plasma BNP is clearly related to the enhanced ventilatory response to exercise. In this subset, BNP levels could represent an effective alternative tool for the clinical assessment in patients with unreliable cardiopulmonary exercise test.

American visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) in hospitalized children from an endemic area.

OBJECTIVE: To study epidemiological and clinical aspects of American visceral leishmaniasis in hospitalized children in Ceará, Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective and observational study was carried out with children suffering from American visceral leishmaniasis admitted to Hospital Infantil Albert Sabin in Fortaleza. Medical records were reviewed consistently. Inclusion criteria were children with amastigote-positive smears in bone marrow or in splenic aspirates, or a positive Leishmania sp immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: From January 1995 to December 2002, 450 children with American visceral leishmaniasis were identified, accounting for 9 to 27% of all reported cases in Ceará in that period, with peak hospitalization rates in 1995 and 2000. The mean age was 4.4 years (12% < 1 year and 65% < 5 years of age). The overall male: female ratio was 1.1 and 1.48 in children > 5 year (p = 0.04). Urban patients infected by American visceral leishmaniasis increased steadily over an 8-year period (chi2 p = 0.01). The main clinical complaints on admission were fever (96%), pallor (90%) and abdominal swelling (75%). Clinical cure was defined as the absence of fever, regression of splenic and hepatic enlargement and of pancytopenia. Overall mortality was 9.2% and 21.2% in patients younger than one year. Malnutrition, edema, bleeding, jaundice, and concomitant infections were related to higher mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Cases of American visceral leishmaniasis spiked with a 5-year interval, and affected most under-five urban children. Mortality was related to low age, signs of severe disease and concomitant infection.

American visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) in hospitalized children from an endemic area

OBJETIVOS: Estudar os aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos da leishmaniose visceral americana em crianças hospitalizadas do Ceará. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo e observacional de crianças com leishmaniose visceral americana admitidas no Hospital Infantil Albert Sabin, em Fortaleza. Os prontuários foram revistos sistematicamente. Os critérios de inclusão foram crianças com esfregaços positivos para Leishmania em aspirado de medula óssea ou de baço, ou teste de imunoensaio positivo para Leishmania sp. RESULTADOS: Entre janeiro de 1995 e dezembro de 2002, foram identificados 450 pacientes, perfazendo 9 a 27 por cento dos casos de leishmaniose visceral americana notificados no Ceará no período, com picos de admissão em 1995 e 2000. A idade média foi de 4,4 anos (12 por cento < 1 ano e 65 por cento < 5 anos de idade). A relação masculino:feminino foi de 1,1 em geral e de 1,48 em < 5 anos (p = 0,04). Os pacientes urbanos aumentaram regularmente no período de 8 anos (X², p = 0,01). As principais queixas foram febre (90 por cento), palidez (90 por cento) e aumento abdominal (75 por cento). A cura clínica foi constatada por ausência de febre, regressão da hepato-esplenomegalia e da pancitopenia. A letalidade geral foi de 9,2 por cento, e 21,2 por cento em lactentes < 1 ano. Desnutrição, edema, sangramento, icterícia e infecção intercorrentes foram fatores relacionados com maior letalidade. CONCLUSÕES: Casos hospitalizados de leishmaniose visceral americana apresentaram picos a cada 5 anos e afetaram crianças urbanas < 5 anos. A mortalidade esteve associada à baixa idade, sinais de gravidade e infecção concomitante.

Intestinal barrier function and weight gain in malnourished children taking glutamine supplemented enteral formula.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the effect of standard formula and glutamine or glycine supplemented enteral formula on intestinal permeability and weight gain in children with malnutrition. METHODS: 80 children aged 2 to 60 months with a weight-for-age z-score less than -- 2 were studied. From December 1996 to April 1999, 27 study patients received nonsupplemented formula. From June 2001 to June 2002 an additional 53 patients were randomly assigned to receive formula supplemented with glutamine or glycine (isosmolar concentrations) for 10 days. Lactulose/mannitol excretion ratio was used as a measure of intestinal permeability and was performed before and after 10 days of nutritional rehabilitation. Weight was measured before and after treatment. RESULTS: Patients were similar on admission with regard to age, sex, nutritional status and lactulose/mannitol ratio. The lactulose/mannitol ratio significantly improved (decreased) in children receiving formula supplemented with glutamine for 10 days but not in those receiving glycine or nonsupplemented formula. Weight gain occurred during therapy in all groups and was not statistically different among groups. CONCLUSION: Formula supplemented with glutamine improves intestinal barrier function compared with nonsupplemented formula but does not augment weight gain.

Influence of contractile reserve and inducible ischaemia on left ventricular remodelling after acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relative influence of contractile reserve and inducible ischaemia on subsequent left ventricular volume changes after myocardial infarction. DESIGN: Left ventricular end diastolic and end systolic index volumes were calculated prospectively at discharge and at six months in 143 patients referred for early postinfarction dobutamine stress echocardiography. On the basis of their responses to this test, patients were divided into three groups: scar (n = 48; group 1); contractile reserve (n = 36; group 2); inducible ischaemia (n = 59; group 3). RESULTS: At six months, the left ventricular end diastolic index volume decreased in group 2 (mean (SD), -3.9 (9.4) ml/m2) and increased in both group 1 (+2.8 (10.6) ml/m2, p = 0.009 v group 2) and group 3 (+7.5 (11.4) ml/m2, p < 0.0001 v group 2). The end systolic index volume decreased in group 2 (-4.9 (7.3) ml/m2) and increased in both group 1 (+1.3 (8.3) ml/m2, p = 0.0015 v group 2) and group 3 (+2.8 (8.9) ml/m2, p = 0.0002 v group 2). In multivariate analysis, the contractile reserve (hazard ratio 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.47), inducible ischaemia (5.86, 95% CI 1.54 to 29.7), and end systolic index volume at discharge (1.04, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.11) were independent predictors of an increase in end diastolic index volume of > or = 15 ml/m2 at six months. CONCLUSIONS: Contractile reserve and inducible ischaemia, as detected by early dobutamine stress echocardiography, identify patients with differences in long term left ventricular remodelling after acute myocardial infarction.

Palliative treatment for malignant jaundice: endoscopic vs surgical approach.

In this retrospective, comparative study a total of 107 patients, presenting with malignant inoperable strictures of common bile duct, due to a pancreatico-biliary malignancy, underwent palliative treatments. In a group, consisting of 82 patients (76.64%), endoscopic stenting procedures were performed; polyethylene stents or self-expanding metal stents were applied in 37 and 45 patients, respectively. The prerequisites for a successful endoscopic stenting were a) accuracy of diagnosis and b) exclusion of patients presenting with tumors potentially treatable by a curative resection. In the other group, consisting of 25 patients (23.36%), biliary-enteric bypass procedures were performed. Endoscopic treatment was successful in 97.5% of the cases (80/82); complication rate was 7.3% (6 patients on 82), and mortality rate was 3.6% (3 patients on 82). Median hospital stay was 13.4 and 7.3 days in patients treated with plastic stents and metallic stents, respectively. Bypass surgery was successful in 99% of the cases (24/25); complication rate was 24% (6 patients on 25), and mortality rate was 16% (4 patients on 25). Median hospital stay was 26 days. For the patients in whom a curative resection could not be performed, both the above mentioned methods resulted in a high rate of immediate technical and therapeutic success. However, the surgical approach showed a significantly higher rate in procedure-related mortality and morbidity; in addition, the hospital stay lasted longer in surgically treated patients. The patients who are definitely unsuitable for curative resection are better managed by positioning a stent. The use of metal stents should be preferred in those less serious patients who may supposedly survive longer.

Unfavourable left ventricular remodelling in patients with dobutamine-inducible ischaemia after acute myocardial infarction.

AIMS: Aim of the study was to assess the role of early inducible ischaemia for determining left ventricular remodelling in patients with acute myocardial infarction. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 179 consecutive patients with first myocardial infarction the occurrence of new wall motion abnormalities during dobutamine stress echocardiography at discharge was related to the left ventricular volume changes at 6 months. Left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic index volumes (mL/m(2)) were echocardiographically detected at discharge and at 6 months and the relative changes were calculated. The study population consisted of 105 patients without and 74 patients with inducible ischaemia; of these, 46 patients had > or =4 ischaemic segments. At 6 months, the end-diastolic index volume increased in patients with inducible ischaemia compared to patients without (+7.5+/-11.2 vs -0.1+/-10.2 mL/m(2); P=0.0049) and final mean end-diastolic volume was greater in patients with inducible ischaemia than without (70.8+/-16.0 vs 61.1+/-17.0 mL/m(2); P=0.0012). The end-systolic volume increased at 6 months in patients with inducible ischaemia and it decreased in patients without (+2.8+/-8.6 vs -1.4+/-7.8 mL/m(2); P=0.021). At the multivariate analysis, inducible ischaemia in > or =4 segments (odds ratio=6.43), the wall motion score index at the peak of dobutamine infusion (odds ratio=1.14) and the end-systolic index volume at discharge (odds ratio=1.06) were independent predictors of subsequent left ventricular end-diastolic index volume increase > or =15 mL/m(2). CONCLUSION: In patients with first myocardial infarction the presence and the severity of inducible ischaemia, as detected by dobutamine stress echocardiography at discharge, indicates an unfavourable left ventricular remodelling.

ERCP and acute pancreatitis.

Acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) is a serious complication of biliary stones disease and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The role of ERCP in the management of ABP has been the focus of discussion in recent years. In this report, we evaluated a protocol of emergency Endoscopic retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (within 24 hours) and early ERCP (within 72 hours). From July 1997 to July 2000, were observed 45 patients (19 man and 26 women) with acute biliary pancreatitis. Mean age of patients was 63.4 years (range 21-87 years). Diagnosis of ABP was based on anamnesis and clinical assessment and was confirmed by specific laboratory data (hyperamylasemia, hyperlipasemia, total and fractionated bilirubinemia, gamma-GT, transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia, leukocytosis). Ultrasound scanning within 24 h of admission was performed in 45 patients (100%) and it revealed gallbladder stones and muddy bile in 39 patients (87%). Computed tomography (CT) performed in all patients, showed a severe acute pancreatitis in the second or subsequent week following admission. The severity of acute pancreatitis was established by Glasgow's criteria and by clinical details of patients. ERCP and Endoscopic Sphinterotomy (ES) was performed in all 45 patients with acute biliary pancreatitis. Twenty-six patients (57%) were classified as having a severe attack (> 4) 19 as having a mild attack by Glasgow's criteria. ERCP associated with ES was performed within 24 hours in 22 patients (49%), 11 (50%) showed a severe attack and 11 (50%) showed a mild attack. A total of 2 complications (4%) occurred and the mortality was of 2 patients (4%). In 23 patients (51%) ERCP and ES was performed within 72 hours after conservative therapy, 8 (35%) showed a mild attack and 15 (65%) showed a severe attack. A total of 5 complications (9%) occurred and the mortality was of 3 patients (6%). Our study showed that ERCP with endoscopic sphincterotomy can be performed safely by skilled endoscopist, without adverse consequences soon after the onset of acute biliary pancreatitis even within the first 24 hours and it showed that is better than ERCP within 72 hours after conservative therapy.

The role of work simulation tests in a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program.

BACKGROUND: One of the goals of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program is the patient's return to his or her usual activities. The aims of this paper were to implement an occupational evaluation protocol in a CR and to assess patients' hemodynamic responses and ventricular arrhythmias during work simulation tests. METHODS: After an 8-week outpatient CR, 132 patients performed work simulation, lifting (MH-L) and carrying (MH-C) tests. ECG, heart rate and blood pressure were constantly monitored. RESULTS: The comparison of physiological responses during work simulation and a standard exercise testing provided the following results: 1) maximal heart rate, blood pressure and double product values during WS and MH tests were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than those measured during exercise testing; 2) higher (p < 0.001) double product values were achieved during MH-C as compared to MH-L and work simulation; 3) arrhythmias were more frequent during MH-L as compared to exercise test (p < 0.001). The increment of double product was reached much faster during work simulation and MH tests as compared to exercise testing: according to the multivariate analysis this was a predictor of a greater incidence of arrhythmias. The incidence of arrhythmias during work simulation tests and MH was significantly higher in patients with reduced tolerance to effort, valvular replacement, arrhythmias during holter monitoring, low ejection fraction and effort silent ischaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Work simulation test provide a more personal functional assessment, complementary to the exercise testing. It appears particularly useful in patients with higher functional impairment who are at a higher risk of arrhythmias.

Effect of early treatment with captopril and metoprolol singly and together on postinfarction left ventricular remodeling.

BACKGROUND: beta-Blockers improve clinical outcome after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but few data are available on their effectiveness in preventing left ventricular remodeling. The aim of the study was to assess the relative effects of captopril, metoprolol, and their combination on left ventricular remodeling after uncomplicated AMI. METHODS: Two hundred fifty consecutive patients with a first AMI were randomly allocated to receive for 6 months captopril (up to 75 mg/d, group 1), metoprolol (up to 200 mg/d, group 2), or both (group 3) starting within 24 hours from symptom onset. Of these, 130 patients (group 1, 46; group 2, 47; group 3, 37) completed the study; all patients underwent 2-dimensional echocardiography at baseline and after 2 weeks and 3 and 6 months from AMI. RESULTS: At 6 months, in comparison with baseline values, left ventricular end-diastolic area index (LVEDI) significantly increased in group 3 (P =.013) and wall motion score index significantly decreased in group 1 (P =.038). At any follow-up evaluation, the covariance analysis showed significantly greater interval changes in LVEDI in group 3 than in group 1 (P =.0077 at 2 weeks, P =.0108 at 3 months, and P = 0.0155 at 6 months). No significant differences were observed between group 1 and group 2 and between group 2 and group 3. CONCLUSIONS: After uncomplicated first AMI, early and long-term treatment with captopril alone attenuates left ventricular remodeling better than its combination with metoprolol. In the head-to-head captopril versus metoprolol therapy strategy comparison, captopril alone seems more effective in reducing postinfarction enlargement, but a definite difference was not demonstrated.

Two-trocar laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a reproducible technique.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is usually performed with a four-trocar technique. From December 1998 to March 1999, 25 of 42 admitted patients underwent a two-trocar laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In our technique, after establishing umbilical carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum, a 30 degree scope was inserted, and a second 5-mm trocar was positioned below and to the left of the xiphoid process. Then two stitches with nonabsorbable sutures were passed: one at the fundus to pull up the gallbladder, and the second through the neck of the gallbladder to expose the structure of the Calot triangle. Intraoperative cholangiography was performed with a percutaneous catheter in 15 patients. Retrograde cholecystectomy was performed and the gallbladder was extracted through the umbilical port. Scars were closed with glue, and bupivacaine was injected to reduce pain. The technique was feasible in approximately 84% (25 of 30) of patients. The mean operative time was 42 minutes, and the mean hospital stay was 1.6 days. We conclude that this method is similar to four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy in terms of safety and operation time. This technique seems to be well reproducible and offers better results in terms of postoperative pain, hospital stay without considering better cosmetic results, and cost-effectiveness.

Electrophysiological instability in the acute phase: prognostic significance of early ventricular fibrillation in acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: In the prognostic stratification of patients affected by AMI is important to evaluate, besides the assessment of left ventricular function and residual ischemia, the presence of electrophysiological instability. METHODS: We have analysed 15 patients all affected by AMI complicated by early ventricular fibrillation. During the hospital phase we evaluated the E.F.% (ECHO) and the presence of late ventricular potentials (SAECG). After hospital discharge we followed up the patients for 6 months. RESULTS: None of the patients died during the hospital phase while the posthospital cardiac mortality was 20%. The three patients dead during the follow-up had an AMI localized in the anterolateral wall of the left ventricle, an E.F.% less than 40% and LVP positive in the hospital phase. Besides the clinical course was complicated by cardiac failure. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that these three patients are a "high risk profile subgroup" and should be submitted to extensive evaluation with cardiac catheterization, coronary arteriography and programmed ventricular stimulation.

[The effect of cardiovascular rehabilitation on the variability of the RR cycle after a first uncomplicated acute myocardial infarct]. / Effetto della riabilitazione cardiovascolare sulla variabilità del ciclo RR dopo un primo infarto miocardico acuto non complicato.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to verify the changes in the autonomic balance by means of heart rate variability assessment in patients with myocardial infarction referred for cardiac rehabilitation. METHODS: We studied 122 patients (79 males, 43 females, mean age 56 +/- 5 years), with a first uncomplicated myocardial infarction (anterior 48, thrombolysis 72), Killip class 1, preserved left ventricular function (ejection fraction 49 +/- 6%). All patients were free of inducible residual ischemia. Four weeks after myocardial infarction, patients were randomized into two groups; Group 1 (n = 58) referred for an 8 week cardiac rehabilitation program (scheduled: 24 sessions); Group 2 (n = 64): normal daily physical activity. During a 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring the following parameters were calculated in pharmacological wash-out at randomization (T0) and at the end of cardiac rehabilitation/control period (T1): mean value of RR intervals (RR), its standard deviation (SDNN), pNN50, rMSSD in the time domain; low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) value and the LF/HF ratio in the frequency domain. T1-T0 changes in percent values (delta %) were considered and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were excluded from the study either for insufficient adhesion to the cardiac rehabilitation program (< 13 sessions, 22 patients) or recurrent ischemia (3 Group 1 patients and 3 Group 2 patients) and non-assessable 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring (3 patients). Thirty-one Group 1 patients and 60 Group 2 patients completed the study with a first and a second 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring performed at 30 +/- 3 days and 60 +/- 4 days respectively. At the same time an ergospirometric test was performed to evaluate cardiopulmonary function by means of exercise time, maximum oxygen consumption, anaerobic threshold, exercise time at the anaerobic threshold, and maximum oxygen consumption at the anaerobic threshold. Twenty-eight Group 1 patients and 44 Group 2 patients completed the study with a first and a second ergospirometric test. Baseline heart rate variability parameters were comparable in the two groups. During the observation period only in Group 1 patients heart rate variability parameters changed significantly: RR (Group 1 = +18.3 +/- 21.3; Group 2 = +4.2 +/- 5.2, p = 0.000), pNN50 (Group 1 = 45.0 +/- 38.9; Group 2 = +24.2 +/- 34.7, p = 0.011), HF (Group 1 = +81.6 +/- 124; Group 2 = -28.7 +/- 75.4, p = 0.014) and LF/HF ratio (Group 1 = -26.0 +/- 16.1; Group 2 = -4.9 +/- 6.1, p = 0.062). There were no significant differences in SDNN, rMSSD and LF. A linear correlation between delta LF/HF ratio and baseline LF/HF ratio values was found in Group 1 (r = 0.489, p = 0.006), whereas no correlation was found between this parameter and age, ejection fraction, creatine phosphokinase, and infarct localization. Group 1 patients had a significant improvement in exercise tolerance compared to Group 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: A cardiac rehabilitation program positively modifies the sympatho-vagal balance in patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction, increasing the parasympathetic tone and exercise tolerance.