Postoperative mortality in inflammatory bowel disease patients / Mortalidade em portadores de doença inflamatória intestinal submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico

ABSTRACT Introduction: Since the 1960s, mortality in Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis patients had a significant decrease due to advances in medical and surgical therapy. An important proportion of these patients are submitted to surgical procedures during their disease course, with postoperative mortality between 4 and 10%. Methods: 157 inflammatory bowel disease patients submitted to surgical therapy were retrospectively identified and allocated in 2 groups (Crohn's and colitis). Deaths were individually discriminated in detail. Results: 281 surgical procedures were performed. In the colitis group, 43 operations were performed in 24 patients; in the abdominal Crohn's subgroup, 127 procedures in 90 patients and in the perineal Crohn's subgroup, 115 in 64 patients, respectively. Nine postoperative deaths were observed (3 in the colitis and 6 in the Crohn's groups). Overall postoperative mortality was 5.7% (4.5% for Crohn's; 6.6% in abdominal Crohn's and 12.5% for Colitis). Most of deaths were related to emergency procedures and previous use of corticosteroids. The cause of death in all patients was sepsis. Conclusions: Overall postoperative mortality in inflammatory bowel disease was 5.7%, and it was attributed to the severity of the cases referred.

RESUMO Introdução: A partir da década de 60, a mortalidade dos portadores de doença de Crohn (DC) e a Retocolite Ulcerativa Inespecífica (RCUI) teve declínio devido a novas terapêuticas clínicas e cirúrgicas. Importante proporção destes pacientes é submetida a procedimentos cirúrgicos no decorrer das suas vidas, com taxas de mortalidade variando entre 4 e 10%. Método: Foram identificados retrospectivamente 157 pacientes portadores de doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII), submetidos a operações abdominais ou perineais, divididos em dois grupos (DC e RCUI). Os casos de óbitos foram discriminados e avaliados individualmente, de forma descritiva. Resultados: 281 operações foram realizadas. No grupo RCUI foram realizadas 43 operações em 24 pacientes, no subgrupo DC abdominal, 127 operações em 90 pacientes e no subgrupo DC perineal, 115 em 64 pacientes, respectivamente. Do total de 9 óbitos, 3 ocorreram no grupo RCUI e 6 no DC. A mortalidade geral nas DII foi de 5,7%. Para a DC, 4,5%. No subgrupo de operações abdominais foi de 6,6% e para a RCUI 12,5%. A maior parte dos óbitos estavam relacionados a procedimentos de urgência/emergência, com uso prévio de corticoterapia. A causa mortis em todos os pacientes foi sepse. Conclusões: A taxa de mortalidade cirúrgica nas DII foi de 5,7%, atribuidas pela severidade dos casos.

Adjuvant chemotherapy in adult medulloblastoma: is it an option for average-risk patients?

The standard treatment in children with average-risk medulloblastoma (MB) is reduced-dose radiotherapy (RT) followed by chemotherapy. However, in adults, there is no agreement on the use of adjuvant chemotherapy. We performed a retrospective analysis of adult MB patients with average-risk disease, defined as no postsurgical residual (or ≤1.5 cm(2)) and no metastatic disease (M0). Main inclusion criteria were: age >16 years, post-surgical treatment with craniospinal irradiation with or without adjuvant chemotherapy (cisplatin and etoposide ± cyclophosphamide). From 1988 to 2012 were accrued 43 average-risk MB patients treated with surgery and adjuvant RT. Fifteen (34.9 %) patients received also chemotherapy: 7 before RT, 5 after RT, and 3 before and after RT. Reasons to administer chemotherapy were presence of residual disease (even if ≤1.5 cm) and delay in RT. After a median follow up time of 10 years (range: 8-13), median survival was 18 years (95 % CI 9-28) in patients who receive RT alone, and was not reached in patients treated with RT plus chemotherapy. The survival rates at 5, 10 and 15 years were 100 %, 78.6 % (95 % CI 60.0-97.2 %) and 60.2 % (95 % CI 36.9-83.5 %), in patients treated with RT alone, and 100, 100 and 100 %, in patients treated with RT plus chemotherapy (p = 0.079). Our findings suggest a role for adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of average-risk MB adult patients. Further improvements might drive to add chemotherapy in average-risk setting with less favourable biological signatures (i.e., non-WNT group).

Long follow-up of patients with gastric band.

BACKGROUND: The adjustable gastric band laparoscopic technique is safe, reversible and potentially effective alternative to gastric bypass Y-deRoux. However, it has a high rate of reoperation and unsatisfactory weight loss. OBJECTIVE: To present a cases series with the use of gastric banding in long term follow-up analyzing the withdrawal rate, its causes and the surgical conversions performed METHODS: Retrospective study based on the analysis of 19 patients who underwent the procedure between November 1999 and November 2002, and reviewed with clinical follow-up until late February 2011. The patients were analyzed in the following aspects: gender, age, preoperative weight, preoperative BMI, duration of follow-up, reasons for removal of the gastric band, need for conversion to another type of surgery and failure rate of surgical method. RESULTS: Nineteen patients underwent the procedure, four women and 15 men. The mean preoperative BMI was 41.95 kg/m² (36-54). The band was withdrawn in 13 patients (68.42%), including seven by erosion, four for unsatisfactory weight loss and two for gastroesophageal reflux. The gastric bypass was conducted in ten patients and Scopinaro operation in one. Two patients had not been reoperated till nowadays and four were lost in late follow-up. CONCLUSION: The gastric band is technically unsatisfactory in long-term evaluation, have high withdrawal rate due to migration or unsatisfactory weight loss.

Seguimento tardio em pacientes com banda gástrica / Long follow-up of patients with gastric band

RACIONAL: A banda gástrica ajustável por via laparoscópica é técnica segura, potencialmente reversível e alternativa eficaz ao by-pass gástrico em Y-de-Roux. Porém, ela tem taxa elevada de reoperação e perda de peso insatisfatória. OBJETIVO: Apresentar uma série de casos com o uso da banda gástrica em seguimento de longo prazo analisando o índice de retirada, suas causas e as conversões cirúrgicas efetuadas. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo baseado na análise de 19 pacientes submetidos ao procedimento no período de novembro de 1999 a novembro de 2002, e revisados com seguimento clínico tardio até fevereiro de 2011. Os pacientes foram analisados nos seguintes aspectos: sexo, idade, peso pré-operatório, IMC pré-operatório, tempo de seguimento, motivos de retirada da banda gástrica, necessidade de conversão para outra modalidade cirúrgica e índice de falha do método cirúrgico. RESULTADOS: Dezenove pacientes foram submetidos ao procedimento, sendo quatro mulheres e 15 homens. O IMC médio pré-operatório foi de 41,95 kg/m² (36-54). A banda foi retirada em 13 pacientes (68,42%), dos quais sete por erosão, quatro por perda de peso insatisfatório e dois por refluxo gastroesofágico. O bypass gástrico foi realizado em dez pacientes e operação de Scopinaro em um. Duas pacientes ainda não tinham sido reoperadas e quatro perderam o seguimento. CONCLUSÃO: A banda gástrica é técnica insatisfatória a longo prazo, com alto índice de retirada por migração ou por perda de peso insatisfatória.

BACKGROUND: The adjustable gastric band laparoscopic technique is safe, reversible and potentially effective alternative to gastric bypass Y-deRoux. However, it has a high rate of reoperation and unsatisfactory weight loss. OBJECTIVE: To present a cases series with the use of gastric banding in long term follow-up analyzing the withdrawal rate, its causes and the surgical conversions performed METHODS: Retrospective study based on the analysis of 19 patients who underwent the procedure between November 1999 and November 2002, and reviewed with clinical follow-up until late February 2011. The patients were analyzed in the following aspects: gender, age, preoperative weight, preoperative BMI, duration of follow-up, reasons for removal of the gastric band, need for conversion to another type of surgery and failure rate of surgical method. RESULTS: Nineteen patients underwent the procedure, four women and 15 men. The mean preoperative BMI was 41.95 kg/m² (36-54). The band was withdrawn in 13 patients (68.42%), including seven by erosion, four for unsatisfactory weight loss and two for gastroesophageal reflux. The gastric bypass was conducted in ten patients and Scopinaro operation in one. Two patients had not been reoperated till nowadays and four were lost in late follow-up. CONCLUSION: The gastric band is technically unsatisfactory in long-term evaluation, have high withdrawal rate due to migration or unsatisfactory weight loss.

The Brazilian Family Health Program and secondary stroke and myocardial infarction prevention: a 6-year cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: We compared the incidence of recurrent or fatal cardiovascular disease in patients using Brazil's government-run Family Health Program (FHP) with those using non-FHP models of care. METHODS: From 2005 to 2010, we followed outpatients discharged from city public hospitals after a first ever stroke for stroke recurrence and myocardial infarction, using data from all city hospitals, death certificates, and outpatient monitoring in state-run and private units. RESULTS: In the follow-up period, 103 patients in the FHP units and 138 in the non-FHP units had exclusively state-run care. Stroke or myocardial infarction occurred in 30.1% of patients in the FHP group and 36.2% of patients in non-FHP care (rate ratio [RR] = 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.61, 1.18; P = .39); 37.9% of patients in FHP care and 54.3% in non-FHP care (RR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.50, 0.92; P = .01) died. FHP use was associated with lower hazard of death from all causes (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.58; P = .005) after adjusting for age and stroke severity. The absolute risk reduction for death by all causes was 16.4%. CONCLUSIONS: FHP care is more effective than is non-FHP care at preventing death from secondary stroke and myocardial infarction.

Carotid stenting with filter protection. Correlation of ACT values with angiographic and histopathologic findings.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Filter cerebral protection during carotid stenting has been proposed as a new tool to reduce brain embolism. Angiographic findings (filter patency), pathological analysis of the collected materials inside the filters and coagulation parameters were analyzed to identify potential down sides in the use of these protection devices. METHODS: 29 consecutive endovascular treatments with filter cerebral protection in 27 patients affected by symptomatic internal carotid stenosis>70% were considered. Angiographic findings, activated clotting times and histopathologic specimens were recorded and correlated. RESULTS: Satisfactory dilatation of the stenosis was always achieved with a complication rate of 3% (1 transient neurological deficit). During the procedure, 9 filters (31%) appeared occluded, with temporary flow impairment. Histopathologic examination demonstrated material inside the filters in 86% of cases but this material was fibrin alone in 38% and plaque debris in 48%. Significant statistical correlation (p=0.009) was found between low activated clotting time and occlusion of the filter. CONCLUSION: Distal protection filters can collect plaque fragments occurring during carotid stenting. Significant proportion of the debris found in the filters consisted of thrombotic material. Precise monitoring of heparin anticoagulation is recommended to prevent filter occlusion.

Chemotherapy in patients with recurrent and progressive central neurocytoma.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent central neurocytoma is very rare and to the authors' knowledge data regarding its response to chemotherapy currently are not available. METHODS: Three patients with progressive neurocytoma received chemotherapy after their informed consent was obtained. Disease recurred in two patients after surgery and radiotherapy and in one patient after surgery. The treatment regimen was comprised of etoposide, 40 mg/m(2)/day, for 4 days; cisplatin, 25 mg/m(2)/day, for 4 days; and cyclophosphamide, 1,000 mg/m(2), on Day 4; this cycle was repeated every 4 weeks. RESULTS: Stabilization of disease was observed in 2 patients and complete remission was observed in 1 patient; at last follow-up, these responses had been maintained for 15 months, 18 months, and 36 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this small series, this therapeutic regimen led to long term disease reduction, and merits further study.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis presenting as a lumbosacral intradural-extramedullary mass.

The subject of this paper is a 2-year-old child with progressive paraparesis. MRI showed a large lumbosacral intradural-extramedullary mass and the histological diagnosis was Langerhans cell histiocytosis. The histopathological and neuroradiological findings are discussed.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of the epididymis in infancy: case report and review of the literature.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rare, benign tumor that usually involves the upper or lower jaw, but it may also arise in other sites. We describe a case of MNTI located in the left epididymis of a 6-month-old boy. Left orchiectomy was performed. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies revealed two types of cells: small, poorly differentiated cells that were positive for neuron-specific enolase protein and vimentin, and larger epithelial cells that were positive for melanoma antigen (HMB45) and frequently contained large and elongated melanosomes, similar to those described in retinal pigmented epithelium. At 12 months of follow-up, no recurrences or metastases were seen. Primary involvement of the epididymis has been previously reported in only 16 cases. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies suggest that the neoplasm is of neural crest origin.

[Staphylococcal infection in the newborn: teicoplanin therapy]. / Sepsi da stafilococco nel neonato: terapia con teicoplanina.

Infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, particularly in neonatal patients, have increased dramatically over the past 10 years. In the present study 19 newborns (7 at term, 12 preterm) with proven staphylococcal infection were treated with teicoplanin, after a previous ineffective antibiotic treatment (amikacin+oxacillin or third-generation cephalosporin). Bacterial eradication and clinical cure were achieved in all neonates. No adverse events related to the drug occurred. No significant change was observed in serial biochemical and hematological tests. Our results suggest that teicoplanin is highly effective and safe in neonatal staphylococcal infections.

Phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase in the normal human kidney: a possible role in protecting cell membranes.

Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the pathogenesis of tissue injury. It is generally accepted that selenium-glutathione peroxidases form an integrated system defending the living organism against oxidative damage. Phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPX) is thought to play a prominent role in preventing lipid peroxidation. Indeed, the function of PHGPX is to reduce the lipophilic substrates in membranes. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of PHGPX in normal human kidney by immunohistochemistry. The enzyme in glomeruli is mainly expressed in podocytes and parietal epithelial cells. In addition, PHGPX antigen was detected in tubule epithelial cells. Therefore, these results suggest that renal epithelial cells possess an important antioxidizing activity related to the presence of PHGPX.

Panencephalopathic type of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease with neuropathologic features similar to Pick's disease.

The panencephalopathic type of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is characterized by a serious degeneration of the white matter in addition to the other pathological features of the classic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The clinical and neuropathological findings of a new case are described in a woman aged 62, who died after a year of illness. The brain appeared seriously affected by atrophy and white matter degeneration. Microscopically, it showed a marked cortical spongiosis, with gemistocytic astrogliosis and degeneration of the white matter of both hemispheres. Although a serious loss of nerve cells was evident, some residual neurons with a ballooned aspect were found in the fronto-temporal cortex. Other neurons presented argyrophilic inclusions similar to Pick bodies. By means of immunohistochemical techniques and monoclonal antineurofilaments antibodies some neurons with swollen cytoplasm and enlargement of the first tract of the neurites were detected in the basal layers of the frontal and temporal cortex. These abnormal features were due to the accumulation of phosphorylated 200 Kd neurofilaments. The relations between Creutzfeldt-Jakob and Pick's diseases are analyzed on the basis of the neuropathological findings. There is evidence from the immunohistochemical data of an interference in the axonal transport of neurofilaments.

[Ceftazidime in common infections in childhood. Experience in 262 cases]. / Il ceftazidime nelle comune infezioni in età pediatrica. Esperienza di 262 casi.

We analyzed the clinical data collected from an open multicentre study (in 40 Hospital and University centres) with aim to evaluate clinical and bacteriological efficacy and safety of Ceftazidime (CTZ) in common infections of pediatric patients. The data were from 262 patients (137 M, 125 F) mean age 5.13 +/- 3.65 yrs (range 3 m. to 12 yrs). 158 pts with low respiratory tract infection, 32 pts. with upper respiratory tract infection and 72 pts. with urinary tract infection, were treated with CTZ (dose 50 mg/kg/die; i.v. or i.m.) for a mean of 9.4 days. The overall success rate was 96.2% (76.7% cured + 19.5% improved). In the evaluable cases (108) the bacteriological eradication rate was 92.18%. The safety of CTZ was good; adverse events (2 rash and 1 diarrhoea) were observed only in 3 patients. All events had moderate intensity and did not require drug withdrawal.

[Carotid thromboendarterectomy. Comparison of two anesthesiologic techniques]. / Tromboendoarteriectomia carotidea. Confronto tra due tecniche anestesiologiche.

The authors have examined two homogeneous groups of patients suffering from "carotid stenosis", operated by TEAC with two different techniques of anaesthesia: general and local-regional (block). Neurological and cardiovascular complications have been recorded in pre and post-operative period. The results analysed statistically with the Pearson test, were homogeneous. However the authors, on the basis of their experience, prefer local-regional (block) anaesthesia for good haemodynamic stability and a better neurologic control. Moreover the block anaesthesia was better in patients.

[Bilateral nodular pulmonary histoplasmosis: cytohistological correlation]. / Istoplasmosi polmonare nodulare bilaterale: correlazione cito-istologica.

Nodular bilateral pulmonary histoplasmosis: cyto-histological correlation. A case of nodular pulmonary histoplasmosis is reported. A 29 year old man was admitted to hospital with temperature and general weakness following a short stay in a tropical country. Laboratory investigation showed an increased E.S.R. and a routine chest-roentgenogram revealed multiple bilateral nodular lesions confirmed by CT scan. Smears obtained from fine-needle-aspiration biopsy showed the presence of epithelioid cell's clusters with a few giant-cells in a background of inflammatory elements and necrotic debris. The cytological picture was consistent with an inflammatory process with necrotizing granulomatous features. The clinical evolution and the radiological picture progression caused, nevertheless, suspicion of a metastatic tumor. The histological examination of a resected peripheral nodule confirmed the inflammatory nature of the process, revealing the presence of multiple roundish encapsulated conidia 2-4 microns in diameter scattered within a granulomatous and necrotic tissue. The fungi are clearly pinpointed by using special stains like Grocott method. Serological and microbiological investigations are necessary in order to confirm the diagnosis.

[Block of the cervical plexus in surgery of the carotid artery. Our experience with 142 cases]. / Il blocco del plesso cervicale nella chirugia della carotide. Nostra esperienza su 142 casi.

The main anesthesiological problem in TEAC operations is the possibility of evaluating the degree of tolerance after carotid artery clamping. When facing this situation, some anesthesiologists prefer to administer general anesthesia, others prefer loco-regional anesthesia. On the basis of their background and experience, the Authors, from 1.1.1987 to 12.31.1988, have performed 142 nerve blocks of the superficial and the cervical plexus. The proposed technique is simple. No side effects are observed. Moreover it is gratifying for the surgeon and safe from risks for patients. Loco-regional anesthesia permits a close neurologic monitoring that is easily understandable and inexpensive. When performing this kind of surgery, this technique seems to be valid and effective.

Pathology of bronchial asthma and animal models of asthma.

We reviewed studies on pathology of status asthmaticus, asymptomatic asthma, and of animal models developed to study the pathogenesis of asthma. In status asthmaticus airway occlusion by mucous plugs, desquamed epithelium, goblet cell hyperplasia, submucosal glands hypertrophy, increased smooth muscle, basal membrane thickening, inflammatory infiltration of the bronchial mucosa are observed, together with focal areas of alveolar wall destruction in lung parenchyma. At variance with active asthma, in which almost invariably inflammatory cells infiltrate the mucosa, only scarce airway inflammation is reported in asthmatics between attacks. The majority of the animal models developed so far have been addressed to investigate the mechanism of the transient hyperreactivity that is associated with exacerbations of asthma, while little information is available on the structure-function relationship on long-lasting hyperresponsiveness.

Low-grade astrocytomas: treatment with unconventionally fractionated external beam stereotactic radiation therapy.

Fourteen patients with nonoperable low-grade astrocytomas were treated with unconventionally fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy. The target volume was defined with computed tomography (CT) performed under stereotactic conditions. The treatment was carried out with a technique producing multiple noncoplanar arc irradiation, with the center of the target volume placed at the isocenter of the linear accelerator. A total dose of 16-50 Gy was administered in either one fraction or two fractions 8 days apart. The concentration of dose within the target volume allowed reduction of dose absorbed by adjacent critical structures of the intact brain. Patients were followed up for 11-48 months. Twelve of 14 patients had a partial or complete response to treatment, as demonstrated by CT. Stereotactic radiation therapy appears to be effective in the control of small radioresistant cerebral neoplasms, without damaging surrounding healthy tissues.

Fatal asthma in a subject sensitized to toluene diisocyanate.

We report the case of a 43-yr-old car painter who died within 1 h of exposure to a polyurethane paint in the workplace. A diagnosis of asthma induced by toluene diisocyanate (TDI) had been established 6 yr before, when he underwent inhalation challenges with carbachol and with TDI. The subject had airway hyperresponsiveness to carbachol (PD20FEV1 carbachol = 0.32 mg; normal value greater than 1.0 mg) and developed an early and long-lasting asthmatic reaction after exposure to TDI in the laboratory. Although it was recommended that he change his job or stop using paints containing isocyanates, he continued to work as a car painter, taking antiasthmatic drugs both at work and at home to control asthma symptoms. On Monday, October 6, 1986, at 11:30 A. M., he developed a severe attack of asthma while he was mixing the 2 components of a polyurethane paint. Taken to hospital, he was dead on arrival. Autopsy showed no evidence of cardiac or brain disease; lungs were overinflated, the cut surface showed grey glistening mucous plugs in in the airways. Histologic examination showed denudation of airway epithelium and thickening of the basement membrane with infiltration of the lamina propria by polymorphonuclear leukocytes, mainly eosinophils, and diffuse mucous plugging of bronchioles. Bronchial smooth muscle appeared hyperplastic and disarrayed, and lung parenchyma showed focal areas of alveolar destruction adjacent to areas of perfectly intact alveolar walls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)