Intraoperative diagnosis of a quadricuspid aortic valve.

Quadricuspid aortic valve is a rare anomaly, and most patients require surgery for aortic regurgitation in the 5th or 6th decades of life; only a few cases of aortic valve repair in childhood have been reported. A 3-year-old boy was scheduled for ventricular septal defect closure and aortic valve repair. Quadricuspid aortic valve was an incidental finding at operation; it was repaired by joining the left anterior and right anterior cusps. At the 9-month follow-up, the patient had no more than mild aortic regurgitation. We emphasize the importance of detecting this anomaly, especially in children with aortic valve regurgitation.

The Effect of Ethanol Extract of Rose (Rosa damascena) on Intra-abdominal Adhesions After Laparotomy in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal adhesions are pathological connections in peritoneal surfaces that are created after abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Rosa damascena extract on adhesions, considering the antioxidant properties of rose. METHODS: Thirty healthy rats were divided into 3 groups: rats treated by 1% (A) and 5% (B) of R. damascena extract and the con- trol group (C). After administering anesthesia, the abdominal wall was opened and 3 shallow incisions (2 cm) were made on the right wall, and a 2 × 2 piece of peritoneal surface was removed on the left side of the abdominal wall. Then 3 mL of 1% (A) and 5% (B) R. damascena extract was administered into the abdominal cavity. The control group (C) received 3 mL of distilled water. The abdominal cavity was sutured, and a second laparotomy was carried out 14 days later to the created adhesions according to the Canbaz scale, and a histopathologic examination was also performed. All data was analyzed by SPSS volume 16 (Chicago, IL); P less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The amount of adhesion in group A was significantly lower than that of group C, 1.4 ± 1.265 versus 3 ± 0.816, (P = 0.007). The histological investigation also showed significant differences in the se- verity of fibrosis (P = 0.029) and inflammation (P = 0.009) between groups A and C; all rats in group B (5%) were found dead. CONCLUSION: This study indicated the use of R. damascena at a 1% level resulted in a remarkable decrease of intra-abdominal adhesions after laparotomy in rats. Further studies are necessary on this extract and its derivatives for treatment of such diseases in the human model.

Comparison of percutaneous versus open surgical techniques for placement of peritoneal dialysis catheter in children: A randomized clinical trial.

UNLABELLED: Background This research compares the outcomes of percutaneous technique and open surgical peritoneal dialysis catheter placement in children. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, between 2010 and 2011,a total of 35 pediatric uremic patients were enrolled and randomized into two study groups. Follow up data included duration of operation (minute), duration of hospitalization (days) and onset time of peritoneal dialysis. Complications were considered as mechanical and infectious. RESULTS: The percutaneous procedure was significantly faster than the open surgical technique (9.5 ± 1.81 versus 27.00 ± 2.61 minutes, p= 0.0001). The onset of dialysis was earlier in percutaneous insertion. There were no cases of hollow viscous perforation, early peritonitis and exit site infection at the 3rd, 7th, and 14th day in both groups. Complications in open surgical group were include wrapped omentum in 4 (23.5%), catheter malposition in 3 (17.6%),delayed exit site infection in 2 (11.7%), Incisional hernia in 1 (5.8%)and hemoperitoneum in 2 (11.7%)cases. Complications in percutaneous insertion group were include catheter malposition and wrapped omentum each in one case. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous method with secure insertion of the catheter reduced the rate of some complications. Although they were not statistically significant, this technique reduces the time of hospitalization and operation without need to general anesthesia. The onset of dialysis was earlier significantly. Trial registry code: IRCT2013091514670N1.

Heparin compared with normal saline to maintain patency of permanent double lumen hemodialysis catheters: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Heparin has long been used to prevent thrombosis in the permanent central venous hemodialysis catheters (PermCath). Other alternatives for heparin with fewer side-effects have recently been considered. We compared normal saline (0.9%) with heparin for flushing PermCath with regards to catheter patency and prevention of heparin complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chronic kidney disease patients who were candidate of PermCath placement were randomly assigned into two groups of heparin and saline. In the heparin group, the PermCath was flushed with heparin (1000 IU), and in the saline group, it was flushed with saline 0.9%. Patients were followed for 24 hours, and outcomes included catheter thrombosis, maneuver needed to maintain catheter patency, and bleeding from catheter site. RESULTS: Ninety six patients were included (age = 63.1 ± 11.2 years, 54.2% male). No one experienced catheter thrombosis. Two patient (4.2%) in the heparin and three ones (6.1%) in the saline group required catheter manipulation (P = 0.520). Four patients (8.5%) in the heparin and three ones (6.1%) in the saline group experienced bleeding (P = 0.476); differences between heparin and saline groups in the amount of bleeding (225.0 ± 62.4 vs. 200.0 ± 113.5 cc, P = 0.721) and bleeding time (6.5 ± 1.2 vs. 5.3 ± 1.5 min, P = 0.322) were not significant. In the heparin group, no significant increase was observed in PTT over time; baseline 30.9 ± 3.4, 12 h 31.8 ± 3.4, 24 h 31.2 ± 6.6 (P = 0.628). CONCLUSIONS: Flushing PermCath with normal saline 0.9% is as effective as heparin in maintaining patency of the catheter, while it may reduce the risks associated with heparin.

Drug Injection to Sites other than Arm: A Study of Iranian Heroin Injectors.

For almost all injecting drug users (IDUs), the first site of injection is the arm. Years after injection, IDUs may shift to using other sites for intravenous (IV) access. Although injection to sites other than the arm is associated with higher risks, literature is limited regarding this behavior. We aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of using IV access points other than the arm among a national sample of IDUs in Iran. Data came from the National Drug Dependence Survey, 2007, which had enrolled 863 IDUs with at least one daily injection. Data on socio-demographics, pattern of drug use, and injection-related behaviors were entered into a logistic regression to determine predictors of injection to sites other than the arm. From all participants, 54.8% reported current injection sites in areas other than the arm. The other injection sites were the femoral venous sinus (17.0%), followed by the groin (14.5%) and neck (11.5%). Logistic regression revealed that living alone [odds ratio (OR) = 1.789, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.218-2.629], being Sunni (OR = 3.475, 95% CI = 1.775-6.801), having higher family income (OR = 1.002, 95% CI = 1.001-1.003), higher age at first drug use (OR = 1.039, 95% CI = 1.009-1.069), longer injection duration (OR = 1.071, 95% CI = 1.041-1.102), and more injection frequency (OR = 1.255, 95% CI = 1.072-1.471) were associated with higher likelihood of using injection sites other than the arm. Using sites other than the arm for IV injection is linked to socio-demographics, drug use data, and injection-related characteristics that can be used by policy makers. This information can be used for harm reduction planning.

The comparison of the complications of axillobrachial and femorofemoral arteriovenous shunt prostheses in hemodialysis, a 3 year study in Alzahra general hospital.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to compare the outcome and complications of axillobrachial and femorofemoral graft as upper and lower limb arteriovenous shunt prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, we observed and followed-up all cases with a new insertion of ePTFE between February 2006 and February 2009. Assessment of patency and the complication rates of their prostheses were the essential parts of this observation. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, we observed and followed-up all cases with a new insertion of ePTFE between February 2006 and February 2009. Assessment of patency and the complication rates of their prostheses were the essential parts of this observation. RESULTS: A total of 69 grafts were performed. Forty-nine of them were successfully followed-up (18 femorofemoral and 31 axillobrachial grafts). Immediate primary patency was 100%. For axillobrachial type, primary patency at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively, was 86%, 60%, and 47%. Secondary patency at 1, 3, and 6 months was 86%, 75%, and 50%, respectively. For femorofemoral type, primary patency at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively, was 88%, 40%, and 34%. Secondary patency at 1, 3, and 6 months was 94%, 47%, and 41%, respectively. (P > 0.05) Complications included a puncture-site hematoma, thrombosis, infection, venous hypertension, need of an excision and pseudoaneurysm formation. Pseudoaneurysm rate difference between the two groups was interestingly significant, while others were relatively similar; however, the rates were different. CONCLUSION: The significant difference of aneurysm rate among our two groups, besides the insignificant difference of other complications and also the similar primary and secondary patency rates, manifest a brilliant guidance chart for the surgeons in order to choose the most compatible site for inserting ePTFE grafts (Gore-tex) as arteriovenous shunt prostheses for HD accessing.

Effect of ejaculation on serum prostate specific antigen level in screening and non-screening population.

BACKGROUND: The serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels are used for prostate cancer screening. Some conditions such as prostatitis, manipulation, and prostate cancer could influence on serum PSA. The impact of ejaculation on serum PSA is controversial. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relation of ejaculation and the levels of serum PSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 60 healthy voluntary men below and over 50 years during the year 2009-2011 were participated. After history taking, physical examination, and identical lower urinary tract symptoms score (American Urologic Association Score = AUA); three blood samples were taken before, 1 and 24 h after ejaculation. RESULTS: Patients categorized into a non-screening group (age less than 50 years, n = 25), and screening group (age ≥ 50 years, n = 35). Our data showed significant PSA rising in both groups 1 h after ejaculation (P value < 0.05); however, comparison of PSA levels in both groups, before and 24 h after ejaculation showed no significant differences. Spearman coefficient of correlation was showed a positive correlation between PSA in all stage and AUA score in the second group, but there were no such correlation in the first group. CONCLUSION: There was a significant relationship between ejaculation and the levels of serum PSA in screening and non-screening patients. However, in non-screening men significant rising of PSA after 1 h of ejaculation was not important clinically (not achieve to greater than 4 ng/ml). Taking a history of ejaculation in men older 50 years especially with high AUA score could prevent false positive results and subsequent un-necessary work-ups.

Temporary worsening of kidney function following aortic reconstructive surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the incidence of temporary kidney dysfunction following major vascular surgeries. We aimed to assess the frequency of temporary decreased kidney function following aortic surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, we assessed 108 hospital records of the patients who had undergone elective open abdominal surgery of aortic aneurysm. Preoperative and postoperative (days 1, 2, and 3) data on estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were collected and evaluated in relation to the patients' clinical characteristics and outcomes. A decline greater than 10% in GFR on day 1 or 2, and then, an increase of GFR to a level of maximum 10% below the baseline value on the third postoperative day was considered as temporary worsening of kidney function. Postoperative alterations of GFR not greater than 10% in relation to the baseline were considered as improved or unchanged kidney function. Two patients with persistent decrease in GFR were excluded. RESULTS: Temporary worsening of kidney function was seen in 25 patients (23.6%). Short-term mortality rate was 44.0% in this group of patients, while it was 17.3% in those without decreased GFR (P = .006). According to the regression analysis, the only predictor of mortality was temporary worsening of kidney function, with a hazard ratio of 4.03 (95% confidence interval, 1.44 to 11.31; P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 1 out of 4 aortic surgeries results in kidney dysfunction. Albeit temporary in most cases, it seems to be associated with a higher short-term mortality rate.

Additional burden of intensive care to rehospitalizations following kidney transplantation: a study of rate, causes, and risk factors.

INTRODUCTION: Little information exists on the burden of intensive care unit (ICU) to the posttransplant rehospitalizations of kidney allograft recipients. We do not clearly know the extent of the need for ICU during rehospitalizations and causes of readmissions. In this study, we aimed to assess ICU admissions of kidney transplant recipients, to determine the risk factors of ICU admissions in rehospitalized patients, and to evaluate the additional burden of ICU admission. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 581 posttransplant rehospitalizations of kidney transplant recipients were assessed for ICU admission. Clinical characteristics of the patients and the length of hospital stay, transplantation-admission interval, hospitalization costs, and mortality rate were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-five rehospitalized kidney transplant recipients (4.3%) had been admitted to ICU with kidney dysfunction (36.0%), cerebrovascular accident (24.0%), sepsis (16.0%), brain tumor (8.0%), brain abscess (4.0%), diabetic ketoacidosis (4.0%), trauma (4.0%), and hemodynamic shock (4.0%). The risk factors of referral to ICU were higher age (P = .001) and hospitalization for cerebrovascular accident (P = .001) and malignancy (P = .004). Additional burdens were 1.8, 3.3, and 11.4 times as high as the rehospitalization burden for the length of hospital stay, hospitalization costs, and mortality rate, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Age and some special causes of hospitalizations are risk factors of ICU admission of kidney transplant recipients, and this occurs in about 5% of rehospitalizations. Admission to ICU adds considerably to the burden of rehospitalizations, warranting measures to prevent conditions that lead to the need for intensive care in these patients.

Our experience with third renal transplantation: results, surgical techniques and complications.

BACKGROUND: Despite the popularity of kidney transplantation in the current era, second and third kidney transplantation are not yet widely accepted and practiced. Each center has its own regulations and experiences and there is no accepted protocol for third kidney transplantation. We report here our 15 years of experience with third kidney transplantation. METHODS: This is a report of all the third kidney transplantations performed in Baqiyatallah Hospital, Tehran, Iran, between 1991 and 2006. Demographic data, surgical techniques, complications and outcomes are reported. RESULTS: Of the nine third kidney transplant patients, six were male. The median age was 43 years (32-52). All of the patients received kidney from living donors. All operations were performed by a midline incision and the grafts were placed at the midline, in the intraperitoneal space. For arterial anastomosis, we used internal iliac, right common iliac and both the right external iliac and inferior mesenteric artery in 4, 4 and 1 case(s), respectively. For venous anastomosis, we used vena cava, common iliac and external iliac veins in 3, 5 and 1 case(s), respectively. During the follow up period (38 months), 6 grafts (66.6%) were functioning. None of the graft rejections were due to surgical complications. Wound dehiscence occurred in two patients. No other surgical complications including infection, lymphocele or hemorrhage were observed. CONCLUSION: Third kidney transplantation is a field that has not been fully explored. The rate of complications seems to be not much higher than the first transplantation. Defining a standard protocol seems necessary.