Combining topical negative pressure and a Bogota bag for managing a difficult laparostomy.

A patient with a severe intra-abdominal infection required a laparostomy. A Bogota bag was combined with topical negative pressure therapy, saving nursing time and enabling successful management of wound fluid.

Amifostine protection against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in rats.

Aminothiol amifostine (AMI) protects against toxic effects of both ionizing radiation and numerous anticancer drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of AMI against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Male Wistar rats were treated with AMI (75 mg/kg i.p.) and/or DOX (1.25 mg/kg i.p.), 4 times per week, for 4 weeks. Mortality, general condition and body weight of the animals were observed during the whole treatment, and for a further 4 weeks, until the end of experiment. Evaluation of cardioprotective efficacy of AMI was performed by analyzing the electrocardiographic parameters and response to the pro-arrhythmic agent aconitine, as well as activity registration of the in situ rat heart preparations. Necropsy was also performed at the end of the experiment, and heart excision, weight and macroscopic examination were done before histological evaluation. Doxorubicin caused rat heart disturbances manifested by prominent electrocardiographic changes (Salpha-T prolongation and T-wave flattening), significantly enhanced response to aconitine, decrease of the heart rate and contractility, as well as histopathologically verified myocardial lesions. The heart changes were accompanied by 40% mortality rate, significant decline in body mass and severe effusion intensity score in 66.6% of the animals. Application of AMI before each dose of DOX significantly reduced or completely prevented its toxic effects. Therefore, since AMI had very good protective effects against a high dose of DOX given as a multiple, low, unitary dose regimen, not only on the heart but on the whole rat as well, it could be recommended for further investigation in this potentially new indication for clinical application.

Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia associated with peritoneal effusion in four cats.

Four cats with considerable peritoneal effusion and corresponding hyponatremia and hyperkalemia were evaluated. The Na:K ratio in all cats was < 25, which is suggestive of adrenal insufficiency. An ACTH stimulation test was performed on 3 cats for evaluation of adrenal gland function. Serum cortisol and aldosterone concentrations did not support a diagnosis of adrenal gland insufficiency. In 1 cat, histologic evaluation of the adrenal glands at necropsy also failed to support a diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. On the basis of these findings, and because hyponatremia and hyperkalemia could not be readily explained by another cause, the electrolyte abnormalities were presumed to be secondary to peritoneal effusion.

Etiología de la ascitis en pacientes del Servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo 1996-1997 / Etiology of the ascites in patients of gastroenterology unit of Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo 1996-1997

Evaluar prospectivamente la etiología de la ascitis en pacientes del Servicio de Gastroenterología de Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo, así como las características del líquido ascítico en pacientes con hipertensión portal, infecciones espontáneas y neoplasias. De 53 pacientes evaluados 29 eran mujeres (54,7por ciento) y 24 hombres (45,3 por ciento), con edad promedio de 55,07 ñ 14,6 años. La principal causa de ascitis la constituyó la cirrosis hepática (56,6 por ciento), seguida por ascitis asociadas a neoplasias (20,75 por ciento) e insuficencia cardíaca (7,54 por ciento). El dolor abdominal espontáneo y provocado fueron los síntomas que presentaron diferencias significativas entre los pacientes con infección espontánea del líquido contra los que no la presentaron (57,1 vs 18,8 por ciento p=0,009). Se presentaron 14 casos de infecciones espontáneas (30,4 por ciento) en pacientes con hipertensión portal: 4 casos de peritonitis bacteriana espontánea, 7 ascitis neutrocítica y 32 bacteriasitis. Los gérmenes aislados fueron: E cloacae (2), S.Pneumoniae (2), E.Coll (1), S.aureus (1), S.Epidermidis (1), Enterococcus sp (1) y un bacilo Gram + (1). De 8 casos de carcinomatosis peritoneal hubo positividad en la citología en 5 de ellos. La paracentesis abdominal es un método eficaz para diagnosticar etiología de la ascitis así como para determinar la presencia de infecciones y neoplasias del mismo

Ascitis: Diagnóstico, análisis del líquido, tratamiento y complicaciones / Ascites: Diagnosis, fluid analysis, treatment and complications

Un problema común en la gastroenterología y en otras áreas de la medicina interna es la ascitis. Esta entidad puede ser la manifestación de diversas patologías. Por esta razón, es necesario conocer el abordaje inicial de estos pacientes, así como sus complicaciones y tratamiento

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (19). Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to intra-abdominal sepsis.

A 47-year-old Chinese woman developed acute shortness of breath 12 days after a major abdominal surgery. Abdominal CT demonstrated a large intra-peritoneal fluid collection, subsequently proved to be due to an anastomosis breakdown. Chest radiograph showed bilateral diffuse air space shadowing. clinical and radiological findings were compatible with the diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to intra-abdominal sepsis. The aetiology and management of ARDS, and the role of the radiologist in the diagnosis and treatment of intra-abdominal fluid collections are discussed.

Interleukin-8 concentration in peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis and modulation of interleukin-8 expression in human mesothelial cells.

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a chemoattractant and activating factor for human neutrophlls and a potent angiogenic agent. The peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis has been shown to have increased neutrophil chemotactic activity. We postulate that IL-8 may be an important modulator in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and adhesion formation. We first investigated IL-8 concentrations in the peritoneal fluid of women with or without endometriosis, then assessed peritoneal mesothelial cells as a potential source of peritoneal fluid IL-8. Northern blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to investigate IL-8 mRNA and protein modulation. The mean concentration of IL-8 in samples obtained from control patients (n = 28) was 4.8 +/- 0.5 pg/ml; from patients with minimal-mild endometriosis (n = 24) was 27.5 +/- 2.6 pg/ml; and from patients with moderate-severe endometriosis (n = 21) was 530.2 +/- 65.1 pg/ml. Confluent mesothelial cells were incubated with human recombinant IL-1 alpha (0.01-100 IU/ml) or tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (0.01 to 100 ng/ml) for 2-24 h. IL-8 mRNA was detectable in non-treated cells, however both IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha induced higher amounts of IL-8 mRNA in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Non-treated mesothelial cells in culture also produced and secreted IL-8 protein quantified by ELISA, but again higher concentrations were induced by IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha treatment. In conclusion, we found that IL-8 concentrations were elevated in peritoneal fluids from women with endometriosis. Cultured mesothelial cells expressed cytokine-inducible IL-8 mRNA and secreted IL-8 protein. The regulated expression of this angiogenic factor may play a role in pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Effusion cytology of hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effusion cytology on routine smears in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: Filed smears from 106 patients with autopsy-proven hepatocellular carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of malignant cells. Morphologic patterns, as well as immunochemical reactivity for a panel of antibodies, were analyzed when feasible. RESULTS: Malignant cells were identified in 10 cases of ascites and 1 of pleural fluid. Positive smears were variably cellular, with paucicellular, round or linear aggregates of polygonal cells. The cytoplasm was usually evident and very stainable. The nuclei were hyperchromatic or vesicular, with inconspicuous nucleoli. Reactive changes were frequent. Malignant cells were positive for keratins (7/8) and erythropoietin (4/8) and negative for carcinoembryonic antigen (0/8). Concomitant cirrhosis was present in 103 cases (97.1%); all the noncirrhotic cases had malignant cells identifiable in the effusion. Antemortem clinical diagnosis of malignancy was made in 59 cases (55.7%); cytology was the only source of the morphologic diagnosis in most of them. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that although the yield of hepatocellular carcinoma in effusion cytology is limited, it may be important in the initial assessment of the disease, given the ineligibility of most patients for invasive procedures and the equivocal features of instrumental investigations. Immunocytochemistry may further assist in differentiating doubtful cases.

Peritonitis primaria en adultos en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia entre 1989 y 1990 / Primary peritonitis in adults at the Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia

La infección primaria o espontánea de la cavidad peritoneal es cada vez reconocida con mayor frecuencia en la literatura médica. Esto es el resultado de una mejor comprensión de los nmecanismos fisiopatológicos involucrados en su génesis, así como de mejores métodos para el diagnóstico. La paracentesis con cultivo de 10cc de líquido ascítico en un medio de hemocultivo, en la cabecera del paciente, es el procedimiento que se recomienda actualmente para el diagnóstico. Durante los años de 1989-1990, utilizando el procedimiento antes mencionado, hemos investigado la presencia de esta entidad en las Salas de Medicina del Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia. Cinco episodios en cuatro pacientes fuerin identificados, ellos grafican el amplio espectro reconocido de infección peritoneal primaria: peritonitis primaria (1), ascitis neutrocítica cultivo negativo (2) y bacterascitis monomicrobiana (2). Un alto índice de sospecha, paracentesis y cultivos adecuados, permitirán conocer la real magnitud del problema de nuestro Hospital

Idiopathic perforation of the extrahepatic bile duct in infancy: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management.

Three infants with idiopathic perforation of the extrahepatic bile ducts were treated at this hospital during the last 6 years. Two patients presented with jaundice and biliary ascites, with high bilirubin in the ascitic fluid, and one patient with peritonitis. The site of perforation was repaired and abdomen drained in one patient. Simple drainage was performed in two others, with good overall results. Perforation of the bile ducts should be suspected in every neonate and infant with ascites and jaundice. Confirmation is obtained by paracentesis and bilirubin measurement in the ascitic fluid or by combination of sonography and scintigraphy. Simple drainage is the treatment of choice provided the distal obstruction is excluded.

Eosinophilic pleural or peritoneal effusions in dogs and cats: 14 cases (1986-1992).

Case records of 9 dogs and 5 cats with eosinophilic effusions were reviewed. The animals ranged from 11 months to 13 years old. Seven animals had pleural effusions, 5 had peritoneal effusions, and 2 had pleural and peritoneal effusions. Neoplasia was confirmed in 6 animals and suspected in 1. Eosinophilic pleural effusion was diagnosed 2 days after pneumothorax developed as a consequence of thoracic tube placement in a cat, and pneumothorax was diagnosed in another cat with eosinophilic peritoneal effusion. Other abnormalities seen in 1 or 2 animals associated with eosinophilic effusion were radiographic signs of interstitial or peribronchial pulmonary infiltrates, a history of allergic respiratory tract and skin disease, intestinal lymphangiectasia and lung lobe torsion, chylothorax, bite wounds causing intestinal perforation, and feline leukemia virus infection. Based only on the protein concentration of the effusion, 7 effusions were classified as transudates and 7 were classified as exudates. Five of the 14 animals had eosinophilia (> 1,200 eosinophils/microliters); 3 of these animals had neoplastic disease. Mean eosinophil count in blood samples was not significantly different between animals with neoplasia and those without. Eosinophil counts in blood samples were not linearly related to counts in effusions; however, in some animals the number of eosinophils in the effusion was much higher than the eosinophil count in blood, suggesting concentration of eosinophils in the effusion.

[Prevalence of infections of the ascitic fluid in 81 consecutive cirrhotic patients]. / Prevalenza di infezione del liquido ascitico in 81 cirrotici consecutivamente osservati.

During a period of 30 months the ascites of 81 patients with liver cirrhosis (65 males and 16 females; 25 in Child B class and 56 in Child C class) consecutively admitted to an Internal Medicine Department have been examined. The number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and the protein content of ascites were evaluated, and cultures for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were performed. In 46 patients ascites were sterile (SA); bacteriascites (BA) was observed in 3 patients; neutrocytic ascites (NA) in 18 patients; spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in the remaining 14 patients. The number of PMNs and total protein content turned out to be significantly higher and lower respectively in SBP compared to the other groups (p < 0.02). In 10 out of the 17 patients with BA and SBP bacteria of enteric origin were isolated. Total mortality was 23.5% (4 cases).

Radiographic, epidemiologic, and clinical aspects of simultaneous pleural and peritoneal effusions in dogs and cats: 48 cases (1982-1991).

In this study, we found that the rate at which radiographically diagnosed simultaneous pleural and peritoneal effusions (double effusion [DE]) developed was highest in dogs and cats with infectious causes of pleuritis and/or peritonitis and in those with pancreatitis. However, DE were observed more frequently in dogs and cats with neoplastic and cardiovascular diseases. Nonneoplastic liver disease was also documented as a cause of DE in the population of this study. Frequency of DE was increased in males and in animals > 6 years old. The finding of simultaneous pleural and peritoneal effusions can be considered an indicator of disease severity, and warrants a poor to grave prognosis.

Gastroduodenal ulcer perforation in the patient with cirrhosis.

This retrospective study was done to stress the particular features of perforation of the gastroduodenal ulcer in patients with cirrhosis. From 1979 to 1987, 135 patients were operated upon for perforation of the gastroduodenal ulcer: clinical, biologic and roentgenographic data of 22 patients with cirrhosis were compared with 112 patients without cirrhosis. In the 22 patients with cirrhosis, three gastrectomies and 19 simple closures with omental patch were performed. Clinical ascites was present in 16 of 22 patients with cirrhosis. Acute abdominal pain and leukocytosis were less frequent in patients with cirrhosis (p less than 0.05), whereas associated bleeding in the upper part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract was more frequent (p less than 0.05). In patients with cirrhosis, abnormal plasma creatinine level and associated upper GI bleeding were more frequent in patients with ascites (p less than 0.05); on the other hand, acute abdominal pain and rebound tenderness were less frequent (p less than 0.05). The incidence of pneumoperitoneum was higher in patients with cirrhosis. Surgical treatment was significantly delayed in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. Ulcers were larger in patients with cirrhosis and ascites than without (p less than 0.001). Over-all morbidity and mortality rates in patients with cirrhosis were 77.3 and 50.0 per cent, respectively. Mortality and morbidity were significantly higher in patients with ascites than without (62.5 versus 16.6 and 100 versus zero per cent, respectively), in patients with prothrombin times of less than 50 per cent and with plasma creatinine levels more than 110 micromolars.

Aztreonam vs. cefotaxime in the treatment of gram-negative spontaneous peritonitis in cirrhotic patients.

Aztreonam and cefotaxime were compared in 44 cirrhotic patients who had 52 episodes of gram-negative spontaneous peritonitis. Patients were randomized into two therapeutic groups of similar characteristics. Group A (28 episodes) received 0.5 gm of aztreonam every 8 hr, and group B (24 episodes) received 1 gm of cefotaxime every 6 hr, for a planned 14-day period. Peak and trough serum and ascitic fluid levels of both antibiotics were several times higher than the minimum inhibitory concentrations of causative microorganisms. Eleven patients (21%) died within the first 48 hr after beginning therapy, which included seven in the aztreonam group and four in the cefotaxime group. In the remaining patients, signs and symptoms of infection were promptly controlled, and ascitic fluid cultures became negative after 48 hr in all cases, except in one patient from the aztreonam group, who was a clinical failure. Two patients from the aztreonam group and one from the cefotaxime group relapsed after treatment. The overall mortality rate was 50%, which was lower than classically reported: 12 patients (43%) died in the aztreonam group, and 14 (58%) died in the cefotaxime group (p = 0.265, NS). Hepatorenal syndrome and digestive tract hemorrhage were the most frequent causes of death occurring after the first 48 hr of treatment. Streptococcal superinfections developed in three patients (14.2%) in the aztreonam group. We conclude that both antibiotics at the low doses used in this study are similarly well tolerated and effective in controlling this infection. Because the use of aztreonam as the initial empirical treatment requires a concomitant antibiotic against gram-positive infections and the possibility of streptococcal superinfections, cefotaxime seems to be a more advantageous therapeutic alternative for this patient population.

Renal function in experimentally induced acute pancreatitis in dogs: how it is affected by the nephrotoxic substance in pancreatic exudate from ascitic fluid.

Renal failure occurring in dogs during experimental acute pancreatitis and the effect on renal function of intravenous injections of ascitic fluid which accumulated during the acute pancreatitis were studied. Five hours after the induction of acute pancreatitis, the accumulation of 200 to 400 ml of ascitic fluid, and an elevation in hematocrit as well as a decreased mean arterial pressure were observed, which suggested hypovolemia due to plasma loss. At the same time, the renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, and urinary output decreased significantly. Hypovolemia was observed to be the main cause of renal failure in accordance with previous reports. When the sterile ascitic fluid was injected into healthy dogs, temporary hypotension was observed without changes in the hematocrit. However, the renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate and urinary output decreased, together with an elevation in renal vascular resistance, even after the hypotension had returned to normal. This study shows that renal failure associated with acute pancreatitis occurred mainly as a direct result of hypovolemia but also that the sterile ascitic fluid contained nephrotoxic substances which were suspected to be unrelated to vasoactive substances or protease. Their removal is therefore necessary for the treatment and prevention of renal failure complicating acute pancreatitis.