Surgical outcomes of diaphragmatic resection during cytoreductive surgery for advanced gynecological ovarian neoplasia: A randomized single center clinical trial - DRAGON.

INTRODUCTION: Ovarian cancer (OC) represent nearly 4% of gynecologic malignancies and it is often diagnosed at advanced stage. Diaphragmatic surgery, a fundamental step of advanced stage ovarian cancer (ASOC) debulking surgery, is associated with a high post-operative complication incidence, which is supposedly reduced with thoracostomy tube placement. We assessed the role of intra-operative thoracostomy tube placement, as a prevention measure for post-operative complications, after diaphragmatic resection. METHODS: This was a single center prospective randomized trial. Ovarian cancer patients, who underwent mono-lateral diaphragmatic resection, were randomized 1:1 into two arms. Arm A included patients receiving intra-operative thoracostomy tube placement (TP); Arm B patients did not receive thoracostomy tube placement (NTP). After surgery, all patients underwent seriate chest x-ray and ultrasound to record thoracic complications. Statistical analysis included uni- and multivariable logistic regression model (proportional odds model). RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-one patients were screened and 88 patients were enrolled: 44 in arm A and B, respectively. No statistically significant differences for intra-operative (p = 0.291) and any grade of post-operative complication (p = 0.072) were detected, while 6.8% of patients in arm A and 22.7% in arm B experienced severe respiratory symptoms (p = 0.035); 18.2% of patients in arm A had a moderate/large pleural effusion versus 65.9% in arm B (p < 0.0001). At multivariable analysis, results confirmed that the NTP-group had a higher risk to receive post-operative thoracostomy tube placement due to pleural effusion than the TP-group (odds ratio [95% Confidence Interval] = 14.5 [3.7-57.4]). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracostomy intra-operative tube placement after diaphragmatic resection is effective to prevent post-operative thoracic complications. The extension of resection does not influence outcomes and the risk of post-operative thoracentesis or TP remain elevated.

Dasatinib dose optimisation based on therapeutic drug monitoring reduces pleural effusion rates in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients.

Dasatinib is a second-generation BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Dasatinib 100 mg per day is associated with an increased risk of pleural effusion (PlEff). We randomly evaluated whether therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) may reduce dasatinib-associated significant adverse events (AEs) by 12 months (primary endpoint). Eligible patients started dasatinib at 100 mg per day followed by dasatinib (C)min assessment. Patients considered overdosed [(C)min ≥ 3 nmol/l) were randomised between a dose-reduction strategy (TDM arm) and standard of care (control arm). Out of 287 evaluable patients, 80 patients were randomised. The primary endpoint was not met due to early haematological AEs occurring before effective dose reduction. However, a major reduction in the cumulative incidence of PlEff was observed in the TDM arm compared to the control arm (4% vs. 15%; 11% vs. 35% and 12% vs. 39% at one, two and three years, respectively (P = 0·0094)). Molecular responses were superimposable in all arms. Dasatinib TDM during treatment initiation was feasible and resulted in a significant reduction of the incidence of PlEff in the long run, without impairing molecular responses. (NCT01916785; https://clinicaltrials.gov).

The Impact of the Pulmonary Artery Index and Aortopulmonary Collateral Artery Coil Embolization on Intractable Pleural Effusions After a Fontan Surgery.

An intractable pleural effusion is a common comorbidity of a Fontan operation, occasionally leading to undesirable outcomes. The preventive effect of aortopulmonary collateral (APC) coil embolization against a pleural effusion before a Fontan operation is still controversial.This is a retrospective single-center study; among 227 Fontan cases, 57 cases with complete MRI data were analyzed at first. Factors associated with the duration of pleural drainage (median: 6 (2-41) days) and that of postoperative hospital stay (median: 25 (14-91) days) were analyzed using a multiple regression analysis. The pulmonary artery index (PAI; Nakata index) was associated with both the pleural drainage duration (P < 0.05, r2 = 0.17) and postoperative hospital stay (P < 0.05, r2 = 0.10).Thereafter, all the 227 patients were classified into the following three groups: Group A (12 patients in whom the embolization was performed within 30 days before the Fontan surgery), Group B (131 patients in whom the embolization was performed more than 30 days before the Fontan surgery), and Group C (84 patients in whom the embolization was not performed). Patients in Group A were found to be associated with the shortest length of both periods (P < 0.05).Lower PAI values were related to a prolonged pleural drainage duration and postoperative hospital stay. APC coil embolizations may reduce the risk if they are performed shortly (less than 30 days) before the operation.

Comparison of pleural effusion between fenestrated and nonfenestrated extracardiac Fontan: A prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Fenestration of the baffle/conduit is believed to reduce pleural effusion following the Fontan operation. However, equivocal results have been observed with or without fenestration. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of fenestration on the amount and duration of pleural effusion following the Fontan operation. METHODS: About 40 patients undergoing extracardiac Fontan (ECF) were randomized into two groups: one with fenestration (ECF-F; n = 20) or without fenestration (ECF-NF; n = 20). Primary outcome was the amount and duration of pleural effusions. Secondary outcomes were time to removal of the chest tubes, hospital stay, and readmission to the hospital because of recurrent pleural within 30 days of the operation. RESULTS: Mean age was 11.5 ± 5.07 (range, 8.7-13.5) years in the ECF-F group and 13.6 ± 0.4 years (range, 10.5-15.5) in the (ECF-NF) group. The total drain output was 7.89 mL/kg/d in ECF-NF compared with 6.9 mL/kg/d in the ECF-group (P = .14). Time for removal of pleural tubes was 14.6 ± 0.95 days in the ECF-NF group compared with 11.6 ± days in the ECF-F group. Total duration of hospital stay was higher but not significant in the ECF-NF group compared with the ECF-F group. Two patients in ECF-NF required readmission to the hospital within 30 days following discharge, while there were no readmissions in the ECF-F group. CONCLUSION: Contrary to the literature, the creation of a fenestration in the ECF circuit was not clearly associated with a reduction in the amount and duration of pleural effusion compared with a non-fenestrated Fontan. These findings may be debatable in high risks versus low risk candidates. However in the present study, in a low risk canditates undergoing the Fontan operation, the daily amount of pleural drainage was no different. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Pleural effusions and pneumothorax: Beyond simple plumbing: Expert opinions on knowledge gaps and essential next steps.

Pleural diseases affect millions of people worldwide. Pleural infection, malignant pleural diseases and pneumothorax are common clinical challenges. A large number of recent clinical trials have provided an evidence-based platform to evaluate conventional and novel methods to drain pleural effusions/air which reduce morbidity and unnecessary interventions. These successes have generated significant enthusiasm and raised the profile of pleural medicine as a new subspecialty. The ultimate goal of pleural research is to prevent/stop development of pleural effusions/pneumothorax. Current research studies mainly focus on the technical aspects of pleural drainage. Significant knowledge gaps exist in many aspects such as understanding of the pathobiology of the underlying pleural diseases, pharmacokinetics of pleural drug delivery, etc. Answers to these important questions are needed to move the field forward. This article collates opinions of leading experts in the field in highlighting major knowledge gaps in common pleural diseases to provoke thinking beyond pleural drainage. Recognizing the key barriers will help prioritize future research in the quest to ultimately cure (rather than just drain) these pleural conditions.

Fontan procedure: Early outcomes of 87 consecutive patients in a tertiary care center.

Al Absi and colleagues report their early results of the Fontan procedure in 87 consecutive patients between August 2008 and July 2017 in a tertiary care hospital. The use of the intra/extracardiac fenestration is a promising modification because it is unlikely to be occluded by surrounding tissue and may be associated with decreased pleural effusions, length of hospital stay, and incidence of postoperative arrhythmias.

Left lateral intercostal region versus subxiphoid position for pleural drain during elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery: randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The pleural drain insertion site after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery may alter lung function, especially respiratory muscle strength. The main objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of use of the left lateral intercostal region versus the subxiphoid position for pleural drainage during elective CABG surgery using extracorporeal circulation (ECC). DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized trial conducted in a tertiary-level hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: 48 patients were assigned to group 1 (pleural drain in the left lateral intercostal region) or group 2 (pleural drain in the subxiphoid position). Respiratory muscle strength was measured in terms of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), in cmH2O, by means of manovacuometry preoperatively, 24 and 72 hours after drain removal and before discharge from hospital. Painand dyspnea scales, presence of infections, pleural effusion and atelectasis, duration of drain use, drainage volumes and surgical reinterventions were also evaluated. RESULTS: After adjustments, there were no significant differences between the groups at the end of the study (before discharge), in predicted percentages either for MIP (delta group 1: -17.21% versus delta group 2: -22.26%; P = 0.09) or for MEP (delta group 1: -9.38% versus delta group 2: -13.13%; P = 0.17). Therewere no differences between the groups in relation to other outcomes. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in maximal respiratory pressures in relation to the pleural drain insertion site among patients who underwent CABG surgery using ECC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ReBEc V1111.1159.4447.

Impact of novel oral anticoagulants vs warfarin on effusions after coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) have been shown to have comparable risk profiles compared with warfarin. However, data on the use of NOACs in cardiac surgery patients is limited. The aim of this study is to compare postoperative effusion rates in patients who were anticoagulated with NOACs vs warfarin after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: A retrospective review of 2017 patients undergoing isolated CABG from 2014 to 2017 was performed. Of those patients, 246 patients (12.2%) were placed on either a NOAC or warfarin postoperatively. The combined rates of postoperative pericardial and pleural effusions requiring invasive intervention during the index hospitalization and up to 3 months postoperatively were compared between patients who were placed on NOACs vs warfarin. RESULTS: Of the 246 patients placed on oral anticoagulation after isolated CABG, 64 (26.0%) were placed on NOACs, and 182 (74.0%) received warfarin. There were no significant differences in preoperative coagulation profile and use of anticoagulation and antiplatelets preoperatively between the groups. Of the patients anticoagulated with NOACs postoperatively, 17 patients (26.6%) required invasive interventions for effusions compared with 24 patients (13.2%) in the cohort anticoagulated with warfarin (P < 0.014). Of the patients who required interventions for effusions, those on NOACs were more likely to require delayed interventions compared with those on warfarin. CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving NOACs after CABG are at increased risk of developing effusions requiring invasive interventions compared to patients receiving warfarin. This increased risk should be taken into consideration when choosing the appropriate anticoagulation strategy for postoperative patients with CABG.

Significant impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccination on pediatric parapneumonic effusion: Italy 2006-2018.

Etiology and serotyping of parapneumonic effusion (PPE) and the impact of vaccination was evaluated over a 12-year period, before and after the PCV13 introduction (2011) for Italian children From 0 to 16 years of age. Five hundred and two children were evaluated; 226 blood and 356 pleural fluid samples were obtained and tested using Realtime-PCR and culture. In the pre-PCV13 era S. pneumoniae was the most frequent pathogen identified (64/90; 71.1%) with a large predominance of serotypes 1 (42.4%), 3 (23.7%), 7F (5.1%) and 19A (11.9%). The impact of vaccination, calculated on children 0-8 years of age, demonstrated a significant reduction of PPE: with an incidence rate of 2.82 (95%CL 2.32-3.41) in the pre-PCV13 era and an age-standardized rate (ASR) of 0.66 (95% CL 0.37-1.99) in the post-PCV13 era, p < 0.0001. No increase in non-PCV13 serotypes was recorded. S. pneumoniae remained the most frequent pathogen identified in the post-PCV13 era in unvaccinated children with an unchanged serotype distribution: respectively 26/66 (39.4%), 25/66 (37.9%), 5/66 (7.6%), and 4/66 (6.1%) for 1, 3, 7F and 19A. On the other hand 7F and 19A disappeared in vaccinated children and serotype 1 and 3 decreased by 91.8% and 31.5%, respectively. Realtime PCR was significantly more sensitive than culture both in pleural fluid (79.7% vs 12.5%) and in blood (17.8% vs 7.4%). In conclusion, our findings indicate that routine immunization with PCV13 has significantly reduced the burden of childhood PPE in vaccinated children, without increasing PPE due to other bacteria and without serotype shift. Moreover, the impact of PCV13 may be underestimated due to the increase in pneumococcal surveillance in Italy. Data has also shown that Real-time PCR is an essential tool to better define the etiology of PPE and to monitor vaccination plans. Longer studies will be necessary to evaluate the role of herd protection in PPE prevention.

Left lateral intercostal region versus subxiphoid position for pleural drain during elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery: randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The pleural drain insertion site after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery may alter lung function, especially respiratory muscle strength. The main objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of use of the left lateral intercostal region versus the subxiphoid position for pleural drainage during elective CABG surgery using extracorporeal circulation (ECC). DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized trial conducted in a tertiary-level hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: 48 patients were assigned to group 1 (pleural drain in the left lateral intercostal region) or group 2 (pleural drain in the subxiphoid position). Respiratory muscle strength was measured in terms of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), in cmH2O, by means of manovacuometry preoperatively, 24 and 72 hours after drain removal and before discharge from hospital. Painand dyspnea scales, presence of infections, pleural effusion and atelectasis, duration of drain use, drainage volumes and surgical reinterventions were also evaluated. RESULTS: After adjustments, there were no significant differences between the groups at the end of the study (before discharge), in predicted percentages either for MIP (delta group 1: -17.21% versus delta group 2: -22.26%; P = 0.09) or for MEP (delta group 1: -9.38% versus delta group 2: -13.13%; P = 0.17). Therewere no differences between the groups in relation to other outcomes. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in maximal respiratory pressures in relation to the pleural drain insertion site among patients who underwent CABG surgery using ECC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ReBEc V1111.1159.4447.

Improved accuracy of screw implantation could decrease the incidence of post-operative hydrothorax? O-arm navigation vs. free-hand in thoracic spinal deformity correction surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the occurrence of PE after intra-operative O-arm navigation-assisted surgery and determine whether the post-operative PE incidence could be decreased by using O-arm navigation as compared to conventional free-hand technique. METHODS: A cohort of 27 patients with spinal deformity who were operated upon with an O-arm navigated system (group A) between 2013 and 2016 were enrolled in the study. A total of 27 curve-matched patients treated by conventional free-hand technique were included as the control group (group B). Whole spine posterior-anterior and lateral radiographs, and CT scans were taken pre and post-operation. Radiologic parameters and volume of PE were measured and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, Cobb angle, and sagittal contour between the two groups pre-operatively. The mean total volume of post-operative PE was significantly larger in the free-hand group (p < 0.001). In the O-arm group, 59 malpositioned screws were identified in 22 patients. In the free-hand group, 88 malpositioned screws were found among 26 patients. The screw perforation rate was higher in the free-hand group than in the O-arm group (p = 0.007). In the O-arm group, the mean volume of PE was significantly larger among patients with malpositioned screws than those without malpositioned screws (p < 0.001), as well as in the free-hand group. CONCLUSION: The volume of PE after correction surgery can be significantly decreased by application of O-arm navigation system as compared to conventional free-hand technique. We ascribed the improvement to the accuracy of screw implantation navigated by O-arm.

High proportion of TAFRO syndrome in Thai adult Castleman's disease patients: a 10-year experience.

Castleman's disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder, and its prevalence in Thailand is not known. This 10-year period study investigated the prevalence of CD in Thailand, and the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Thai CD patients, with special focus on the existence and prevalence of TAFRO syndrome. TAFRO syndrome is defined as CD with thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis, and organomegaly. Thirty-three CD patients diagnosed and treated at Siriraj Hospital during January 2007 to December 2016 were included. The prevalence of CD was 1.4 per 1,000,000 patients/10 years. Median age was 46 years, with slight female predominance. Six patients were assigned to the TAFRO group. A high proportion of TAFRO syndrome (18.2%) was found among Thai adult CD patients. In addition to routine TAFRO diagnostic criteria, significantly lower hemoglobin and albumin levels were observed in the TAFRO group than in the non-TAFRO group. Treatment outcomes of CD patients were complete remission (52%), stable disease (30%), and death (13%). Three-year overall survival in the non-TAFRO group and TAFRO group was 88 and 50%, respectively. While most CD patients had a good prognosis, severe cases with TAFRO syndrome had poor outcome.

Pneumococcal Vaccination and Pneumonia Associated With Pleural Effusion in a Pediatric Population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess the effect of the nonsystematic pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) on incidence of pneumonia associated with parapneumonic pleural effusion (PPE) in vaccinated and unvaccinated children. METHODS: Cases were patients <15 years of age who had been diagnosed with pneumonia associated with PPE in a tertiary hospital in Navarra (Spain) between 1995 and 2014. The population <15 years of age and covered by the public health service was used as reference. The vaccination status of the cases and population was obtained from computerized medical records. Logistic regression analyses included vaccination status, age group and time periods: prevaccine (1995-2001) and vaccination with PCV7 (2002-2010) and PCV13 (2011-2014). RESULTS: A total of 321 cases of PPE were included. The risk of PPE increased between the prevaccine and PCV7 period (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.37-4.71), while vaccination with PCV7 was found to be an independent risk factor (OR, 1.44; 95% CI: 1.09-1.89) in the same analysis. In the PCV13 period, the risk of PPE returned to the prevaccination incidence level among children vaccinated with PCV13 (OR, 1.07; 95% CI: 0.56-2.04), while unvaccinated children (OR, 1.69; 95% CI: 0.96-2.98) and overall those vaccinated with PCV7 (OR, 3.64; 95% CI: 2.15-6.17) maintained an increased risk of PPE. CONCLUSION: The nonsystematic introduction of PCV7 was followed by an increased incidence of PPE. The subsequent introduction of PCV13 was associated with a return to the incidence level in the prevaccine period, mainly in children vaccinated with PCV13.

The effect of colchicine administration on postoperative pleural effusion following lung resection: a randomized blinded placebo-controlled feasibility pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: This substudy of the colchicine for prevention of perioperative atrial fibrillation (COP-AF) pilot trial seeks to assess the effect of colchicine administration on the volume of postoperative pleural drainage, duration of chest tube in situ and length of stay following lung resection. METHODS: Between April 2014 and April 2015, 100 patients undergoing lung resection at 2 tertiary care centres participated in a pilot blinded randomized trial comparing perioperative twice daily 0.6 mg of colchicine orally (n = 49) or placebo (n = 51) twice daily for 10 days. The primary outcome was total pleural drainage volume, which was recorded in 8-h intervals for the first 2 postoperative days per standardized protocol. RESULTS: Only 1 patient did not complete the trial. The mean volume of pleural drainage at 40-h mark postoperation was significantly less in the colchicine group (550.9 ml) compared with the placebo group (741.3 ml, P = 0.039). Compared with the placebo group, the colchicine group showed significantly less mean pleural drainage on postoperative Day 2 (583.8 vs 763.3 ml, P = 0.039) and beyond. There were no differences in mean time to chest tube removal (6.8 days for the colchicine group vs 5.9 days for the placebo group, P = 0.585) and mean hospital length of stay (7.4 vs 6.9 days, P = 0.641). CONCLUSIONS: Oral colchicine is potentially effective in diminishing the amount of pleural drainage following lung resection and can be considered in patients at high risk of large postoperative pleural effusion. A full-scale, prospective placebo-controlled randomized trial is needed to assess the clinical significance of perioperative colchicine administration following oncological lung resection.

Unilateral pleural effusion as the sole clinical presentation of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a systematic review.

The pathophysiology of isolated pleural effusion in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is not well defined. The objective of the current review is to delineate the pathophysiology, risk factors, preventive measures, and therapeutic options of isolated pleural effusion in severe OHSS. Major databases were searched until June 2016. Studies evaluating women who presented with pleural effusion as the sole extra-ovarian manifestation of severe OHSS were included. Data were extracted from 24 articles encompassing 30 reported cases. Values were expressed as mean ± SEM. Patients were young (31.5 ± 0.8 years old) and 29.1% of them were diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. All the patients received human chorionic gonadotropin to trigger oocyte maturation. Estradiol level was 3110 ± 330 pg/mL on the day of the ovulatory trigger. Dyspnea was the presenting symptom in 86.6% of the patients. Pleural effusion was predominantly on the right side (80%). Ninety percent of the patients underwent thoracentesis (4332 ± 769 mL): 66.7% exudate and 33.3% transudate. Fluid initially accumulates in the peritoneal cavity then enters the pleural space due to the pressure gradient through the thoracic duct and diaphragmatic defects, which are more common on the right side. The risk factors, prevention, and management, which are also discussed in this review, are similar to those of severe OHSS.

Analysis of specialized nursing on respiratory functions in thoracotomy patients.

To analyze the nursing effect on the respiratory function of thoracotomy patients, sixty thoracotomy hospitalized patients were studied. The subjects were divided into a normal group (A) and an observation group (B). The patients in group A received routine nursing only, while those in group B received chest physiotherapy as well as routine nursing. Afterwards, the respiratory function indicators of the two groups were compared and a data analysis was performed. The results showed that the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) value of the patients in group B was greater than that of the patients in group A while the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) value in group B was smaller than that in group A, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (p less than 0.05). The vital capacity under normal circumstances and forced breathing of group B were greater than that of group A and the difference was statistically significant (p less than 0.05). The incidence of complications (atelectasis, respiratory infections, pleural effusion) was statistically significant between the two groups (p less than 0.05). The degree of autonomic respiratory dysfunction in group B was lower than that in group A, and there was a significant difference (p less than 0.05), suggesting that the respiratory function in patients receiving chest physiotherapy improved significantly.

Consensus Report by the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators and Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium Joint Working Committees on Supportive Care Guidelines for Management of Veno-Occlusive Disease in Children and Adolescents: Part 2-Focus on Ascites, Fluid and Electrolytes, Renal, and Transfusion Issues

Even though hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a potentially fatal complication of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), there is paucity of research on the management of associated multiorgan dysfunction. To help provide standardized care for the management of these patients, the HCT Subgroup of the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators and the Supportive Care Committee of the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium, collaborated to develop evidence-based consensus guidelines. After conducting an extensive literature search, in part 2 of this series we discuss the management of fluids and electrolytes, renal dysfunction; ascites, pleural effusion, and transfusion and coagulopathy issues in patients with VOD. We consider the available evidence using the GRADE criteria.

Comparacion de un nuevo agente basado en nanotecnología con el talco convencional para el control de los derrames pleurales malignos / Comparison between a new nanotechnology-based agent and conventional talc in the control of malignant pleural effusions

En este trabajo usamos dióxido de titanio (TiO2), fabricado mediante nanotecnología. Para demostrar su superioridad respecto al talco, realizamos un estudio in vitro comparando la respuesta pro-inflamatoria de ambos agentes sobre células malignas y mesoteliales benignas; investigando la posible inducción de apoptosis y la posible inhibición de angiogénesis también por ambos agentes. Realizamos cultivo de líneas celulares derivadas de mesotelio humano, procedente de mesotelioma bifásico humano y adenocarcinoma bronquial humano. Las células se co-cultivaron con diferentes dosis de talco y de nanopartículas de TiO2. En todas las muestras de sobrenadantes de los cultivos se analizaron los niveles de diferentes mediadores inflamatorios. La tasa de apoptosis se analizó por la expresión de Caspasa-3. Para el estudio de angiostasis se determinaron los niveles de endostatina mediante técnica ELISA. Observamos que la viabilidad de las células mesoteliales benignas es mucho menor al emplear TiO2. En el caso de las células mesoteliales malignas, se observó el mismo efecto con dosis alta de TiO2. En el adenocarcinoma de pulmón, la viabilidad de estas células expuestas al talco fue netamente inferior a la que se observó en la línea celular benigna. La producción de IL-8 fue mucho mayor por parte de las células mesoteliales neoplásicas que por las benignas y aumentó siguiendo un patrón dosis dependiente frente al talco, mientras que cayó con el TiO2. Según estos resultados, se demuestra que el talco es superior al TiO2 en su capacidad de producir mediadores que favorecerían la pleurodesis para el control del derrame pleural maligno

For this study, we used titanium dioxide (TiO2), produced using nanotechnology. To show its superiority with respect to talc, we completed an in vitro study comparing the pro-inflammatory response of both agents towards malignant and benign mesothelial cells; researching the possible apoptosis induction and possible inhibition of angiogenesis for both agents. We took a culture of cell lines derived from human mesothelioma, originating from human biphasic mesothelioma and human bronchial adenocarcinoma. The cells were cocultured with different doses of talc and TiO2 nanoparticles. The levels of different inflammatory mediators were analyzed for each culture supernatant sample. The apoptosis rate was analyzed using caspase-3 expression. The endostatin levels were determined for the angiostasis study using the ELISA technique. We observed that the viability of the benign mesothelial cells is much lower after using TiO2. In the case of malignant mesothelial cells, the same effect was observed with a high dose of TiO2. In adenocarcinoma of the lung, the viability of these cells exposed to talc was distinctly lower than that which was observed in the benign cell line. IL-8 production was much higher in neoplastic mesothelial cells than in benign cells and increased following a dose-dependent pattern with talc, while it decreased with TiO2. According to these results, we can see that talc is superior to TiO2 in its ability to produce mediators which favor pleurodesis for the control of malignant pleural effusions

Tube Thoracostomy at the Time of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair: Reassessing the Risks and Benefits.

PURPOSE: Postoperative pneumothorax and effusion remain a concern following congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair. Despite a recent trend away from intraoperative thoracostomy, few studies have actually compared outcomes with and without a chest tube. Rationale commonly cited for the more minimalistic approach include the presumed low likelihood of postoperative complications, potential risk of patch infection, and prolonged intubation. We evaluate these theories, as well as the implications of intraoperative chest tube (IOCT) placement. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 174 patients who underwent CDH repair at our academic children's hospital from 2004 to 2015. We compared incidence of clinically significant pleural events between patients who received an IOCT (n = 49) and those who did not (NIOCT, n = 124). We also evaluated time to extubation and rate of patch infections. RESULTS: Clinically significant pneumothorax or effusion occurred in 28% of NIOCT patients versus 10% of IOCT patients (P = .01). After thoracoscopic repair, time to extubation averaged 5.2 days in IOCT patients, 5.4 days in NIOCT patients with no postoperative complications, and 6.4 days in NIOCT patients requiring postoperative intervention. After open repair, time to extubation averaged 13.8, 13.6, and 22.5 days, respectively. There were no documented patch infections. CONCLUSIONS: Chest tube placement during CDH repair is associated with significantly lower incidence of clinically significant pleural complications, does not delay extubation, and results in shorter ventilator times than cases that require postoperative intervention. Patch infections are extremely rare. There is no evidence that chest tube placement increases this risk.