Concomitant Transatrial and Transapical CRT-D Lead Implantation in a Patient with Chest Burn Injury.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy device with defibrillator (CRT-D) implantation is indicated for patients with a history of malignant ventricular arrhythmias, symptomatic heart failure, wide QRS, or high-degree atrioventricular block. A 67-year-old patient with dilated cardiomyopathy received a CRT-D with the conventional method but 1 month later skin necrosis was diagnosed above the device. The complete system was extracted from the patient and we utilized negative pressure wound therapy for the treatment of the remaining tissue. We decided to perform surgical reimplantation of the device using minithoracotomy: right atrial and right ventricular leads were introduced through the right atrial appendage and the left ventricular lead was inserted transapically. The device was implanted under the less scabby abdominal skin. We successfully applied the combination of transatrial and transapical lead placement, which has not been reported in the literature yet. It serves as an alternative method if the standard approach is not feasible.

Is small volume, up to 2 red blood cell units transfusion required and redeemable in cardiac surgery? / Szükséges-e, kiváltható-e a kis volumenu vörösvértest-koncentrátum transzfúziója a szívmutétekben? Befolyásoló tényezok

Introduction: Low-volume (1-2 U) transfusion affects more than a quarter of cardiac surgical patients. This may increase the incidence of complications, mortality, and blood use, even in low-risk patients. Objective: By analyzing risk factors, we searched for measures to reduce the frequency of low-volume transfusions. Method: The risk factors for transfusion of up to 2 U red blood cells were examined in 1011 patients. We compared data from 276 (27.3%) patients who received low-volume transfusion (study group) with 448 (44.3%) patients who received no transfusion (control group). 287 patients (28,4%), who received more than 2 U red blood cells, were excluded. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of data was performed. Results: The factors affecting low-volume transfusion were female gender (OR= 2.048; p = 0.002), age (OR= 1.033; p = 0.002), body weight (OR= 0.954; p<0.001), preoperative hemoglobin value of <130 g/l (OR = 3.185; p<0.001), preoperative glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) (OR = 1.750; p = 0.026), off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OR = 0.371; p<0.001), combined procedures (OR = 2.432; p = 0.015), perioperative fluid balance (OR = 1.227; p = 0.005), intraoperative bleeding and preoperative clopidogrel treatment (OR = 1.002; p<0.001), postoperative bleeding >1200 ml/24 hours (OR= 2.438; p<0.005). Conclusion: Screening and treatment of preoperative anemia, decreasing operative hemodilution, increasing the number of minimally invasive and off-pump procedures as well as applying a surgical hemostasis protocol could be a solution to avoid low-volume transfusion in cardiac surgery.

The role of negative pressure wound therapy in the modern surgery / A negatív nyomású sebkezelés helye a modern sebészetben.

Összefoglaló. A negatív nyomású sebkezelés mai formájában történo, a mindennapos sebészi gyakorlatba történo bevezetése az 1990-es években történt meg. A kezelés célja a váladék elszívása mellett a mikrocirkuláció javítása és a seb granulációs folyamatainak serkentése. A modern sebkezelési szemlélettel a fenti módszert alkalmazhatjuk akut és krónikus sebgyógyulási zavarok esetében egyaránt, használatához azonban fontos a megfeleloen szakképzett személyzet és a jól kiválasztott beteg egyaránt. Összefoglalásunkban arra vállalkoztunk, hogy ismertetjük a negatív nyomású rendszer alkotórészeit, a sebkezelés ilyen formában történo muködését, bemutatjuk az eszközök különféle típusait, és meghatározzuk azon betegek körét, akik esetében a kezelés sikerrel alkalmazható. Kitérünk a sebkezelo rendszerek különféle technikai módozataira, bemutatjuk a kezelés pontos gyakorlatát, az indikációs lehetoségeket és a kontraindikáció helyzeteit, választ adunk a kezelés során felmerülo fontos kérdésekre, felhívjuk a figyelmet az esetlegesen fellépo szövodmények lehetoségeire, és közzétesszük azok elhárítási módjait. A negatív nyomású sebkezelésnek léteznek különleges formái (incizionális, endoluminalis és testüregen belül alkalmazott negatív nyomású sebkezelés), melyeket szintén részletesen bemutatunk, továbbá kitérünk az ambuláns betegkörben történo felhasználás részleteire. Cikkünk utolsó részében végül felhívjuk a figyelmet a negatív nyomású sebkezelés során jelentkezo speciális helyzetekre (antikoaguláns terápia módosítása, multirezisztens kórokozók és vizsgálatok elvégzése a negatív nyomású sebkezelés alatt). Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(7): 271-278. Summary. The introduction of negative pressure wound treatment in its current form into the daily surgical practice started in the 1990s. In addition to the suction of secretions, the aim of the treatment is to improve microcirculation and stimulate the granulation processes in the wound bed. Considering the modern wound management approach, the above method can be used to facilitate the wound healing process of both acute and chronic wounds. In the application of this method, it is important to emphasize the role of both the properly trained staff and the good patient selection. In our summary, we describe the components of the negative pressure system, the operation of wound care in this form, to present the different types of devices, and to identify the range of patients for whom the treatment can be used successfully. We cover the various technical methods of wound care systems, present the exact practice of treatment, the indications and contraindications, answer important questions that arise during treatment, draw attention to possible complications and discuss how to eliminate them. There are special forms of negative pressure wound care (incisional, endoluminal, and intracavitary negative pressure wound care), which are also presented in detail, as well as application of this treatment in outpatient care. Finally, we draw attention to some special issues that may arise during negative pressure wound treatment, e.g., modification of anticoagulant therapy and treatment of wounds contaminated by multidrug-resistant pathogens. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(7): 271-278.

Current antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy in the field of cardiac surgery / Thrombocytagátló és antikoagulációs terápia a szívsebészetben napjainkban.

Összefoglaló. Egy szívmutét tervezésekor és a perioperatív idoszakban egyaránt kiemelkedo jelentosége van a megfelelo thrombocytagátló és antikoaguláns kezelés alkalmazásának. Írásunk célja összefoglalni és ismertetni a jelenleg érvényes nemzetközi ajánlásokat és a jelentos tanulmányok eredményeit, összpontosítva a Magyarországon alkalmazásban lévo gyakorlatra. A bizonyítékokon alapuló iránymutatások alábbi, legújabb adatai döntoen a European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery és a European Society of Cardiology ajánlásaira épülnek, ezeket kiegészítettük az American College of Cardiology, az American Heart Association és a Society of Thoracic Surgeons útmutatásaival, végül egyes témákban hozzáfuztük az elmúlt idoszak meghatározó tanulmányainak fobb eredményeit. Cikkünkben érintjük a mono- és kettos thrombocytagátló, továbbá az oralis antikoaguláns kezelés szerepkörét, beleértve az új típusú thrombocytagátló és oralis antikoaguláns gyógyszereket, valamint az áthidaló terápia fontosságát az antikoagulálásban, a különbözo típusú beültetett szívbillentyuk esetén betartandó antikoagulálási ajánlásokat, valamint kitérünk a perioperatív pitvarfibrilláció, a posztoperatív thrombosisprofilaxis és a vérzésveszély esetén történo gyógyszeres kezelés témájára. Figyelembe veendo, hogy a jelen információk folyamatos frissítésen mennek keresztül, a lenti javaslatok csupán a jelen helyzetet mutatják be. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(48): 1910-1919. Summary. The use of appropriate antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy has got an outstanding role both in the planning of cardiac surgery and also during the perioperative period. The aim of our paper is to summarize and present the current international recommendations and the results of significant studies, focusing on the current practice in Hungary. The following informations are based on the evidence-based guidelines and recommendations of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and the European Society of Cardiology, supplemented by guidelines from the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, finally we added some topics from the main results of major studies of the last years. In this paper, we discuss the role of mono- and dual anti-platelet and oral anticoagulant therapy, including the mechanism of novel antiplatelet and oral anticoagulant drugs, the importance of bridging therapy in anticoagulation, postoperative thrombosis prophylaxis and the medication practice in the case of bleeding risk. It should be noted that though the present information has been recently updated, the suggestions below only illustrate the current state of evidence. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(48): 1910-1919.

The impact of incisional negative pressure wound therapy on the wound healing process after midline sternotomy.

Previous studies have reported that the use of incisional negative pressure wound therapy (INPWT) might reduce the incidence of wound infections, although its mechanism remains unknown. We designed a prospective study to explore the effects of INPWT on different stages of the wound healing process. After meeting the inclusion criteria, 108 patients were enrolled. Based on exclusion criteria four patients were excluded and 104 patients were randomised into two groups. INPWT was applied after primary closure of the midline sternotomy in the study group (n = 52), while conventional wound dressing was applied in the control group (n = 52). We documented the incidence of deep sternal wound infections and analysed the pre- and postoperative inflammatory biomarkers and scar size in both groups. No wound infections were observed in the study group compared with six cases (11.1%) in the control group, (P = .026). No significant differences were observed in the inflammatory biomarkers between the groups. Scar size was significantly smaller in the study group. We concluded that INPWT has less effect on the inflammatory phase and appears to have more effect on the proliferation phase through pronounced scar formation.

Successful combined application of reoperation protocol with target-guided hemostatic therapy for the treatment of severe bleeding in cardiac surgical patients / Reoperációs algoritmus és célvezérelt haemostasisterápia együttes, sikeres alkalmazása súlyos szívsebészeti vérzés kezelésében.

INTRODUCTION: Bleeding and transfusions following cardiac surgery significantly increase the rate of complications. Early diagnosis of "surgical" and "coagulopathic" bleeding is a prerequisite for effective treatment. Thromboelastometry with targeted hemostasis therapy can help in setting up the indication for reoperation and reduction of blood loss, transfusions and costs. AIM: We aimed to develop a local "reoperation for bleeding" protocol derived from the data of our former patients. METHOD: Based on data from 1011 cardiac surgical patients (control group), we developed a statistical algorithm to distinguish between "coagulopathic" and "surgical" bleeding. We used viscoelastic coagulation test and risk stratification. In 112 consecutive patients (study group), we examined the reoperations, and the impact of the protocol on the rates of transfusions and treatment costs. RESULTS: There was no difference in the rate of reoperations between the two groups (6.2% vs. 5.4%; p = 0.584). No coagulopathic bleeding occurred in the study group, compared to 12.7% in the control group. In the study group, we experienced reduction in bleeding (p = 0.026), an increased application of fibrinogen (p<0.001), prothrombin complex concentrate (p<0.001), and tranexamic acid (p<0.001). Red blood cell transfusions decreased by 30% (1.7 ± 2.6 E vs. 2.3 ± 3.3 E; p = 0.012). No difference was found in the amounts of fresh frozen plasma or platelet transfusions used. Calculated cost savings were HUF -20,333 per patient. CONCLUSION: Using this algorithm, reoperations were performed only in cases of surgical bleeding. The amount of bleeding, requirement for transfusions and treatment costs were reduced. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(34): 1414-1422.

The issue of permanent pacemaker implantation following cardiac surgery / A szívmutétet követo végleges pacemaker-implantáció kérdésköre

The issue of postoperative arrhythmias requiring pacemaker therapy is widely studied in the field of cardiac surgery and it is a complex perioperative problem. The aim of this paper is to summarize the relevant international guidelines and recommendations and to present our hospital's experience. We present the current, decisive recommendations and important studies, and present patients who underwent pacemaker implantation within one month after cardiac surgery between 01. 01. 2014 and 31. 12. 2018 in our hospital and compare them with the international findings. According to the international literature, the rate of permanent pacemaker implantation after cardiac surgery ranges from about 1.5% to 5%, and this rate seems to increase later. We have detailed information and many identified predictors about the development of conduction disturbances, but the current guidelines provide only weak recommendations. In the early perioperative period (1 month), pacemaker implantation was required in 15 cases (0.55%); in the course of long-term follow-up, 6 patients were still pacemaker-dependent. Perioperative arrhythmias are frequent and serious complications after cardiac surgery, prolong patient recovery time and put financial burden on the hospitals. The rate of need for a permanent pacemaker is low in our hospital, and in the late follow-up we can find only a small part of patients with pacemaker dependency. It would be necessary to start a prospective study and to develop a standardized protocol based on the information currently available. This would be a useful and authoritative help for the postoperative care in cardiac surgery. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(31): 1271-1280.

Xiphoid-sparing midline sternotomy reduces wound infection risk after coronary bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: Because of its advantages, full midline sternotomy has remained the main approach for cardiac surgery. However, the development of post-sternotomy wound infections is its primary disadvantage. We evaluated the impact of xiphoid process (XIP)-sparing midline sternotomy regarding reducing the risk of deep sternal wound infections (DSWIs). METHODS: Data from 446 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting by one surgeon, from January 2007 through May 2017, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into preliminary (from 2007-2011; n=202) and contemporary (January 2012-May 2017; n=244) groups. Traditional midline sternotomy was performed in the preliminary group, while xiphoid-sparing midline sternotomy was performed in the contemporary group. To adjust for differences in baseline and operative characteristics, the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied. The generalized linear model was used to compare xiphoid-sparing and conventional sternotomy regarding the development of sternal wound infections. RESULTS: The sternal infection rates were 0.8% and 4.5% in the xiphoid-sparing and standard sternotomy groups, respectively (P=0.014). After adjustment for the IPTW, the xiphoid-sparing group showed a decreased risk for DSWIs (odds ratio 0.171, 95% confidence interval, 0.036-0.806, P=0.026) compared to the traditional sternotomy group. CONCLUSIONS: XIP-sparing midline sternotomy may be an alternative approach in coronary artery bypass surgery and seemed to reduce the risk of post-sternotomy wound infections in this study.

Is sternal rewiring mandatory in surgical treatment of deep sternal wound infections?

BACKGROUND: Deep sternal wound infections (DSWIs) are a rare but serious complication after median sternotomy, and treatment success depends mainly on surgical experience. We compared treatment outcomes after conventional sternal rewiring and reconstruction with no sternal rewiring in patients with a sternal wound infection. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled patients who developed a DSWI after an open-heart procedure with median sternotomy at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, at the St. Rafael Hospital, Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, between 2012 and 2016. All patients received negative pressure wound and antibiotic therapy before surgical reconstruction. Patients were divided into groups determined by the reconstruction technique and compared. Subjects were followed up for 12 months, and the primary end-points were readmission and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: Among 3,177 median sternotomy cases, 60 patients developed a DSWI, 4 of whom died of sepsis before surgical treatment. Fifty-six patients underwent surgical reconstruction with conventional sternal rewiring (23 cases, 41%) or another interventions with no sternal refixation (33 cases, 59%). Eighty-one percent of sternal wound infections followed coronary bypass surgery (alone or combinated with another procedures), and 60% were diagnosed after hospital discharge. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured in 30% of all wounds and, 56.5% of cases reconstructed by sternal rewiring vs. 26.5% with no sternal rewiring, (P=0.022). Hospital readmission occurred in 63.6% of the sternal rewiring group vs. 14.7% of the no sternal rewiring group. The rate of death before wound healing or the 90th postoperative day was 21.7% in the sternal rewiring group vs. 0% in the no sternal rewiring group. The median hospital stay was longer in the sternal rewiring group than in the other group (51 vs. 30 days, P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Sternal rewiring may be associated with a higher rate of treatment failure than other forms of treatment for sternal wound infections.

[Predictive factors for treatment failure of post-sternotomy wound infections]. / A poststernotomiás sebfertozések kezelési sikertelenségének prediktív faktorai.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Post-sternotomy wound infection is still a major concern and it affects morbidity, mortality, and hospital costs. Reconstruction failure may further increase these risks with significant financial implications. METHOD: Here, we attempted to verify some factors that may significantly influence the success of the surgical treatment. We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of data from 3177 consecutive patients who underwent midline sternotomy. The diagnostic signs of post-sternotomy wound infections were observed in 60 patients (1.9%). These data were thoroughly analyzed. RESULTS: Beside late diagnosis, the positive microbiological culture of the wounds, radical surgical intervention and peripheral vascular disease were found to significantly contribute to the development of surgical reconstruction failure. Radical surgical reconstruction was associated with a higher success rate (81.8 vs. 11.1%), p<0.001. CONCLUSION: Identification of the predictive factors that may lead to treatment failure can assist in developing treatment algorithms and improving the success rates of surgical reconstructions. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(14): 566-570.

Total proximal anastomosis detachment after classical bentall procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Since its introduction in 1968, the Bentall procedure has been the primary surgical solution for aneurysms of the aortic root. However, many surgeons have reported serious procedural complications such as detachment of coronary ostia and pseudoaneurysm formation at anastomosis sites. Therefore, the Bentall procedure has undergone several modifications to eliminate those complications. Partial or total detachment of the proximal anastomosis is rarely reported. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a total detachment of the proximal anastomosis after a Bentall operation with emphasis on the possible practical mechanisms, which might have led to the development of this very rare complication. The diagnosis was confirmed at a routine follow up examination and urgent surgery was performed. We also report our operative solution and review other possible surgical solutions that might be considered in this setting. DISCUSSION: The Bentall procedure and its modifications continue to be considered the gold standard for treating aneurysms involving the aortic root. Various modifications can serve as optimal solutions for procedure-related complications. CONCLUSION: Surgeons performing the Bentall procedure must be familiar with all existing modifications because they are complementary to the original surgical procedure. In the absence of endocarditis left ventricle outflow tract elongation may be an acceptable surgical solution to deal with total detachment of the proximal anastomosis.

Incisional negative pressure wound therapy in reconstructive surgery of poststernotomy mediastinitis.

The efficacy of negative pressure wound therapy in the treatment of poststernotomy mediastinitis has been revealed in many reports. The present retrospective observational study examined the efficacy of incisional negative pressure wound therapy in the reconstructive surgery of poststernotomy mediastinitis. We retrospectively examined 1034 consecutive patients, who underwent median sternotomy in the period between October 2013 and September 2015. Mediastinitis developed in 21 patients (2%), who subsequently underwent surgical reconstruction. We applied incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) after primary closure of the wound over redon drains in ten patients (iNPWT + redon group). In 11 patients, only redons were used (redons only group). We observed the time between the introduction and removal of redon drains, hospital stay until final wound closure and the rate of failure of treatment. Failure of treatment is defined as the need for further surgical reconstruction. In the iNPWT + redon group, the duration of redon drainage therapy was 6·9 ± 5·2 days versus 13·36 ± 11·58 in the redons only group. Hospital stay was 11·4 ± 8·6 versus 101·64 ± 89·2, and failure of treatment was 10% versus 45·5%, respectively. The primary results of this study appear to support the beneficial effect of iNPWT after radical wound reconstruction.

Iatrogenic ventricular septal defect: A rare complication of surgical reconstruction of mitral paravalvular dehiscence.

INTRODUCTION: Iatrogenic ventricular septal defect is a rare complication after the surgical replacement of cardiac valves. Small defects may have no hemodynamic significance or remain unremarked at the end of the surgical procedure. Understanding of the valvular anatomy alone is not always enough to avoid such complications, especially in the hands of young surgeons. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case of iatrogenic ventricular septal defect that developed early after the surgical closure of a hemodynamically significant mitral paravalvular leak. Although the patient's critical state did not allow surgical intervention and he died, we think the lessons drawn from this case could be helpful to avoid such horrible complications in the future. DISCUSSION: This case documents a rare disastrous complication after imperfect surgical closure of a mitral paravalvular leak. Despite the unfortunate end, in reporting this case we try to direct the light to the possible mechanisms that led to the development of this injury focusing on the embryological and anatomical background. CONCLUSION: Understanding the anatomical and embryological structure of the cardiac fibrotic skeleton should keep cardiac surgeons more vigilent in detecting iatrogenic ventricle septal defects before the development of a devastating hemodynamic state.

Early Results of a Novel Mitral Valve Repair Procedure: The Interpapillary Polytetrafluoroethylene Bridge Formation.

BACKGROUND: Surgical repair of ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) associated with chordal rupture in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy is challenging as it aims to correct several structural pathologies at once. There are ongoing studies evaluating multiple approaches, however long term results are still scarce. METHODS AND RESULTS: 19 patients with IMR underwent mitral valve repair with interpapillary polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bridge and neochordae formation at the Zala County Teaching Hospital. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in all patients. Post-procedural Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) showed no mitral regurgitation (MR) in eighteen (94.7%) patients, with a leaflet coaptation mean height of 8 ± 3 mm. No operative mortality was observed. At the follow up (mean 17.7 ± 4.6 months; range 9 to 24 months), 17 (89%) patients showed no leakage and 2 had regurgitation grade ≤1, with documented NYHA functional class I or II in all patients. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study presents the first results of a novel surgical approach to treating ischemic mitral regurgitation. The interpapillary PTFE bridge formation is a safe and feasible surgical procedure that is reproducible, time sparing and effectively eliminates mitral valve regurgitation with promising long-term results.

[Late postinfarction rupture of the interventricular septum]. / Késoi posztinfarktusos kamrai septumdefektus.

UNLABELLED: Postinfarction ventricular septal rupture complicates 1 to 2% of cases of acute myocardial infarction and accounts for 5% of early mortality. This severe complication usually occurs within two weeks after acute myocardial infarction, and the elderly are more susceptible. We present a case of late rupture of the septum. CASE REPORT: In a 75-year-old man, a ventricular septal defect developed more than two months after an extensive inferoseptal myocardial infarction due to occlusion of the right coronary artery. After more than two months of no symptoms he was referred to hospital due to symptoms of right ventricle failure. The diagnosis was made by echocardiography, pulmonary artery catheterization and ventriculography. Coronarography was also performed. Intraaortic balloon pump was introduced and the patient was transferred to the operating room. The defect was repaired using a circular polytetrafluoroethylene patch supported by buttressed interrupted sutures from both sides. Due to significant mitral valve regurgitation mechanical bileaflet mitral valve was implanted with preservation of the entire mitral apparatus and the left descending artery was revascularized using a saphenous graft. CONCLUSION: This case is reported to emphasize that later postinfarction rupture of the ventricular septum may occur with symptoms of right ventricle failure dominating the clinical course.

[Endoscopic harvesting of saphenous vein during coronary artery bypass operations]. / A vena saphena magna endoszkópos kivétele coronaria-bypassmutétek során.

UNLABELLED: The great saphenous vein is the most commonly applied conduit in coronary bypass surgery during the treatment of ischaemic heart disease. Regarding the increasing age of patients, multiple comorbid factors and poor patient's general state, the minimally invasive approach is of basic significance during these operations. OBJECTIVES: The aim of study was to evaluate the possibilities of endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting and the quality of saphenous veins harvested endoscopically. METHODS: The authors applied the endoscopic approach for saphena harvesting in 24 patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery or combined bypass surgery with valve reconstruction. Ten of the harvested veins were sent for histologic examination to evaluate the structure of the endothelial layer. RESULTS: No wound complications were noted with the endoscopic approach. The harvested veins were used as conduits during surgery except for 2 cases, where the calibre of the vein was too small to apply. The histologic examination revealed normal structure of the endothelial layer in all of the 10 cases. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic approach can be used in the harvesting of saphenous vein during coronary bypass surgery. For the time being, the apply of this approach is restricted by the longer operation time, which hopefully would be reduced in the future.

[The etiology, differential diagnosis and therapy of pericardial effusion]. / A pericardialis folyadékok etiológiája, differenciáldiagnosztikája és terápiája.

Considerable etiologic factors may lead to the development of pathologic pericardial effusion. In many cases these factors remain unidentified, the fact which leads to difficulties in choosing the appropriate therapeutic strategy. The therapy of pericardial effusion associated with purulent pericarditis must be different than that effusion developed as a consequence of neoplasm or autoimmune disease. The cytological examination of the fluid and the hystological examination of the pericardial tissue play an important role in identifying the accurate etiologic diagnosis. In case of recurrent pericardial effusions, performing pericardioperitoneal, pericardiopleural shunt or pericardial window may be indicated. This palliative solution serves to prevent the development of pericardial tamponade and its haemodynamic consequences.

[Management of postoperative inflammatory response and pain with nimesulide after cardiac surgery]. / Szívmútétek után jelentkezó gyulladás és fájdalom kezelése nimesuliddal.

INTRODUCTION: Nimesulid (Mesulid) is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), acting by the selective inhibition of the Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) isoenzyme. In this study the efficacy of nimesulid following cardiac surgery has been investigated in comparison with that of a COX-1 isoenzyme inhibitor drug. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 200 cardiac surgical patients operated on cardiopulmonary bypass have been involved in this prospective study. 100 patients received 100 mg. nimesulid bd. routinely in the postoperative period (group M). Another 100 patients were given 275 mg naproxen bd. (group A). In both groups the White Blood Cell (WBC), the blood sedimentation (We), the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels were determined from venous blood samples before the operation and on the first five postoperative days. Venous blood samples of 20 patients of each group in the same period were used to determine the Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the Soluble Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor-I (sTNF-RI) levels. Postoperative complications related to the use of the investigated drugs as well as the side effects have been compared in the two groups. A visual analogue pain scale was used before and after drug administration. Kruskal Wallis and student t tests were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: No serious complication related to the use of the investigated drugs has developed in either group. In group A gastrointestinal side effect were recorded in 7 cases (7%) whilst in group M no such complaints were found. Drug doses defined in the study protocol had to be raised or another drug had to be added in 11 and 3 cases in group A and M respectively. Neither the laboratory findings, nor the visual pain scale results have not shown any significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of nimesulid in postoperative inflammatory inhibition and pain relief has proved equal to that of the investigated COX-1 inhibitor drug, however less gastrointestinal side effects have been related to its administration.

Smoking-related behaviour and attitudes among medical students in Alexandria.

As a preliminary step toward incorporating a tobacco education and intervention program into our undergraduate medical curriculum, this study was designed to assess students' smoking-related behaviour, knowledge and attitudes towards tobacco, and perceptions of their future role as doctors in smoking intervention. A cross-sectional, study was conducted in the university year 2001/2002 on a representative sample of male medical students enrolled in 4th and 5th years at Alexandria University. A total of 320 students across the 2 years completed the survey. The smoking rate among medical students was 17.5% (10.9% smoked daily and 6.6% occasionally). The awareness of harmful effects of smoking and knowledge about the causal role of tobacco in the development of specific diseases were deficient. The intention to perform smoking intervention in the future as doctors seemed unsatisfactory. About 85% of the students thought that doctors should carry out smoking cessation advice depending on the disease, while the rate of those who thought so irrespective of the disease did not reach 44%. Current smokers thought less actively about smoking intervention than non-smokers. Nearly two-thirds of students (65.3%) felt they were not sufficiently prepared for caring or counseling smokers, and only 31.9% of students were convinced of the effectiveness of the doctor's advice to stop smoking. Seventy-seven and half percent of them desired specific training in smoking intervention. Non-smokers were more in favour of legislative actions to discourage tobacco use than current smokers. These findings suggest that medical school authorities should design and implement an appropriate basic training aimed at better preparing medical students for their future role in prevention of smoking. Specific teaching of medical students about smoking-related diseases and a patient-centered smoking cessation intervention is required to provide future medical practitioners with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively intervene with smokers.