Changes of cytokines in direct endotoxin adsorption treatment on postoperative multiple organ failure.

Multiple organ failure (MOF) is a serious condition that involves simultaneous or consecutive functional failure of several important organs. Furthermore, sepsis is known to play an important role in the occurrence of MOF. Hemoadsorption therapy with the endotoxin adsorption column containing polymyxin B immobilized fibers by direct hemoperfusion (PMX-DHP) is reportedly effective in the treatment of septic shock. This study examined the changes induced on cytokines upon PMX-DHP treatment in 25 patients who underwent emergency abdominal surgery and were immediately started on a postoperative regimen of continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) and PMX-DHP. Postoperative MOF was observed in these patients with a mean APACHE II SCORE of 25.5. Eighty percent of patients survived for more than 1 month. We were able to reduce the necessary dose of dopamine in 85.7% of patients because hemodynamic stability improved after administration of PMX-DHP. Interleukin 6 blood levels did not change significantly before or after PMX-DHP treatment in either the surviving or nonsurviving patients. Blood interleukin 1 receptor antagonist levels decreased in both groups. Intercellular adhesion molecular-1, NOx, and thrombomodulin did not change significantly during the course of treatment in either group. Decreased blood levels of PAI-1 levels were found in the surviving patients whereas increased levels of PAI-1 were found in the non-surviving patients. In conclusion, PMX-DHP treatment may be limited clinically in its ability to remove inflammatory cytokines and humoral mediators. However, PMX-DHP treatment is useful for hemodynamic stabilization, which prevents development of MOF.

A nonspecific colonic ulcer occurring after hepatectomy: report of a case.

We herein report the case of a 53-year-old man with a nonspecific acute colonic ulcer whose liver function deteriorated after he had undergone hepatectomy. He was referred to our hospital for a hepatoma caused by hepatitis B virus and a right hemihepatectomy was performed. His liver function was poor after the operation, and minor complications such as pleural effusion and biliary fistula developed. A large amount of melena was seen 29 days after the hepatectomy and he developed hemorrhagic shock. Superior mesenteric arteriography revealed pooling of blood in both the hepatic flexure of the ascending colon and the cecum. An emergency right hemicolectomy was performed. There was a 5 x 1-mm ulcer 18 cm distal to the ileocecal valve. Numerous erosions were observed to be scattered throughout the colonic mucosa. The patient recovered slowly and was discharged 6 months after the hepatectomy. This is the first report of an acute colonic ulcer that could have been caused by liver dysfunction.

Studies on the mechanisms of tumorigenesis induced by polyetherurethanes in rats: leachable and biodegradable oligomers involving the diphenyl carbamate structure acted as an initiator on the transformation of Balb 3T3 cells.

The tumor-initiating activities of the methanol extracts of polyetherurethanes (PEUs) were first detected in the presence of 12-0-tetradecanyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) using Balb 3T3 transformation assay. A model hard segment of PEUs, 4,4'-di(ethoxycarboamide) diphenylmethane (MDU), showed initiating activity, while chemical moieties other than the hard segment were shown to be negative in the test. The transformation assay was carried out using glass dishes half coated with two different PEUs, PU4 and PU8. In the presence of TPA, the transforming activities correlated with the tumorigenic potential in the rat implantation study on the coated surface of PEUs, but not on the uncoated glass area. From these results it was concluded that initiation was caused by the hard-segment moiety such as MDU structure derived not only from the leachable extracts but also from the biodegradable substances by the direct interaction of cells with the coated materials.

Titration of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNA in urine by combined use of PCR and microplate hybridization in a renal transplant patient with HCMV pneumonitis.

We titrated human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNA in urine specimens obtained from 14 healthy individuals and a renal transplant patient with HCMV pneumonitis by modifying the method for titration of varicella-zoster virus DNA previously described (1,2). Of 14 HCMV seropositive healthy individuals, 13 had HCMV DNA under the detection limit of 10(2.0) copies/ml, whereas one person had 10(2.0) copies/ml. The viral DNA in urine samples was at a low level in healthy individuals with latent infection. In a case with HCMV pneumonitis after renal transplantation, the amount of HCMV DNA in urine gradually increased from the level under 10(2.0) copies/ml and reached a peak of 10(4.7) copies/ml one month prior to the manifestation of pneumonitis. It, thereafter, decreased with the course of clinical remission, and finally settled at under 10(2.0) copies/ml. Serial titrations of HCMV DNA in urine specimens proved to be useful in identifying recipients at risk of developing active HCMV infection after renal transplantation and as a guide for treatment of patients.