RESUMO
Microvascular reconstruction of the scalp is frequently indicated in patients with locally advanced tumors, among other etiologies, in a relatively high-risk, older patient population that often has multiple medical comorbidities. A retrospective analysis was performed on patients undergoing microvascular scalp reconstruction at Emory University Hospital and Grady Memorial Hospital between 2011 and 2021. Patient demographics, wound characteristics, operative details, and complications were recorded. Statistical analysis using univariate and multivariate models was performed. Forty-two patients underwent 45 microvascular scalp reconstructive procedures during the study period. The median age was 63 years. Wounds were predominantly oncologic (n=38, 84.4%) and frequently involved deeper structures [calvarium (n=38, 84.4%), dura (n=17, 37.8%)]. At a median follow-up of 350 days, 33 patients (73.3%) had healed flaps, 9 (20.0%) had wound healing issues but ultimately successful reconstruction, and 3 (6.7%) experienced flap failure. Most patients (n=33, 80.9%) were discharged home or to a rehabilitation facility, while the remaining 8 patients (19.1%) were discharged to hospice or died. The 30-day mortality was 4 patients (8.9%) and the 6-month mortality was 8 patients (20.5%). There was a statistically significant difference in 30-day mortality (P=0.0001) on univariate analysis and 6-month mortality (P=0.003) on both univariate and multivariate analysis for patients >70 years. While age >70 years is a risk factor for mortality in patients undergoing microvascular scalp reconstruction, mortality was commonly related to underlying disease processes rather than complication of surgery. Microvascular reconstruction for scalp defects has a high success rate and can be offered as a palliative procedure for patients with locally advanced cancers, advanced age, and multiple comorbidities.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: There is controversy about the prophylactic measures proposed for the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). We aim to compare the efficacy of the combination of sodium bicarbonate and isotonic saline and that of isotonic saline alone in preventing CIN. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized double-blind controlled trial. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 265 consecutive patients 18 years or older with a serum creatinine level of 1.5 mg/dL or greater undergoing elective coronary angiography from August 2007 to June 2008 in Tehran Heart Center, Tehran, Iran. INTERVENTION: Study participants were randomly assigned to receive either 75 mL of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate added to 1 L of isotonic saline (n = 135) or isotonic saline alone (n = 130) as a bolus of 3 mL/kg for 1 hour before contrast injection, followed by an infusion of 1 mL/kg/h for 6 hours after the procedure. OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS: The primary end point was an absolute (>or=0.5 mg/dL) or relative (>or=25%) increase in serum creatinine level 48 hours after the procedure (CIN). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the bicarbonate and saline groups regarding baseline demographic and biochemical characteristics, including baseline serum creatinine level (1.63 +/- 0.32 [SD] versus 1.66 +/- 0.50 mg/dL), baseline glomerular filtration rate (46.4 +/- 12 versus 45.4 +/- 12 mL/min/1.73 m(2)), and baseline urine pH (5.42 +/- 0.6 versus 5.46 +/- 0.8). Nine patients (7.4%) receiving sodium bicarbonate developed CIN as opposed to 7 patients (5.9%) in the saline group, which was not statistically different (odds ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.45 to 3.50; P = 0.6). LIMITATIONS: The trial did not follow up participants to assess need for dialysis and mortality rate. CONCLUSION: The combination therapy of sodium bicarbonate plus saline does not offer additional benefits over hydration with saline alone in the prevention of CIN.
