肺保护与肺开放通气策略对急性呼吸窘迫综合征家兔血管外肺水的影响

目的探讨肺保护与肺开放通气策略对急性呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDS)血管外肺水(EVLWI)的影响。方法以肺泡灌洗法复制家兔ARDS模型,分为中等潮气量(VT)零呼气末正压(PEEP)组(MVZP组)、小VT零PEEP组(LVZP组)、小VT最佳PEEP组(LVBP组)和小VT最佳PEEP+控制性肺膨胀(SI)组(LVBP+SI组)。采用单指示剂热稀释法测定EVLWI。观察在不同通气条件下0、1、2和3h EVLWI的变化。结果MVZP组、LVZP组、LVBP组和LVBP+SI组EVLWI在基础时分别为(11.3±2.4)、(10.2±2.4)、(10.3±4.6)和(9.7±2.3)ml/kg,达到ARDS模型(0h)时显著升高[(22.3±5.6)、(20.0±3.8)、(25.7±9.7)和(22.5±6.2)ml/kg,P均<0.05]。在实验观察3h中,MVZP组在2、3h EVLWI[(32.0±12.2)、(36.2±12.4)ml/kg]显著高于0h[(22.3±5.6)ml/kg,P均<0.05]。LVZP组在2、3h EVLWI[(27.8±12.9)、(30.3±13.0)ml/kg]也显著高于0h[(20.0±3.8)ml/kg,P均<0.05];LVBP组1h时EVLWI为(18.5±8.1)ml/kg,与0h[(25.7±9.7)ml/kg]比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.027)。LVBP+SI组在1、2、3h各时点EVLWI分别为(16.8±6.5)、(18.0±7.1)、(15.7±2.7)ml/kg,与0h[(22.5±6.2)ml/kg]比较显著降低(P均<0.05)。与MVZP组比较,1、3h时LVBP组与LVBP+SI组EVLWI显著降低(P均<0.05)。3hLVBP+SI组EVLWI显著低于LVZP组(P<0.05)。结论肺保护与肺开放通气策略可降低EVLWI,增加肺水清除。     

潮气量对急性呼吸窘迫综合征绵羊肺复张容积的影响

小潮气量通气对急性呼吸窘迫综合征 (ARDS)塌陷肺泡复张效应的影响 ,目前尚不明确。本实验通过比较不同潮气量时ARDS绵羊肺复张容积的变化 ,探讨潮气量对肺复张的影响。材料与方法　新西兰考力代绵羊 (东南大学医学院实验动物中心提供 ) 18只 ,雄性 ,平均体重 (31± 5 )kg。绵羊称重麻醉后气管切开 ,接Evita 4呼吸机 (Dr ger公司 )控制通气 ,潮气量 10ml/kg ,呼气末正压 (PEEP) 0cmH2 O (1cmH2 O =0 0 98kPa) ,呼吸频率 2 0次 /min ,吸气时间 2 5 % ,吸气暂停时间 5 % ,吸入气氧浓度 (FiO2 ) 5 0 %。颈内静脉置入肺动脉漂浮导管。…     

无创机械通气在ARDS治疗中的应用

目的探讨无创机械通气治疗急性呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDS)患者的临床疗效。方法对20例ARDS患者采用无创机械通气,根据治疗效果分为成功组和失败组。记录两组病人治疗前后心率(HR)、呼吸频率(RR)、氧合指数(PaO2/FiO2)、氧分压(PaO2)、二氧化碳分压(PaCO2)、血氧饱和度(SaO2)。结果无创机械通气成功组11例均为ARDS早期患者,治疗2h后PaO2/FiO2、HR、PaO2、SaO2、RR都有明显好转。无创机械通气治疗失败组全为呼吸窘迫较严重的ARDS患者,治疗2h后PaO2/FiO2、HR、PaO2、PaCO2、SaO2、RR无明显变化。结论无创机械通气对部分ARDS患者有良好的通气支持作用,尤其是ARDS的早期阶段。     

肺复张后呼气末正压通气不同模式对腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术肥胖患者呼吸力学和血流动力学的影响

目的探讨肺复张后呼气末正压通气(PEEP)不同模式对腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术肥胖患者呼吸力学和血流动力学的影响。方法 90例拟行腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术肥胖患者随机分为传统组、PEEP5组和PEEP10组,设置潮气量(VD)8 ml/kg,分别在肺复张后不给予PEEP、PEEP 5 cm H2O和PEEP 10 cm H2O。观察气腹建立前(T0)、气腹建立后10 min(T1)、气腹后头低足高位20 min(T2)和气腹结束(T3)时的气道峰压(Ppeak)、平台压(Pplat)、有效静态总顺应性(Cst)、气道阻力(Raw)、氧合指数(PaO_2/FiO_2)、死腔量(VD/VT)和肺内分流量。结果与传统组比较,PEEP5组和PEEP10组T1时Ppeak、Raw、VD/VT和Qs/Qt增加,Cst和PaO_2/FiO_2下降,T2和T3时VD/VT和Qs/Qt下降,PaO_2/FiO_2增加(P<0.05);与PEEP5组比较,PEEP10组T3时Ppeak、VD/VT和Qs/Qt下降,PaO_2/FiO_2增加(P<0.05)。结论肺复张后给予小VD(8 ml/kg)+PEEP可以改善腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术肥胖患者呼吸力学和血流动力学指标,且PEEP 10 cmH2O效果更优。     

俯卧位通气联合肺复张手法对急性呼吸窘迫综合征犬氧合及肺内分流的影响

目的 在肺保护性通气策略的基础上,评价俯卧位通气联合肺复张法对犬急性呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDS)模型氧合及肺内分流的影响.方法 将24只犬建立油酸ARDS模型后行定容控制通气,在小潮气量(10 ml/kg)+呼气末正压(16 cm H2O,1 cm H2O=0.098 kPa)的通气基础上,按随机数字表法分为对照组、俯卧组、仰卧+肺复张组、俯卧+肺复张组,每组6只.分组通气后各组均观察4 h,监测动脉血及混合静脉血的血气分析,记录并计算下列指标.统计学处理采用SPSS 11.5软件,数据以(-x)±s表示.所有数据做方差齐性检验,符合正态分布的数据,组间比较采用单因素方差分析,有统计学意义时采用LSD法进行两两比较;不符合正态分布的数据,采用多个独立样本的秩和检验.结果 (1)通气15 min时,仰卧+肺复张组、俯卧组及俯卧+肺复张组PaO:/吸入氧浓度(FiO2)分别为(368±45)mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)、(349±80)mm Hg、(423±43) mm Hg,与对照组[(269±72)mm Hg]比较差异有统计学意义(q值分别为2.77、2.23、4.31,P均<0.05);通气2 h时,俯卧组和俯卧+肺复张组PaO2/FiO2分别为(401±82)mm Hg、(416±23)mm Hg,与对照组[(232±40)mm Hg]比较差异有统计学意义(q值分别为3.99、4.35,P均<0.05);通气4 h时,俯卧+肺复张组PaO2/FiO2为(384±68)mm Hg,与对照组[(256±75)mm Hg]、仰卧+肺复张组[(267±92)mm Hg]、俯卧组[(284±83)mm Hg]比较差异有统计学意义(q值分别为2.75、2.56、2.17,P均<0.05);(2)俯卧组肺内分流率(QS/QT)在30 min及1、2 h时分别为(9.9±4.4)%、(9.7±4.5)%和(8.3±4.6)%,与对照组[(15.0 ±1.6)%、(16.0±2.0)%、(16.2±1.8)%]比较差异有统计学意义(q值分别为2.86、3.00、3.65,P均<0.05);俯卧+肺复张组QS/QT在30 min及1、2、4 h时分别为(10.0±1.0)%、(10.4±2.7)%、(10.2±0.7)%和(10.1±1.1)%,与对照组[(15.0±1.6)%、(16.0±2.0)%、(16.2 ±1.8)%、(15.7±1.7)%]比较差异有统计学意义(q值分别为2.80、2.67、2.75、2.99,P均<0.05).结论 在小潮气量+呼气末正压的肺保护性通气基础上,俯卧位通气联合肺复张手法可以更有效地改善氧合,减少分流.     

肺泡复张后不同呼气末正压和潮气量调节策略对防止肺泡再萎陷效果的实验研究

目的探讨肺泡复张(RM)后再萎陷的机制以及呼气末正压(PEEP)和潮气量(VT)的调节策略。方法健康杂种犬18只,建立油酸所致急性呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDS),行容量控制通气(VCV)、PEEP 16 cm H2O、VT10 m l/kg、通气频率(RR)30次/m in,稳定后作为基础状态(0 m in)。以压力控制通气[气道峰压(PIP)50 cm H2O,PEEP 35 cm H2O,持续60 s]行RM,然后随机分为小VT中等PEEP组(LVMP组,VT10 m l/kg、PEEP 16 cm H2O、RR 30次/m in),小VT低PEEP组(LVLP组,VT10 m l/kg、PEEP 10 cm H2O、RR 30次/m in)和中等VT低PEEP组(MVLP组,VT15 m l/kg、PEEP 10cm H2O、RR 20次/m in)。观察4 h后处死动物,行支气管肺泡灌冼。监测氧合、呼吸力学、血流动力学及肺损伤指标。结果(1)LVMP、LVLP、MVLP组低位拐点(LIP)分别为(16.0±1.3)、(15.8±3.0)、(16.3±1.9)cm H2O。(2)在RM后30、60 m in,LVMP组动脉血氧分压(PaO2)[(371±64)、(365±51)mm Hg]显著高于LVLP组[(243±112)、(240±108)mm Hg]及MVLP组[(242±97)、(232±87)mm Hg,P均<0.05],但直至RM后4 h 3组比较差异无统计学意义;LVLP与MVLP组在RM后各个时间点的PaO2与基础状态比较差异均无统计学意义;MVLP组的通气功能较其他两组显著改善。(3)与基础状态比较,RM后LVMP组平均动脉压(mABP)显著降低,平均肺动脉压(mPAP)显著增加,而其他两组mABP保持稳定,mPAP降低。(4)与基础状态比较,3组PIP和气道平台压(Pp lat)在RM后均显著降低,呼吸系统静态顺应性(Cst)显著改善。在RM后同一时间点比较,MVLP组PIP、Pp lat和Cst均显著好于LVMP组。MVLP组与LVLP组相比,Cst有增加趋势。(5)在相同部位的支气管肺泡灌冼液中,肺损伤指标在各组之间无显著差异。结论与LIP相近的高PEEP有助于防止复张肺泡的再萎陷,但对血流动力学和呼吸力学产生不利影响;早期应用RM能有效“节约”PEEP,并为上调VT提供了较肺泡复张之前更大的空间。     

氧合指数在急性肺损伤和呼吸窘迫综合征诊断中的价值

严重、顽固性低氧血症是急性呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDS)的主要表现,因此既往常将动脉血氧分压(PaO2 )的下降作为诊断ARDS的主要依据之一。由于在不同吸入气氧浓度(FiO2 )和PEEP条件下,PaO2 有较大的差异,因此不同国家和地区的诊断标准差别较大。1994年美欧联合会议制订的急性肺损伤(ALI)和ARDS的诊断标准[1] 克服了上述缺陷,已被广泛应用。该标准的一项核心指标是氧合指数(oxygenindex ,OI =PaO2 /FiO2 ) ,强调不考虑呼气末正压(PEEP)水平,也未对FiO2 进行限制,认为在其他标准符合的情况下,OI≤30 0mmHg (1mmHg =0 113kPa)为A…     

俯卧位通气联合控制性肺膨胀对肺内、外源性急性呼吸窘迫综合征犬气体交换的影响

目的探讨俯卧位通气联合控制性肺膨胀(sustained inflation,SI)对肺内源性急性呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDSp)和肺外源性急性呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDSexp)犬的气体交换的影响。方法健康杂种犬48只,随机分为ARDSexp和ARDSp组,每组24只,静脉注射油酸复制ARDSexp模型,盐酸灌肺复制ARDSp模型,再随机各分为4组,每组6只,分别应用俯卧位通气(PC)、俯卧位通气联合SI(PS)、仰卧位通气(SC)、仰卧位通气联合SI(SS)。观察造模前基础状态,ARDS0、2、5h时氧合指数(PaO2/Fi O2)、动脉血二氧化碳分压(PaCO2)的变化,同时监测呼吸力学、平均动脉压(MAP)和心率的变化。结果对于ARDSexp和ARDSp犬SC组、PC组、SS组及PS组的PaO2/Fi O2在基础状态分别为(419±19)、(357±23)、(476±57)、(449±23)、(535±26)、(532±27)、(529±35)、(520±50)mmHg;在0h为(123±27)、(117±44)、(141±38)、(101±35)、(123±58)、(136±61)、(117±45)、(116±21)mmHg,各组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但均显著低于基础值(P<0.05)。PS对于ARDSexp和ARDSp均能显著改善氧合(378±78/117±45;209±65/116±21,P<0.05),但对ARDSexp氧合改善作用更明显(378±78/209±65,P<0.05)。同时点,对于不同原因的ARDS,PS比单独PC及单独应用SI能更好地改善氧合(P<0.05)。在氧合改善的同时降低了气道阻力,增加了肺顺应性,并且对MAP、心率和PaCO2无明显影响。结论对于不同原因ARDS,PS较单应用PC及单应用SI能更好地改善氧合,且对于ARDSexp氧合改善作用更明显,氧合改善的时间更早。     

镇痛镇静对机械通气患者肺功能的影响

目的：探讨镇痛镇静对机械通气患者肺功能的影响.方法：选择急性呼吸窘迫综合征（ARDS）患者51例,分为常规组27例,镇痛镇静组24例,镇痛镇静组在常规组基础上镇痛镇静治疗,比较2组治疗前后气道平台压（Pp1 at）、肺顺应性（Cst）、氧合指数（PaO2/FiO2）.结果：治疗后2组患者Pp1at均呈下降趋势,24、48 h镇痛镇静组低于常规组（P＜0.05,P＜0.01）;Cst、PaO2/FiO2在治疗后均呈上升趋势,24、48 h镇痛镇静组均高于常规组（均P＜0.05）.结论：镇痛镇静可改善机械通气患者肺氧合功能及顺应性,保护肺功能.     

肺血管通透性指数对急性肺水肿鉴别诊断价值初探

目的 探讨肺血管通透性指数(PVPI)在急性肺水肿鉴别诊断中的价值.方法 选2004年5月至2008年9月收住东南大学附属中大医院重症医学科,留置脉搏指示连续心排血量(PiCCO)导管,氧合指数[PaO2/吸入氧浓度(FiO2)]＜300 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)且血管外肺水指数(EVLWI)≥7 ml/kg的急性肺水肿患者,分为急性肺损伤(ALI)组和心源性肺水肿组,观察PVPI、胸腔内血容量指数(ITBVI)、肺血容量(PBV)、血管外肺水(EVLW)/胸腔内血容量(ITBV)在2组中的变化与差异.结果 (1)34例患者纳入研究,其中ALI 22例,心源性肺水肿12例;(2)ALI组PVPI为2.7±1.4,心源性肺水肿组为1.9±0.6,2组比较,P＜0.05.EVLWI、ITBVI在2组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);(3)PVPI与EVLWI呈正相关(r=0.762,P=0.000),与PaO2/FiO2呈负相关(r=-0.478,P=0.012);(4)纳入患者中肺内原因ARDS 8例,肺外原因ARDS 5例,肺外原因ARDS患者PVPI、EVLW/ITBV和EVLWI显著高于肺内原因ARDS患者.结论 PVPI有助于对重症患者肺水肿类型的鉴别.

Abstract：

Objective To assess the value of pulmonary vascular permeability index in differentiating acute lung injury (ALI) from cardiac pulmonary edema. Methods Critically ill patients with acute pulmonary edema were included from May, 2004 to September, 2008. Patients were divided into two groups, the ALI group and the cardiac pulmonary edema group (C group). Pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI) , intrathoracic blood volume (ITBVI) were determined by pulse indicator continuous cardiac output(PiCCO) system. Results ( 1 ) Thirty-four patients were enrolled, 22 cases in ALI group and 12 cases in C group. (2) The PVPI in patients of ALI group (2.7 ± 1.4) was higher than that of C group (1.9 ±0.6 ;P＜0.05). EVLWI and ITBVI did not have the significant difference between the two groups (P ＞0. 05). (3) PVPI was positively correlated with EVLWI(r = 0. 762) , negatively correlated with PaO2/ FiO2(r= -0.478). (4)ARDS was diagnosed in 13 cases, including 8 pulmonary cause(ARDSp) and 5 extra-pulmonary cause ( ARDSexp). PVPI, EVLW/ITBV and EVLWI of patients with ARDSexp were obviously higher than those with ARDSp. Conclusions PVPI may be useful for differentiating the types of pulmonary edema in the critically ill.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.     

Presence of immunoreactive growth hormone and prolactin in the ovine pineal gland

Abstract: The use of antisera raised against bovine growth hormone (GH) and ovine prolactin (PRL) enabled the detection of related immunoreactive (ir) sequences of proteins in ovine pineal tissue. The isolation of PRL-like ir-material was accomplished using a 0.25 M ammonium sulphate (pH 5.5) extraction followed by ethanol precipitation, whereas the resulting 2.0 M ammonium sulphate (pH 7.0) precipitate contained a GH-like immunoreactivity. Gel chromatography of the GH-like immunoreactivity (Sephadex G-100) indicated the presence of several GH-like fragments ranging in the M_r range of 7,000 to 55,000. Analyses of the PRL-like ir-material found in pineal tissue on HPLC using a TSK 545-DEAE column led to the resolution into a single peak of immunoreactivity. A single peak of activity was also observed following chromatofocusing and hydrophobic interaction chromatography of the ir-peak from the TSK 545-DEAE column. The PRL-like ir-material inhibited the binding of [¹²⁵I]ovine PRL-S14 to anti-ovine PRL antibodies without showing an affinity for binding to anti-rat PRL or anti-bovine GH antibodies. Scatchard analysis of the binding of pineal PRL-like ir-material and pituitary ovine PRL-S14 to liver membranes from day-20 pregnant rats revealed similar affinity constants (K_a of 4.7 ± 0.2 × 10⁹ M^-1). In addition, the replication of Nb 2 Node rat lymphoma cells was stimulated by pineal PRL-like ir-material, an effect known to be specific for lactogenic hormones. The pineal PRL-like immunoreactivity appeared on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels as a single major band of M_r 24,000. The functional status of PRL-and GH-like ir-material in the ovine pineal remains to be determined, but evidence is presented that the overall protein synthesis rate of the rat pineal responded to circulating concentrations of PRL.     

Microbiology of human immunodeficiency virus anorectal disease

PURPOSE: Individuals who are seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus are at high risk for opportunistic infection and anorectal disorders. Little prospective information is available regarding anorectal pathogens in these patients. METHODS: One hundred sixty-three HIV-seropositive patients presented to the colorectal clinic between 1989 and 1992. Forty-seven (29 percent) patients were thought to have an infectious process and were prospectively studied using a standardized multiculture protocol. RESULTS: Mean age was 33 (range, 19–59) years. All were male; high-risk behavior accounted for 87 percent of HIV transmissions. Presenting complaints included anorectal pain (79 percent), pus per anum (28 percent), and blood per anum (26 percent). Examination revealed perianal tenderness (60 percent), condyloma (38 percent), perianal ulcers (38 percent), and anal fissures (34 percent). Sixty-six sets of cultures were performed; 28 patients had one set, 15 had two sets, and 4 had three sets. Thirty-two of these 47 patients (68 percent) had positive cultures including herpes (50 percent), cytomegalovirus (25 percent),Neisseria gonorrhoeae (16 percent), chlamydia (16 percent), acidfast bacilli (2 percent), and others (9 percent). Six of 32 patients with positive cultures had more than one organism cultured. Sixteen (50 percent) patients with positive cultures were treated medically, 8 (25 percent) were treated surgically and 8 (25 percent) were treated with both modalities. Sixty-one procedures were performed on 17 patients for condylomata. Eighteen patients had 20 procedures for abscesses, 50 percent of whom had positive cultures for other than common bowel flora; all improved. Fourteen patients underwent 33 procedures for perianal fistulas.Mycobacterium fortuitum was cultured from one patient who required 13 procedures for abscesses and fistulas. Forty-five (96 percent) patients were followed for an average of 12.5 months ±2.9 SEM (range, 1–94 months). Symptoms were improved or resolved in 22 of 32 (69 percent) patients with positive cultures and in 11 of 13 (84 percent) with negative cultures. CONCLUSIONS: Specific pathogens may often be identified in human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive patients with anorectal disorders if aggressively sought. Although patients without specific pathogens identified may be expected to improve with planned empiric treatment, positive identification allows more directed therapy.