Thromboelastography-Based Transfusion Algorithm Reduces Blood Product Use after Elective CABG: A Prospective Randomized Study

Abstract   Objective: Bleeding and allogeneic transfusion remain constant problems in cardiac surgical procedures. In this study, we aimed to test the role of a routine thromboelastography (TEG)-based algorithm on bleeding and transfusions in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: Patients (n = 224) undergoing elective CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass were prospectively randomized into two groups according to transfusion strategy: in group 1 (clinician-directed transfusion, n = 110) need for blood transfusion was based on clinician's discretion and standard coagulation tests and in group 2 (TEG algorithm group, n = 114) kaolin-activated (k) TEG-based algorithm-guided perioperative transfusion management. Transfusion, blood loss, and outcome data were recorded.  Results: There were no differences in consumption of packed cell units, blood loss, re-exploration for bleeding, and early clinical outcome between the groups. Patients in the TEG group had significantly lower median units of fresh frozen plasma and platelets compared with the other group (p = 0.001). The median number of total allogeneic units transfused (packed cells and blood products) was significantly reduced in the TEG group compared with the other group (median 2, range 1–3 units vs. median 3, range 2–4 units, respectively, p = 0.001). The need for tranexamic acid was significantly diminished in the TEG group compared with the other group (10.3% vs. 19%, respectively, p = 0.007). Conclusion: Our results show that routine use of a kTEG-guided algorithm reduces the consumption of blood products in patients undergoing elective CABG. Adopting such an algorithm into routine management of these patients may help to improve clinical outcome and reduce the potential risks of transfusion-related complications and total costs after CABG.     

Pulsed venous flow pattern with hemodilution.

Venous flow pattern changes and venous flow were assessed in relation to the degree of hemodilution. Femoral vein flow was measured with a duplex scanner in two groups of 11 patients 20 days and 5 days preoperatively, and 1 day postoperatively. In group I, hemodilution was used and patients gave three autologous blood predonations between day 20 and day 5. Perioperative blood loss was reintegrated by electrolyte solution. In group II, hemodilution was not used and autologous blood predonations were not carried out. These patients received a perioperative homologous blood transfusion of 800 mL. Hemoglobin was lower on day 5 (11.3 +/-1.4 vs 13.1 +/-1 g/dL, p<0.05) and on postoperative day 1 (8.9 +/-1.6 vs 10.6 +/-1, p<0.05) in group I. The decrease in hemoglobin was associated with an increase in blood flow and a pulsed venous flow pattern in 14 of 22 veins after autologous blood predonation and in 21 of 22 veins on postoperative day 1 (p<0.05). Increased venous flow in hemodilution is associated with a pulsed venous flow pattern.     

Preoperative Epoetin Alfa in Colorectal Surgery: A Randomized,Controlled Study

Background Colorectal cancer patients are often anemic before surgery, and this leads to an increased requirement for allogeneic blood transfusion. This may result in transfusion-induced immunosuppression, which in turn leads to increased morbidity and possibly an increased rate of tumor relapse. We investigated the possible benefits of perioperative epoetin alfa administration in anemic patients to correct hemoglobin levels and reduce transfusion needs.Methods A total of 223 colorectal cancer patients with anemia scheduled for surgery were randomized to a group that received epoetin alfa 150 or 300 IU/kg/day subcutaneously for 12 days (day -10 to +1) or to a control group. All received iron (200 mg/day by mouth) for 10 days before surgery. Hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, and the number of blood units transfused were recorded.Results A total of 204 patients were eligible for analysis. Mean hemoglobin levels and hematocrit were significantly higher in the 300 IU/kg group than in the control group, both 1 day before surgery (hemoglobin, P = .008; hematocrit, P = .0005) and 1 day after surgery (hemoglobin, P = .011; hematocrit, P = .0008). Blood loss during and after surgery was similar in all groups. Patients who received epoetin alfa 300 IU/kg required significantly fewer perioperative transfusion units than control patients (.81 vs. 1.32; P = .016) and significantly fewer postoperative units (.87 vs. 1.33; P = .023). There were no significant differences in the number of units in the 150 IU/kg group.Conclusions Preoperative epoetin alfa (300 IU/day) increases hemoglobin levels and hematocrit in colorectal surgery patients. These effects are associated with a reduced need for perioperative and postoperative transfusions.See Appendix 1 for a list of investigators in the Hellenic Surgical Oncology Perioperative EPO Study Group.     

Tranexamic Acid Reduces Blood Loss, Transfusion Requirements, and Coagulation Factor Use in Primary Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Background: Patients with end-stage liver disease frequently incur large-volume blood loss during liver transplantation associated with mechanical factors, preexisting coagulopathy, and intraoperative fibrinolysis.

Methods: Between April 1992 and May 1994, the authors of this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study examined the effect of high-dose tranexamic acid (maximum of 20 g) on blood loss and blood product requirements in patients undergoing primary isolated orthotopic liver transplantation. Primary outcome measures were volume of blood loss (intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage) and erythrocyte, plasma, platelet, and cryoprecipitate use during surgery and the first 24 h of intensive care unit stay.

Results: Patients receiving transexamic acid (n = 25) had less intraoperative blood loss (median, 4.3 l; interquartile range, 2.5 to 7.9; P = 0.006) compared with the placebo group (n = 20; median, 8 l; interquartile range, 5 to 15.8), and reduced intraoperative plasma, platelet, and cryoprecipitate requirements. Median perioperative erythrocyte use was 9 units (interquantile range, 4 to 14 units) in patients receiving transexamic acid and 13 units (interquantile range, 7.5 to 31 units) in controls (P = 0.03). Total perioperative donor exposure was 20.5 units (interquantile range, 16 to 41 units) in patients receiving transexamic acid and 43.5 units (interquantile range, 29.5 to 79 units) in controls (P = 0.003). Results for postoperative wound drainage were similar. Hospital stay and need for retransplantation were comparable in both groups. No patient in either group showed clinical evidence of hepatic artery or portal venous thrombosis within 1 month of transplantation.     

Bile duct splintage in liver transplantation: is it necessary?

Abstract  The choledochochole-dochal (duct-duct, D-D) anastomosis in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is usually splinted by a T-tube to facilitate easy cholangiog-raphy, monitor bile quality and allow biliary decompression. T-tubes, however, are a focus for sepsis and sludge deposition, and their removal may result in bile leakage. From January 1993 to December 1994, 199 consecutive adult OLTs in 183 patients (median age 50 years, range 16–69 years, 118 females) with a D-D anastomosis were studied pro-spectively with a median follow-up of 16 (3–27) months. Of the 199 OLTs, 110 had an 8 Fr T-tube (group 1) and 89 had no T-tube (group 2). The two groups were similar for indication, preservation solution, median cold and warm is-chaemia times and early graft function parameters. Biliary complications developed in 26/110 patients, including 10 with bile leaks on T-tube removal in group 1 compared to 10/89 biliary complications in group 2 ( P = 0.024). The use of T-tubes is associated with increased morbidity and their routine use should be discontinued.     

Leukocyte activity in the microcirculation of the leg in patients with chronic venous disease

Purpose: It has been suggested that leukocyte trapping and activation in the microcirculation of the leg skin causes lipodermatosclerosis and ulceration in patients with chronic venous disease. Ambulatory venous hypertension is accepted as the physiologic factor that leads to ulceration. We investigated leukocyte endothelial adhesion in patients who were subjected to short-term venous hypertension.Methods: Two groups of patients with venous disease were studied: group 1, varicose veins with skin changes (n = 15); and group 2, varicose veins without skin changes (n = 15). Blood samples were taken from a foot vein before and after standing for 30 minutes to raise the venous pressure in the lower limb, and after lying supine again for 10 minutes. The samples were analyzed for leukocyte surface CD11b and L-selectin (CD62L) expression using a flow cytometer. Plasma-soluble L-selectin was also measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: In patients with skin changes, median neutrophil CD11b levels fell from 4.66 to 3.83 arbitrary units (p = 0.005, Wilcoxon) after 30 minutes of venous hypertension. Median monocyte CD11b levels fell from 7.65 to 5.8 arbitrary units (p = NS, Wilcoxon) after venous hypertension and then fell further to 5.43 arbitrary units (p = 0.02 vs baseline; Wilcoxon) when the venous hypertension was removed. Neutrophil and monocyte L-selectin levels also fell in response to venous hypertension, remaining low even after venous hypertension was removed. A similar pattern was seen in patients with uncomplicated varicose veins. There was a rise in soluble L-selectin in the plasma of both groups of patients after venous hypertension, reflecting leukocyte adhesion to endothelium. In the group of patients with skin changes the level of soluble L-selectin rose from 695 ng/ml to 836 ng/ml (p = 0.02, Wilcoxon), and in the group without skin changes the rise was from 700 ng/ml to 801 ng/ml (p = 0.02, Wilcoxon).Conclusion: Venous hypertension results in sequestration of the more activated population of neutrophils and monocytes in the microcirculation of the leg in patients with venous disease. These cells bind to the endothelium, releasing L-selectin, and do not emerge from the limb when venous hypertension is reversed. These findings do not differ between patients with varicose veins and those with skin changes. (J Vasc Surg 1997 26:265-73.)     

不解剖肝门的半肝与全肝入肝血流阻断在肝细胞癌患者行肝切除术中的临床应用比较

目的探讨不解剖肝门的半肝入肝血流阻断(HIO)与全肝入肝血流阻断(TIO)在肝细胞癌患者行肝切除术中的临床应用效果。 方法回顾性分析肝细胞癌行肝切除术患者63例,并随机分为两组,HIO组(33例)行不解剖肝门的半肝入肝血流阻断联合控制性低中心静脉压肝切除,TIO组(30例)行全肝入肝血流阻断联合控制性低中心静脉压肝切除。比较两组手术时间、血流阻断时间、术中出血量、术中输血情况,以及术后住院时间、ICU时间、术后第1、3天肝功能。 结果两组手术时间、血流阻断时间、术后ICU时间、术中出血量、术中输血情况差异无统计学意义, HIO组术后住院时间显著短于TIO组[(14.1±5.5) d vs (17.2±5.8)d,t=-2.142,P=0.036];术后第1天HIO组患者血清白蛋白(Alb)水平显著高于TIO组[(34.2±3.5)g/L vs (31.6±3.8)g/L,t=2.784,P=0.007],其余肝功指标(ALT、AST、AKP、GGT、TB、DB)在术后第1天的水平差异无统计学意义,术后第3天两组间肝功指标水平差异无统计学意义。 结论两种肝血流阻断技术同样安全、有效,半肝入肝血流阻断在术后住院时间及早期Alb水平恢复上更优。     

The association between the introduction of quantitative assessment of postpartum blood loss and institutional changes in clinical practice: an observational study

BackgroundImprecise visual estimates of blood loss contribute to morbidity from postpartum hemorrhage. We examined the impact of quantitative assessment of postpartum blood loss on clinical practice and outcomes.MethodsAn observational study comparing blood loss, management and outcomes between two historical cohorts (August 2016 to January 2017 and August 2017 to January 2018) at an academic tertiary care center. Patients in the intervention group (second period) had blood loss quantified compared with visual estimation for controls.ResultsWe included 7618 deliveries (intervention group n=3807; control group n=3811). There was an increase in the incidence of hemorrhage (blood loss >1 L) in the intervention group for both vaginal (2.2% vs 0.5%, P <0.001) and cesarean delivery (12.6% vs 6.4%, P <0.001). There was also a difference in median blood loss for vaginal (258 mL [151–384] vs 300 mL [300–350], P <0.001); and for cesarean delivery (702 mL [501–857] vs 800 mL [800–900], P <0.001). The median red blood cell units transfused was different in the intervention group having cesarean delivery (2 units [1–2] vs 2 units [2–2], P=0.043). Secondary uterotonic usage was greater in the intervention group for vaginal (22% vs 17.3%, P <0.001) but not cesarean delivery (7.0% vs 6.0%, P=0.177). Laboratory costs were different, but not the re-admission rate or length of stay.ConclusionsQuantifying blood loss may result in increased vigilance for vaginal and cesarean delivery. We identified an association between quantifying blood loss and improved identification of postpartum hemorrhage, patient management steps and cost savings.     

Piggyback technique and selective use of veno-venous bypass in adult orthotopic liver transplantation

Background. The piggyback technique (PT), with preservation of the cava, is being used more frequently in adult orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The advantages of PT include hemodynamic stability during the anhepatic phase without a large‐volume fluid infusion and obviating the need for veno‐venous bypass (VVB). At our center, we changed our practice in July 1997 from the standard technique (ST) of OLT with routine use of VVB to PT and selective use of VVB. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the results with the two different practices, ST‐routine VVB versus PT‐selective VVB.
Methods. Forty OLTs were performed during the period July 1995–July 1997 using ST‐routine VVB (group I) and 36 during August 1997–December 1998 using PT‐selective VVB (group II). The etiology of liver disease was similar in the two groups, with hepatitis C and alcoholic liver disease accounting for half of the patients in each group. The UNOS status, age, sex, and percentage of patients with previous upper abdominal surgery were also similar between the two groups.
Results. In the PT‐selective VVB era (group II), 34/36 patients (94%) underwent OLT with PT and VVB was used for 8 (22%) patients. The decision to use VVB was elective for 3 patients (fulminant hepatic failure, 2; severe portal hypertension, 1) and urgent for 5 patients (hemodynamic instability during hepatectomy). The intraoperative use of packed red blood cells (PRBC) (mean±SD) was 15±12 units for group I and 9±8 units for group II (p=0.023). Anastomosis time and total operating time (mean±SD) were 91±30 min and 9.5±3.2 h, respectively, for group I patients compared with 52±28 min and 7.6±1.6 h, respectively, for group II patients (p<0.0001 and 0.002, respectively). Median post‐operative stays in the intensive care unit (ICU) and in the hospital were 5 and 17 d, respectively, for group I and 4 and 11 d, respectively, for group II (p=NS). Mean serum creatinine on day 3 was similar in the two groups. Median hospital charges for group I patients were $105 439 compared with $91 779 for group II patients (p=NS). The 1‐year actuarial graft and patient survival rates were 78% and 82%, respectively, for group I, and 92% and 95%, respectively, for group II.
Conclusions. PT is safe and can be performed in the majority of adult patients (>90%) undergoing OLT. With the routine application of the piggyback procedure, the use of VVB has been reduced to 20% of OLTs at our center. The practice of piggyback technique with the selective use of VVB is associated with shorter anhepatic phase and total operating time, lower blood product use, a trend towards shorter hospital length of stay, and reduced hospital charges compared with standard technique of OLT with routine use of VVB.     

Haemodynamic study examining the response of venous blood flow to electrical stimulation of the gastrocnemius muscle in patients with chronic venous disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the option of stimulating calf muscle contraction through externally applied neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and to measure venous blood flow response to this stimulation. METHODS: Ten patients with class 6 chronic venous disease (CEAP clinical classification) were recruited. Measurements of peak venous velocities in the popliteal vein were recorded by Duplex scanning in response to six test conditions; 1. Standing, 2. Voluntary calf muscle contraction, 3. Standing with NMES applied, 4. Standing with compression bandaging applied to the leg, 5. Voluntary calf muscle contraction with compression bandaging applied to the leg, 6. Stationary with compression bandaging applied to the leg and NMES applied. Comfort assessment was completed using visual analogue scales at each test stage and on study completion each patient completed a short structured interview to determine comfort and acceptability of NMES. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS, Version 9. Non-parametric testing was used in all analyses using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test for paired samples. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in venous velocities on voluntary contraction of the calf muscle (median resting vel 7.3 cm/s; voluntary contraction median 70 cm/s) and with the introduction of NMES, both with compression (median velocity 15 cm/s, p = 0.005 Wilcoxon) and without compression (median velocity 13 cm/s, p = 0.005 Wilcoxon). The greatest increase with NMES was when combined with compression bandaging. All patients reported the stimulus as an acceptable treatment option with 90% reporting NMES as comfortable. CONCLUSIONS: Healing rates in venous ulceration with the application of compression bandaging remain between 50 and 70%. This study shows a positive haemodynamic response to NMES. Further research is needed to quantitatively measure the effect of NMES on ulcer healing.     

后腹腔镜下与开放根治性肾切除术治疗T1肾癌的疗效比较

目的 评价后腹腔镜下肾癌根治术治疗T1肾癌的临床疗效.方法 T1肾癌患者352例,均由同一组医生完成肾癌根治术,其中行后腹腔镜下手术组185例、开放性手术组167例,2组患者年龄、性别、肿瘤大小、分期、SCr值差异均无统计学意义.分析比较2组患者手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间、手术并发症及生存率的差异.结果 后腹腔镜组与开放手术组手术时间为55～130(75.6±11.2)min与50～140(68.0±10.6)min(P0.05);术中出血量50～1200(110.6±32.3)ml与50～1500(160.8±38.1)ml、术后需用止痛药治疗8例与132例、术后进食时间1～2(1.3±0.5)d与2～5(2.9±1.2)d、术后住院时间3～7(4.6±1.2)d与7～1 4(8.9±1.6)d,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).术后中位随访时间25(6～42)个月,2组生存率(85.4%与86.2%)差异无统计学意义(P0.05).结论 与开放性肾癌根治术相比,后腹腔镜下肾癌根治术出血少、恢复快、术后并发症少,已成为T1肾癌手术治疗的金标准.     

氨基酸溶液和重组人生长激素对肝硬化大鼠生长激素-胰岛素样生长因子1轴的影响

目的探讨氨基酸溶液和重组人生长激素(rhGH)对肝硬化大鼠生长激素(GH)-胰岛素样生长因子1(IGF—1)轴的影响。方法肝硬化大鼠随机分为术前组、肝部分切除后1d组、术后肠外营养用复方氨基酸注射液(Novamin)5d组、用10％复方氨基酸注射液(Hepa)5d组、用rhGH Hepa 5d组,各组均为6只大鼠,对照组为正常大鼠。分别测大鼠肝功能、血糖及血清GH、IGF-1、胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白3(IGFBP-3)水平,用逆转录聚合酶链反应检测肝白蛋白(ALB) mRNA、IGF-1 mRNA、IGFBP-3m RNA的表达,肝组织行Ki67免疫组化染色。结果用Hepa的肠外营养组5d后与用Novamin组比较,GH水平明显降低,肝ALB mRNA、IGF-1m RNA、IGFBP-3 mRNA表达水平明显升高,肝Ki67指数无差别;而rhGH Hepa组肠外营养5d后比Hepa组血糖、GH、IGF-1、IGFBP-3水平明显升高,肝ALB mRNA、IGF-1 mRNA表达水平及肝Ki67指数也明显升高。结论氨基酸溶液和重组人生长激素均可影响肝硬化大鼠生长激素．胰岛素样生长因子1轴,检测血清IGF-1、IGFBP-3水平有助于营养素的选择和评估。     

Subspecialization and pancreaticoduodenectomy: learning experience from 71 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a major procedure with significant mortality and morbidity. In this study, we reviewed our departmental results with PD as subspecialization for hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery developed, and evaluated the effects on surgical technique and practice. METHODS: Between January 1995 and October 2000, 71 consecutive patients underwent PD for various diseases at our institution. Patients were analysed in two groups according to the 35-month time period in which they underwent surgery: Group A, January 1995 to November 1997 (n = 28), and Group B, December 1997 to October 2000 (n = 43). RESULTS: The two groups were comparable for age, gender distribution, race and associated medical illnesses. Overall 30-day mortality was 5.6% (n = 4); three patients (10.7%) died in Group A and one (2.3%) in Group B. Compared to Group A, there was less surgery-related morbidity (25% vs 16.3%), intraoperative median blood loss (700 mL vs 500 mL), and median intensive-care stay (2 days vs 1 day) in Group B. No significant changes were noted in the overall complication rates (35.7% vs 39.5%), median operating time (4.7 vs 6.1 hours), median blood transfusion requirement (1.46 vs 1.29 units), and median hospital stay (17 vs 18 days). There was a significant shift away from pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) reconstruction towards pancreaticogastrostomy (PG), especially in Group B. Although preoperative histological confirmation of carcinoma was important in the earlier group, there was less emphasis on this need for a diagnosis before resection in the later period. CONCLUSIONS: Subspecialization in our department has improved the results of PD to an acceptable level, with a mortality of only 2.3%. However, this procedure still causes morbidity, with surgery-related morbidity of 16.3% even with subspecialization. Whether further reductions in morbidity can be achieved with more technical innovations remains to be seen. PG reconstruction was safer than PJ in our practice, with no anastomotic leaks.     

长期小剂量性激素疗法对绝经后妇女血压及血管活性因子的作用

目的观察绝经后妇女长期用小剂量性激素替代疗法(HRT)后,其血压及血管活性因子水平的变化。方法选择北京协和医院的140例绝经后医护人员,其中63例经小剂量HRT 5～32年(HRT组),77例年龄匹配未经HRT者为对照组。分别测量血压及取血测血浆肾素活性(PRA)、血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)和一氧化氮(NO)浓度。结果HRT组与对照组比较,雌二醇(E2)水平(中位数,四分位间距)分别为9．2 pmol／L,8．4及5．8 pmol／L,9．1,明显升高(P<0.05),收缩压分别为(126．7±14．4)mmHg及(132．4±19．8)mmHg,明显低于对照组(P<0．05);舒张压分别为(79．7±7．9)mmHg及(79．6 ±10．4)mmHg,血清卵泡刺激素(FSH)水平(54．4±18．9)IU／L及(60．4±24．4)IU／L,血浆AngⅡ(中位数,四分位间距)分别为46．0 ng／L,31．1及44．4 ng／L,33．0,NO分别为63．8 μmol／L,58．9及56．0 μmol／L,94．8和PRA分别为0．14 Pg·L-1 ·h-1,0．11及0．12 Pg·L-1·h-1,0．10,均无统计学差异(P>0．05)。结论绝经后妇女长期应用小剂量HRT收缩压明显低于对照组,而舒张压、PRA、AngⅡ和NO水平与对照组相比差异无显著性。     

Postoperative outcomes following cardiac surgery in non‐anaemic iron‐replete and iron‐deficient patients – an exploratory study

Iron deficiency anaemia is strongly associated with poor outcomes after cardiac surgery. However, pre‐operative non‐anaemic iron deficiency (a probable anaemia precursor) has not been comprehensively examined in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, despite biological plausibility and evidence from other patient populations of negative effect on outcome. This exploratory retrospective cohort study aimed to compare an iron‐deficient group of patients undergoing cardiac surgery with an iron‐replete group. Consecutive non‐anaemic patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting or single valve replacement in our institution between January 2013 and December 2015 were considered for inclusion. Data from a total of 277 patients were analysed, and were categorised by iron status and blood haemoglobin concentration into iron‐deficient (n = 109) and iron‐replete (n = 168) groups. Compared with the iron‐replete group, patients in the iron‐deficient group were more likely to be female (43% vs. 12%, iron‐replete, respectively); older, mean (SD) age 64.4 (9.7) vs. 63.2 (10.3) years; and to have a higher pre‐operative EuroSCORE (median IQR [range]) 3 (2–5 [0–10]) vs. 3 (2–4 [0–9]), with a lower preoperative haemoglobin of 141.6 (11.6) vs. 148.3 (11.7) g.l^?1. Univariate analysis suggested that iron‐deficient patients had a longer hospital length of stay (7 (6–9 [2–40]) vs. 7 (5–8 [4–23]) days; p = 0.013) and fewer days alive and out of hospital at postoperative day 90 (83 (80–84 [0–87]) vs. 83 (81–85 [34–86]), p = 0.009). There was no evidence of an association between iron deficiency and either lower nadir haemoglobin or higher requirement for blood products during inpatient stay. After adjusting the model for pre‐operative age, sex, renal function, EuroSCORE and haemoglobin, the mean increase in hospital length of stay in the iron‐deficient group relative to the iron‐replete group was 0.86 days (bootstrapped 95%CI ?0.37 to 2.22, p = 0.098). This exploratory study suggests there is weak evidence of an association between non‐anaemic iron deficiency and outcome after cardiac surgery after controlling for potentially confounding variables.     

Ischemic preconditioning in deceased donor liver transplantation: a prospective randomized clinical trial of safety and efficacy.

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has the potential to decrease graft injury and morbidity after liver transplantation. We prospectively investigated the safety and efficacy of 5 minutes of IPC induced by hilar clamping in local deceased donor livers randomized 1:1 to standard (STD) recovery (N = 28) or IPC (N = 34). Safety was assessed by measurement of heart rate, blood pressure, and visual inspection of abdominal organs during recovery, and efficacy by recipient aminotransferases (aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT], both measured in U/L), total bilirubin, and international normalized ratio of prothrombin time (INR) after transplantation. IPC performed soon after laparotomy did not cause hemodynamic instability or visceral congestion. Recipient median AST, median ALT, and mean INR, in STD vs. IPC were as follows: day 1 AST 696 vs. 841 U/L; day 3 AST 183 vs. 183 U/L; day 1 ALT 444 vs. 764 U/L; day 3 ALT 421 vs. 463 U/L; day 1 INR 1.7 +/- .4 vs. 2.0 +/- .8; and day 3 INR 1.3 +/- .2 vs. 1.4 +/- .3; all P > .05. No instances of nonfunction occurred. The 6-month graft and patient survival STD vs. IPC were 82 vs. 91% and median hospital stay was 10 vs. 8 days; both P > .05. In conclusion, deceased donor livers tolerated 5 minutes of hilar clamping well, but IPC did not decrease graft injury. Further trials with longer periods of preconditioning such as 10 minutes are needed.     

Survival and length of stay following blood transfusion in octogenarians following cardiac surgery

Our aim was to assess if peri‐operative blood transfusion is an independent risk factor for mortality and morbidity in the elderly. We report the results of a cohort study of all patients aged 80 or more on the day of their emergency or elective cardiac surgery (n = 874), using routinely collected data from January 2003 to November 2007. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality in hospital. The secondary outcomes were duration of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and overall hospital stay. Confounding variables were used to build up a risk model using a multivariable logistic regression analysis, and blood transfusion was added to assess whether it had additional predictive value for hospital mortality. Patients were divided into three groups: (i) transfusion of 0–2 units of red blood cells; (ii) transfusion of > 2 units of red blood cells and (iii) transfusion of red blood cells plus other clotting products. The strongest independent predictors of hospital death were logistic EuroSCORE and body mass index. After inclusion of these two variables, the odds ratio for transfusion remained significant. Relative to 0–2 units, the odds ratio for > 2 units was 6.80 (95% CI 2.46–18.8), and for other additional blood products was 14.4 (95% CI 5.34–37.3), with a p value of < 0.001. Duration of stay in the ICU was significantly associated with the amount of blood products administered (median (IQR [range]) ICU stay 1 (1‐2 [0‐15]) day if transfused 0–2 units of red blood cells, 2 (1‐6 [0‐128]) days if transfused > 2 units of red blood cells and 3 (1‐76 [0‐114]) days if other clotting products were used; p value < 0.001). Hospital stay was also associated with the amount of red cells used (p < 0.001).     

Hepatic IL-8 release during graft procurement is associated with impaired graft function after human liver transplantation

Ilmakunnas M, Höckerstedt K, Mäkisalo H, Siitonen S, Repo H, Pesonen EJ. Hepatic IL-8 release during graft procurement is associated with impaired graft function after human liver transplantation.
Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 29–35. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
Abstract:  In experimental models, brain death induces inflammatory cascades, leading to reduced graft survival. Thus far, factors prior to graft preservation have gained less attention in clinical setting. We studied pre-preservation inflammatory response and its effects on graft function in 30 brain dead liver donors and the respective recipients. Before donor graft perfusion, portal and hepatic venous blood samples were drawn for phagocyte adhesion molecule expression and plasma cytokine determinations. Donor intensive care unit stay correlated with donor C-reactive protein ( R  =   0.472, p   =   0.013) and IL-6 ( R  =   0.419, p   =   0.026) levels, and donor ( R  =   0.478, p   =   0.016) and recipient gamma-glutamyl transferase ( R  =   0.432, p   =   0.019) levels. During graft procurement, hepatic IL-8 release was observed in 17/30 donors. Grafts with hepatic IL-8 release exhibited subsequently higher alkaline phosphatase [319 (213–405) IU/L vs. 175 (149–208) IU/L, p   =   0.006] and bilirubin [101 (44–139) μmol/L vs. 30 (23–72) μmol/L, p   =   0.029] levels after transplantation. Our findings support the concept that inflammatory response in the brain dead organ donor contributes to the development of graft injury in human liver transplantation.     

Prevention of deep vein thrombosis with low molecular-weight heparin in patients undergoing total hip replacement

Summary In a double-blind, randomized multicentre trial, the efficacy and safety of two regimens for the prevention of postoperative venous thrombo-embolism, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) CY 216 and unfractionated heparin (UH), were compared in 341 patients undergoing elective total hip replacement. A group of 169 patients received one subcutaneous injection of 48 mg ( 10 000 anti-Xa IC units) LMWH and two placebo injections per day and 172 patients received a fixed dose of 5000 IU UH t.i.d. Deep vein thrombosis was assessed by bilateral phlebography on day 14 ± 1 after surgery. Phlebography was successfully performed in 136 patients in the LMWH group and 137 patients in the UH group. Deep vein thrombosis occurred in 45 of 137 patients (33.1%) treated with LMWH CY 216 and in 47 of 136 patients (34.3%) who received UH. Pulmonary embolism occurred in 2 of 167 evaluable patients (1.2%) in the LMWH group and in 6 of 168 patients (3.6%) in the UH group. In addition, the incidence of proximal deep vein thrombosis was evaluated and was found to be 10.3% (14/137 patients) in the LMWH group and 19% (26/136 patients) in the UH group (P = 0.044, two-sided). The safety of the treatments, as assessed by the incidence of major haemorrhage, intra- and postoperative blood loss, transfusion requirements, haemoglobin drop and frequency of wound haematomata, was similar in the two groups. It is concluded that prophylaxis of postoperative thrombo-embolism in hip surgery with one subcutaneous injection (48 mg) of LMWH CY 216 is as effective and as safe as prevention with fixed low-dose heparin (5000 IU t.i.d). A tendency to reduced rates of pulmonary embolism (3.6% vs. 1.2%) and proximal deep vein thrombosis (19% vs. 10.3%) was observed in favour of LMWH CY 216.A list of authors is given in the Appendix to this paper     

An acute pain service improves postoperative pain management for children undergoing selective dorsal rhizotomy

Background: A continuous epidural infusion of morphine is the pain treatment modality for children undergoing selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) in our institution. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of having an organized acute pain service (APS) on postoperative pain management of these children. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using anesthetic records and the APS database to compare the postoperative pain management of children undergoing SDR before and after the introduction of the APS at the Montreal Children’s Hospital in April 2001. Ninety‐two consecutive children who had their surgery between January 1997 and July 2006 were included. We collected data regarding postoperative pain, opioid‐induced side effects, complications (sedation, desaturations < 92%), and hospital length of stay. Results: Pain scores were documented more frequently after the implementation of the APS (61% vs 48.5%). Sedation scores were documented only after the implementation of the APS. Postoperative desaturation was significantly more frequent in the pre‐APS group compared to the APS group (45.5% vs 6.8%, P < 0.001). Despite the fact that the epidural catheter was in place for the same duration for both groups [median of 3 days (3–3 25–75%ile)], the duration of hospitalization was 1 day shorter in the APS group compared to the pre‐APS group [median of 5 (5–5 25–75%ile) vs 6 (5–6 25–75%ile) days, P < 0.001]. Conclusions: Although we recognize that it is possible that there were changes in care not related specifically to the introduction of a dedicated APS that occurred in our institution that resulted in improvements in general postoperative care and in length of stay, our study did show that having an organized APS allowed to significantly decrease the incidence of postoperative oxygen desaturation and to decrease the hospital length of stay by 1 day.