Predictors of malignancy in screen-detected breast masses with indeterminate/equivocal (grade 3) imaging features

Background

The mammographic grading system used by BreastScreen Australia accredited programs requires needle biopsy of lesions with indeterminate features (grade 3). We wished to determine the predictors of malignancy for these common lesions, so as to reduce surgery for benign lesions.

Design

Grade 3 masses assessed between Jan 1996-Dec 2005 are included. New or changing lesions were identified through film review. Imaging, demographic and final outcome data were tabulated. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the predictors of malignancy.

Results

1181 lesions, including 623 new or changing masses are assessed. Of these 98 (8.3%) were malignant. Malignancy was found in 3% first round masses versus 13% of new or changing lesions. Withholding needle biopsy results, interval change (OR 2.85, p = 0.0001), increasing age (p = 0.0001) and diameter were independent predictors of malignancy, lesion diameter having an inverse relationship with malignancy.Once needle biopsy results were included, this parameter became the sole predictor of malignancy as other factors lost significance in a multivariate model.

Conclusion

Surgical biopsy is not indicated in well-sampled grade 3 masses with benign needle biopsy results. Surgery is valuable for diagnosis or treatment of the remaining such masses without benign needle biopsy results.     

Oncologic outcomes after resection of rectal cancer: Laparoscopic versus open approach

Background

This study examined outcomes of laparoscopic and open rectal cancer surgery in a community hospital setting.

Methods

A community health care system cancer registry was reviewed retrospectively (2004-2007) for rectal cancer patients undergoing surgical treatment. Primary end points were rates of recurrence and survival.

Results

Both open and laparoscopic resection groups had similar demographic, treatment, and tumor characteristics. Most patients in the open resection and laparoscopic resection populations experienced no recurrence (79% vs 83%, respectively; P = .5). Overall, the groups had similar mean (88% vs 96%, respectively; P = .4) and disease-free (21 and 23 months, respectively; P = .5) survival.

Conclusions

In a community hospital setting, laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer was found to be as safe and effective as open resection in selected patients.     

Nonoperative management of symptomatic urachal anomalies

Introduction

Symptomatic urachal anomalies are rare disorders that consist of urachal remnants or fistulas with or without an associated cyst. Traditionally, when a urachal anomaly was recognized, operative excision was performed. There has been a shift toward the nonoperative management of urachal anomalies at many centers, although there is little in the literature to support this practice.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients with urachal anomalies was performed from January 2002 to March 2008. Children with a draining umbilicus and no radiographic or surgical confirmation of a urachal anomaly were excluded.

Results

Fifteen patients with symptomatic urachal anomalies were identified. The average age was 3.5 years (4 weeks to 14 years). Symptoms included umbilical drainage (n = 10), abdominal pain (n = 6), omphalitis (n = 4), intraabdominal mass (n = 3), dysuria (n = 1), recurrent urinary tract infections (n = 1), and fever (n = 4). The diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound (n = 13) and/or computed tomographic scan (n = 4). The surgically treated cases included 7 urachal cysts (5 uninfected, 2 infected) and 1 patent urachal fistula. Mean follow-up is 37 months, and there have been no reported recurrences. Those treated without surgical excision included 4 patent urachal fistulas (mean follow-up, 20 months—no recurrences) and 3 infected urachal cysts (percutaneous drainage [n = 2] and laparoscopic drainage [n = 1]—no recurrences on ultrasound at 26 months).

Conclusion

Nonoperative management of urachal anomalies is a reasonable approach and may be extended to infected urachal cysts after initial drainage. Infected cysts that are adequately drained seem to obliterate with time. Modern ultrasonography facilitates thorough follow-up. We propose a treatment algorithm for the management of suspected urachal anomalies.     

Typical carcinoids and neuroendocrine carcinomas of the stomach: differing clinical courses and prognoses

Background

Gastric endocrine tumors are usually classified as 3 types of well-differentiated endocrine tumors (typical carcinoids or carcinoids) and poorly differentiated carcinomas (neuroendocrine carcinomas [NECs]).

Methods

From 1993 to 2008, 97 patients (73 men and 24 women) were diagnosed with gastric neuroendocrine tumors at the Asan Medical Center.

Results

Of the 45 patients with typical carcinoids, 37 underwent surgery (eg, endoscopic resection). Of the 52 patients with NECs, 43 underwent surgery (eg, radical gastrectomy). One patient died of recurrence of the typical carcinoids, whereas 26 patients with NECs died of related diseases (P < .05). The rates of survival and recurrence did not significantly differ by type of typical carcinoid (P > .05).

Conclusions

Regardless of the type, carcinoids that are not yet advanced can be effectively treated with minimal endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery. However, all NECs and advanced carcinoids should be treated with radical gastrectomy.     

The utility of diagnostic laparoscopy in the evaluation of anterior abdominal stab wounds

Background

To assess if diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) is superior to nonoperative modes (serial abdominal examination with/without computed axial tomography [CAT] and diagnostic peritoneal lavage) in determining the need for therapeutic laparotomy (TL) after anterior abdominal stab wound (ASW).

Methods

Retrospective review of ASW patients. Patients were divided into group A (DL/exploratory laparotomy) to identify peritoneal violation (PV) and group B (initial nonoperative modes).

Results

Seventy-three patients met inclusion criteria. In group A (n = 38), 29 patients (76%) had PV by DL and underwent exploratory laparotomy. Only 10 (35%) underwent TL (sensitivity for PV = 100%; specificity and positive predictive value of PV in determining need for TL = 29% and 33%, respectively). In group B (n = 35), 7 patients (20%) underwent TL, yielding an improved specificity (96%) and positive predictive value (88%).

Conclusions

We find no role for DL in the evaluation of ASW patients solely to determine PV.     

Pediatric clean surgical wounds: is dressing necessary?

Background/Purpose

The covering of the sutured surgical wound with a sterile dressing is usually considered a routine conclusion to an aseptic operation. The wound is usually left dressed for a minimum of 3 to 5 days. The main purpose of dressing is protection of the wound against bacterial contamination that remains a significant source of postoperative morbidity. The aim of this study was to compare the infectious local risk when the clean pediatric surgical wounds were dressed or left exposed without dressing after the completion of wound closure.

Methods

Four hundred fifty-one patients with clean surgical wounds were randomized prospectively to receive dressing (n = 216) or have their wounds left exposed without any dressing (n = 235) after the completion of wound closure.

Results

In the group that received wound dressing, wound infection developed in 3 patients (1.4%), whereas in the group that had wounds exposed without any dressing, 4 patients (1.7%) developed wound infection.

Conclusions

In children, there was no significant difference in terms of wound infection after applying dressing or leaving the clean surgical wounds exposed without any dressing after completion of wound closure. Dressing clean surgical wounds may be unnecessary.     

Scientific Presentation Award: The impact of magnetic resonance imaging on surgical treatment of invasive breast cancer

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and surgical treatment of invasive breast cancer (IBC).

Method

The IBC patients treated from January 2003-June 2008 were reviewed by a single institution.

Results

A total of 814 patients were treated, out of which 562 (69%) underwent breast conservation therapy (BCT), 151 (19%) chose mastectomy alone (M), and 101 (12%) chose mastectomy with reconstruction (M+ R). The mean age was comparatively low in M + R patients (P ≤ 0.001). The mean tumor size was the lowest in BCT patients (P ≤ 0.001). MRI use increased with no significant difference in type of surgery as noted by year. In multivariate analysis, type of surgery was significantly associated with tumor size, multifocality, age, and MRI use. The factors associated with MRI performance were: multifocality, younger age, tumor size, lobular histology, body mass index, and genetic testing.

Conclusions

The use of MRI in IBC patients has increased over the past 5 years, without any observable impact on surgical treatment. Similar factors are associated with mastectomy and MRI performance.     

Primary hepatic sarcomas in children--a single-center experience over 19 years

Background/ Purpose

Primary hepatic sarcomas are rare and account for about 13% of primary hepatic neoplasms. There are few reported series of pediatric hepatic sarcomas, and the aim was to review our experience.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of cases managed from 1988 to 2007 by the pediatric liver unit in Birmingham, UK, was conducted.

Results

Nineteen children were identified. These presented with sudden abdominal pain (n = 6), obstructive jaundice (n = 3), incidental mass (n = 3), and chronic pain/distension (n = 3). Vascular involvement was identified in 3, and 6 had pulmonary metastases. Three patients had primary resection, and 3 only a biopsy. Thirteen had a biopsy followed by chemotherapy and resection. Surgery included extended hepatectomy (n = 11), hepatectomy (n = 3), and nonanatomical resections (n = 2). There was 1 major intraoperative complication. Median inpatient stay was 7 days. One biliary leak developed 4 weeks postoperatively. Five of the 16 patients who underwent resection of the primary tumor died. Eleven were alive at a median follow-up of 3 years.

Conclusion

This is a challenging group of patients. Local control remains pivotal to successful treatment. Good results can be achieved in a specialist center with multidisciplinary approach.     

Noninterventional treatment of selected head and neck lymphatic malformations

Background

Indications for treatment of lymphatic malformations include disfigurement, symptoms, and infection. Patients with lymphatic malformations often undergo resection or sclerotherapy to prevent possible complications, as it has been thought that lymphatic lesions do not regress.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all head and neck lymphatic malformations for the past 5 years was performed.

Results

Twenty-five patients with lymphatic malformations of the head and neck were treated, all underwent computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation. Fourteen patients had macrocystic lesions; others were considered mixed or microcystic. Seventeen patients underwent intervention. Ten patients underwent surgical resection alone, 4 patients underwent sclerotherapy, and 3 patients had both sclerotherapy and surgical resection. Of 17, 15 patients who underwent intervention had complications, including recurrence and nerve damage. Eight patients with predominantly macrocystic lesions were managed with close observation and were asymptomatic other than a mass. With follow-up of 33.4 months, in 4 of 8 patients, the lesion significantly decreased; 4 of 8 patients continue to be asymptomatic.

Conclusions

Patients who undergo intervention have a high complication and recurrence rate. Selected patients with asymptomatic macrocystic lymphatic malformations of the head and neck can often be managed by observation alone. These patients should be followed closely in a multidiscliplinary clinical setting.     

Papillary thyroid carcinoma in children: risk factors and complications of disease recurrence

Introduction

Optimal treatment of recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in children remains controversial. We reviewed our experience with recurrent PTC to better identify children diagnosed with it.

Aims

The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors, optimal treatment, complications, and prognosis of recurrent PTC in children.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of all thyroid resections for children aged 18 years or younger who have PTC at a single institution from 1987 to 1999.

Results

Thirty-six children, 7 boys (19%) and 29 girls (81%), underwent initial cervical exploration for PTC. Lymph node involvement was noted in 25 patients (69%); however, there was no distal disease. An equal number of children underwent subtotal thyroidectomy (n = 18) and total (n = 18) thyroidectomy as their initial operation. Papillary thyroid carcinoma recurrences developed in 17 patients (47%) a median of 7 months (range, 1-43 months) after their initial operation. Recurrence was more common for patients with lymph node involvement (P < .01) and multiple nodules (P < .05) at presentation. Recurrence developed in 5 patients after subtotal thyroidectomy and in 12 patients after total thyroidectomy. Sixteen children with recurrent PTC had a second operation and 6 required a third operation. Total operative complications included 2 patients with permanent hypocalcemia and 1 patient with permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, all of whom had a total thyroidectomy. No patient died; however, 3 continue to harbor disease. Mean follow-up for patients with PTC was 65 months (range, 15 to 144 months).

Conclusions

Thyroid resection combined with selective use of radioactive iodine ablation is a safe and effective treatment for recurrent PTC in children. The best predictors of this recurrent disease are lymph node involvement and multiple thyroid nodules at presentation.     

Risk factors and outcome of early recurrence after resection of small hepatocellular carcinomas

Background

This study aimed to clarify risk factors for early recurrence and examine the subsequent outcome in patients undergoing potentially R0 resection of small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) (≤2 cm in greatest dimension).

Methods

Eighty-nine patients were divided into 2 groups as follows: 26 patients suffering from recurrence within 2 years of surgery (early recurrence group) and 63 patients who were disease-free for at least 2 years (disease-free 2Y group).

Results

Only 7 of 63 patients (11%) from the group that was disease-free for at least 2 years died during the 5-year period after surgery, whereas 13 of 26 patients (50%) from the early recurrence group died. Multivariate analysis showed that the preoperative maximum removal rate of technetium-99m-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-galactosyl human serum albumin and microscopic vascular invasion were independent predictors of the early recurrence of small HCC.

Conclusions

Early recurrence of small HCC is the leading cause of death within 5 years after R0 resection. The preoperative hepatic functional reserve influences early recurrence, even in patients with small tumors.     

Outcome of children with cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma treated with or without chemotherapy

Background/purpose

Cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma (CPDN) is a rare variant of Wilms’ tumor thought to be more favorable than standard nephroblastoma. The purpose of this report is to examine the outcome of children with CPDN, after nephrectomy, treated with vincristine and dactinomycin based chemotherapy (+/− doxorubicin) or no chemotherapy.

Methods

Patients were registered with the National Wilms’ Tumor Study Group (NWTSG) and data were collected prospectively. All patients had central review by the NWTSG Pathology Center to confirm the diagnosis of CPDN.

Results

Twenty-one patients were identified with a diagnosis of CPDN. Thirteen patients received chemotherapy, and 8 patients did not. In the chemotherapy group the stage distribution was as follows: stage I (n = 10), stage II (n = 2), stage V (n = 1). In the no-chemotherapy group, all 8 patients were stage I. All patients had complete tumor resection. There were no cases of disease progression or recurrence in any patient. In patients receiving chemotherapy, 30% (n = 4) had toxicities causing dose reduction.

Conclusions

The outcome of patients with CPDN is favorable with 100% survival rate and no recurrences. For stage I patients, treatment with complete tumor resection appears to be as efficacious as nephrectomy plus chemotherapy. Stage II patients also have excellent outcome when treated with tumor resection and postoperative vincristine and dactinomycin.     

Adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization improves efficacy of hepatectomy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and portal vein tumor thrombus

Purpose

To study the value of postoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) to improve the efficacy of hepatectomy and tumor thrombus removal for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT).

Experimental design

From January 1996 to December 2004, 126 patients with HCC and PVTT were randomly assigned into 2 groups: a control group and a TACE group. The control group underwent liver resection combined with PVTT removal, and the TACE group underwent liver resection combined with adjuvant TACE after surgery. Survival time in the 2 groups was studied.

Results

The 2 groups were comparable with regard to all clinicopathologic data. The median survival time was 13 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.25 to 19.75 months) for the TACE group and 9 months (95% CI 6.90 to 11.10 months) for the control group. Estimated survival rates for 1, 3 and 5 years were better in the TACE group (50.9%, 33.8%, 21.5%; respectively) than the control group (33.3%, 17.0%, 8.5%, respectively; log rank P = .0094).

Conclusions

Postoperative TACE enhances the effect of liver resection combined with PVTT removal for HCC patients with PVTT.     

Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Objective

A kidney transplant is a suitable surgical management for end-stage renal disease patients; however, posttransplantation malignancy is an unwanted outcome. In Taiwan, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major malignancy not only among the general population but also in the post-kidney transplant group. Therefore, regular imaging studies for posttransplantation follow-up are necessary. We examined the imaging characteristics and the efficacy of radiologic diagnostic criteria and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system in post-kidney transplantation HCC.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 15 patients with post-transplantation HCC among 554 hospital-based kidney transplant recipients. From 1988 to 2008 we analyzed the patient profiles, imaging studies, histopathologic diagnosis, treatment methods, and outcomes. The 6th-edition AJCC radiologic staging system was applied for validation in this study.

Results

Using the AJCC staging system, all 15 patients with histopathologically confirmed HCC were enrolled as stage I (n = 7), stage II (n = 2), stage IIIA (n = 5), or stage IV (n = 1) cases. The 5-year survival rates were 71.4% in stage I, 50% in stage II, 20% in stage IIIA, and 0% in stage IV. Over one-half of post-kidney transplantation HCC were sized 2.5-6.0 cm in diameter with mixed echogenicity. The positive diagnostic rate for radiologic criteria was 83.3%.

Conclusions

The AJCC staging system and the radiologic diagnostic criteria were validated in post-kidney transplantation HCC. Surgical resection and transcatheter arterial embolization for early-stage HCC in kidney transplant recipients showed satisfactory outcomes. A noncirrhotic liver in a kidney transplant recipient makes surgical resection the treatment of choice because of the better prognosis.     

Impact of tumor viability at second-look procedures performed before completing treatment on the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group protocol IRS-IV, 1991-1997: a report from the children's oncology group

Purposes

The aims of the study were to compare results of clinical/radiographic studies before second-look procedures (SLP) with SLP specimens from patients with gross residual sarcoma at diagnosis and to relate tumor viability to outcome.

Patients

Seventy-three patients underwent SLP before completing chemotherapy, with (n = 59) or without (n = 14) radiotherapy. Tumor sites were bladder/prostate (n = 27), head/orbit/parameningeal (n = 22), extremity/trunk (n = 14), and retroperitoneum/pelvis (n = 10).

Results

Of 14 patients, 1 (7%) with clinical/radiographic complete response (CR) had viable tumor. Of 59 patients, 35 (59%) without CR had viable tumor. Five-year failure-free survival (FFS) rates were 81% in 37 patients without viable tumor and 53% in 36 patients with viable tumor (Cox proportional hazards adjusted P = .05). Five-year FFS rates were 67% in 15 patients with clear margins and 43% in 21 patients with tumor-involved margins (n = 18) or viable gross tumor (n = 3) (Cox proportional hazards adjusted P = .04). Five-year survival was 78% to 79% among 73 patients with and 333 patients without SLP during treatment.

Conclusions

Second-look procedures can show whether viable tumor is present and may be beneficial in selected patients with rhabdomyosarcoma. Disappearance of tumor (CR) usually correlated with no viable tumor at SLP. However, 41% of patients without CR had no viable tumor. Those without viable tumor had increased FFS but not survival compared to those with viable tumor.     

Staged reduction of gastroschisis using preformed silos: practicalities and problems

Purpose

Previous single-center studies have reported favorable outcomes when preformed silos (PFS) are used for the staged reduction of gastroschisis. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and nature of complications associated with PFS in a large population and provide an insight into the practicalities of their routine use.

Methods

A retrospective review was carried out of all cases of gastroschisis managed with PFS in 4 UK neonatal surgical units for a 6-year period.

Results

One hundred fifty infants were included, and 139 (92.7%) silos were applied at cot side (no sedation, n = 93). Median silo size was 4 cm, and time of application was 2.5 hours. Enlarging the defect by incision of fascia was required in 17 (11%). Defect closure was performed at a median of 4 days (0-47) with 93 (62%) being at cot side. Methods of closure were adhesive strips/dressings (n = 94), sutures (n = 48), and patch (n = 8). Discoloration of the viscera occurred in 16 (11%), managed successfully by simple methods (change of PFS, aspirating the stomach, or incision of the defect fascia) (n = 8), conversion to operative silo (n = 3), and operative reduction (n = 1). Four required bowel resection. Other complications included missed atresia (n = 5; 3.3%) and nectrotizing enterocolitis (n = 11; 7%). There were 5 deaths in the series (3.3%).

Conclusions

Staged reduction of gastroschisis with PFS is simple, convenient, and safe. The low rates of associated complications and mortality appear favorable when compared to infants managed with more traditional techniques. We recommend that PFS should be used for the routine management of gastroschisis.     

Use of angioembolization as an effective technique for the management of pediatric solid tumors

Purpose

In oncology practice, angioembolization has been reported for tumor reduction before surgery, treatment of life-threatening conditions, and for palliative care. Nevertheless, the overall experience with angioembolization for the treatment of tumors is limited. We report our experience in 7 nonvascular solid pediatric tumors.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review was carried out of medical records from pediatric patients (0-18 years) with solid nonvascular tumors who underwent angioembolization in the last 5 years at our institution.

Results

Seven patients underwent embolization: 2 neuroblastomas, 1 metastatic paraganglioma, 1 hepatoblastoma, 1 myofibroblastic tumor, 1 osteosarcoma, and 1 undifferentiated sarcoma. The reason for angioembolization was preparation for surgery (3), treatment of a life-threatening event (1), or palliative care (3). Each case is presented and discussed. The outcome was subsequent complete surgical resection in 3 cases, tumor vanished in 1 case, symptom control was achieved in 1, and the other 2 patients improved their survival and quality of life, however, died of disease progression.

Conclusions

Tumor angioembolization may enter the treatment algorithm for selected patients who have to face difficult or unwarranted surgical procedures or have diseases where conventional therapies have failed.     

Biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation from donors after cardiac death: broad spectrum of disease

Background

Donation-after-death liver transplantation (DCD-LT) carries higher complication rates compared with donation-after-brain death liver transplantation (DBD-LT). In this report we describe our experience with biliary complications in DCD-LT with emphasis on anatomical patterns and outcomes.

Materials and Methods

We performed retrospective review of patients' medical records from August 2004 to December 2008, during which time total of 26 DCD-LTs were performed. Mean follow-up was 29 months (range 3 to 51 months).

Results

Biliary complications occurred in 12 patients (46%), of whom 9 were related to DCD (35%). Four patients had more than 1 biliary complication, and 4 had concomitant arterial problems (stricture/thrombosis). Treatment of complications included: ERCP (n = 5, 3 resolved), conversion to roux (n = 5, 2 resolved), revision of roux (n = 1), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (n = 1), artery revision (n = 3). Three patients with casts had operative extraction of casts depicting a mummified biliary tree; histology showed casts and fibrosis and anastomotic suture material. Six patients underwent retransplantation (23%). Among retransplanted patients, 2 deaths occurred (7.7%).

Conclusion

Our experience with DCD-LT reveals a high prevalence of biliary complications with a new and wide spectrum of clinicopathologic findings. Better strategies for prevention of these unique biliary complications are needed to better justify the added risks and costs for performance of DCD-LT.     

Small volume resuscitation with 3% hypertonic saline solution decrease inflammatory response and attenuates end organ damage after controlled hemorrhagic shock

Background

Recently, studies have been conducted examining the efficacy of 3% hypertonic saline solution (HS) for the treatment of traumatic brain injury; however, few studies have analyzed the effects of 3% hemorrhagic shock during hemorrhagic shock. The aim of this study was to test the potential immunomodulatory benefits of 3% hemorrhagic shock resuscitation over standard fluid resuscitation.

Methods

Wistar rats were bled to a mean arterial pressure of 35 mm Hg and then randomized into 3 groups: those treated with lactated Ringer's solution (LR; 33 mL/kg, n = 7), 3% HS (10 mL/kg, n = 7), and 7.5% HS (4 mL/kg, n = 7). Half of the extracted blood was reinfused after fluid resuscitation. Animals that did not undergo shock served as controls (n = 5). Four hours after hemorrhagic shock, blood was collected for the evaluation of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 by enzyme immunoassay. Lung and intestinal samples were obtained for histopathologic analysis.

Results

Animals in the HS groups had significantly higher mean arterial pressure than those in the LR group 1 hour after treatment. Osmolarity and sodium levels were markedly elevated in the HS groups. Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels were similar between the control and HS groups but significantly higher in the LR group (P < .05). The lung injury score was significantly higher in the LR group compared with the 7.5% HS and 3% HS groups (5.7 ± 0.7, 2.1 ± 0.4, and 2.7 ± 0.5, respectively). Intestinal injury was attenuated in the 7.5% HS and 3% HS groups compared with the LR group (2.0 ± 0.6, 2.3 ± 0.4, and 5.9 ± 0.6, respectively).

Conclusions

A small-volume resuscitation strategy modulates the inflammatory response and decreases end-organ damage after HS. Three percent HS provides immunomodulatory and metabolic effects similar to those observed with conventional concentrations of HS.