Comparative study of Silver Sulfadiazine with other materials for healing and infection prevention in burns: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to compare the effect of Silver Sulfadiazine (SSD) with other new dressings, with or without silver, on healing and infection prevention in burns. The electronic search was carried out in the electronic databases of Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Lilacs and BVS. The articles included were randomized clinical trials about burn treatment with SSD, which evaluated the healing and infection of burn wounds in humans. The exclusion criteria included articles, editorials and letters published in the form of abstracts, unpublished reports and case series, cross-sectional, observational experimental studies, and the use of sulfadiazine for other types of wounds. The search identified 873 references, and 24 studies were included in accordance with the eligibility criteria. The results showed a statistically favorable difference related to the time of healing for silver dressings (p < 0.0001; MD 3.83; 95% CI 2.03–5.62) and dressings without silver (p < 0.007; MD 2.9; 95% CI 0.81–5.00) in comparison with SSD. The rate of infection showed no difference in the group treated with SSD compared with the group treated with dressings containing silver (p > 0.05). The rate of infection was significantly higher in the SSD group compared with the group treated with dressings without silver (p < 0.005; MD 25.29% and MD 12.97%). Considering the clinical trials conducted up to the present time, the authors concluded that new dressings with and without silver show better results than SSD for wound healing, and burns treated with dressings without silver are less likely to become infected than burns with SSD. No differences between SSD and new silver materials were observed in relation to infection prevention.     

Topical silver sulfadiazine vs collagenase ointment for the treatment of partial thickness burns in children: a prospective randomized trial

BackgroundThe 2 most commonly used topical agents for partial thickness burns are silver sulfadiazine (SSD) and collagenase ointment (CO). Silver sulfadiazine holds antibacterial properties, and eschar separation occurs naturally. Collagenase ointment is an enzyme that cleaves denatured collagen facilitating separation but has no antibacterial properties. Currently, there are no prospective comparative data in children for these 2 agents. Therefore, we conducted a prospective randomized trial.MethodsAfter institutional review board approval, patients were randomized to daily debridement with SSD or CO. Primary outcome was the need for skin grafting. Patients were treated for 2 days with SSD with subsequent randomization. Polymyxin was mixed with CO for antibacterial coverage. Debridements were performed daily for 10 days or until the burn healed. Grafting was performed after 10 days if not healed.ResultsFrom January 2008 to January 2011, 100 patients were enrolled, with no differences in patient characteristics. There were no differences in clinical course, outcome, or need for skin grafting. Wound infections occurred in 7 patients treated with CO and 1 patient treated with SSD (P = .06). Collagenase ointment was more expensive than SSD (P < .001). However, total hospital charges did not differ.ConclusionThere are no differences in outcomes between topical SSD or CO in the management of childhood burns results.     

Procutase versus 1% silver sulphadiazine in the treatment of minor burns

The purpose of this randomised comparative study was to evaluate the use of silver sulphadiazine (SSD) 1% cream (Group A) with the use of Procutase^® (Group B) in treating burns with a TBSA <10% and a depth not greater than 2nd degree burns and thus suitable for outpatient management. The two groups were similar in age, gender, race, and extent of burn. Procutase^® is an ionic hydrogel composed of natural hydrophilic polymers in an active ionic solution with an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-1, -3 and -9 (collagenase/gelatinase). Subjects were seen in follow-up biweekly, and wounds of patients in SSD group were compared with those of Procutase^® group for healing time, pain score at dressing change, compliance with therapy and complication rate. The result of this study showed that Procutase^® treated patients had statistically significantly less pain and shorter wound healing time. Procutase^® can be used successfully in patients with burns that do not require hospital admission.     

Up-regulated interleukin-4 production by peripheral T-helper cells in idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Helper T (Th) cells are classified into Th1 and Th2 subsets based on cytokine production and the Th1/Th2 paradigm explains differences in inflammatory effector pathways in various human diseases. Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an immune complex disease associated with Th2 nephritogenic immune response. However, overproduction of interleukin (IL)-4, a principal Th2 cytokine, has not been demonstrated. We investigated Th1/Th2 cytokine production by peripheral Th cells and its association with the degree of proteinuria in MN. METHODS: We analysed production of Th1/Th2 cytokines, interferon (IFN)-gamma and IL-4 by peripheral Th cells, using an intracellular cytokine detection method with flow cytometry in patients with MN (n = 24). The data were compared with data from healthy subjects (n = 51), subjects with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS; n = 13) and subjects with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS; n = 12). We compared the percentages of IFN-gamma+ and IL-4+ Th cells and the peripheral Th1/Th2 ratio (IFN-gamma/IL-4 ratio) among the four groups. We also examined the association of IFN-gamma and IL-4 production with clinical parameters of MN. RESULTS: The mean percentage of IL-4+ cells in MN (3.9+/-1.2%) was significantly higher than in the control (2.4+/-1.0%), MCNS (2.3+/-1.4%) and FSGS (2.3+/-1.2%) groups (P<0.001, respectively). The Th1/Th2 ratio was significantly lower in MN (5.3+/-2.0) than in the control (8.2+/-4.2, P<0.05), MCNS (10.0+/-5.3, P<0.01) and FSGS (10.2+/-5.3, P<0.01) groups. Moreover, the percentage of IL-4+ cells correlated significantly with the amount of proteinuria in MN (r = 0.57, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: IL-4 production by peripheral Th cells is up-regulated in patients with MN and correlated with the severity of proteinuria. Intracellular cytokine analysis could be a useful index in idiopathic MN.     

Silver ion doped ceramic nano-powder coated nails prevent infection in open fractures: In vivo study

BackgroundDespite improvement in operative techniques and antibiotic therapy, septic complications still occur in open fractures. We developed silver ion containing ceramic nano powder for implant coating to provide not only biocompatibility but also antibacterial activity to the orthopaedic implants.Questions/purposesWe hypothesised silver ion doped calcium phosphate based ceramic nano-powder coated titanium nails may prevents bacterial colonisation and infection in open fractures as compared with uncoated nails.Methods33 rabbits divided into three groups. In the first group uncoated, in the second group hydroxyapatite coated, and in the third group silver doped hydroxyapatite coated titanium nails were inserted left femurs of animals from knee regions with retrograde fashion. Before implantation of nails 50 μl solution containing 10⁶ CFU/ml methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) injected intramedullary canal. Rabbits were monitored for 10 weeks. Blood was taken from rabbits before surgery and on 2nd, 6th and 10th weeks. Blood was analysed for biochemical parameters, blood count, C-reactive protein and silver levels. At the end of the 10 weeks animals were sacrificed and rods were extracted in a sterile fashion. Swab cultures were taken from intramedullary canal. Bacteria on titanium rods were counted. Liver, heart, spleen, kidney and central nervous tissues samples were taken for determining silver levels. Histopathological evaluation of bone surrounding implants was also performed.ResultsNo significant difference was detected between the groups from hematologic, biochemical, and toxicological aspect. Microbiological results showed that less bacterial growth was detected with the use of silver doped ceramic coated implants compared to the other two groups (p = 0.003). Accumulation of silver was not detected. No cellular inflammation was observed around the silver coated prostheses. No toxic effect of silver on bone cells was seen.ConclusionSilver ion doped calcium phosphate based ceramic nano powder coating to orthopaedic implants may prevents bacterial colonisation and infection in open fractures compared with those for implants without any coating.     

Efficacy and costs of nanocrystalline silver dressings versus 1% silver sulfadiazine dressings to treat burns in adults in the outpatient setting: A randomized clinical trial

BackgroundNanocrystalline silver dressings can reduce the number of changes, facilitating burn wound management. However, the evidence regarding their efficacy and cost-consequences compared to well-established treatments, such as 1% silver sulfadiazine, is still scarce.ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy, safety, and costs of nanocrystalline silver dressings compared to 1% silver sulfadiazine dressings to treat adult patients with burns.Study design and settingRandomized, single-center, single-blind trial conducted at a referral hospital in São Paulo, Brazil.Methods100 adult patients were randomized 1:1 to nanocrystalline silver (n = 50) or 1% silver sulfadiazine (n = 50). The primary outcome was the proportion of participants with complete re-epithelization at day 15 after randomization. Secondary outcomes included the number of dressing changes, direct medical costs (in international dollars, I$), pain intensity, the incidence of infections, number of patients undergoing surgery, and adverse events.ResultsOn day 15, the proportion of patients who reached the primary outcome did not differ significantly between participants treated with nanocrystalline silver dressings (24 [48%]) and those treated with 1% silver sulfadiazine dressings (26 [52%]); risk difference of ?4.0 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI], ?17 to 9; P = 0.56). The number of patients undergoing surgical intervention was similar between groups (6% vs. 6%), and no local or serious adverse events were reported. The mean (standard deviation, SD) number of dressing changes in the nanocrystalline silver group was 4.1 (2.3), and the corresponding estimate in the 1% silver sulfadiazine group was 9.6 (6.7); mean difference of ?5.56 (95% CI), ?7.57 to ?3.55, P < 0.001). Treatment with nanocrystalline silver dressing incurred significant cost reductions in medical materials, human resources, and administrative labor. However, the mean total cost with nanocrystalline silver dressing was higher compared to 1% silver sulfadiazine dressings: I$496.37 (445.90) vs. I$274.73 (182.76); mean difference = 221.63 (95% CI, 89.04 to 354.23, P = 0.001). The main driver of higher mean total costs among nanocrystalline silver-treated participants was the purchase cost of the dressings, representing 79.3% of the total cost in the nanocrystalline silver group but only 15.2% in the 1% silver sulfadiazine group.ConclusionWe found no evidence of a difference between nanocrystalline silver and 1% silver sulfadiazine dressings regarding efficacy and safety outcomes. Nanocrystalline silver dressings were associated with an increase in the total costs, but they could result in important savings for an institution (less changes of dressings, reducing human resources burden), especially if acquisition costs can be decreased. Additional cost-effectiveness studies are warranted.Trial registration numberNCT02108535     

Assessment of Interleukin 2 Cytokine Expression Levels After Renal Transplantation

AimEnd-stage renal disease is a disease in which the kidney is not able to perform its functions. Kidney transplantation is the most effective treatment and cost-effective modality of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, the most important problem in end-stage renal disease patients is the unpredictability of immunologic response after transplants. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the possible association between the interleukin 2 (IL-2) expression level and an organ rejection or rejection episode.Materials and MethodsLymphocytes were isolated from peripheral blood obtained from 21 end-stage renal disease–diagnosed patients prior to transplant and at the sixth month after transplant. CD4+ T cells were separated from lymphocytes by the magnetic cell-sorting method. The purity of these cells were controlled by a flow cytometer. After total RNA isolation from CD4+ T cells, IL-2 was examined by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method.ResultsAmong nonrejection patients (n = 18), the IL-2 expression level decreased in 12 patients in post-transplant time, and 3 of these were statistically significant (P < .05). The level was the same in 1 of 18 patients; it increased in 5 patients, and 1 of them was significant (P < .05). The IL-2 expression level also increased in 3 patients who had a rejection episode, and the increase was statistically significant in 2 samples (P < .05).ConclusionWhen the patients were evaluated individually, it was observed that there might be a relationship between IL-2 expression levels in CD4+ T cells and rejection episodes. The clinical data of the patients, the immunosuppressive therapies, and post-transplant evaluation of cytokines should be considered together.     

A comparative study of 1% silver sulphadiazine (Flammazine) versus an enzyme alginogel (Flaminal) in the treatment of partial thickness burns

Introduction

In the conservative treatment of burns, rapid wound healing is desirable to obtain good a esthetic and functional results. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of 1% Silversulfadiazine (SSD/Flammazine^®) and an enzyme alginogel (Flaminal^® or Flaminal^® Forte) on the healing of superficial and intermediate partial thickness burns.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study comparable burn wounds treated with Flaminal^® or with 1% SSD were included. Outcome parameters included: length of hospital stay, bacterial burden and time to wound closure. Significance was tested using SPSS package.

Results

44 wounds in the Flaminal^® group, and 39 wounds in the 1% SSD group were included. Wounds treated with Flaminal^® showed a significantly higher bacterial load (p = 0.024) and contained significantly more bacterial species (p = 0.010) but showed a significantly shorter healing time of 17 vs. 24 days (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

A significantly shorter healing time was demonstrated in partial thickness burn wounds treated with Flaminal^® versus 1% SSD, which may lead to a shorter length of hospital stay and better scar quality. The possibility of accurate burn depth assessment and the results in this study corroborate the change in treatment protocol made in the year 2000 when we switched from 1% SSD to Flaminal^®.     

Characteristics of patients with coexisting IgA nephropathy and membranous nephropathy

Background: Coexistence of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and membranous nephropathy (MN) in the same patient is rare. Few studies have reported the clinical and pathological features of patients with combined IgAN and MN (IgAN–MN).

Methods: The clinico-pathological features, levels of galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) and autoantibodies against M-type transmembrane phospholipase A₂ receptor (anti-PLA₂R) in sera were compared among IgAN–MN, IgAN, and MN patients.

Results: Twenty-six patients with biopsy-proven IgAN–MN were enrolled. The mean age at biopsy was 43.6?±?15.9?years, and 65.4% were male. Proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels in patients with IgAN–MN were similar to that of MN patients. Compared with the IgAN patients, IgAN–MN patients showed a higher median proteinuria level (4.3 vs. 1.2?g/day, p?2, p?p?=?.801). Percentage of IgAN–MN patients with detectable serum levels of anti-PLA₂R was lower than that of MN patients (38.5% vs. 68.6%, p?=?.011).

Conclusions: IgAN–MN patients display similar clinical features to MN patients and milder pathological lesions than IgAN patients. IgAN–MN patients have similar levels of Gd-IgA1 to those of IgAN patients, and a lower proportion of anti-PLA₂R than MN patients.     

Effect of osteoprotegerin in combination with interleukin-6 on inhibition of osteoclast differentiation

Objective： To observe the effect of recombinant interleukin-6 （IL-6） and osteoprotegerin （OPG） on inhibiting bone absorption induced by receptor activa- tor for nuclear factor- rB ligand （RANKL） in murine osteo- clast precursor cells （OCPs） model. Methods： RAW 264.7 cells were solely treated with 50 ng/ml RANKL for 1 day, and then they were divided into three groups： RANKL （control group）, RANKL＋IL-6 （IL-6 group） and RANKL＋IL-6＋OPG （combination group）. These cells were harvested and investigated by means of HE stain- ing under light microscope after consecutive 9 days. Furthermore, staining tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase （TRAP）-positive multinucleated cells were detected by in- verted phase contrast microscope. The absorption pits of bone slices were observed under scanning electron microscope. Results： The number of mature osteoclast cells in control group was more than that in IL-6 alone or IL-6 com- bined with OPG group （P〈0.05）. Interestingly, this experi- ment has also demonstrated that there was a large number of TRAP-positive multinucleated osteoclasts （more than 3 nuclei） and several bone absorption formation in the con- trol group, whereas the outcome was completely different in both IL-6 group and IL-6＋OPG group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： IL-6 can suppress the differentiation of mature osteoclasts as directly adding it into the RAW 264.7 cells induced by 50 ng/ml RANKL, and further the effect of osteolysis is remarkably reduced. When treatment with IL- 6 combined with OPG, a more effective strategy for the treat- ment of osteoporosis is reached.     

Antibiotic ointment versus a silver-based dressing for children with extremity burns: A randomized controlled study

IntroductionAntibiotic or silver-based dressings are widely used in burn wound care. Our standard method of dressing pediatric extremity burn wounds consists of an antibiotic ointment or nystatin ointment-impregnated nonadherent gauze (primary layer), followed by rolled gauze, soft cast pad, plaster and soft casting tape (3M? Scotchcast?, St. Paul, MN). The aim of this study was to compare our standard ointment-based primary layer versus Mepitel Ag^® (Mölnlycke Health Care, Gothenburg, Sweden) in the management of pediatric upper and lower extremity burn wounds.MethodsChildren with a new burn injury to the upper or lower extremities, who presented to the burn clinic were eligible. Eligible children were enrolled and randomized, stratified by burn thickness, to be dressed in an ointment-based dressing or Mepitel Ag®. Study personnel and participants were not blinded to the dressing assignment after randomization. Dressings were changed approximately once or twice per week, until the burn wound was healed or skin-grafted. The primary outcome was time to wound healing and p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsNinety-six children with 113 upper or lower extremity burns were included in the analysis. Mepitel Ag® (hazard ratio [HR] 0.57 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.40–0.82); p = 0.002) significantly reduced the rate of wound healing, adjusting for burn thickness and fungal wound infection. The incidence of fungal wound infections and skin grafting was similar between the two groups. Children randomized to standard ointment dressings were significantly less likely to require four or more burn clinic visits than those in the Mepitel Ag^® (4% versus 27%; p = 0.004).ConclusionOur study shows that our standard ointment-based dressing significantly increases the rate of wound healing compared to Mepitel Ag^® for pediatric extremity burn injuries.Level of evidenceTreatment study; Level 1.     

Sequential administration of GM-CSF and IL-2 surface-modified MB49 cells vaccines against the metastatic bladder cancer

ObjectivesMany strategies are pursued to enhance tumor vaccine immune response, including the utilization of cytokines. We have developed a novel protein-anchor technology to immobilize cytokines on tumor cell surface. Here we reported the preparation of tumor cell vaccines by immobilizing GM-CSF or IL-2 on MB49 bladder cancer cells and evaluated their antitumor efficacy (administrated alone or sequentially) in a metastatic mouse model.Materials and methodsSA-mGM-CSF or SA-hIL-2 surface-modified MB49 cells were prepared as vaccine. Mice were treated with MB49 cell vaccines (administrated alone or sequentially). Survival time, tumor growth, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) assay were used to evaluate the antitumor efficiency of the vaccines in the pulmonary metastatic model of bladder cancer.ResultsGM-CSF vaccine induced more mature dendritic cells in the mice spleen. Combination with subsequent IL-2 vaccine significantly increased CD4⁺, CD8⁺, and IFN-γ⁺CD8⁺ T but not CD4⁺Foxp3⁺ T cell population and induced the highest production of IFN-γ, IL-12, but not IL-10. Furthermore, the splenocytes from the sequentially combined vaccines group showed the most potent cytotoxicity on MB49 cells. Finally, the sequentially combined vaccines evidently extended the survival time of mice (the median survival time of PBS, ethanol-fixed, anchored GM-CSF, anchored IL-2, and anchored GM-CSF + anchored IL-2 groups were 34, 37, 45, 47, and 59 days, respectively) and effectively protected the mice against a second MB49 cells but not RM-1 cells challenge.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that sequential administration of GM-CSF and IL-2 surface-modified MB49 cells vaccines could effectively induce specific antitumor immune response.     

Immune profiling after minimally invasive lobectomy

Open in a separate window OBJECTIVESWhether acute phase and immune responses are minimally affected following minimally invasive lung surgery needs further investigation. We performed a pilot study to evaluate the immune profile of patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or robot-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomies for the treatment of suspicious or known stage I non-small-cell lung cancer.METHODSBlood samples were taken preoperatively and 3 and 24 h postoperatively were analysed for C-reactive protein, glucose, cortisol, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 8 (IL-8) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels. TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-10 were also measured in lung tissues. T (CD4, CD8), B (CD19) and natural killer (CD56, CD16) cell counts and natural killer cell functions were analysed using a flow cytometry-based assay before and after surgery.RESULTSMinimally invasive surgery (robot-assisted thoracic surgery + video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) significantly decreased IL-10 (P = 0.016) levels after surgery. No significant differences were detected in TNF-α (P = 0.48) and IL-8 (P = 0.15) levels before and after surgery. C-reactive protein (P < 0.001), cortisol (P < 0.001) and glucose levels (P < 0.001) increased significantly after surgery. Lymphocyte, total T cell, CD3⁺CD4⁺ and CD3⁺CD8⁺ CD16⁺CD56⁺ cell counts were significantly lower on postoperative day 1.CONCLUSIONThere seems to be a dynamic balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and immune cells following minimally invasive lobectomy.     

Topical petrolatum gel alone versus topical silver sulfadiazine with standard gauze dressings for the treatment of superficial partial thickness burns in adults: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundNon-extensive superficial partial thickness burns constitute a major proportion of burns. Conventional treatment involves regular changing of absorptive dressings including the application of a topical antimicrobial, commonly silver sulfadiazine. A systematic review has found insufficient evidence to support or refute such antimicrobial prophylaxis. Another review compared silver sulfadiazine dressings with other occlusive and non-antimicrobial dressings and found insufficient evidence to guide practice. Other research has suggested that dressings with petrolatum gel are as effective as silver sulfadiazine.MethodsSingle-center, randomized, controlled parallel group trial comparing conventional silver sulfadiazine dressings with treatment with petrolatum gel alone. Consenting adults 18–45 years old with superficial partial thickness burns ≤10% total body surface area seen within 24 h of the injury were randomized to daily dressing either with petrolatum gel without top dressings or conventional silver sulfadiazine treatment with gauze dressings. Primary outcomes were blinded assessment of time to complete re-epithelialization, wound infection or allergic contact dermatitis. Secondary outcomes included assessment of ease, time and pain of dressing changes.Results26 patients were randomized to petrolatum and 24 to silver sulfadiazine dressings. Follow up data available for 19 in each group. Mean time to re-epithelialization was 6.2 days (SD 2.8) in the petrolatum group and 7.8 days (SD 2.1) in the silver sulfadiazine group (p = 0.050). No wound infection or dermatitis was observed in either group. Scores for adherence to wound, ease of dressing removal and time required to change dressings were significantly better in the petrolatum treatment arm (p < 0.01).ConclusionsPetrolatum gel without top dressings may be at least as effective as silver sulfadiazine gauze dressings with regard to time to re-epithelialization, and incidence of infection and allergic contact dermatitis. Petrolatum gel appears to be an effective, affordable and widely available alternative in the treatment of minor superficial partial thickness burns in adults.     

High IL-22RA1 gene expression is associated with poor outcome in muscle invasive bladder cancer

BackgroundThe cell surface interleukin 22 (IL-22) receptor complex is mainly expressed in epithelial and tissue cells like pancreatitis cells. Recent studies described that IL-22R was overexpressed in malignant diseases and was associated with a poor overall survival (OS). The role of IL-22RA1 gene expression in muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) has not been investigated, yet.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyze the role of IL-22RA1 gene expression in patients with MIBC.MethodsIn a cohort of 114 patients with MIBC who underwent radical cystectomy, IL-22RA1 gene expression was analyzed with qRT-PCR and correlated with clinical parameters. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis were performed. For validation, an in silico dataset (TCGA 2017, n=407) was reanalyzed.ResultsIL-22RA1 gene expression was independent of clinicopathological parameters like age (P=0.2681), T stage (P=0.2130), nodal status (P=0.3238) and lymph vascular invasion (LVI, P=0.5860) in patients with MIBC. A high expression of IL-22RA1 was associated with a shorter OS (P=0.0040) and disease-specific survival (P=0.0385). Furthermore, a shorter disease-free survival (DFS) was also associated with a high expression of IL-22RA1 (P=0.0102). In the multivariable analysis, IL-22RA1 expression was an independent prognostic predictors regarding OS (P=0.0096, HR=0.48). In the TCGA cohort, IL-22RA1 expression was independent regarding to OS and DFS.ConclusionA high IL-22RA1 gene expression was associated with worse outcome. Furthermore, IL-22RA1 represented an independent predictor regarding OS in our cohort and therefore might be used for risk stratification in patients with MIBC.     

Th17/Treg cell balance in stable liver transplant recipients

BackgroundImmune monitoring of transplanted patients may provide a reliable basis for the individualization of immunosuppressive therapy. In addition, it might be applied for realizing the early and non-invasive diagnosis of acute allograft rejection.MethodsPercentages of TCD4 + IL-17+ (Th17) and TCD4 + CD25 + CD127^dim/− (Treg) cells, as well as serum levels of interleukin (IL)-17 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, were evaluated in 30 stable patients using flow cytometry and ELISA techniques before and six months after liver transplantation. Besides, the same cells and cytokines were quantified in 10 recipients with acute allograft rejection.ResultsSix months post-transplant, the percentage of Th17 and Treg cells in the peripheral blood of stable liver transplant recipients reduced significantly, but the Th17/Treg ratios were comparable to the pre-transplant period (1.24 vs. 1.56); however, Th17/Treg ratios in the rejection group was significantly higher than in the stable recipients (4.06 vs. 1.56, P-value = 0.001). Stable patients showed decreased amounts of serum IL-17 which was remarkably lower than in the rejection group (P-value = 0.01). Moreover, there was a significant correlation between the serum level of IL-17 and the percentage of Th17 cells (P-value <0.001). Th17 frequency was negatively associated with the liver allograft function. Notably, TGF-β1 levels differed neither between pre-and post-transplant samplings nor between stable and rejection groups.ConclusionSix months after liver transplantation, the mean Th17/Treg ratio in stable recipients remained comparable to the pre-transplant values; however, it was significantly elevated in patients with acute allograft rejection, suggesting the Th17/Treg ratio as a probable predictor of acute rejection.     

Effect of a factor-based coagulation management on blood product use after major burn injury: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundTransfusion of allogenic blood products was shown to be associated with more adverse events and a higher mortality in severely burned patients. This study investigated the impact of a goal-directed and factor-based coagulation algorithm on blood product use and clinical outcomes in severely burned patients.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included adult patients admitted to the burn center of the University Hospital Zurich with major burn injuries compromising 20–80% of total body surface area. We compared two 3-year periods, one before the introduction of a goal-directed coagulation and transfusion algorithm (period 1: 2009–2011) and one after (period 2: 2016–2018). We applied linear and logistic regression models adjusted for confounders.ResultsWe analyzed 36 patients (27.8% female) versus 42 patients (14.3% female) in period 1 and 2, respectively. Comorbidities and burn types were comparable between both collectives. Treatment according to the coagulation algorithm resulted in an overall reduction of 33 units of red blood cells (95% CI −52.8 to −12.9, p = 0.002), 9 units fresh frozen plasma (95% CI −14.7 to −2.6, p = 0.006) and 1.4g fibrinogen (95% CI −2.2 to −0.5, p = 0.001) per patient. We observed less infections (61.8% vs. 41.5%, p = 0.11) and a reduced mortality (38.9% vs. 26.8%, p = 0.33) during the algorithm treated period, although not significant.ConclusionTreatment of severely burned patients with a goal-directed coagulation algorithm reduced blood product use and resulted in target-oriented administration of coagulation factors to improve outcomes.     

严重烧伤后细胞免疫改变及其与高迁移率族蛋白B1的相关性

目的 探讨严重烧伤患者T细胞免疫功能的变化规律及其与高迁移率组蛋白B1(HMGB1)的相关性.方法 采集35例烧伤体表总面积>30%的患者静脉血样,根据是否并发多器官功能障碍综合征(MODS)分组(MODS组13例、非MODS组22例),采集患者伤后第1、3、5、7、14、21、28大的外周静脉血,采用酶联免疫吸附试验检测血浆HMGB1水平;观察外周血T淋巴细胞增殖反应和白细胞介素2(IL-2)的产生能力,并通过流式细胞仪检测CD4+/CD8+T细胞的比值.结果 严重烧伤患者伤后第1天血浆HMGB1水平即明显升高,其中伤后第1、7、21、28天MODS组HMGB1显著高于非MODS组(P<0.05).两组间比较,外周血T淋巴细胞增殖反应和IL-2的产生能力、CIM4+/CD8+T淋巴细胞比值在伤后第1、14、21、28天MODS组显著低于非MODS组(P均<0.05).大面积烧伤患者伤后血浆HMGB1含量与细胞免疫功能指标包括T淋巴细胞增殖活性、IL-2含量、CD4+/CD8+T细胞比值呈显著负相关(P<0.05).结论 大面积烧伤后T淋巴细胞免疫功能紊乱与患者并发MODS密切相关,严重烧伤患者血浆HMGBI水平的持续升高对机体细胞免疫功能异常具有显著影响.     

Traitement médicamenteux de la lésion médullaire traumatique au stade aigu

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect on neurologic outcome and the safety of nimodipine (N), methylprednisolone (M), or both (MN) versus no medical treatment (P) in spinal cord injury at the acute phase.Study designProspective, randomized clinical trial.PatientsOne hundred and six patients with a spinal trauma, including 48 with paraplegia and 58 with tetraplegia.MethodAfter eligibility, patients were randomly allocated in one of the following groups: M = methylpredisolone 30 mg·kg⁻¹ over 1 hour, followed by 5.4 mg·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹ for 23 hours, N = nimodipine 0.015 mg·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹ over 2 hours followed by 0.03 mg·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹ for 7 days, MN or P. Neurologic assessment (ASIA score) was performed by a senior neurologist before treatment and at the 1-year follow-up. Early spinal decompression and stabilization was performed as soon as possible after injury.ResultsOne hundred patients were reassessed at the 1-year follow-up. Neurologic improvement was seen in each group (P < 0.0001), however no neurologic benefit from treatment was observed. Infectious complications occurred more often in patients treated with M. Early surgery (49 patients), within the first 8 hours did not influence the neurologic outcome. The only predictor of the latter was the extent of the spinal injury (complete or incomplete lesion).ConclusionCurrently, no evidence of the benefit of medical treatment in this indication is existing. Because of the lack of clinical studies proving efficacy of pharmacological treatment in this specific pathology, a systematic use of medications cannot be recommended.