Hemostasis in massively transfused trauma patients.

Twenty-seven patients requiring massive transfusions were studied prospectively to determine whether administration of stored, modified whole blood induced a primary disorder of hemostasis evidenced by generalized microvascular oozing. Platelet counts fell in proportion to the number of units of blood transfused. In contrast, the levels of factors V and VIII correlated poorly with the units of blood transfused, 85% of the total variation in the levels being due to influences other than transfused blood. Levels of all other clotting factors were unrelated to the number of units of blood given. Eight patients developed abnormal bleeding. The cause appeared to be dilutional thrombocytopenia in five patients, and DIC in three. In six of the eight, bleeding was controlled with platelet concentrates alone. Two patients were given cryoprecipitate also. The most useful laboratory test for predicting abnormal bleeding was the platelet count. Fibrinogen levels should be followed as an aid in the diagnosis of DIC. The BT, PT, and PTT were not helpful in assessing the cause of bleeding, unless they were greater than 1.5 times the control value. We recommend that any patient receiving massive transfusions who develops diffuse microvascular bleeding be given platelet concentrates. Platelet counts as high as 100,000 may be required to control bleeding from surgical wounds. It is not necessary to supplement transfusions of stored, modified whole blood with fresh blood or fresh frozen plasma.     

The effect of hemoadsorption on rivaroxaban blood plasma concentration in emergency cardiac surgery

Hemoadsorption was used in a 59-year-old patient with an acute type A aortic dissection, who was on rivaroxaban and dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid. Our aim was to expeditiously remove rivaroxaban preoperatively. After 8 h of hemoadsorption, the rivaroxaban blood plasma concentration (RBPC) did not decrease below 42.1 μg/l. Intraoperatively, hemoadsorption was repeated during extracorporeal circulation. Sixteen hours after surgery and a total of 13 h of hemoadsorption, the RBPC was 40.1 μg/l. Thereafter, the RBPC spontaneously decreased to 24.7 μg/l within 14 h. In our patient, hemoadsorption may have enhanced rivaroxaban removal at higher RBPC (cutoff value 40–50 μg/l). At lower RBPC, the removal of rivaroxaban may depend solely on the natural drug elimination process. The evolution of the RBPC under hemoadsorption in vivo warrants a thorough investigation. Further clinical studies are required to assess the effectiveness and limitations of hemoadsorption to preclude a fatal bleeding event in patients with rivaroxaban in need of major emergency surgery.     

Chronic Subdural Hematoma in Elderly Patient with EDTA-dependent Pseudothrombocytopenia Recently Treated with Aspirin and Warfarin: Case Report

A 78-year-old man who had a history of myocardial and cerebral infarction and who was treated with aspirin and warfarin, presented with left chronic subdural hematoma. Cerebral computed tomography showed severe brain compression of hematoma with midline shift, indicating the need for emergent surgery. The hematology and clotting tests upon admission revealed severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count, 1.3 × 10⁴/μL) with normal clotting activity. Because platelet aggregation was evident in the smear, we re-examined the patient for hematology using tubes that contained heparin, showing also low platelet count (2.3 × 10⁴/μL). The day on admission, we performed irrigation and drainage of the chronic subdural hematoma through single burr-hole craniostomy. During surgery, we used 10 units of platelet concentrates (PCs) for the reason that the patient was taking aspirin and coagulopathy derived from low platelet count could not be excluded. After surgery, we re-evaluated the hematology of the blood stored in tubes that contained ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) with or without kanamycin (KM). Treatment with KM dissociated EDTA-induced platelet aggregation and revealed platelet counts with highest accuracy (no KM treatment, 1.3 × 10⁴/μL; KM treatment, 15.2 × 10⁴/μL). This phenomenon is called EDTA-Dependent Pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) defined as falsely low platelet counts reported by automated hematology analyzers due to platelet aggretgation. Awareness of the phenomenon will enable neurosurgeons to manage patients with PTCP appropriately and clinical laboratory especially in emergency hospital is recommended to prepare for the hematological tubes being added KM in routine analysis, resulting in preventing mistaken diagnosis.     

Facteurs pronostiques du myélome utilisables en pratique courante : suivi sur dix ans de 148 malades âgés de plus de 55 ans

Objective. – The objective of this study was to identify prognostic factors in a uniform population of older patients with myeloma.Methods. – Thirty-one study centers in France included 148 patients who were older than 55 years at diagnosis and were followed up until death or for at least ten years. The following tests were available for all patients: blood cell counts; serum and urinary protein electrophoresis; and serum levels of creatinine, calcium, β2-microglobulin (β2-m), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and C-reactive protein (CRP).Results. – Mean age was 71.9 years, median survival was 34 months, and mean survival was 47 months. In the univariate analysis, factors significantly associated with higher mortality were male gender (odds ratio [OR], 1–2.12), age older than 70 years (OR, 1.10–2.28), serum albumin lower than 30 g/l (OR, 1.16–3.28), serum creatinine greater than 100 μmol/l (OR, 1.34–2.81), β2-m greater than 6 mg/l (OR, 1.78–4), CRP greater than 6 mg/l (OR, 1.44–3.06), hemoglobin lower than 10 g/dl (OR, 1.8–2.23). In the multivariate analysis, only two factors significantly predicted a higher risk of death: β2-m greater than 6 mg/l (OR =2.439 [1.59–3.76]) and CRP greater than 6 mg/l (OR =1.76 [1.18–2.63]). β2-m level was greater than 6 mg/l in 41 (27.7%) patients and CRP was greater than 6 mg/l in 61 (43.6%) patients. Other potential prognostic factors such as chromosome 13 deletion were not investigated because they were not available for all study patients.Conclusions. – The strength of this study is the ten-year follow-up in a uniform patient cohort. β2-m and CRP independently predicted the risk of death.     

A double-blind study of the effect on hemostasis of nabumetone (Relafen) compared to placebo.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial comparing the effect on hemostasis of nabumetone (Relafen) to placebo in patients who were about to undergo forefoot surgery was performed. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are reported to inhibit platelet cyclooxygenase activity, resulting in altered platelet function and thus potentially enhanced bleeding. Nabumetone has been reported to have no effect on platelet aggregation and bleeding time in normal volunteers and in patients who have undergone knee arthroscopy. After fulfilling the inclusion criteria and after a 1-week washout period (acetaminophen controlled), 15 patients were enrolled in the nabumetone group and 15 patients were randomized in the placebo group. Hemostatic parameters [prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and Ivy bleeding time (IBT)] were assessed at baseline, visit 2, visit 3, and final visit. No meaningful differences were observed between treatment groups in any of the measured hemostatic parameters. No significant adverse events were reported. There was no significant change from baseline for PT, PTT, and IBT in the nabumetone group (PT, p < .06; PTT, p < .64; IBT, p < .17) versus the placebo group (PT, p < .61; PTT, p < .63; IBT, p < .25). The lack of bleeding diathesis and significant prolongation of PT, PTT, or IBT in this study suggests that nabumetone in dosages up to 1000 mg/day can be administered safely in the immediate preoperative period to patients undergoing forefoot surgery.     

Problems with 20 or more blood transfusions in 24 hours

The case records of 128 patients receiving 129 transfusions of 20 or more units of blood within a 24-hour period at Detroit Receiving Hospital, between August 1980 and August 1985, were reviewed. In patients receiving 20 to 49 units of blood, without pre-existing disease or prolonged shock, the mortality rate was 36 per cent (15/42). In similar patients who had prolonged shock, the mortality rate was 61 per cent (27/44). If the patient had pre-existing disease and prolonged shock, the mortality rate with 20 to 49 units of blood was 92 per cent (12/13). All 13 patients receiving 50 or more units of blood died. Platelet counts were less than 50,000/microL in 50 per cent (51/102). The prothrombin time (PT) was prolonged by 5 or more seconds in 54 per cent (51/92). The partial thromboplastin time (PTT) was prolonged to more than 60 seconds in 45 per cent (42/94). There was no correlation between the PT, PTT, and amount of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) given. A coagulopathy was diagnosed clinically in 43 patients, but this did not correlate well with laboratory coagulation studies. The average core temperature of the patients was 32.9 +/- 1.7 C. Severe hypocalcemia with total calcium levels less than 6.0 mg/dL was found in 53 per cent (33/62). Ionized calcium levels Ca++ were less than 0.70 mmol/L in 56 per cent (24/43). Of the 82 deaths, 32 (38%) occurred in the operating room and 31 (38%) occurred within 48 hours from continued bleeding and/or shock. Twelve deaths (15%), from severe infections, occurred after 30 days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Prophylactic platelet administration during massive transfusion. A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study.

Prior studies at Harborview Medical Center have suggested that dilutional thrombocytopenia is a major etiology of microvascular, nonmechanical bleeding (MVB). We undertook a prospective randomized double-blind clinical study to compare the prophylactic effects of 6 units of platelet concentrates (PLT) versus 2 units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) administered with every 12 units of modified whole blood in patients undergoing massive transfusion (12 or more units in 12 hours). After exclusions, three of 17 patients who received PLT and three of 16 patients who received FFP developed MVB, an incidence no different from our previous findings. Regression lines of platelet counts during transfusion were no different between groups, and both groups had higher platelet counts than predicted from a standard washout equation. Only one patient had evidence of dilutional thrombocytopenia as a cause for MVB. Prophylactic platelet administration is not warranted as a routine measure to prevent MVB.     

Multi‐center Retrospective Study of Factors Affecting Perioperative Transfusion of Packed Red Blood Cells for Pelvic Fracture Patients

ObjectiveTo analyze the use of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) for patients with pelvic fracture and evaluate factors associated with PRBC transfusion for patients with pelvic fracture.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study collected 551 patients with pelvic fractures from six hospitals between September 1, 2012, and June 31, 2019. The age span of patients varied from 10 to 95 years old, and they were classified into two groups based on high‐energy pelvic fractures (HE‐PFs) or low‐energy pelvic fractures (LE‐PFs). The study''s outcome was the use of PRBCs, fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and albumin. Demographic data, characteristics, laboratory tests, clinical treatment details, and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Factors that were statistically associated with perioperative PRBCs in univariate analyses were included to conduct an optimal scale regression to determine the independent factors for perioperative PRBCs.ResultsA total of 551 patients were screened from six hospitals, and after inclusion and exclusion, 319 were finally included and finished the follow‐up from admission to discharge, while four patients died during hospitalization. Three hundred and nineteen patients were classified into two groups by their injury mechanisms. A total of 230/319 (72.1%) patients were classified into the HE‐PF group, and 89/319 (27.8%) patients were classified into the LE‐PF group. Patients in the HE‐PF group were transfused with 4.5 (3–8) units of PRBCs, 300 (0–600) ml of FFP, and 0 (0–30) g of albumin, while patients in the LE‐PF group were transfused with 3.5 (2–4.5) units of PRBCs, 0 (0–295) ml of FFP, and 0 (0–0) g of albumin (all P < 0.001). There were higher proportions of male patients and patients under 65 in the HE‐PF group (all P < 0.001). HE‐PF group patients were more severely injured and likely to take external fixation. The optimal scale regression revealed four significant factors associated with perioperative transfused PRBCs, which were patients on admission with hemorrhagic shock (importance = 0.283, P = 0.004), followed by fracture types identified by Tile classification (importance = 0.156, P < 0.001), hemoglobin levels below 70 g/L on admission (importance = 0.283, P = 0.004), followed by fracture types identified by Tile classification (importance = 0.156, P < 0.001), hemoglobin levels below 70 g/L on admission (importance = 0.148, P = 0.039), and methods of pelvic fixation (importance = 0.008, P = 0.026), ranked by the importance.ConclusionPatients with HE‐PFs had increased transfusions of PRBCs, FFP, and albumin, and hemorrhagic shock on admission, Tile classification, Hb levels, and stabilization methods were found to be associated with perioperative PRBCs.     

Platelet-rich Concentrates Differentially Release Growth Factors and Induce Cell Migration In Vitro

Background

Platelet-rich concentrates are used as a source of growth factors to improve the healing process. The diverse preparation protocols and the gaps in knowledge of their biological properties complicate the interpretation of clinical results.

Questions/purposes

In this study we aimed to (1) analyze the concentration and kinetics of growth factors released from leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF), leukocyte- and platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP), and natural blood clot during in vitro culture; (2) investigate the migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as a functional response to the factors released; and (3) uncover correlations between individual growth factors with the initial platelet/leukocyte counts or the induced cell migration.

Methods

L-PRF, L-PRP, and natural blood clot prepared from 11 donors were cultured in vitro for 28 days and media supernatants collected after 8 hours and 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. Released transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin growth factor (IGF-1), platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured in the supernatants with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Migration of MSC and HUVEC induced by the supernatants was evaluated in Boyden chambers.

Results

More TGF-ß1 was released (mean ± SD in pg/mL of blood) from L-PRF (37,796 ± 5492) compared with L-PRP (23,738 ± 6848; p < 0.001) and blood clot (3739 ± 4690; p < 0.001), whereas more VEGF and IL-1ß were released from blood clot (1933 ± 704 and 2053 ± 908, respectively) compared with both L-PRP (642 ± 208; p < 0.001 and 273 ± 386; p < 0.001, respectively) and L-PRF (852 ± 376; p < 0.001 and 65 ± 56, p < 0.001, respectively). No differences were observed in IGF-1 and PDGF-AB released from any of the concentrates. TGF-β1 release peaked at Day 7 in L-PRF and at 8 hours and Day 7 in L-PRP and 8 hours and Day 14 in blood clot. In all concentrates, main release of VEGF occurred between 3 and 7 days and of IL-1β between Days 1 and 7. IGF-1 and PDGF-AB were released until Day 1 in L-PRP and blood clot, in contrast to sustained release over the first 3 days in L-PRF. The strongest migration of MSC occurred in response to L-PRF, and more HUVEC migration was seen in L-PRF and blood clot compared with L-PRP. TGF-β1 correlated with initial platelet counts in L-PRF (Pearson r = 0.66, p = 0.0273) and initial leukocyte counts in L-PRP (Pearson r = 0.83, p = 0.0016). A positive correlation of IL-1β on migration of MSC and HUVEC was revealed (Pearson r = 0.16, p = 0.0208; Pearson r = 0.31, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In comparison to L-PRP, L-PRF had higher amounts of released TGF-β1, a long-term release of growth factors, and stronger induction of cell migration. Future preclinical studies should confirm these data in a defined injury model.

Clinical Relevance

By characterizing the biologic properties of different platelet concentrates in vitro, we may gain a better understanding of their clinical effects and develop guidelines for specific future applications.     

Risks, benefits, alternatives and indications of allogenic blood transfusions

Allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are associated with multiple disadvantages, such as limited availability, high costs, multiple risks and side effects. In addition, large outcome studies comparing liberal (hemoglobin transfusion trigger range 9-10 g/dL) and restrictive (hemoglobin transfusion trigger range 7-9 g/dL) transfusion regimens still need to be performed for surgical patients. Different transfusion alternatives are known for the pre-, intra- and postoperative period. Autologous blood donation and erythropoietin are efficacious in the preoperative period. Intraoperatively, acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH), cell salvage, antifibrinolytics, specific anesthetic and surgical techniques, coagulation monitoring, acceptance of minimal hemoglobin values and hopefully soon artificial oxygen carriers can reduce allogeneic RBC transfusions. In the postoperative period cell salvage, antifibrinolytics, and accepting minimal hemoglobin values represent alternatives to RBC transfusions. When treating a bleeding patient, the initial administration of crystalloids and colloids to restore and maintain normovolemia is important. RBC transfusions are recommended under the following circumstances: for hemoglobin levels <6 g/dL and for physiologic signs of inadequate oxygenation such as hemodynamic instability, oxygen extraction rate >50% and myocardial ischemia, detectable by new ST-segment depressions >0.1 mV, new ST-segment elevations >0.2 mV or new wall motion abnormalities by transesophageal echocardiography. The aim of this article is to review the efficacy, risk and side effects of RBC transfusions, to discuss transfusion alternatives and to summarize current indications for RBC transfusions. This information will help the physician to judiciously use RBC transfusions when they are indeed indicated.     

Port-A-Cath insertions in acute leukemia: does thrombocytopenia affect morbidity?

Background

Unnecessary delay of insertion of Port-A-Cath indwelling venous catheters in thrombocytopenic patients may result from fear of potential morbidity. This study sought to compare the morbidity of Port-A-Cath insertions in acute leukemic patients with platelet counts below and above 50 × 10⁹/L.

Method

Incidence and profile of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) and other complications were determined in 80 consecutive Port-A-Cath insertions in pediatric patients with acute leukemia from January 2002 to December 2004. Subgroup analysis was performed for patients with platelet levels below and above the recommended safe level of 50 × 10⁹/L.

Results

Twenty-two (27.5%) patients had insertions performed at platelet levels below the recommended level (median, 35.3; range, 10-49 × 10⁹/L); postoperative counts were correspondingly higher (median, 66.0; range, 20-207 × 10⁹/L) with perioperative platelet transfusion. Catheter-related bloodstream infection incidence was similar in patients with platelets less than and greater than the recommended threshold (18.2% vs 17.2%, respectively), and likewise for CRBSIs encountered in the immediate 30 postoperative days (4.6% and 5.2%, respectively). Only 2 episodes of postoperative bleeding occurred, both in the group with platelet counts greater than 50 × 10⁹/L, with an equally low incidence of other local and mechanical complications in both subgroups. Patient demographics and other preoperative blood parameters did not differ significantly.

Conclusion

Preoperative thrombocytopenia was not associated with increased incidence of postoperative complications for Port-A-Cath insertions in acute leukemic children.     

A small molecule inhibitor of the Wnt antagonist secreted frizzled-related protein-1 stimulates bone formation

Canonical Wnt signaling has been demonstrated to increase bone formation, and Wnt pathway components are being pursued as potential drug targets for osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases. Deletion of the Wnt antagonist secreted frizzled-related protein (sFRP)-1 in mice activates canonical signaling in bone and increases trabecular bone formation in aged animals. We have developed small molecules that bind to and inhibit sFRP-1 in vitro and demonstrate robust anabolic activity in an ex vivo organ culture assay. A library of over 440,000 drug-like compounds was screened for inhibitors of human sFRP-1 using a cell-based functional assay that measured activation of canonical Wnt signaling with an optimized T-cell factor (TCF)-luciferase reporter gene assay. One of the hits in this screen, a diarylsulfone sulfonamide, bound to sFRP-1 with a K_D of 0.35 μM in a tryptophan fluorescence quenching assay. This compound also selectively inhibited sFRP-1 with an EC₅₀ of 3.9 μM in the cell-based functional assay. Optimization of this high throughput screening hit for binding and functional potency as well as metabolic stability and other pharmaceutical properties led to improved lead compounds. One of these leads (WAY-316606) bound to sFRP-1 with a K_D of 0.08 μM and inhibited it with an EC₅₀ of 0.65 μM. Moreover, this compound increased total bone area in a murine calvarial organ culture assay at concentrations as low as 0.0001 μM. This work demonstrates the feasibility of developing small molecules that inhibit sFRP-1 and stimulate canonical Wnt signaling to increase bone formation.     

A novel protamine variant reversal of heparin anticoagulation in human blood in vitro

Purpose: Protamine reversal of heparin anticoagulation during cardiovascular surgery may cause severe hypotension and pulmonary hypertension. A novel protamine variant, [+18RGD], has been developed that effectively reverses heparin anticoagulation without toxicity in canine experiments. Heretofore, human studies have not been undertaken. This investigation hypothesized that [+18RGD] would effectively reverse heparin anticoagulation of human blood in vitro. Methods: Fifty patients who underwent anticoagulation therapy during vascular surgery had blood sampled at baseline and 30 minutes after receiving heparin (150 IU/kg). Activated clotting times were used to define specific quantities of [+18RGD] or protamine necessary to completely reverse heparin anticoagulation in the blood sample of each patient. These defined amounts of [+18RGD] or protamine were then administered to the heparinized blood samples, and percent reversals of activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin clotting time, and antifactor Xa/IIa levels were determined. In addition, platelet aggregation assays, as well as platelet and white blood cell counts were performed. Results: [+18RGD] and protamine were equivalent in reversing heparin as assessed by thrombin clotting time, antifactor Xa, antifactor IIa levels, and white blood cell changes. [+18RGD], when compared with protamine, was superior in this regard, as assessed by activated partial thromboplastin time (94.5 ± 1.0 vs 86.5 ± 1.3%δ, respectively; p < 0.001) and platelet declines (–3.9 ± 2.9 vs –12.8 ± 3.4 per mm³, respectively; p = 0.048). Platelet aggregation was also decreased for [+18RGD] compared with protamine (23.6 ± 1.5 vs 28.5 ± 1.9%, respectively; p = 0.048). Conclusions: [+18RGD] was as effective as protamine for in vitro reversal of heparin anticoagulation by most coagulation assays, was statistically more effective at reversal than protamine by aPTT assay, and was associated with lesser platelet reductions than protamine. [+18RGD], if less toxic than protamine in human beings, would allow for effective clinical reversal of heparin anticoagulation. (J Vasc Surg 1997;26:1043-8.)     

Bleeding complications after dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor versus dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel—a propensity-matched comparative study of two antiplatelet regimes in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

PurposeTicagrelor combined with aspirin had shown better saphenous vein graft patency than aspirin with clopidogrel after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. However, the safety of this drug in regard to bleeding complications remains unknown. The aim of our study was to assess the bleeding complications of dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and ticagrelor compared with aspirin and clopidogrel within the first 3 months after off-pump surgery.MethodsThree hundred eighty-two consecutive patients who were prescribed aspirin with ticagrelor (ticagrelor group) were compared with 660 patients who received aspirin and clopidogrel (clopidogrel group). After propensity matching, 144 patients in each group were compared for bleeding events and major adverse cardiac and cerebral events. Major bleeding was defined as composite outcome of re-exploration for bleeding, any fatal bleeding, intracranial bleeding, and any bleeding requiring hospitalization.ResultsPatients in the ticagrelor group had more incidence of re-exploration for bleeding (p = 0.042), pericardial effusion requiring drainage (p = 0.007), readmissions (p < 0.01), gastrointestinal bleeding (p = 0.01), and major bleeding (5.8% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.01, OR 2.8 (1.43–5.58)). After propensity analysis, gastrointestinal bleed (p = 0.024), major bleeding (7.6% vs.1.4%, p < 0.001, OR 5.8 (1.28–26.97)), length of ICU stay (p = 0.039), and readmissions (p = 0.003, OR 11.83 (1.51–92.86)) were more in the ticagrelor group. Major adverse cardiac and cerebral events were similar between the groups.ConclusionDual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and ticagrelor increased gastrointestinal bleeding events, major bleeding events, and readmission rates compared with aspirin and clopidogrel after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.     

Lower-Dose Mepivacaine Plus Fentanyl May Improve Spinal Anesthesia for Knee Arthroscopy

Background

Previous work indicates that 30 mg isobaric mepivacaine 1.5% plus 10 μg fentanyl produces reliable anesthesia for knee arthroscopy with a more rapid recovery profile than 45 mg mepivacaine.

Questions/Purposes

This randomized controlled trial compared plain mepivacaine to three reduced doses of mepivacaine with 10 μg fentanyl for spinal anesthesia.

Methods

Following written informed consent, subjects undergoing outpatient knee arthroscopy were prospectively randomized into one of four groups: mepivacaine 37.5 mg (M37.5); mepivacaine 30 mg plus fentanyl 10 μg (M30/F10); mepivacaine 27 mg plus fentanyl 10 μg (M27/F10); and mepivacaine 24 mg plus fentanyl 10 μg (M24/F10). The spinal was evaluated by the blinded anesthetist and surgeon. In the post-anesthesia care unit, sensory and motor block resolution was assessed. Subjects rated their satisfaction with the overall experience.

Results

Group M30/F10 (n = 6) had two “fair” anesthetics, and group M27/F10 (n = 10) had one “fair” and one “inadequate” anesthetic. Both groups were eliminated from further enrollment per study protocol. The recovery profiles showed little difference between groups M37.5 and M30/F10, except for motor block resolution (median (25th percentile, 75th percentile): 171 (135, 195) and 128 (120, 135), respectively). Groups M27/F10 and M24/F10 demonstrated recovery profiles that were faster than group M37.5. Patient satisfaction was 10/10 for all groups.

Conclusions

Adding fentanyl 10 μg to a lower dose of mepivacaine 1.5% can lead to quicker recovery profiles. However, this advantage of a quicker recovery must be weighed against the likelihood of an incomplete anesthetic.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11420-015-9454-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

A Novel Anatomic Reconstruction for Posterior Tibialis Tendon in Treatment of Flexible Adult‐Acquired Flatfoot Deformity

ObjectiveTo present a novel approach for the anatomic reconstruction of the posterior tibialis tendon (PTT) in restoring plantar insertions and evaluate its efficiency in treating flexible adult‐acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) caused by PTT dysfunction.MethodsFor AAFD treatment, a novel PTT reconstruction method was presented. The current study involved 16 patients, including three men, and 13 women, from August 2017 to July 2019. The mean age was 43.2 ± 15.1 years (21–64 years). The innovative PTT repair method was used on all patients. The treatment involved performing a traditional Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL) transfer in the navicular tuberosity and suturing the plantar insertions to FDL as tension was applied to tighten the plantar structures of the foot. The results were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical outcome was assessed using the pain visual analogue scale (VAS), the satisfaction VAS, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle–hindfoot scale (AOFAS‐AH). Isokinetic testing was performed using a dynamometer at 60°/s and 120°/s for inversion/eversion and plantarflexion/dorsiflexion, respectively, to determine the mean peak torque. Radiographic measurements were employed to assess the outcomes.ResultsBone surgeries combined with the modified anatomic PTT reconstruction were performed on patients with medializing calcaneal osteotomy in 12 (75%) patients and subtalar joint fusion in four (25%) patients. The branch linking to the plantar insertions was detected in every case, with an average width of 3.5 ± 0.8 mm (3.1–4.3 mm). All patients were followed up for the mean of 16.8 ± 1.8 months (range, 15–20 months). The average postoperative functional scores, including pain VAS, satisfaction VAS, total AOFAS‐AH, and all AOFAS‐AH sub‐scales, steadily improved during the follow‐up. In the last follow‐up, isokinetic testing revealed no loss of plantarflexion strength (p = 0.350 and 0.098) and significant improvement in the inversion strength (p = 0.007 and 0.008) in the operated ankles at 60°/s and 120°/s. Radiographic outcomes, particularly the talar head uncovering, improved significantly after more than a year (p < 0.001 for all).ConclusionsThe novel technique for PTT reconstruction in restoring the plantar insertions serves as an effective procedure in treating AAFD caused by PTT dysfunction in terms of delivering a consistent improvement in ankle inversion strength, medial longitudinal arch restoring, and satisfactory clinical outcomes.     

The acetabulum in Perthes’ disease: a prospective study of 123 children

Purpose

We assessed the radiographic changes of the acetabulum during the course of Perthes’ disease and investigated whether they were associated with femoral head sphericity 5 years after diagnosis.

Methods

We studied 123 children with unilateral Perthes’ disease, femoral head necrosis more than 50 % and age at diagnosis 6 years or older. Pelvic radiographs were taken at onset, 1 year and 5 years after diagnosis. Sharp’s angle, acetabular depth-to-width ratio (ADR) and lateral acetabular inclination were measured.

Results

Compared to the unaffected hips, the Perthes’ hips developed significantly higher Sharp’s angles (p < 0.001) and a higher proportion with an upward-sloping lateral acetabular margin (Perthes’ hips: 49 %, unaffected hips 1 %). The mean ADR values were significantly lower on the affected side at all stages (p < 0.001). ADR values at diagnosis were associated with a more spherical femoral head at the 5-year follow-up [odds ratio (OR) 1.012, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.002–1.022, p = 0.016]. None of the other acetabular parameters were significantly associated with the femoral head shape 5 years after diagnosis.

Conclusion

The acetabulum developed an increasingly dysplastic shape in the course of Perthes’ disease. Early dysplastic changes of the acetabulum were not associated with a poor radiological outcome 5 years after diagnosis. Routine measurement and monitoring of acetabular changes in plain radiographs were of little prognostic value and can, therefore, hardly be recommended in clinical practice.     

Bleeding risk for surgical dialysis procedures in children with hemolytic uremic syndrome

Children with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) frequently develop acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is commonly used. Despite high rates of thrombocytopenia, there is concern that platelet transfusions may worsen HUS by exacerbating microthrombi formation. We evaluated bleeding risk for PD catheter placement with or without central venous catheter (CVC) placement in children with HUS. Records from 1998 to 2007 were searched. Data regarding patient demographics, PD catheter placement, CVC placement, occurrence of procedure-associated bleeding, and time from insertion to removal of PD catheter were collected. Patients were stratified according to those who received and those who did not receive platelet transfusions. Seventy-three patients were identified. Twenty-two (30%) patients received platelet transfusion while 51 (70%) did not. Mean preoperative platelet counts were 37,600±21,900/mm³ in patients receiving transfusions and 64,800 ± 38,800/mm³ in patients not receiving transfusions. Sixty-seven children (92%) also underwent CVC placement. There were no bleeding complications related to these procedures in either group. No differences in time to removal of the PD catheter were detected. Although caution and sound clinical judgment must be exercised, our findings suggest that PD catheter and CVC placement can be accomplished safely in most children with HUS, without need for platelet transfusion in spite of the associated thrombocytopenia.