The pharmacological treatment of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie's syndrome) can be defined as a clinical condition with symptoms, signs and radiological appearance of acute large bowel obstruction unrelated to any mechanical cause. Recent reports of the efficacy of cholinesterase inhibitors in relieving acute colonic pseudo-obstruction have fuelled interest in the pharmacological treatment of this condition. The aim of the present review is to outline current perspectives in the pharmacological treatment of patients with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. The best documented pharmacological treatment of Ogilvie's syndrome is intravenous neostigmine (2-2.5 mg), which leads to quick decompression in a significant proportion of patients after a single infusion. However, the search for new colokinetic agents for the treatment of lower gut motor disorders has made available a number of drugs that may also be therapeutic options for Ogilvie's syndrome. Among these agents, the potential of 5-hydroxytryptamine-4 receptor agonists and motilin receptor agonists is discussed.     

Prokinetics in the treatment of acute intestinal pseudo-obstruction

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie's syndrome) is characterized by an acute obstruction of the large bowel that is unrelated to mechanical causes. The evidence that cholinesterase inhibitors are effective in relieving acute colonic pseudo-obstruction raised interest in the pharmacological management of this condition. This review analyzes the pharmacological treatment of patients with Ogilvie's syndrome. Intravenous neostigmine is the best pharmacological treatment, leading to rapid colonic decompression. New colokinetic agents, including 5-HT(4) receptor agonists and motilides, may represent other useful therapeutic options for Ogilvie's syndrome.     

The management of constipation in adults

The successful management of constipation depends on defining the patient's symptoms, excluding secondary causes, and characterizing the abnormality of defecation. Constipation without gut dilatation is found commonly in pregnancy, the elderly, and those with the irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, there is a group of patients that has intractable, severe idiopathic constipation. Some have ‘slow transit’ and open their bowels every 1–4 weeks. Others have a defecatory disorder with normal colonic transit. Constipation with gut dilatation is seen in Hirschsprung's disease, idiopathic megarectum and megacolon, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction and Chagas' disease. Constipation can also result from disturbance to the autonomic outflow of the gastrointestinal tract, and colonic function may be also affected by psychological factors. This review article discusses the presentation, investigation and management of patients with constipation.     

Autonomic neuropathy in rheumatoid arthritis.

Patients with seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and age-matched controls were investigated for the presence of autonomic neuropathy. Significantly more patients with RA had abnormal autonomic function, suggesting that autonomic neuropathy occurs more commonly in RA than hitherto suspected. The existence of an autonomic neuropathy may be an important complicating factor in rheumatoid disease and may lead to increased morbidity and mortality.     

Novel approaches to the treatment of acute renal failure

Acute renal failure (ARF) occurs frequently in hospitalised patients and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Many therapeutic strategies have been undertaken both to prevent acute renal injury and, once ARF occurs, to improve renal function and reduce mortality. Among the available pharmacological options, no specific therapy has been shown to alter the course of ARF. This article reviews the efficacy of several strategies in experimental renal disease and raises the possibility that similar interventions might be available to the clinician in the near future for the prevention and management of ARF. The prospect of these novel strategies, together with the ever-increasing understanding of the complex pathophysiology of ARF, offers the promise of effective and more physiological therapeutic interventions in this new millennium.     

Novel approaches to the treatment of acute renal failure

Acute renal failure (ARF) occurs frequently in hospitalised patients and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Many therapeutic strategies have been undertaken both to prevent acute renal injury and, once ARF occurs, to improve renal function and reduce mortality. Among the available pharmacological options, no specific therapy has been shown to alter the course of ARF. This article reviews the efficacy of several strategies in experimental renal disease and raises the possibility that similar interventions might be available to the clinician in the near future for the prevention and management of ARF. The prospect of these novel strategies together with the ever-increasing understanding of the complex pathophysiology of ARF, offers the promise of effective and more physiological therapeutic interventions in this new millennium.     

Novel approaches to the treatment of acute renal failure

Acute renal failure (ARF) occurs frequently in hospitalised patients and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Many therapeutic strategies have been undertaken both to prevent acute renal injury and, once ARF occurs, to improve renal function and reduce mortality. Among the available pharmacological options, no specific therapy has been shown to alter the course of ARF. This article reviews the efficacy of several strategies in experimental renal disease and raises the possibility that similar interventions might be available to the clinician in the near future for the prevention and management of ARF. The prospect of these novel strategies together with the ever-increasing understanding of the complex pathophysiology of ARF, offers the promise of effective and more physiological therapeutic interventions in this new millennium.     

Novel approaches to the treatment of acute renal failure

Acute renal failure (ARF) occurs frequently in hospitalised patients and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Many therapeutic strategies have been undertaken both to prevent acute renal injury and, once ARF occurs, to improve renal function and reduce mortality. Among the available pharmacological options, no specific therapy has been shown to alter the course of ARF. This article reviews the efficacy of several strategies in experimental renal disease and raises the possibility that similar interventions might be available to the clinician in the near future for the prevention and management of ARF. The prospect of these novel strategies, together with the ever-increasing understanding of the complex pathophysiology of ARF, offers the promise of effective and more physiological therapeutic interventions in this new millennium.     

Analysis of surgical admissions to the Ethio-Swedish Children's Hospital (1984-1988) in Addis Ababa

Surgical problems in children result in significant morbidity and mortality. A retrospective analysis of all surgical patients admitted to the Ethio-Swedish Children's Hospital (ESCH) over a five year period from 1984 to 1988 was made. There were a total of 2,281 surgical patients admitted, accounting for 22% of all hospital admissions (total = 10,364). The gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems were the most common systems involved. Acute appendicitis accounted for 13.9% (N = 318), cleft-lip and palate 8% (N = 183), and burns 6.9% (N = 157) of all surgical admissions. Accidents and trauma accounted for 25% of the surgical admissions (N = 564). Of these, the most common conditions were burns, car accidents, accidental falls, and foreign body aspirations. The over all mortality rate was 4% (N = 98). Acute appendicitis, intussusception, acute laryngotracheobronchitis (ALTB), and burns were associated with a high mortality. Of the neonatal admissions, one third died shortly after surgery, probably due to anaesthetic, fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Examination of the general pattern of surgical admissions revealed that many of the conditions were preventable, or amenable to medical therapy if detected early. Health education of the public is therefore necessary in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality of these conditions.     

Management of acute cholecystitis and acute cholangitis in emergency setting

Acute biliary infection (acute cholecystitis and acute cholangitis) is one of the common emergency conditions which carries significant morbidity and mortality. The risk factors are often associated with gallstones, biliary stasis and bile infection. Gram-negative bacteria are frequent isolates from bile and blood cultures in infectious cholangitis. Endotoxaemia from the gram-negative microbes results in circulatory shock and organ dysfunction. Therefore, prompt diagnosis with severity stratification and recognition of its potential rapid progression to life-threatening shock and multi-organ failure ensure execution of the three fundamental interventions in the initial management strategy, namely: resuscitation to support the organ, antimicrobial therapy and biliary decompression drainage to control the infection. This is the core principle in the management of severe acute cholangitis.     

Sarin causes autonomic imbalance and cardiomyopathy: an important issue for military and civilian health

Sarin, a lethal chemical nerve agent, may be a causative factor in multifactorial syndrome implicated in the Gulf War and Tokyo terrorist attacks. Although a high dose results in seizure and death, low-dose exposure may lead to autonomic imbalance and chronic cardiac pathologies. In this study, echocardiography and electrocardiography were used to examine the late-onset effects of a low-dose sarin on cardiac structure and function in mice. Adrenal corticosterone and tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA levels were measured. Stress responsiveness of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis was also tested. Findings demonstrate changes consistent with a dilated cardiomyopathy, including left ventricular dilatation, reduced contractility, and altered electrophysiological and inotropic responses to β-adrenergic stimulation. Results also indicate reduced adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA, corticosterone and altered stress responsiveness of HPA indicating autonomic imbalance. The role of low-dose sarin/organophosphate exposure needs to be considered in the military and civilian populations that suffer from autonomic imbalance and/or cardiomyopathies of indeterminate origin.     

老年结直肠癌合并急性肠梗阻手术方式与并发症的关系

目的探讨老年结直肠癌合并急性肠梗阻手术方式与并发症的关系。方法老年结直肠癌并发急性肠梗阻患者65例,采用右半结肠一期切除吻合治疗25例,左半结肠一期切除吻合26例,Hartmann手术8例,Dixon手术4例,肿瘤近端肠管造瘘2例。结果65例中术后发生并发症13例,发生率为20．0％（13／65）,其中感染中毒性休克2例,肺部感染4例,吻合口漏2例,切口感染、裂开2例。死亡3例,死亡率为4．6％（3／65）。左半结肠一期切除吻合、右半结肠一期切除吻合、Hartmann手术和Dixon手术术后并发症发生率分别为69．2％、0、30．7％和0（P〈0．05～0．01）。结论结肠癌急性梗阻,右半结肠一期切除吻合并发症少,安全可行。     

急性结肠梗阻的诊断与治疗

目的　探讨急性结肠梗阻的诊断、围手术期处理及手术方式的选择。方法　回顾分析我院 1991年 1月至 1997年 11月间手术治疗的急性结肠梗阻 5 7例。结果　癌性结肠梗阻占 72 % ( 41/ 5 7) ,而术前确诊率仅 3 2 %( 13 / 41)。术前选用预防性抗生素静脉滴注 ,术中行肠减压及结肠灌洗 ,行一期切除手术 44例 ,占 77% ( 44 / 5 7) ,同时一期吻合 3 6例 ,占 82 % ( 3 6/ 44 ) ,其中左半结肠病变者占 5 6% ( 2 0 / 3 6) ,无死亡及吻合口瘘发生。结论　对急性结肠梗阻应加强术前诊断和认识 ,完善术前、术中处理是降低一期肠切除和吻合术后并发症和死亡率的关键     

急性肺栓塞的溶栓治疗进展

急性肺栓塞是临床上具有较高发病率和死亡率的常见病,除抗凝外,溶栓治疗是一种有效的治疗方法;基于急性肺栓塞早期死亡风险进行危险分层,将急性肺栓塞患者分为高危、中危、低危三种状况并区别对待,对溶栓治疗有重要指导意义。     

Colonic stent versus surgery for the management of acute malignant colonic obstruction: a decision analysis

BACKGROUND: Acute colonic obstruction because of advanced colonic malignancy is a surgical emergency. AIM: To compare the clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of endoscopic self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) vs. surgery for emergent management of acute malignant colonic obstruction in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer over a 6-month period. METHODS: Decision analysis was used to calculate the cost-effectiveness and success of two competing strategies in a hypothetical patient with metastatic colon cancer presenting with acute, malignant colonic obstruction: (i) emergent colonic stent (SEMS cohort); (ii) emergent surgical resection followed by diversion (surgery cohort). RESULTS: Self-expanding metal stent resulted in a success and a lower mortality rate when compared to surgery over a 6-month period. Colonic SEMS was also associated with a lower mean cost per patient (USD 27,225 vs. USD 57,398). Mortality in the surgery group was 25 times that of the SEMS cohort. One- and two-way sensitivity analyses identified SEMS as the dominant strategy. CONCLUSION: Colonic stent insertion is more effective and less costly than surgery for the management of colonic obstruction in patients with metastatic colon cancer.     

急性非肿瘤性结肠穿孔治疗体会

目的探讨急性非肿瘤性结肠穿孔的病因、诊断及治疗。方法回顾性分析1995年1月至2005年1月收治的18例急性结肠穿孔患者的临床资料,18例患者均行剖腹检查。结果全组18例术后病理证实均为非肿瘤患者,其中切口感染5例（27．8％）经切口换药治愈;腹腔脓肿1例（5．6％）,经再次手术引流3周痊愈;其余均为一期手术治愈。本组手术病例术后均无肠瘘发生,亦无死亡病例。结论急性非肿瘤性结肠穿孔的早期诊断、尽早手术治疗及依据病情选择合理手术方式是提高治愈率的关键。     

非手术治疗胃十二指肠溃疡急性穿孔38例诊治分析

目的:探讨保守治疗在胃十二指肠溃疡急性穿孔治疗中的价值。方法:通过禁食水,持续胃肠减压、纠正水电解质酸碱平衡紊乱、静脉高营养及抗感染抑酸等非手术治疗情况,分析疗效。结果:患者为空腹穿孔,腹腔穿刺腹腔渗液不能抽出或较难抽出且少于5ml,住院时急性症状已缓解,无幽门梗阻及出血史,无感染性休克,可以行非手术治疗,疗效与手术治疗相比,无显著差异。结论:掌握胃十二指肠溃疡急性穿孔的非手术治疗的适应证,达到治疗效果的同时,不增加并发症发生率和死亡率,若需手术或内科治疗无效时必须及时实施手术,以达到预期疗效。     

Pharmacological Prevention of Reperfusion Injury in Acute Myocardial Infarction

The concept of reperfusion injury, although first recognized from animal studies, is now recognized as a clinical phenomenon that may result in microvascular damage, no-reflow phenomenon, myocardial stunning, myocardial hibernation and ischemic preconditioning. The final consequence of this event is left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The typical clinical case of reperfusion injury occurs in acute myocardial infarction (MI) with ST segment elevation in which an occlusion of a major epicardial coronary artery is followed by recanalization of the artery. This may occur either spontaneously or by means of thrombolysis and/or by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with efficient platelet inhibition by aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), clopidogrel and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Although the pathophysiology of reperfusion injury is complex, the major role that neutrophils play in this process is well known. Neutrophils generate free radicals, degranulation products, arachidonic acid metabolites and platelet-activating factors that interact with endothelial cells, inducing endothelial injury and neutralization of nitrous oxide vasodilator capacity. Adenosine, through its multi-targeted pharmacological actions, is able to inhibit some of the above-mentioned detrimental effects. The net protective of adenosine in in vivo models of reperfusion injury is the reduction of the infarct size, the improvement of the regional myocardial blood flow and of the regional function of the ischemic area. Additionally, adenosine preserves the post-ischemic coronary flow reserve, coronary blood flow and the post-ischemic regional contractility. In small-scale studies in patients with acute MI, treatment with adenosine has been associated with smaller infarcts, less no-reflow phenomenon and improved LV function. During elective PCI adenosine reduced ST segment shifts, lactate production and ischemic symptoms. During the last years, three relatively large placebo-controlled clinical trials have been conducted: Acute Myocardial Infarction Study of Adenosine Trial (AMISTAD) I and II and Attenuation by Adenosine of Cardiac Complications (ATTACC). In the AMISTAD trials, the final infarct size was reduced and the LV systolic function was improved by adenosine treatment, mainly in patients with anterior MI localization. However, morbidity and mortality were not affected. In the ATTACC study, the LV systolic function was not affected by adenosine, however, trends towards improved survival were observed in patients with anterior MI localization. The possibility of obtaining a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow in the infarct-related artery in up to 95% of patients with acute MI (increasing the occurrence of reperfusion injury) has turned back the interest towards the protection of myocardial cells from the impending ischemic and reperfusion injury in which adenosine alone or together with other cardio-protective agents may exert important clinical effects.     

The relationship between air pollutants and heart-rate variability among community residents in Korea

Air pollution, both particulate and gaseous, is known to cause adverse health effects and is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. With a growing recognition in the importance of the autonomic nervous system in air pollution, we examined the effects of air pollutants, namely, particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitric dioxide (NO2), on cardiac autonomic function by measuring heart-rate variability (HRV) among community residents. This study was conducted at Taein Island, located off the southern coast of South Korea; 1349 subjects (596 males and 753 females) were included in this analysis. Subjects responded to the interview about general characteristics and an HRV examination was conducted. Exposure data were collected from the Environmental Management Corporation during the same period of HRV measurement. Linear regression analyses were carried out to evaluate the association over 72 h, and the parameters of HRV indices were presented as the percentage change. The exposures to PM(10), SO(2), and NO2 were associated with reduced HRV indices, and significant decreases in the standard deviation of the normal to normal interval (SDNN) and low frequency (LF) domain effect, and the effect was largely continued until 12 h. Our results suggest that air pollutants stimulate the autonomic nervous system and provoke an imbalance in cardiac autonomic control. Thus, these subclinical effects may lead to pathological consequences, particularly in high-risk patients and susceptible subjects.     

Endstage renal failure due to polycystic kidney disease managed by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Over a five and one half year period, four of nine patients with endstage renal failure due to polycystic kidney disease managed by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) developed peritonitis following intestinal perforation. Two patients had colonic perforation associated with diverticular disease, one necrosis of the terminal ileum, and one acute appendicitis. Two of the patients died subsequent to these complications. The survivors had early transfer to haemodialysis. In contrast, over the same period, only two of 125 patients with renal failure due to other causes and managed by CAPD had acute intestinal perforation. In both cases this was associated with acute appendicitis. Both patients survived. All episodes of peritonitis in CAPD patients with polycystic kidneys demand very close monitoring, cessation of CAPD, and early surgical intervention. CAPD is relatively contraindicated in such patients.