Long-term and short-term evaluation of esophageal reconstruction using the colon or the jejunum in esophageal cancer patients after gastrectomy

SUMMARY.  For esophageal cancer patients, the gastric tube is the first choice as an esophageal substitute, with the colon or the jejunum being used when the stomach cannot be used. We retrospectively compared these two methods from the viewpoint of peri-operative complications and long-term bodyweight alteration. From 1998 to 2005 53 patients who had undergone subtotal esophagectomy due to thoracic esophageal cancers were given reconstruction with the colon (28 cases) or the jejunum (25 cases). Both intestines were reconstructed via the subcutaneous route and were anastomosed to the internal mammalian artery and vein for a supercharged blood supply. There was no difference in operating time and blood loss. Compared with the colon reconstruction group, the hospital stay of the jejunum reconstruction group was significantly shorter (65 days vs 45 days, P  = 0.0120) and the incidence of anastomotic leakage tended to be less (13 cases, 46% vs 6 cases, 24%, P  = 0.1507), while other operative morbidity did not differ between the two groups. Bodyweight loss, which is a serious postoperative sequela after esophagectomy, was less in the jejunum group than in the colon group, showing a significant difference at 12 months after surgery. Our retrospective study revealed the jejunum to be superior to the colon for the reconstruction after esophagectomy along with gastrectomy, with respect to anastomotic leakage and bodyweight loss. The next step will be to conduct a prospective large cohort study.     

The clinical suspicion of a leaking intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis: the role of CT imaging

BackgroundCT imaging is the primary diagnostic approach to assess the integrity of the intrathoracic anastomosis following Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. In the postoperative setting interpretation of CT findings, such as air and fluid collections, may be challenging. Establishment of a scoring system that incorporates CT findings to diagnose anastomotic leakage could assist radiologists and surgeons in the postoperative phase.MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent a CT scan for a clinical suspicion of postoperative anastomotic leakage following Ivor Lewis esophagectomy between 2010 and 2016 in two medical centers were retrospectively included. Scans were excluded when oral contrast was not (correctly) administered. Acquired images were randomized and independently assessed by two experienced gastrointestinal radiologists, blinded for clinical information. For this study anastomotic leakage was defined as a visible defect during endoscopy or thoracotomy.ResultsA total of 80 patients had 101 CT scans, resulting in 32 scans with a confirmed anastomotic leak (25 patients). After multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression, a practical 5-point scoring system was developed, which included the following CT findings: presence of extraluminal oral contrast, air collection at the anastomotic site, fluid collection at the anastomotic site, pneumothorax and loculated pleural effusion. Patients with a score of ≥3 were considered at high risk for anastomotic leakage (positive predictive value: 83.3%), patients with scores <3 were considered at low risk for anastomotic leakage (negative predictive value: 84.4%). The scoring system showed a superior diagnostic performance compared to the original CT report and blinded interpretation of two radiologists.ConclusionsOur CT-based practical scoring system enables a standardized approach in CT assessment and could facilitate early recognition of anastomotic leakage in patients after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.     

The use of circular stapler for cervical esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy: surgical technique and early postoperative outcome

Stapled esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy is considered to be superior to traditional handsewn techniques. Linear staplers are usually used. The aim of this study is to evaluate early postoperative results of circular stapler in cervical esophagogastric anastomosis. Records of all patients who underwent esophagectomy during the years 2003–2008 were reviewed. Patients that underwent transthoracic esophagectomy, colon transposition, or linear stapler anastomosis were excluded. Esophagogastric anastomosis was done either handsewn or using circular stapler. Patients underwent either pyloromyotomy, pyloroplasty, or no pyloric intervention. Postoperative leakage was diagnosed either clinically or radiologically. The end-point of this study was the incidence of anastomotic leak in the immediate postoperative period. Eighty-two patients (average age 66 years, male/female, 52/30) met the inclusion criteria. In 30 patients, the anastomosis was handsewn, and in 52 patients, it was done using a circular stapler. Overall operative mortality rate was 4.8% (four patients because of pulmonary or cardiac complications). Anastomotic leak occurred in five ( n  = 5, 16.6%) patients in the handsewn group and eight ( n  = 7, 13.4%) patients in the circular stapler group. Pyloric manipulation had no significant effect over the leakage rate. Routine upper-gastrointestinal (GI) series done on the fifth or sixth postoperative day did not reveal any of the leaks. Cervical esophagogastric anastomosis using an end-to-side circular stapler is feasible and safe, and has comparable outcomes to handsewn anastomosis in regard of leakage rates or other major surgical or general complications. Postoperative GI series seems to be a poor diagnostic tool for anastomotic leakage and could be omitted as a routine study for occult anastomotic leak.     

Predictors of rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have monoarthritis in a knee joint

To determine the predictive factors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 79 patients (11 men, 68 women; average age at onset of symptoms 37.1 years) with fixed joint effusion of one knee joint, of minimum 6 months' duration, were divided into three groups: group I, 11 patients (14%) who progressed to RA; group II, 8 patients (10%) with the correct diagnosis, except that RA became apparent during the subsequent follow-up; group III, 60 patients (76%) whose joint effusion resolved. In group I, the degree of joint effusion and the serological values of interleukin (IL)-1β, IgG-RF, and rheumatoid factor (RF) tended to be higher than those in the other groups at the time of our initial examination. The synovial fluid concentrations of IL-1β and IgG-RF in group I were significantly higher than those in the other groups. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-determined stage and histological assessment of synovial inflammation also tended to be higher in group I than in the other groups. This study revealed that it might be possible to predict the outcome of cases of monoarthritis by examining IL-1β and IgG-RF levels in the synovial fluid, in addition to various elevated inflammation signs in the knee joint. Received: July 10, 2000 / Accepted: October 18, 2000     

Pleural fluid interleukin-8 and C-reactive protein for discriminating complicated non-purulent from uncomplicated parapneumonic effusions

Background and objective:   This study was designed to test the hypothesis that measurement of IL-8 and CRP in pleural fluid could improve the identification of patients with non-purulent parapneumonic effusions that ultimately require chest tube drainage.
Methods:   We assessed IL-8, CRP and three classical parameters (pH, glucose and LDH) in the pleural fluid of 100 patients with parapneumonic effusions. Forty-nine of these patients had non-purulent complicated effusions (complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion, CPPE), and 51 had uncomplicated parapneumonic pleural effusions (UPPE). Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of pleural fluid biochemical parameters for differentiating among the two patient groups. IL-8 production was determined using a commercially available ELISA kit, and CRP was measured by immunoassay.
Results:   At a cutoff value of 1000 pg/mL, IL-8 differentiated CPPE from UPPE with a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 82%. Likewise, CRP levels were higher in CPPE than in UPPE, and showed 72% sensitivity and 71% specificity at a cutoff value of 80 mg/L. We found that all five pleural fluid tests showed similar diagnostic accuracies when evaluated by receiver-operating characteristic analysis. However, multivariate analysis indicated that the size of the effusion, as well as pleural fluid pH and IL-8 concentration, were the best discriminatory parameters, with likelihood ratios of 6.4, 4.4 and 3.9, respectively.
Conclusions:   Pleural fluid IL-8 is an accurate marker for the identification of non-purulent CPPE.     

Surgical results of patients after esophageal resection or extended gastrectomy for cancer of the esophagogastric junction

Precise classification of cancers of the esophagogastric junction according to Siewert may be difficult for the presence of Barrett's esophagus or hiatal hernia, which subsequently leads to a difficult choice of the surgical procedure of esophagectomy or gastrectomy. Ninety-six patients with such cancers were operated on in our department in 7 years. Twenty-nine patients (30.2%), classified as type I (group 1), underwent a transthoracic esophagectomy with gastric pull up. Sixty-seven patients (69.8%) classified as type II or III (group 2) underwent an extended gastrectomy. We compared the patients of both groups retrospectively for disease-free survival and postoperative complications. The general performance status of most patients was comparable in both groups and was assigned to the American Society of Anesthesiologists class II or III. Statistically significant differences between the groups were seen for the postoperative reintubation rate [group 1: 31.0% vs. group 2: 9.0% ( P  = 0.009)], median time for surgery [group 1: 6 (3.5–8.5) hours vs. group 2: 4.7 (2.2–11.5) hours ( P  = 0.001)], time in the intensive care unit [group 1: 6 (3–85) days vs. group 2: 3 (1–54) days ( P  = 0.001)], median hospitalization time [group 1: 23 (14–105) days vs. group 2: 18 (10–63) days ( P  = 0.018)]. No statistical difference was observed for the recurrence-free survival of 40% after 3 years ( P  = 0.311), the mortality rate, the morbidity rate ( P  = 0.108), surgical and respiratory complications, and the incidence of anastomotic leakage ( P  = 0.645). We conclude that in selected cases it may be possible to perform an extended gastrectomy for small type I cancers.     

Anterior vs. Posterior Mediastinal Routes in Colon Interposition after Esophagectomy

Background/Aims: Colon interposition is the most commonly used method of esophageal reconstruction when the stomach cannot be used; however, this method may cause surgical complications such as anastomotic leakage and sepsis due to colon necrosis. Therefore, many surgeons use a retrosternal or subcutaneous route because it is easier to manage the subcutaneous drainage when anastomotic leakage occurs. However, some researchers have reported that the posterior mediastinal route provides better long-term functional outcomes after surgery than the anterior mediastinal route. Thus, in this study, we compared these reconstruction routes used for colon interposition, with or without the supercharge technique, in patients with a history of distal gastrectomy, who have undergone colon interposition after esophagectomy. Methodology: We retrospectively studied 30 patients who underwent esophagectomy with colon interposition. These patients were divided into 2 groups based on the reconstruction route: the anterior mediastinal or subcutaneous route (A group), or the posterior mediastinal route (R group). Results: Anastomotic leakages were observed in 4 patients (26.7%) in the A group and in 1 patient (6.7%) in the R group. Conclusions: Ischemia is not always the result of arterial failure, but may also originate from venous blood flow impairment due to injury or distortion of veins.     

Cytokine profile in prediction of acute lung injury in patients with acute pancreatitis

Objectives

To study the role of cytokines in prediction of acute lung injury (ALI) in acute pancreatitis.

Effect of repeated thoracenteses on fluid characteristics,cytokines, and fibrinolytic activity in malignant pleural effusion

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of repeated thoracenteses on the fluid characteristics and the levels of various cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-8, and of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and tissue type plasminogen activator in malignant pleural effusion and its clinical significance. DESIGN: A prospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with symptomatic and a large amount of free-flow malignant pleural effusions were studied. Thoracentesis with drainage of 500 mL of pleural fluid per day was performed for 3 continuous days (days 1 to 3). The effusion samples were collected to evaluate the changes of fluid characteristics, cytokine levels, and fibrinolytic activity. Chest ultrasonography was done on day 6 to observe the presence of fibrin strands. The result of pleurodesis was evaluated in the patients classified into groups based on chest ultrasonographic findings. RESULTS: The values of TNF-alpha, PAI-1, IL-8, and neutrophil count in pleural fluid increased significantly during repeated thoracenteses in 26 patients studied. A positive correlation was found between the concentrations of TNF-alpha and PAI-1 and between the values of IL-8 and neutrophils. On day 6, fibrin strands were observed in the pleural effusion on chest ultrasonography in 11 patients (42%, fibrinous group) but were absent in the remaining 15 patients (nonfibrinous group). During repeated thoracenteses, a significant increase of effusion PAI-1 and TNF-alpha was observed in the fibrinous group but not in the nonfibrinous group. In addition, the levels of effusion PAI-1 and TNF-alpha obtained from day 2 and day 3 were significantly higher in the fibrinous group than in the nonfibrinous group. The success rate of pleurodesis was significantly higher in the fibrinous group (11 of 11 patients, 100%) than in the nonfibrinous group (8 of 12 patients, 67%). CONCLUSIONS: Repeated thoracenteses may cause pleural inflammation and induce local release of proinflammatory cytokine as TNF-alpha, which may subsequently enhance the release of PAI-1 and lead to fibrin formation in malignant effusion. The presence of fibrin strands after repeated thoracenteses may be of considerable value in predicting the success of subsequent pleurodesis in patients with malignant pleural effusions.     

Efficacy of enteral decontamination in the prevention of anastomotic dehiscence and pulmonary infection in esophagogastric surgery

SUMMARY.  Our aim in this study is to evaluate the efficacy of decontamination of the high digestive tract in reducing the incidence of anastomotic dehiscence, pulmonary infection and mortality after resective gastro-esophageal surgery. A prospective randomized and double-blinded study was conducted in patients undergoing total gastrectomy for gastric cancer and esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Two groups were studied: group A patients were given erythromycin + gentamicine + nistatine sulfate orally; group B patients were given placebo. Mortality, incidence of anastomotic dehiscence and incidence of pulmonary infection were the end points evaluated. One hundred and nine consecutive patients were randomized. Eighteen (16.5%) were excluded. From the 91 patients who were evaluated, 42 (46.2%) received an esophagectomy and 49 (53.8%) had a total gastrectomy. Esophagectomies showed: a 0% rate of anastomotic dehiscence in group A and 12.5% in group B, P  = 0.176; a pulmonary infection rate of 22.2% in group A and 29.1% in group B, P  = 0.443; and mortality rate was 0% in group A and 12.5% in group B, P  = 0.176. After gastrectomy, anastomotic dehiscence rate was 4.5% in group A and 0% in group B, P  = 0.449; pulmonary infection rate was 4.5% in group A and 11.1% in group B, P  = 0.387 and mortality was 9% in group A and 0% in group B, P  = 0.196. Decontamination protocol does not help in decreasing the incidence of anastomotic dehiscence, pulmonary infection and mortality in the present study. Nevertheless, there seems to be a tendency to low pulmonary infection after gastrectomy and esophagectomy and to improve the incidence of anastomotic dehiscence after esophagectomy. Further studies are needed to re-evaluate these findings.     

Adenosine deaminase activity in pleural fluid--a diagnostic test of tuberculous pleural effusion.

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in pleural fluids was studied in 47 patients with pleural effusion of different etiology. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I - Tuberculous pleural effusion (21 patients): Group II - Non tuberculous effusion (26 patients) and these included malignant pleural effusion (9 cases), synpneumonic pleural effusion (9 cases) and transudative pleural effusion (8 cases). The mean ADA activity was 64.67 IU/L +/- 21.68 in group I and 6.99 +/- 3.69 in Group II. Increased mean pleural fluid ADA activity in tuberculous pleural effusion was highly significant (p < 0.001) when compared with pleural effusion of non-tuberculous etiology. Based on lowest value of ADA activity found in tuberculous pleural effusion (30 IU/L), the test has a sensitivity and specificity of 1.     

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR) agonism reduces the insulin-stimulated increase in circulating interleukin-6 in GH replaced GH-deficient adults

Context  Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists modify cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes. GH treatment in GH-deficient (GHD) patients may cause insulin resistance and exerts ambiguous effects on inflammatory markers.
Objective  To investigate circulating markers of inflammation and endothelial function in GH replaced GHD patients before and after 12 weeks administration of either pioglitazone 30 mg/day ( N  = 10) or placebo ( N  = 10) in a randomized double-blind parallel design.
Methods  Circulating levels of interleukins (ILs)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, vascular cell adhesion molecule-I, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were measured in the basal state and after a 2·5 h hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp.
Results  Insulin sensitivity improved in the group receiving PPARγ agonist ( P =  0·03). Serum IL-6 levels increased by 114 ± 31% (mean ± SE) in the entire group ( N  = 20) following the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp ( P =  0·01) performed at study start. Twelve weeks of PPARγ agonist treatment significantly abrogated this insulin-stimulated increment in IL-6 levels compared to placebo ( P =  0·01). Furthermore PPARγ agonist treatment significantly lowered basal IL-4 levels ( P <  0·05).
Conclusions  (i) IL-6 levels increase during a hyperinsulinaemic clamp in GH replaced patients (ii) This increase in IL-6 is abrogated by PPARγ agonist treatment (iii) we hypothesize that PPARγ agonist-induced improvement of insulin sensitivity may obviate a compensatory rise in IL-6.     

The use of the PleurX catheter in the management of non-malignant pleural effusions

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of the PleurX catheter in the management of recurrent non-malignant pleural effusions. Methods: All subjects who underwent a PleurX catheter placement between 2003 and 2009 were evaluated. General demographic data, time to pleurodesis, complications, and a satisfaction questionnaire were collected. The subjects were divided into two groups. Group I included patients with non-malignant effusions and group II included patients with malignant effusions. Results: A total of 64 subjects were included in the final data analysis. A total of 23 subjects were included in group I and 41 subjects were included in group II. The diagnoses in group I included congestive heart failure (CHF; 13), hepatic hydrothorax (8), traumatic bloody (1), and idiopathic exudative (1). The diagnoses in group II included lung cancer (20), breast cancer (11), colon cancer (5), prostate cancer (2), B-cell lymphoma (2), and mesothelioma (1). The time to pleurodesis was 36 ± 12 days for group II compared to 110.8 ± 41 days for group I (p < 0.0001). The mean satisfaction score was similar in both groups (3.8 ± 0.4). Time to pleurodesis was significantly shorter in hepatic hydrothorax compared to CHF (73.6 ± 9 days vs. 113 ± 36 days, p = 0.006). There was one case of exit site infection in a patient with hepatic hydrothorax. Among subjects who were alive at 3 months after the catheter removal, none had recurrence of their pleural effusion. Conclusion: The Denver catheter was effective in achieving pleurodesis in non-malignant pleural effusions. The complication rate was low and patient satisfaction was high.     

胸水中LPS、IL-35、RORα在结核性胸腔积液中的表达变化及临床意义

目的:探讨胸水中脂多糖(LPS)、白细胞介素35(IL-35)、维甲酸相关孤儿受体α(RORα)在结核性胸腔积液中的表达变化及临床意义。方法:采用回顾性研究方法,选择2017年1月至2020年1月襄阳市中心医院收治的79例结核性胸膜炎患者为结核组,66例恶性胸膜炎患者为恶性组。比较2组胸水LPS、IL-35、RORα水平,采用spearman相关分析胸水LPS、IL-35、RORα水平与结核性胸膜炎的相关性,采用多因素logistic回归分析结核性胸膜炎的影响因素,采用受试者工作特征曲线分析胸水LPS、IL-35、RORα对结核性胸膜炎与恶性胸膜炎的鉴别诊断价值。结果:结核组胸水LPS、IL-35、RORα水平显著高于恶性组( t值分别为2.691、2.908、6.017, P值均<0.05);胸水LPS、IL-35、RORα水平与结核性胸膜炎均呈正相关( r值分别0.375、0.583、0.604, P值均<0.05);胸水LPS、IL-35、RORα水平升高是结核性胸膜炎的危险因素( P值均<0.05);胸水LPS对结核性胸膜炎与恶性胸膜炎的准确性明显高于胸水RORα( P<0.05);胸水IL-35对结核性胸膜炎与恶性胸膜炎的准确性明显高于胸水LPS( P<0.05);胸水LPS、IL-35、RORα联合检测对结核性胸膜炎与恶性胸膜炎的准确性明显高于各项指标单独检测( P<0.05)。 结论:胸水LPS、IL-35、RORα在结核性胸膜炎患者中呈高水平,胸水LPS、IL-35、RORα联合检测在结核性胸膜炎与恶性胸膜炎的鉴别诊断中价值较高,有望在临床推广。     

PCT、TNF-a、IL-6、IL-8在胸腔积液诊断中的应用价值

目的探讨降钙素原(PCT)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)及白细胞介素-8(IL-8)在胸腔积液及血清中的表达及在胸腔积液中的诊断价值。方法肺结核并发胸腔积液患者56例,肺癌并发胸腔积液患者58例;用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)法测定PCT、TNF-a、IL-6、IL-8在胸腔积液及血清中的水平。60例健康人的外周血作为对照。结果肺结核组患者血清TNF-a、IL-6、IL-8的水平均高于肺癌组(P0.05),两组患者血清PCT水平无统计学差异(P0.05);肺结核组胸腔积液TNF-a、IL-6、IL-8水平均高于肺癌组(P0.05),两组患者胸腔积液PCT水平无统计学差异(P0.05);同时收集胸水和血清标本的肺结核组和肺癌组114例患者的胸腔积液TNF-a、IL-6、IL-8水平均高于血清水平(P0.05),但胸腔积液与血清TNF-a、IL-6、IL-8均无明显相关性,而两者PCT水平存在正相关性(r=0.742,P0.01)。血清及胸腔积液中3种相关因子联合检测灵敏性、特异性与各单项相比差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论通过检测胸腔积液及血清中TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8的表达水平将有助于鉴别诊断肺癌及肺结核患者,但PCT在胸腔积液的鉴别诊断中无重要的参考价值。     

流式细胞检测细胞胸腔积液中总数和白细胞介素-16的意义

目的 联合细胞技术检测恶性和结核性胸腔积液中的细胞总数和白细胞介素16(IL-16)的意义.方法 用流式细胞技术检测36例为结核性胸腔积液(PE)和32例为恶性积液患者的胸水中的细胞总数和IL16的水平.同时检测外周血的IL16水平.结果 恶性PE中细胞总数、淋巴细胞、中性粒细胞明显高于结核性PE(P<0.05),而结核性PE中巨噬细胞和间皮细胞明显高于恶性PE(P<0.05).胸腔积液中的IL-16在结核性PE中、高恶性PE(P=0.036),而外周血中的IL-16水平,结核性PE高于癌性PE(P=0.089).结论 恶性和结核性PE中细胞类型和IL-16表现出明显差别呈相关性,可作为鉴别诊断的参考.     

Neutrophil elastase inhibitor improves postoperative clinical courses after thoracic esophagectomy

Sivelestat sodium hydrate is a selective inhibitor of neutrophil elastase (NE), and is effective in acute lung injury associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). The effect of Sivelestat for postoperative clinical courses after transthoracic esophagectomy was investigated. Consecutive patients with carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy between 2003 and 2004 were assigned to the Sivelestat-treated group (n = 18), and those between 1998 and 2003 were assigned to the control group (n = 25). The morbidity rate, duration of postoperative SIRS, mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and the sum of the sequential organ failure assessment scores at all time points after the operation were compared. Serum NE activities and serum concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1) were measured. Postoperative complications developed in three patients in the control group, and one in the Sivelestat-treated group. The durations of SIRS, mechanical ventilation, and ICU stay were significantly shorter in the Sivelestat-treated group. Even in patients without complications, the durations of mechanical ventilation, and ICU stay were also significantly shorter, and the arterial oxygen pressure/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio at postoperative day 1 was significantly higher in the Sivelestat-treated group. Serum NE activities and serum concentrations of IL-1beta, IL-6, and HMGB1 were significantly suppressed in the Sivelestat-treated group. Postoperative Sivelestat treatment after transthoracic esophagectomy improves the condition of SIRS and postoperative clinical courses, even in patients without complications.     

白细胞介素-6和转铁蛋白检测在胸腔积液诊断中的价值

目的　探讨胸腔积液患者胸水中IL-6和TRF两项指标对胸腔积液性质鉴别诊断的实用价值。方法 将 93例不同病因的胸腔积液患者分成漏出液组、结核性渗出液组和恶性渗出液组,平行检测患者胸腔积液中IL-6和TRF的水平。通过受试者工作特征曲线 (ROC)评价两项指标对胸腔积液性质的诊断价值。结果 IL-6在三组胸腔积液中差异均有意义 (均P＜0.05)。以结核性渗出液组中最高,漏出液组最低。渗出液中TRF比漏出液中TRF高 (P＜0.05),分别以 95pg/ml、70mg dl作为IL 6、TRF诊断漏出液与渗出液的临界值,诊断渗出液的灵敏度为 95.2%、85.7%特异度为93.3%、70%。结论 IL-6具有较高的灵敏度与特异度。胸腔积液IL-6、TRF检测对鉴别胸腔积液性质有一定的实用价值。     

Analysis of cytokine and specific antibody profiles in hydatid patients with primary infection and relapse of disease

We studied in vitro cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with primary and recurrent hydatid disease when cells were incubated with mitogen (PHA) and antigen from hydatid cyst fluid (HCFAg); levels of specific IgE, IgG4 and eosinophil counts were also measured in sera. When specifically stimulated, PBMC from patients produced higher levels of IL-2 (P < 0.02), IFN-γ (P < 0.0028) and IL-5 (P < 0.01) than those from uninfected donors, whereas IL-10 levels were comparable. Notably, IL-5 was also produced in higher levels (P < 0.01) by PBMC from patients when incubated with PHA. The IL-5:IFN-γ ratio was significantly greater (P < 0.02) when measured in response to specific stimulation than it was for PHA-stimulated cultures. These cytokine data suggest a bias towards a Th2-response which is in agreement with the high levels of IgG4 and IgE observed. The polarized response appears to be related to clinical status, as differences between patients with primary infection and those with relapse of disease were demonstrated, with significantly higher levels of IgE (P < 0.003), IgG4 (P < 0.04) titres and eosinophil counts (P < 0.04) in the latter; in addition a tendency to an increased production of IL-5 buy lower IFN-γ was also observed in this group. These results merit further study as they are suggestive of a putative role of Th2-like responses in susceptibility to reinfection by E. granulosus.     

A case of severe chylothorax after esophagectomy successfully treated by a new combination of continuous positive-pressure ventilation plus chemical pleurodesis

Postoperative chylothorax is an uncommon but well-recognized and potentially life-threatening complication of esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Its management remains controversial. A 71-year-old man with cancer of the thoracic esophagus was admitted to our hospital. A standard curative esophagectomy with extensive lymphadenectomy was performed. Two days after operation, chest roentgenography and computed tomography showed a massive right pleural effusion. A thoracic tube was placed in the right pleural cavity. The drainage volume of pleural effusion increased (up to 1500 ml/day), and chylothorax was diagnosed. Conservative drainage was continued for 4 days, but chyle leakage persisted. Minocycline hydrochloride 200 mg diluted in 50 ml saline was infused into the right pleural cavity through the tube to seal the leak. The patient concurrently received continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV). The effusion completely resolved 30 h after beginning this combined treatment. To our knowledge, the treatment of chylothorax by CPPV plus chemical pleurodesis has not been reported previously in the English-language literature. Our method is simple, rapid, and may be a treatment option for patients with persistent chylothorax after esophagectomy that does not respond to conservative management or for patients in whom surgery is contraindicated.