Inflammatory response in open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The modifications of IL-6. CRP, ceruloplasmin, alpha 1 antitrypsin, fibrinogen, transferrin, albumin and leukocytes counts have been evaluated after traditional open cholecystectomy (OC) or laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Forty-two patients were included in this study, 20 underwent to OC and 22 underwent to LC. Serum samples were performed before surgery and at distance of 6, 24, 48 and 168 hours. The results show a more significant increase in acute phase inflammatory response after OC compared with LC as attested by highest values of leukocytosis, IL-6, CRP, fibrinogen and alpha 1 antitrypsin and lower levels of albumin. In conclusion, after LC, the phase acute response is attenuate and it can explain the reduced period of convalescence of patients treated with LC.     

Inflammation and reduced albumin synthesis associated with stable decline in serum albumin in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND: The concentration of albumin in serum is maintained by its rates of synthesis, catabolism, and distribution between vascular and extravascular compartments. Albumin synthesis is suppressed when there is inflammation or inadequate protein intake. This study was conducted to establish whether a decline in serum albumin of >0.3 g/dL was accompanied by a change in albumin synthesis and if so whether these changes were associated with increased levels of acute phase proteins and/or with a decrease in equilibrated normalized protein catabolic rate (enPCR). METHODS: Seventy-nine patients in the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored HEMO Study had baseline measurements of albumin synthesis (measured kinetically as the disappearance of [125]I human serum albumin), the serum concentrations of albumin, transferrin, C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha1 acid glycoprotein (alpha1AG), ceruloplasmin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), plus monthly measurements of enPCR. The plasma levels of all proteins and enPCR were measured regularly over 2 years or until serum albumin decreased by >0.3 g/dL on two sequential measurements. Albumin synthesis was measured a second time when serum albumin declined by >0.3 g/dL or after 2 years. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients [21 with a significant decrease in serum albumin (decliners) and 38 with stable values of serum albumin] had albumin synthesis measured twice. A decline in albumin concentration and synthesis was associated with an increase in alpha1AG when data from all patients were analyzed as a group. In decliners, albumin synthesis decreased significantly but was unchanged in stable. Likewise, in decliners, IL-6, CRP, alpha1AG, and ceruloplasmin increased significantly but were unchanged in stable. enPCR was unchanged in both groups and was not associated with either changes in albumin level or synthesis in the whole group. CONCLUSION: A decrease in serum albumin of >0.3 g/dL that persists for a period of 6 weeks is associated a decrease in albumin synthesis. This response is associated with evidence of activation of the acute phase response (inflammation) but not with changes in enPCR. In well-dialyzed patients, inflammation is the principal cause of a decrease in serum albumin while protein intake plays an insignificant role.     

Inflammation and outcome after general thoracic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether preoperative inflammation predisposes to major postoperative complications (PC) and poor outcome. METHODS: Prospective data collection of 153 consecutive patients aged 73+/-6 years scheduled for lung resection at a tertiary cancer center. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were measured before surgery, on arrival to the postanesthesia care unit, and on the first morning after surgery. RESULTS: PC occurred in 9/153 (5.9%) patients. In comparison to patients without PC, those with PC had a greater history of hypertension (P=0.047), higher frequency of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (P=0.007) and had a lower preoperative albumin level, 3.75+/-0.65 g/dl versus 4.28+/-0.33 g/dl, P=0.03. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated a strong association between PC and preoperative CRP (area under the curve of 0.86), albumin (area under the curve of 0.86) and less so for IL-6 (area under the curve of 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: Markers of inflammation, CRP and IL-6, can help distinguish patients who are at high risk for major PC. These preliminary and novel data suggest that in addition to low albumin, a previously described marker of outcome, systemic inflammation is likely to be important in the pathogenesis of important PC.     

Leptin is a negative acute phase protein in chronic hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND: Hypoalbuminemia strongly predicts death in hemodialysis patients and results from both inflammation and malnutrition. One potential link between malnutrition and inflammation is appetite suppression triggered by inflammation. Leptin is secreted by adipose tissue and suppresses appetite, and it is also a positive acute phase protein in the rat. Factored for body weight, leptin is known to be increased in hemodialysis patients, but its relationship to inflammation is unknown. METHODS: We examined the relationship between spontaneously occurring activation of the acute phase response and leptin levels in 29 chronic hemodialysis patients. Serum samples were obtained three times weekly for six weeks and then monthly from 29 chronic hemodialysis patients, and the levels of the positive acute phase proteins [C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha1-acid glycoprotein (alpha1 AG), serum amyloid A, ceruloplasmin] and the negative acute phase proteins (albumin and transferrin) as well as leptin and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. RESULTS: Positive and negative acute phase proteins were evaluated at the maximum CRP (mean, 9.42 +/- 1.14 mg/dL) and minimum values (mean, 0.41 +/- 0.09 mg/dL). When CRP was elevated, leptin levels were significantly reduced, as were the negative acute phase proteins albumin and transferrin. Serum amyloid A, ceruloplasmin, alpha1 acid glycoprotein, and IL-6 were all significantly increased at the maximum CRP level, compatible with general activation of the acute phase response. The change in leptin correlated negatively with the change in CRP (R = 0.437, P = 0.018), as did changes in albumin (R = 0.620, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Leptin is not increased as a consequence of inflammation in hemodialysis patients, but behaves as a negative rather than as a positive acute phase protein. Inflammation is unlikely to reduce appetite in dialysis patients through a leptin-mediated mechanism.     

Albumin synthesis rates are not decreased in hypoalbuminemic cachectic cancer patients with an ongoing acute-phase protein response.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether suppression of albumin synthesis contributes to the hypoalbuminemia observed in weight-losing cancer patients with evidence of an ongoing acute-phase protein response (APPR). BACKGROUND DATA: Proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) are known to downregulate albumin synthesis and increase acute-phase protein production in isolated hepatocytes. However, whether albumin synthesis is suppressed in hypoalbuminemic cancer patients with evidence of an ongoing acute-phase response is unknown. METHODS: Albumin synthesis rates were determined in six healthy controls and in six weight-losing pancreatic cancer patients with an ongoing APPR using a flooding dose technique with [2H5]-phenylalanine. The presence of an APPR was defined as a serum C-reactive protein concentration >10 mg/L. Serum cytokines (TNF, IL-6) and soluble TNF receptors (sTNF-R 55 and 75), along with serum cortisol and insulin, were also measured in both groups. RESULTS: Cancer patients had reduced serum albumin (median 32 [range, 23-36] vs. 42 g/L [40-45]; p < 0.01) and increased serum C-reactive protein concentrations (72 [23-126] vs. <5 mg/L; p < 0.01) when compared with controls. TNF was not detected in either group. sTNF-R 55 levels were significantly elevated in the cancer patients (3.8 [1.9-8.1] vs. 1.2 pg/mL [0.9-2.2]; p < 0.01). Circulating IL-6, insulin, and cortisol concentrations were not significantly different between the groups. The intravascular albumin mass was lower (88 [56-93] vs. 133 g [105-177]; p < 0.01), but the intravascular albumin fractional synthetic rate was higher (13.9 [13.5-18.5] vs. 10.3%/d [71-11.3]; p < 0.01) in the cancer patients compared with the controls. The total intravascular albumin synthetic rate was, however, similar between the two groups (12.7 [7.7-15.7] vs. 11.7 g/d [8.5-18.7]; p NS). CONCLUSIONS: In weight-losing pancreatic cancer patients with evidence of an ongoing APPR, hypoalbuminemia is not caused by a decreased rate of albumin synthesis.     

Vitamin D Metabolite–Mediated Hypercalcemia With Suppressed Parathormone Concentration in Pneumocystis jiroveci Pneumonia After Kidney Transplantation

Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) is a severe complication in immunocompromised hosts including transplant recipients. Hypercalcemia (HCa) is not a classic symptom of the disease. However, HCa (mean [SD; range], 2.90 [0.20; 2.71–3.17] mmol/L) was detected in 5 patients with PJP at diagnosis. The HCa was associated with decreased concentrations of circulating parathormone (PTH), from 294 (292) ng/L 3 to 6 months previously to 20 (23.5; 7–53) ng/L. Concentrations of 1,25-(OH)₂ vitamin D, measured in 3 patients, were in the high normal range (54.66 [7.23; 225–66] μg/L), whereas 25-(OH) vitamin D concentrations were low (13.9 [2.17; 20–60] μg/L). After treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 21 days, 4 patients recovered and 1 died. Calcium and PTH concentrations rapidly returned to normal (2.36 [0.05] mmol/L and 89 [29.7] ng/L, respectively) at 2 months after the acute phase of the disease. Although fewer than 10 cases of PJP-associated HCa have been reported to date, it is possible that this association is more frequent than previously thought because our cases were detected during 2 years. As in other granulomatous disease–induced HCa, including fungal infections, it is likely that endogenous extrarenal production of 1-α-hydroxylase by activated macrophages and by interferon-γ involved in granuloma formation results in increased conversion from 25-(OH) vitamin D to 1,25-(OH)₂ vitamin D and, consequently, in transient HCa and suppression of PTH secretion. Fortuitous detection of HCa in transplant recipients with pulmonary symptoms must raise suspicion of PJP or fungal infection.     

Minimal access surgery for cholelithiasis induces an attenuated acute phase response.

BACKGROUND: Some benefits of laparoscopic (LC) and minilaparotomy (MC) cholecystectomy may reflect attenuation of the acute phase response. The authors examined components of this response. METHODS: Patients were randomized to LC (n = 11) or MC (n = 11). C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), retinol-binding protein (RBP), transferrin, and albumin were measured preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 2, 4, and 7. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) were measured more frequently perioperatively. Peak expiratory flow rate, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and forced vital capacity were measured daily. RESULTS: The IL-6 increase was more persistent and marked in the MC patients from hour 8 to day 7 postoperatively (P < 0.05). Alterations in CRP, AAT, and albumin were similar. Postoperative deficits of respiratory function correlated with the magnitude of acute phase protein alteration. CONCLUSIONS: Minimal access surgery induces an acute phase response that is less prominent after a laparoscopic technique.     

Association of inflammation and malnutrition with cardiac valve calcification in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients

Cardiac valve calcification (VC) has long been regarded as a consequence of aging and abnormal calcium-phosphate metabolism in uremic patients. In view of the recent recognition of association among inflammation, malnutrition, and atherosclerosis, the possible role of inflammation and malnutrition in VC was investigated. Inflammatory markers (including C-reactive protein [CRP], fibrinogen, and basal metabolic rate) and nutritional status (assessed using serum albumin, subjective global nutrition assessment, and handgrip strength) were examined, in addition to calcium phosphate parameters and other traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including gender, smoking habits, BP, and lipid profile, in relation to VC in 137 patients who were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Compared with patients with no VC, patients with VC not only were older (60 [10] versus 54 [12] yr; P = 0.005), had higher plasma phosphate (1.89 [0.52] versus 1.64 [0.41] mmol/L; P = 0.003), and had higher parathyroid hormone (83 [40, 145] versus 38 [16, 71] pmol/L; P = 0.001) but also had higher CRP (4.5 [0.1, 13.4] versus 0.2 [0.1, 4.4] mg/L; P = 0.004), had higher fibrinogen (6.6 [1.9] versus 5.7 [1.3] g/L; P = 0.002), and had lower serum albumin (26 [4] versus 29 [3] g/L; P = 0004). Twenty-three percent of patients with VC versus 17% of patients with no VC were moderately to severely malnourished according to subjective global nutrition assessment (P = 0.05). Even after adjustment for patients' age, duration of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, diabetes, and calcium x phosphate product, cardiac VC remained strongly associated with CRP (odds ratio, 1.05; P = 0.026) and albumin (odds ratio, 0.85; P = 0.01). The data suggest that VC not only is a passive degenerative process but also involves active inflammation, similar to that seen in atherosclerosis. The presence of uncontrolled hyperphosphatemia and hyperparathyroidism further accelerates the progression of calcification. The data also indicate that VC and atherosclerosis should be considered as associated syndromes, sharing similar pathogenic mechanisms, namely active inflammation.     

Markers of inflammation before and after renal transplantation

BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare serum C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients before versus after receiving renal transplantation (RT) and versus donors. METHODS: Serum samples from 37 ESRD patients (24 male, age 34+/-13 years) were collected before and after RT; in addition, samples from 31 donors were obtained at transplantation. CRP concentrations were measured using nephelometry, and TNF-alpha and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay. RESULTS: Ninety-two percent of recipients had a living donor, 73% received cyclosporine A, 27% tacrolimus, and 70% induction with daclizumab. Thirteen percent had acute rejection and 16% chronic allograft nephropathy. All inflammation markers decreased 6 months after RT, but only CRP was below baseline values (baseline: 5.0+/-3.5; 6 months: 3.0+/-0; 12 months: 3.2+/-0.7; 18 months: 3.2+/-0.6; donors: 3.6+/-1.5 mg/L; P<0.05), whereas median TNF-alpha (baseline: 0.1 [0.03-0.2]; 6 months: 0 [0-0.1]; 12 months: 0.3 [0.1-2.6]; 18 months: 0.6 [0.1-1.9]; donors: 0 [0-0.1] pg/mL; P<0.05) and IL-6 (baseline: 1.9 [1.2-7.1]; 6 months: 1.2 [0.6-28.3]; 12 months: 2.6 [1.3-3.4]; 18 months: 2.7 [1.7-4.2]; donors: 1.1 [0.6-1.9] pg/mL; P<0.05) significantly increased up to the end of follow-up. Before RT, CRP correlated with age (r 0.45, P=0.006) and albumin (r -0.36, P=0.04). TNF-alpha and IL-6 were correlated before (r 0.34, P=0.04) and after (r 0.55, P=0.02) RT. Inflammation markers were not different in patients who had acute rejection episodes or chronic nephropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with controls, patients displayed an inflammatory phenomenon before receiving RT. Serum CRP decreased significantly after RT, whereas TNFalpha and IL-6 increased.     

C reactive protein in patients with chronic renal diseases

Base-line serum levels of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) are predictive of future myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death in apparently healthy subjects, suggesting the hypothesis that chronic inflammation might be important in the pathogenesis of atherothrombosis. CRP production is mediated by several inflammatory mediators: interleukin 6 (IL-6) is currently felt to be the major cytokine influencing the acute phase response. CRP and other acute phase proteins are elevated in dialysis patients and cardiovascular diseases represent the single largest cause of mortality in chronic renal failure patients. Little information is available, however regarding CRP and IL-6 plasma levels in pre-dialysis renal failure. Plasma CRP was determined by a modification of the laser nephelometry technique; IL-6 by immunoassay (RD System); and fibrinogen, serum albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, hematocrit, white blood cell count, erythrocytic sedimentation rate (ESR) and urinary protein levels by standard laboratory techniques. Results were obtained in 102 chronic pre-dialysis patients whose mean age was 53+/-5.8 years with a mean creatinine clearance (C(Cr)) of 52+/-37 mL/min). CRP was greater than 5 mg/L in 25% of the global population. CRP and IL-6 were 4.0+/-4.6 mg/L and 5.8+/-5.6 pg/mL, respectively and were not significantly correlated (r=0.11, p=n.s.). CRP and IL-6 were however related with renal function (CRP versus C(Cr) r=-0.40 p <0.001; IL- 6 versus C(Cr) r=-0.45; p <0.001). When patients were divided in two groups according to renal function, CRP resulted 7.4+/-6.3 mg/L in the group of patients with a C(Cr) lower than 20 mL/min (n=32) and 2.76+/-4.35 in the group of patients with a C(Cr) higher than 20 mL/min (n = 70) (p <0.0001). CRP and IL-6 were positively related with ESR (r=0.32 and 0.46 respectively). Serum albumin levels were not significantly different in the two groups of patients (3.2+/-0.4 versus 3.0+/-0.5 g/dL). CRP and serum albumin were not significantly related (r=0.17). CRP and IL-6 correlated positively with ESR (r=0.32 and 0.46 respectively). In pre-dialysis patients we have demonstrated an increase in both CRP and IL-6 that occurs as renal function decreases. These data provided evidence of the activation - even in the predialysis phase of renal failure - of mechanisms known to contribute to the enhanced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of the uremic syndrome.     

C REACTIVE PROTEIN IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RENAL DISEASES

Base-line serum levels of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) are predictive of future myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death in apparently healthy subjects, suggesting the hypothesis that chronic inflammation might be important in the pathogenesis of atherothrombosis. CRP production is mediated by several inflammatory mediators: interleukin 6 (IL-6) is currently felt to be the major cytokine influencing the acute phase response. CRP and other acute phase proteins are elevated in dialysis patients and cardiovascular diseases represent the single largest cause of mortality in chronic renal failure patients. Little information is available, however regarding CRP and IL-6 plasma levels in pre-dialysis renal failure. Plasma CRP was determined by a modification of the laser nephelometry technique; IL-6 by immunoassay (RD System); and fibrinogen, serum albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, hematocrit, white blood cell count, erythrocytic sedimentation rate (ESR) and urinary protein levels by standard laboratory techniques. Results were obtained in 102 chronic pre-dialysis patients whose mean age was 53 ± 5.8 years with a mean creatinine clearance (C_Cr) of 52 ± 37 mL/min). CRP was greater than 5 mg/L in 25% of the global population. CRP and IL-6 were 4.0 ± 4.6 mg/L and 5.8 ± 5.6 pg/mL, respectively and were not significantly correlated (r = 0.11, p = n.s.). CRP and IL-6 were however related with renal function (CRP versus C_Cr r = ?0.40 p < 0.001; IL-6 versus C_Cr r = ?0.45; p < 0.001). When patients were divided in two groups according to renal function, CRP resulted 7.4 ± 6.3 mg/L in the group of patients with a C_Cr lower than 20 mL/min (n = 32) and 2.76 ± 4.35 in the group of patients with a C_Cr higher than 20mL/min (n = 70) (p < 0.0001). CRP and IL-6 were positively related with ESR (r = 0.32 and 0.46 respectively). Serum albumin levels were not significantly different in the two groups of patients (3.2 ± 0.4 versus 3.0 ± 0.5 g/dL). CRP and serum albumin were not significantly related (r = 0.17). CRP and IL-6 correlated positively with ESR (r = 0.32 and 0.46 respectively). In pre-dialysis patients we have demonstrated an increase in both CRP and IL-6 that occurs as renal function decreases. These data provided evidence of the activation – even in the predialysis phase of renal failure – of mechanisms known to contribute to the enhanced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of the uremic syndrome.     

老年髋部骨折患者术前营养不良的危险因素分析

目的分析老年髋部骨折患者术前营养不良的危险因素。 方法回顾性分析2011年1月至2015年12月间东南大学附属中大医院收治的798例年龄≥65岁髋部骨折患者的临床资料,采用多因素Logistic回归分析老年髋部骨折患者术前营养不良的危险因素。 结果老年髋部骨折患者术前营养状况较差,营养不良患者约占34.80~78.43%。老年股骨转子间骨折患者营养状况比股骨颈骨折患者更差,血红蛋白[（108±18）g/L,（123±16）g/L,t=11.617,P<0.001]、白蛋白[（34±6）g/L,（36±5）g/L,t=5.133,P<0.001]两指标差异均有统计学意义。高龄老年患者术前营养状况比普通老年患者更差,血红蛋白[（112±18）g/L,（121±18）g/L,t=6.772,P<0.001]、总淋巴细胞计数[（1.1±0.7）cells/ml,（1.3±0.6)cells/ml,t=3.247,P=0.001]和白蛋白[（34±5）g/L,（36±6）g/L,t=4.577,P<0.001]差异均有统计学意义。多因素Logistic回归分析示年龄（OR：0.567,95% CI：0.419~0.768,P<0.001）和脑梗塞（OR：0.699,95% CI：0.500~0.980,P=0.037）是老年髋部骨折患者术前营养不良的主要危险因素。 结论老年髋部骨折术前营养状况较差,特别是股骨转子间骨折患者和高龄老年患者,年龄和脑梗塞是老年髋部骨折患者术前营养不良的主要危险因素。     

Impact of albumin synthesis rate and the acute phase response in the dual regulation of fibrinogen levels in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND: Fibrinogen is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It also is an acute phase protein (APP) and its plasma concentration increases with inflammation. Fibrinogen synthesis correlates with albumin synthesis in nephrotic patients and in patients with an expanded plasma volume even when serum albumin is normal and there is no inflammatory disease. The relationships among albumin synthesis, the acute phase response and plasma fibrinogen levels in hemodialysis patients are unknown. METHODS: In 74 hemodialysis patients, albumin synthesis, plasma volume (PV) and acute phase proteins (APPs) C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha1 acid glycoprotein (alpha1 AG), ceruloplasmin (Cer), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured in serum and fibrinogen in plasma, and the results analyzed by multiple regression analysis. CRP, IL-6, alpha1 AG, Cer and fibrinogen were measured monthly, which enabled us to determine whether changes in these APPs correlated with the levels of and variability in plasma fibrinogen over time using a longitudinal modeling approach. Length of follow-up for the 74 patients ranged from 3.25 to 67.5 months. RESULTS: Baseline fibrinogen (548.6 +/- 106. 4 mg/dL) was significantly greater than levels reported for normal adults and correlated positively with albumin synthesis (P < 0.001), age (P < 0.001) and log CRP (P = 0.002) and negatively with PV (P < 0.001). Longitudinally, fibrinogen varied positively with long-lived APPs, Cer and alpha1 AG, as well as the short-lived APP, CRP. CONCLUSION: Plasma fibrinogen concentration is high in HD patients and directly correlates with increased albumin synthesis rates and the serum levels of APPs. Fibrinogen levels also correlate negatively with PV. Fibrinogen levels vary over time in synchrony with levels of other long-lived APPs, supporting the hypothesis that fibrinogen is regulated in part as a component of the acute phase response and in part by factors that increase albumin synthesis.     

Role of C-reactive protein, reticulocyte haemoglobin content and inflammatory markers in iron and erythropoietin administration in dialysis patients

AIM: C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase reactant protein, which becomes elevated in response to inflammation, infections or malignancies. These conditions are well known causes of bone marrow hyporesponsiveness and erythropoietin resistance in dialysis patients. The role of iron-deficiency as a cause of hyporesponsiveness under these conditions is not clear. Reticulocyte haemoglobin content (CHr) is one of several iron indices used to determine iron deficiency in dialysis patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of CRP and CHr in iron administration and anaemia management in dialysis patients. METHODS: In 47 haemodialysis patients with ferritin levels of >500 ng/mL, CRP, CHr, transferrin saturation (TSAT), other markers and erythropoietin dose were evaluated. Patients with CRP < 5 mg/L (Group A) were compared to patients with CRP > 5 mg/L (Group B). RESULTS: Ferritin levels in the two groups were not different. Weekly erythropoietin was significantly different between the two groups. Group B required an average of 121% more erythropoietin than Group A to maintain similar haemoglobin levels of 11-12 g/dL 36% of Group B had CHr < 29 pg versus 7% of patients in Group A. 39% of patients in Group B also had TSAT < 20% versus 0% in Group A. Group A also had more arteriovenous (AV) fistulae as dialysis access than group B. CONCLUSION: Data indicate that low CHr, similar to low TSAT, could be associated with inflammatory process and erythropoietin resistance, but not necessarily with iron-deficiency. High CRP association with low CHr and low TSAT levels can explain the lack of response to further IV iron therapy. AV grafts, contrary to AV fistulae, are associated with high inflammatory markers and also with a higher erythropoietin requirement.     

The bradykinin response and early hypotension at the introduction of continuous renal replacement therapy in the intensive care unit

We assessed the relationship of certain clinical variables (including bradykinin [BK] release and dialysis membrane) to initial mean arterial pressure (MAP) reduction in 47 patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in an intensive care unit. The pretreatment MAP was 84 +/- 14 mm Hg for the group as a whole. The initial MAP reduction was 11.5 (7-20) mm Hg, occurring 4 to 8 min after connection. MAP reduction was 9 (6-15) mm Hg with polyacryonitrile (PAN) membranes versus 14 (5-19) mm Hg with polysulfone (PS) (not significant). There were positive correlations between MAP reduction and BK concentration at 3 (BK3; r = 0.58, p < 0.01) and 6 (BK6; r = 0.67, p < 0.001) min with PAN but not with PS. A greater reduction in MAP was seen in patients who were not receiving inotropic support (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.01). BK3 and BK6 values for the PAN and PS groups were not significantly different. However, BK concentrations greater than 1,000 pg/ml were only seen with PAN (6 patients, MAP reduction 27 [17-31] mm Hg). There were positive (albumin) and negative (age; acute physiology, age, and chronic health evaluation score; C-reactive protein [CRP]; calcium) correlations with BK3/BK6 in the PAN and PS groups, some of which (albumin, CRP) reached statistical significance. In summary, MAP reduction at the start of CRRT correlates with BK concentration. The similarity of response with PAN and PS suggests an importance for other clinical factors. In this study, hemodynamic instability was more likely in patients with evidence of a less severe inflammatory or septic illness.     

Biochemical markers predict morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND: The association between routinely ordered perioperative laboratory tests and postoperative morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy has not been well characterized. STUDY DESIGN: Routine perioperative laboratory data were analyzed for 2,894 patients who underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy over a 25-year period. Laboratory values were initially categorized as being above or below the 75th percentile for the study population, and biochemical markers of morbidity and mortality were identified using multivariate logistic regression. The most significant biochemical markers were studied in greater detail by regrouping patients into low, intermediate, and high categories. RESULTS: Significant multivariate predictors of a postoperative complication included preoperative blood urea nitrogen> or =18 mg/dL, preoperative albumin< or =3.5 g/dL, and postoperative amylase> or =292 U/L. Significant multivariate predictors of a postoperative death included preoperative albumin< or =3.5 g/dL and postoperative aminotransferase> or =187 U/L. Postoperative hyperamylasemia was found to be associated, in particular, with an increased pancreatic fistula rate. Pancreatic fistula rates in the low (0 to 99 U/L), intermediate (100 to 399 U/L), and high (> or = 400 U/L) postoperative amylase groups were 4%, 14%, and 20%, respectively. Postoperative mortality rates in patients with low (0 to 499 U/L), intermediate (500 to 1,999 U/L), and high (> or = 2,000 U/L) postoperative aminotransferase groups were 0.9%, 5%, and 29%, respectively. Postoperative mortality rates in the high (> 3.5 g/dL), intermediate (2.6 to 3.5 g/dL), and low (0 to 2.5 g/dL) albumin groups were 0.9%, 3%, and 7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Routine perioperative laboratory tests can help surgeons identify patients who are at increased risk for morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy.     

Subclinical hypothyroidism is linked to micro-inflammation and predicts death in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Low T3 is a frequent alteration in patients with ESRD. This derangement has been recently linked to inflammation in haemodialysis patients. Whether this association holds true in peritoneal dialysis patients has not been studied. METHODS: We investigated the relationship between low-grade inflammation [IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum albumin levels] and free tri-iodothyronine (fT3) in a cohort of 41 CAPD patients (mean age, 66 years; M, 26; F, 15) without heart failure and inter-current illnesses. RESULTS: CAPD patients had lower fT3 levels (2.7 +/- 0.8 pg/ml) than healthy subjects (3.7 +/- 1.0 pg/ml, P < 0.001) of similar age. Free T3 levels were directly related to those of serum albumin (r = 0.52, P = 0.001) and inversely to IL-6 (r = -0.30, P = 0.05) and CRP (r = -0.54, P < 0.001). Age (r = -0.61, P < 0.001), haemoglobin levels (r = 0.32, P = 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.50, P = 0.001) were also related to fT3. In multiple regression models adjusting for all variables related to fT3, CRP and albumin were retained as independent correlates of fT3. During the follow-up (2.8 +/- 1.7 years) 27 patients died. Plasma fT3 levels were lower in patients who died (2.5 +/- 0.8 pg/ml) compared with survivors (3.3 +/- 0.5 pg/ml P = 0.001). In Cox analyses, fT3 was a significant predictor of mortality independent of the main traditional as well as non-traditional risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between fT3, CRP and serum albumin suggests that inflammation-malnutrition might be involved in the low T3 syndrome in CAPD patients. Thyroid dysfunction might be implicated in the pathogenic pathway which links micro-inflammation to survival in PD patients.     

The Acute-Phase Response in Differentiating Sepsis from Inflammation in Neonates Who Require Abdominal Surgery

Introduction : In neonates, the influence of surgery on the inflammatory response has not been fully characterized and it remains difficult to differentiate an inflammatory response from sepsis. In this study, we evaluated changes in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in neonates undergoing different major abdominal surgeries who had a normal postoperative course without infection.

Material and Methods : In total, 43 neonates undergoing major abdominal surgery owing to congenital malformations involving the gastrointestinal tract, and who did not show blood culture positivity were enrolled in the study. As a control group, 40 neonates with proven sepsis were enrolled in the study over the same period. Blood samples for IL-6, CRP, and white blood cell count (WBC) determination were drawn before surgery and 48, 96, and 144 h [postoperative days (POD) 2, 4, and 6] after surgery.

Results : There was a statistically significant increase in IL-6 concentrations on POD 2 compared with preoperative levels (p < 0.05). After POD 2, IL-6 levels decreased to preoperative levels. There was a statistically significant increase in CRP concentrations on POD 2, 4, and 6 (p < 0.05). Levels of CRP tended to be higher after surgery, and began to fall by the 6th day, but were still statistically higher than preoperative levels. In the sepsis group, CRP concentrations on day 6 were lower than in the surgery group (p < 0.05). White blood cell counts did not show statistically significant differences preoperatively versus postoperatively.

Conclusions : In contrast to previous studies, our results show high levels of IL-6 on POD 2 and CRP on POD 6. It is important to differentiate between the diagnoses of sepsis and postoperative inflammation, because of the need to treat the infection. High levels of IL-6 and CRP are not always associated with sepsis after major abdominal surgeries, but may instead be associated with the inflammatory response and multiorgan dysfunction. Further studies are needed to better differentiate sepsis from inflammatory responses in patients undergoing other surgeries.     

Serum concentration of hepatocyte growth factor predicts perioperative surgical stress in children.

OBJECTIVE: To find out whether preoperative serum concentrations of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) can indicate the general condition of sick children and can predict their postoperative inflammatory response. DESIGN: Non-randomised study. SETTING: University hospital, Japan. SUBJECTS: 41 children who required operation and 41 healthy controls. INTERVENTIONS: Samples of peripheral venous blood were obtained during the operation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Circulating concentrations of HGF, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP); neutrophil counts; and nutritional variables including serum cholinesterase, albumin, and body weight: ideal body weight ratio. RESULTS: The mean serum concentration of HGF in the patients was significantly higher than in the normal controls. Preoperative HGF was related to the preoperative nutritional state, the postoperative IL-6 response, and the development of infective complications. CONCLUSIONS: The serum HGF concentration may be a useful variable for evaluating general condition and predicting perioperative surgical stress in sick children.     

腹膜透析患者红细胞生成素低反应的影响因素及其预测价值

目的 分析影响腹膜透析患者红细胞生成素（EPO）治疗反应的因素，并建立回归模型。 方法 114例腹膜透析患者根据每周EPO剂量分为低反应组、正常反应组和高反应组。收集患者临床资料，检测营养及炎性反应指标，进行直线相关和Ordinal等级回归分析。 结果 与高反应组及正常反应组比较， EPO低反应组血红蛋白[（78.11±13.42）比（106.28±23.83）、（96.31±12.33） g/L]、血清白蛋白[（33.98±4.78）比（39.72±4.26）、（35.76±4.88） g/L]水平下降，C反应蛋白（CRP）[（26.08±21.66） 比（5.46±1.75）、（11.82±5.63） mg/L]、血清铁蛋白[（371.08±89.38）比（289.39±76.84）、（323.07±62.46） μg/L]水平升高，差异均有统计学意义 (均P < 0.01)。相关回归分析显示，CRP、血清白蛋白及铁蛋白是EPO治疗反应的显著影响因素(P < 0.05)。根据这些因素建立数学模型，血清白蛋白<30 g/L对EPO治疗低反应的影响最大，高血清铁蛋白、高CRP的影响次之。 结论 血清白蛋白、CRP和铁蛋白水平与EPO治疗反应相关。炎性反应状态和营养不良是导致EPO低反应的主要原因。