Epidemiology and Outcomes of Deep Surgical Site Infections Following Lung Transplantation

We conducted a retrospective study of deep surgical site infections (SSIs) among consecutive patients who underwent lung transplantation (LTx) at a single center from 2006 through 2010. Thirty‐one patients (5%) developed SSIs at median 25 days after LTx. Empyema was most common (42%), followed by surgical wound infections (29%), mediastinitis (16%), sternal osteomyelitis (6%), and pericarditis (6%). Pathogens included Gram‐positive bacteria (41%), Gram‐negative bacteria (41%), fungi (10%) and Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycoplasma hominis and Lactobacillus sp. (one each). Twenty‐three percent of SSIs were due to pathogens colonizing recipients' native lungs at time of LTx, suggesting surgical seeding as a source. Patient‐related independent risk factors for SSIs were diabetes and prior cardiothoracic surgery; procedure‐related independent risk factors were LTx from a female donor, prolonged ischemic time and number of perioperative red blood cell transfusions. Mediastinitis and sternal infections were not observed among patients undergoing minimally invasive LTx. SSIs were associated with 35% mortality at 1 year post‐LTx. Lengths of stay and mortality in‐hospital and at 6 months and 1 year were significantly greater for patients with SSIs other than empyema. In conclusion, deep SSIs were uncommon, but important complications in LTx recipients because of their diverse microbiology and association with increased mortality.     

缺氧诱导因子-α和血管内皮素-1及血管内皮生长因子在胃肠道间质瘤中的表达及意义

目的探讨缺氧诱导因子-1α（HIF-1α）、血管内皮素-1（ET-1）和血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）在胃肠道间质瘤（GIST）中的表达关系及其对患者预后判断的价值。方法收集2003年1月至2006年12月中南大学湘雅医院（50例）、湖南省邵阳市中医院（36例）行手术治疗的86例GIST患者肿瘤标本,采用免疫组织化学染色方法检测标本中HIF-1α、ET-1和VEGF的表达。计数资料采用r检验,应用Spearman等级相关分析处理HIF-1α、ET-1和VEGF之间的相关性。Kaplan—Meier法计算患者生存率,生存分析比较采用Log—rank检验。结果86例患者中,HIF-1仅阴性23例、阳性30例、强阳性33例,阳性表达率为73．3％（63／86）;ET-1阴性29例、阳性28例、强阳性29例,阳性表达率为66．3％（57／86）;VEGF阴性24例、阳性26例、强阳性36例,阳性表达率为72．1％（62／86）。HIF-1α、ET-1和VEGF的表达两两均呈正相关（r=0．594,0．655,0．347,P〈0．05）;上述3种检测指标与GIST的美国国立卫生研究院（NIH）危险度分级、浸润转移、肿瘤直径和核分裂象有关（,=15．565、10．841、12．574、21．125,8．171、10．002、10．354、17．317,14．710、16．230、11．116、18．886,P〈0．05）;而与患者的性别、年龄、肿瘤原发部位无关（X2=0．059、0．071、5．070,0．468、0．074、1．665,0．231、0．370、3．712,P〉0．05）;进-步分析发现：上述3种检测指标阳性表达率随GISTNIH危险度分级的升高、出现浸润转移和肿瘤直径的增大而增加。86例患者随访率为91．9％（79／86）,3、5年生存率分别为82％和69％。中位随访时间为40．2个月（2—66个月）。HIF-1仪、ET．1和VEGF阳性患者的5年生存率分别为42％、45％和42％,显著低于阴性患者的64％、65％和63％（,=6．325,6．124,6．287,P〈0．05）。结论HIF-1d、ET-1和VEGF在GIST中的表达两两呈正相关,这3种检测指标提示肿瘤的恶性程度及患者预后。     

Use of laparoscopy in general surgical operations at academic centers

BackgroundLaparoscopy is commonly being used in many different types of general surgical procedures. The aim of the present study was to examine the use of laparoscopy and perioperative outcomes in 7 general surgical operations commonly performed at U.S. academic medical centers.MethodsThe clinical data of patients who underwent 1 of the 7 general surgical operations from 2008 to 2012 were obtained from the University HealthSystem Consortium database. The University HealthSystem Consortium database contains data from all major teaching hospitals in the United States. The 7 analyzed operations included only elective, inpatient procedures (except for appendectomy): open and laparoscopic antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux, colectomy for colon cancer or diverticulitis, bariatric surgery for morbid obesity, ventral hernia repair for incisional hernia, appendectomy for acute appendicitis, rectal resection for rectal cancer, and cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis. The outcome measures included the number of procedures, rate of laparoscopy, rate of conversion to laparotomy, and in-hospital mortality.ResultsDuring the 3.5-year period, 53,958 patients underwent bariatric surgery, 13,918 patients underwent antireflux surgery, 8654 patients underwent appendectomy, 8512 patients underwent cholecystectomy, 29,934 patients underwent colectomy, 17,746 patients underwent ventral hernia repair, and 4729 patients underwent rectal resection. The present rate of laparoscopic use was 94.0% for bariatric surgery, 83.7% for antireflux surgery, 79.2% for appendectomy, 77.1% for cholecystectomy, 52.4% for colectomy, 28.1% for ventral hernia repair, and 18.3% for rectal resection. In-hospital mortality was greatest for colorectal resection (.38%–.58%). In-hospital mortality for bariatric surgery (.06%) was comparable to that for appendectomy (.01%), cholecystectomy (.27%), antireflux surgery (.15%), and ventral hernia repair (.20%). The rate of laparoscopic conversion to open surgery was lowest for bariatric surgery (.89%) and greatest for rectal resection (16.4%).ConclusionWithin the context of academic centers and elective, inpatient procedures, bariatric surgery had the greatest use of laparoscopy and the lowest rate of laparoscopic conversion to open surgery. The mortality for laparoscopic bariatric surgery is now comparable to that of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, ventral hernia repair, appendectomy, and antireflux surgery.     

Effects of varied ionic calcium and phosphate on the proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of human periodontal ligament cells in vitro

An S, Ling J, Gao Y, Xiao Y. Effects of varied ionic calcium and phosphate on the proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of human periodontal ligament cells in vitro. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 374–382. ©2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: A number of bone‐filling materials containing calcium (Ca²⁺) and phosphate (P) ions have been used in the repair of periodontal bone defects; however, the effects that local release of Ca²⁺ and P ions has on biological reactions are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of various levels of Ca²⁺ and P ions on the proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). Material and Methods: The hPDLCs were obtained using an explant culture method. Defined concentrations and ratios of ionic Ca²⁺ to inorganic P were added to standard culture and osteogenic induction media. The ability of hPDLCs to proliferate in these growth media was assayed using the Cell Counting Kit‐8. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by the fluorescein isothiocyanate–annexin V/propidium iodide double‐staining method. Osteogenic differentiation and mineralization were investigated by morphological observations, alkaline phosphatase activity and Alizarin Red S/von Kossa staining. The mRNA expression of osteogenic related markers was analysed using RT‐PCR. Results: Within the ranges of Ca²⁺ and P ion concentrations tested, we observed that increased concentrations of Ca²⁺ and P ions enhanced cell proliferation and formation of mineralized matrix nodules, whereas alkaline phosphatase activity was reduced. The RT‐PCR results showed that elevated concentrations of Ca²⁺ and P ions led to a general increase of Runx2 mRNA expression and decreased alkaline phosphatase mRNA expression, but gave no clear trend on osteocalcin mRNA levels. Conclusion: The concentrations and ratios of Ca²⁺ and P ions could significantly influence proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of hPDLCs. Within the range of concentrations tested, we found that the combination of 9.0 mm Ca²⁺ ions and 4.5 mm P ions were the optimal concentrations for proliferation, differentiation and mineralization in hPDLCs.     

Undiagnosed and comorbid disorders in patients with presumed chronic fatigue syndrome

Objective

To assess undiagnosed and comorbid disorders in patients referred to a tertiary care center with a presumed diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Methods

Patients referred for chronic unexplained fatigue entered an integrated diagnostic pathway, including internal medicine assessment, psychodiagnostic screening, physiotherapeutic assessment and polysomnography + multiple sleep latency testing. Final diagnosis resulted from a multidisciplinary team discussion. Fukuda criteria were used for the diagnosis of CFS, DSM-IV-TR criteria for psychiatric disorders, ICSD-2 criteria for sleep disorders.

Results

Out of 377 patients referred, 279 (74.0%) were included in the study [84.9% female; mean age 38.8 years (SD 10.3)].A diagnosis of unequivocal CFS was made in 23.3%. In 21.1%, CFS was associated with a sleep disorder and/or psychiatric disorder, not invalidating the diagnosis of CFS. A predominant sleep disorder was found in 9.7%, 19.0% had a psychiatric disorder and 20.8% a combination of both. Only 2.2% was diagnosed with a classical internal disease.In the total sample, a sleep disorder was found in 49.8%, especially obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, followed by psychophysiologic insomnia and periodic limb movement disorder. A psychiatric disorder was diagnosed in 45.2%; mostly mood and anxiety disorder.

Conclusions

A multidisciplinary approach to presumed CFS yields unequivocal CFS in only a minority of patients, and reveals a broad spectrum of exclusionary or comorbid conditions within the domains of sleep medicine and psychiatry. These findings favor a systematic diagnostic approach to CFS, suitable to identify a wide range of diagnostic categories that may be subject to dedicated care.     

Temperament and character in individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis and with first-episode schizophrenia: Associations with psychopathology,psychosocial functioning,and aspects of psychological health

Objective

The psychobiological model of temperament and character indicates that personality traits are heritable and, during development, constantly influence one’s susceptibility to schizophrenia. Our objective was to evaluate temperament and character in subjects at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis and individuals with first-episode schizophrenia.

Methods

UHR for psychosis subjects (n = 50), first-episode schizophrenia patients (n = 33), and normal controls (n = 120) were compared on temperament and character dimensions, and correlation analysis of each personality dimension with psychopathologies, global and social functioning, and self-esteem. General and social self-efficacy reports were conducted. UHR subjects were followed-up for 24 months and the baseline personality dimensions were compared between the converted and non-converted groups.

Results

Both clinical groups showed abnormal personality traits in terms of temperament (higher harm avoidance, lower reward dependence and persistence) and character (lower self-directedness and cooperativeness). Psychosocial functioning and psychological health components were found to be correlated with some personality dimensions. The conversion rate of overt psychotic disorder was 25.0% at the 24-month follow-up. Baseline cooperativeness dimension was a significant predictive dimension for conversion into overt psychosis in the UHR group during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Patients with first episode schizophrenia have a pervasively altered personality profile from normal controls. More importantly, this altered personality profile already emerged in putative prodromal, UHR individuals. The present findings indicate that certain personality traits can play a protective or vulnerable role in developing schizophrenia.     

Enhanced thrombin generation in women with a history of oral contraception-related venous thrombosis

Introduction

In women who suffer venous thrombosis (VT) during oral contraceptive (OC) use, a transient risk factor (OC) is removed during the acute event, while most co-existing forms of thrombophilia persist and presumably continue to maintain hypercoagulability. The aim of this study was to establish if hypercoagulability persists long after OC-related VT and if it could be attributed to thrombophilia.

Materials and Methods

60 women (age 33.0 ± 8.5 years) were investigated 5 – 64 (median 33) months after OC-related VT (patients) and compared to 63 apparently healthy women (controls). All women were tested for thrombophilia, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, D-dimer, P-selectin and C-reactive protein. Thrombin generation was measured by Technothrombin® TGA assay. Overall haemostasis potential (OHP) assay with overall coagulation potential (OCP) and overall fibrinolytic potential (OFP) as supplementary parameters were measured by repeated fibrin formation and degradation registration.

Results

In patients increased endogenous thrombin potential (4205 ± 440 nM x min vs 4015 ± 421 nM x min, p = 0.017), increased OCP (22.6 ± 4.6 Abs-sum vs 20.8 ± 4.1 Abs-sum, p = 0.025), shorter APTT (30.9 ± 3.8 s vs 33.4 ± 3.6 s, p < 0.001) and lower antithrombin activity (99, 93-105% vs 104, 100-109%, p < 0.05) were observed. Thrombophilia was observed in 22/60 (36%) patients and in 5/63 (7.9%, p < 0.001) controls. The only significant difference between thrombophilic and non-thrombophilic patients was higher soluble P-selectin in the former subgroup (22, 20-33 μg/L vs 17, 12-22 μg/L, p = 0.012).

Conclusions

In women with a history of OC-related VT persistent hypercoagulability was observed, which, however was not augmented by the presence of thrombophilia.     

Characteristics of individuals meeting criteria for new onset panic attacks following exposure to a typhoon

The association between trauma exposure and panic attacks has received increased attention over the past decade, with mounting evidence suggesting an overlapping etiologic pathway. This study examined the incidence of new onset panic attacks in 775 Vietnamese individuals in the 2–3 months following Typhoon Xangsane. Pre-typhoon (Wave 1) and post-typhoon (Wave 2) assessments were conducted, allowing for consideration of factors occurring prior to the typhoon in addition to typhoon-relevant responding. Of the 775 participants, 11.6% (n=90) met criteria for lifetime panic attack pre-typhoon and 2.8% (n=22) met post-typhoon panic attack criteria. Individuals with pre-typhoon panic were significantly older and reported less education compared to the no-panic group. Individuals in both panic groups were more likely to screen positive on a Wave1 psychiatric screening measure, endorse greater typhoon exposure and prior traumatic event exposure and were significantly more likely to meet DSM-IV criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression (MDD) post-typhoon compared with persons reporting no history of panic attacks. Pre and post-typhoon panic exhibited similar patterns across variables and both panic conditions were associated with the development of PTSD and MDD, suggesting that persons experiencing panic attacks may represent a vulnerable population in need of early intervention services.     

AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport) dosing in cervical dystonia: an exploratory analysis of two large open-label extension studies

Treatment with botulinum toxin-A is recommended as first-line treatment for cervical dystonia (CD). In clinical practice many factors appear to influence dose adjustment and the retreatment regimen; however, there is little information available in the literature regarding the evolution of dosing over treatment cycles. We report on two similarly designed, long-term, multicenter, open-label extension studies of Dysport for the treatment of CD, which followed 500 U fixed-dose placebo-controlled trials. Both studies specified a fixed 500 U dose for the first open-label treatment cycle, with dose adjustment in subsequent treatment cycles according to the clinical response. These analyses include 218 patients who entered the two studies; doses in the subsequent treatment cycles ranged between 250 and 1,000 U. During open-label treatment, all treatment cycles resulted in improvements in mean Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) total scores. However, increasing the dose of Dysport above the initial 500 U dose was not observed to result in an incremental improvement in response as measured by the TWSTRS. No individual patient characteristic was found to reliably predict the use of higher doses at each treatment cycle. Dysport was generally well tolerated with no major differences in the incidence of adverse events (AEs) observed with different doses. Dysphagia was considered an AE of special interest and dysphagia data from the open-label studies were combined with two Phase II studies. Analysis of this enhanced database indicates that unilateral injections of >150 U into the sternocleidomastoid muscle is associated with a higher dysphagia risk. Thus, limiting the dose in the sternocleidomastoid may help reduce the incidence of dysphagia.