Dose-dependent effect of histamine on liver function markers in immunized rabbits

ObjectiveThe present study was designed to delineate the hepatotoxicological roles of histamine dose-dependently in immunized rabbits.MethodsThe cohort comprised of three groups (II, III and IV), containing 18 rabbits each, and received subcutaneous histamine 50 μg/kg, 100 μg/kg and 200 μg/kg, respectively for 10 days (b.i.d., starting from 3 days prior to immunization until 7 days after immunization). Group I (control, n = 18) received subcutaneous sterile distilled water for 10 days. They were subsequently immunized at day 3 with intravenous injection of SRBC (1 × 10⁹ cells/ml). Blood samples were collected on pre-immunization (pre-I) day 0, as well as on days 7-, 14-, 21-, 28- and 58-post-immunization (post-I). Biochemical parameters aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin [total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB) and indirect bilirubin (IB)] were determined.ResultsGroups II and IV revealed a significant decrease (on day 0-pre-I) and a significant increase (on days 7-, 14-, 21-, 28- and 58-post-I) in ALT and AST levels, when compared with the corresponding values of groups I and III while group II showed a significant increase in ALT and AST levels as compared to group IV. ALP levels in groups II, III and IV showed a significant enhancement when compared with group I. Moreover, results of TB, DB and IB demonstrated increased levels in group III when compared with groups I, II and IV. The results were found statistically significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionShort-term treatment of histamine produces dose-dependent differential patterns of hepatic dysfunctions suggestive mild liver degeneration warranting further long-term studies.     

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy

Over the past 20 years, laparoscopic colectomy has become a well-established technique in the surgical armamentarium of colorectal operations, with proven reductions in postoperative pain, time to return of bowel function, and length of hospital stay. After early concerns over its oncologic effects, large prospective, multicenter trials have proven its safety in colorectal adenocarcinoma, with equivalence in nodal harvest, recurrence rates, disease-free survival, and overall survival. Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy in particular is a relatively accessible technique which may be performed by a single surgeon and an assistant/camera operator; this operation serves as an excellent method to develop laparoscopic skills for more complicated colorectal procedures. In this article, we describe the technical aspects of our approach to laparoscopic right hemicolectomy, which utilizes a medial-to-lateral, no-touch technique and either an intracorporeal or extracorporeal anastomosis.     

Pharmacotherapeutic options for kidney disease in HIV positive patients

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Since the developmentof combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV-associated mortality and the incidence of HIV-associated end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) has decreased. However, in the United States, an increase in non-HIV-associated kidney diseases within the HIV-positive population is expected.     

Retrosternal goiter: The need for thoracic approach based on CT findings: Surgeon’s view

Background and purposeThe incidence of retrosternal goiter (RSG) varies from 2% to 26% of all thyroidectomies, depending on the defining criteria. There are no clear guidelines to identify patients that require an intrathoracic approach. So, we tried to correlate, between the size and/or anatomical site of the RSG based on preoperative CT findings and the surgical approaches used, aiming at defining those patients with RSG who are in need for thoracic approach.Patients and methodsOut of 1481 patients underwent thyroidectomy at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cairo University, between January 2000 and December 2009, only 73 (4.93%) of them had retrosternal extension. Demographic, clinical, operative, anatomical, and pathological data of patients with RSG were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThe intraoperative extension of the goiter correlated with the extension seen in the CT in all except two patients. Laterality and longitudinal extension found in preoperative CT, correlated well with the surgical findings. The approach used was cervical in 66 cases (90.4%); combined approach in six patients (8.2%). Pure thoracic (full sternotomy) was used alone in one case (1.4%). Extension of the RSG down to or below the arch was associated with an increased risk of using a thoracic approach p < 0.0001.ConclusionPreoperative CT, can be used effectively to guide the indications for using a thoracic approach. Reaching the aortic arch or beyond and loss of fat planes in CT, recurrent and malignant disease, are significant risk factors for using a thoracic approach.