Comparison of Lipase Activity in Peritoneal Fluid of Dogs with Different Pathologies – A Complementary Diagnostic Tool in Acute Pancreatitis?

A clinical diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is often difficult to obtain. Histopathology remains the gold standard, whereas clinical signs, diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing, even in combination, may be insufficient. In a prospective study, lipase activity in ascitic fluid of various aetiologies was determined in 44 dogs in order to investigate its performance in cases of acute pancreatitis. Data of simultaneously determined blood lipase activities were available in 27 dogs. Lipase activity was measured by a colorimetric assay. A complete peritoneal fluid analysis was performed. Dogs were divided into four groups, according to their final diagnosis: acute pancreatitis (A), abdominal trauma (B), abdominal neoplasia (C) and others (hepatic or cardiac diseases) (D). Dogs with acute pancreatitis had a significantly higher peritoneal lipase activity than those in other groups (P ≤ 0.024), while no significant difference was found between the other groups (P ≥ 0.734). Blood lipase activity as well as protein content and total cell count of the ascitic fluid did not show any significant difference between groups. Data show that determination of lipase activity in dogs that develop ascites may be useful in complementing the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.     

Newer aspects of antiarrhythmic drug development: Introduction

Although cardiac arrhythmias remain a serious clinical problem in many patients with heart disease, the exact role of antiarrhythmic drug therapy is currently under intense evaluation. Within the last several years it has become clear that there are significant risks as well as potential benefits associated with existing agents. Ongoing studies in large patient populations should help determine the benefit/risk ratio of traditional therapy. Regardless of the outcome of these trials, current electrophysiological dogma will have to be re-evaluated and newer concepts evolve for drug development to make further progress. The goal of this symposium is to exchange information among basic and clinical investigators so as to facilitate the emergence of novel electrophysiological concepts that will form the basis for future generations of antiarrhythmic drugs.     

Characteristics of the sequelae to frostbite of the extremities

At the burn centre in Donetsk, from 1979 to 1988, 236 sufferers with a III-IV degree frostbite of the extremities were treated. Operated on were 189 patients, who underwent necrectomy, amputation of the extremity and different types of skin plasty. Of these patients, 49.8% were recognized as invalids. After 1-10 years, all the patients after a III-IV degree frostbite of the extremities make complaints, require different types of treatment, 38.9%--the operative one. For timely and qualitative rehabilitation of this category of the sufferers, their prophylactic medical examination is necessary.     

Correction of the position of the limbus in open reduction of congenital hip dislocation in children

On the basis of their clinical experience in the treatment of 146 patients with congenital dislocation of the hip the authors have evaluated the state of the limb in this pathologic condition. Various changes in the limb's form have been observed depending on the expression of the hip dislocation and on the patient's age. The instruments for incisions and for correcting the limb's position have been worked out. The fixation of the limb in the functionally correct position is carried out by stitching its fragments and fixing the strained threads in the greater trochanter area. The correction of the limb's position allows the subsequent correct development of the acetabular roof.     

Results of the use of a graft with a monocusp in radical correction of Fallot's tetrad

The article deals with the results of complex study of the effect of pulmonary insufficiency on intracardiac hemodynamics and function of the heart in the immediate and late-term periods after radical correction of Fallot's tetralogy. Answers are also given to questions concerning the expediency of the use and functional adequacy of a xeno-pericardial monocusp in the closure mechanism of the pulmonary artery valve. The study showed that massive pulmonary regurgitation has a negative effect on the functional condition of the right ventricle in late-term postoperative periods. Convincing data were obtained which allow a graft with a monocusp of a bull's pericardium to be recommended for further clinical use to prevent insufficiency of the pulmonary artery valve after radical correction of Fallot's tetralogy.