Persistent acidosis after reperfusion—A prognostic indicator of increased 30‐day and in‐hospital postoperative mortality in liver transplant recipients

During liver transplantation, the patient is at risk of developing progressive lactic acidosis. Following reperfusion, correction of acidosis may occur. In some patients, acidosis will worsen, a phenomenon referred to as persistent acidosis after reperfusion (PAAR). We compared postoperative outcomes in patients who manifested PAAR vs those that did not. All adult patients undergoing liver transplantation from 2002 to 2015 were included. PAAR is defined by the presence of a significant negative slope coefficient for base excess values measured after hepatic artery anastomosis through 72 hours postoperatively. Primary outcome was a composite of 30‐day and in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included: ICU LOS, total hospital LOS, and re‐transplantation rate within 7 days. PAAR occurred in 10% of the transplant recipients. Patients with PAAR had higher MELD, BMI, and eGFR and demonstrated a longer median ICU LOS and hospital median LOS with a trend toward mortality difference. But, after propensity matching, the mortality rate difference became significantly higher in patients with PAAR compared with matched controls while the ICU LOS differences disappeared. The re‐transplantation rates were similar also between the PAAR and no PAAR groups. The cohort with PAAR had a significant 30‐day and in‐hospital increase in mortality after propensity score matching.     

Routine Laboratory Testing Every 4 Versus Every 6 Weeks for Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Quality Improvement Project

1. Download high-res image (408KB)
2. Download full-size image

     

Elevated glycohemoglobin HbA1c is associated with low back pain in nonoverweight diabetics

Background Context

Low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint in clinical practice of multifactorial origin. Although obesity has been thought to contribute to LBP primarily by altering the distribution of mechanical loads on the spine, the additional contribution of obesity-related conditions such as diabetes mellitus (DM) to LBP has not been thoroughly examined.

Interleukin-1 is associated with inflammation and structural lung disease in young children with cystic fibrosis

Background

Little is known about the role of interleukin (IL)-1 in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. This study investigated the relationship between IL-1 signalling, neutrophilic inflammation and structural lung changes in children with CF.

Increased bladder permeability in interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome

The definition of interstitial cystitis (IC) has evolved over the years from being a well-defined entity characterized by diagnostic lesion (Hunner’s ulcer) in the urothelium to a clinical diagnosis by exclusion [painful bladder syndrome (PBS)]. Although the etiology is unknown, a central theme has been an association with increased permeability of the bladder. This article reviews the evidence for increased permeability being important to the symptoms of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) and in treating the disorder. Recent work showing cross-communication among visceral organs is also reviewed to provide a basis for understanding IC/PBS as a systemic disorder of a complex, interconnected system consisting of the bladder, bowel and other organs, nerves, cytokine-responding cells and the nervous system.     

A posterior ring apophyseal fracture and disc herniation in a 21-year-old competitive basketball player: a case report

Objective:

To describe the diagnosis and management of a competitive male basketball player with discogenic low back pain and presence of an old posterior ring apophyseal fracture (PRAF). This case will highlight the importance of early recognition and considerations regarding patient management for this differential of radiating low back pain.

Clinical Features:

A 21-year-old provincial basketball player presented with recurrent radiating low back pain into the left groin and lower limb. After several weeks of persistent symptoms including pain, muscle weakness, and changes in the Achilles deep tendon reflex, imaging was obtained that revealed a large disc extrusion with an old posterior ring apophyseal fracture. In collaboration with a spine surgeon and family physician, the patient was treated using a conservative, multimodal approach. Treatment consisted of graded mobilizations, spinal manipulative therapy, interferential current, and soft tissue therapy to the lumbar spine. Rehabilitation exercises focused on centralizing symptoms and improving strength, proprioception and function of the lower limb. After a period of 8 weeks, the patient was able to complete all activities of daily living without pain in addition to returning to basketball practice.

Summary:

PRAF is a unique condition in the immature spine and recent evidence suggests that those involved in sports requiring repetitive motion of the lumbar spine may be at increased risk. The astute clinician must consider this differential in young populations presenting with discogenic low back pain, as a timely diagnosis and necessary referral may allow for effective conservative management to reduce symptoms. Equally as important, one must be aware of the complications from PRAF as a contributing source of low back pain and dysfunction into adulthood. Knowing when to refer for advanced imaging and/or a surgical consult given the variable clinical presentation and prognosis is an essential component to care.