Pancreatic Atrophy Relative to External Versus Internal Drainage of the Pancreatic Duct After Pylorus-Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background

Atrophy of the pancreatic parenchyma, which occurs frequently after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD), is often associated with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Many surgeons prefer to insert a drainage tube into the remnant pancreatic duct primarily to prevent pancreatic leakage at the pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) after PPPD. Drainage methods vary widely but can be roughly classified as internal or external drainage. This study intended to evaluate their effects on pancreatic parenchymal atrophy following PPPD.

Methods

Fifty-seven patients who underwent PPPD were retrospectively divided into two groups, 28 who underwent external and 29 who underwent internal pancreatic drainage. External drainage tubes were removed 4 weeks after PPPD. The volume of the pancreatic parenchyma was serially measured on abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans before PPPD, as well as 7 days and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Degree of pancreatic parenchymal atrophy was determined by calculating pancreatic volume relative to that on day 7.

Results

Univariate analysis showed that patient sex, age, body mass index, concurrent pancreatitis, pathology, and types of PJ did not significantly affect changes in pancreatic volume following PPPD. The degree of pancreatic volume atrophy did not differ significantly in the external and internal drainage groups. No patient in the external drainage group experienced drainage-related surgical complications. The incidence of PJ leak was comparable in the two groups. Postoperative pancreatic atrophy did not induce new-onset diabetes mellitus at 1 year.

Conclusions

Both external and internal pancreatic drainage methods showed similar atrophy rate of the pancreatic parenchyma following PPPD.     

Muscle involvement in Dent disease 2

Background

Dent disease, an X-linked recessive renal tubulopathy, is caused by mutations in either CLCN5 (Dent disease 1) or OCRL (Dent disease 2). OCRL mutations can also cause Lowe syndrome. In some cases it is difficult to differentiate Dent disease 1 and 2 on the basis of clinical features only without genetic tests. Several studies have shown differences in serum levels of muscle enzymes between these diseases. The aim of our study was to test the validity of these findings.

Methods

In total, 23 patients with Dent disease 1 (Group A), five patients with Dent disease 2 (Group B) and 19 patients with Lowe syndrome (Group C) were enrolled in our study. The serum levels of three muscle enzymes [creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)], were measured. The levels of a hepatic enzyme, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), were also measured as a control.

Results

One patient in Group B had muscle hypoplasia of both upper extremities. The serum levels of all three muscle enzymes assayed were higher in Group B or C patients than in Group A patients. Serum ALT levels were normal in all three groups of patients.

Conclusions

The serum levels of muscle enzymes in patients with Dent disease can be used as a biomarker to predict genotypes, even though the patients do not have clinical symptoms of muscle involvement.     

Etiologic Classification Criteria of ARCO on Femoral Head Osteonecrosis Part 2: Alcohol-Associated Osteonecrosis

Background

Although alcohol is a leading risk factor for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) and its prevalence reportedly ranges from 20% to 45%, there are no unified classification criteria for this subpopulation. In 2015, Association Research Circulation Osseous decided to develop classification criteria for alcohol-associated ONFH.

Clinical importance of the updated Oxford classification in allograft IgA nephropathy

With the recent update to the Oxford classification for allograft IgA nephropathy (IgAN), additional investigations on the clinical significance of the updated components are warranted. We performed a retrospective cohort study at two tertiary hospitals. Kidney transplant recipients diagnosed with allograft IgAN were included in the study after additional review by specialized pathologists. We applied the updated Oxford classification and determined the MEST‐C scores of the patients. The main study outcome was death‐censored graft failure within 10 years after the establishment of allograft IgAN diagnosis and was assessed using the Cox regression analysis. Three hundred thirty‐three allograft IgAN patients were reviewed: 100 patients with confirmed native IgAN and 233 patients with other, clinical, or unknown primary causes for end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). The updated Oxford classification for allograft IgAN demonstrated prognostic value for graft failure, and patients with multiple MEST‐C components had worse outcomes. M, E, S, and C were significantly associated with the prognosis of recurred IgAN and T was the only independent prognostic parameter for allograft IgAN without confirmed native IgAN. Therefore, we suggest reporting MEST‐C scores in allograft biopsies and careful interpretation of the results according to the primary cause of ESRD.     

Management of Anemia in Children Receiving Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis

Little information exists regarding the efficacy, modifiers, and outcomes of anemia management in children with CKD or ESRD. We assessed practices, effectors, and outcomes of anemia management in 1394 pediatric patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) who were prospectively followed in 30 countries. We noted that 25% of patients had hemoglobin levels below target (<10 g/dl or <9.5 g/dl in children older or younger than 2 years, respectively), with significant regional variation; levels were highest in North America and Europe and lowest in Asia and Turkey. Low hemoglobin levels were associated with low urine output, low serum albumin, high parathyroid hormone, high ferritin, and the use of bioincompatible PD fluid. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) were prescribed to 92% of patients, and neither the type of ESA nor the dosing interval appeared to affect efficacy. The weekly ESA dose inversely correlated with age when scaled to weight but did not correlate with age when normalized to body surface area. ESA sensitivity was positively associated with residual diuresis and serum albumin and inversely associated with serum parathyroid hormone and ferritin. The prevalence of hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy increased with the degree of anemia. Patient survival was positively associated with achieved hemoglobin and serum albumin and was inversely associated with ESA dose. In conclusion, control of anemia in children receiving long-term PD varies by region. ESA requirements are independent of age when dose is scaled to body surface area, and ESA resistance is associated with inflammation, fluid retention, and hyperparathyroidism. Anemia and high ESA dose requirements independently predict mortality.Almost three decades after the advent of recombinant erythropoietin, the management of renal anemia has become a recent focus of attention and changing paradigms. Whereas correction of hemoglobin (Hb) levels to near-normal has previously been recommended on the basis of association studies linking more severe anemia to morbidity and mortality with dialysis,^1–3 interventional clinical trials consistently demonstrate that near-normalization of Hb increases the risk of vascular events and mortality in adults receiving maintenance hemodialysis and in those with CKD who are not undergoing dialysis.^4–6 This has prompted ongoing reevaluation and revisions of treatment targets in patients exposed to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).⁷The appropriateness of applying treatment recommendations established in adult hemodialysis populations at high cardiovascular risk and adults with CKD to children undergoing dialysis is questionable because cardiovascular events are far less common in children with CKD. Furthermore, two thirds of children requiring dialysis initially opt for peritoneal dialysis (PD), and there are no systematic studies in the adult PD population to inform the optimal Hb target range in these patients. The risk profile of patients receiving PD may differ from that of the hemodialysis setting because of the absence of dialysis-induced intermittent hemoconcentration and lack of contact activation of the complement and coagulation systems.Further aspects to consider in pediatric anemia management are the greater physical activity of children and the need for optimal cognitive functioning at school.^8,9 The significant physiologic variation of the normal Hb range with age¹⁰ and the relative ESA sensitivity that reportedly increases with age during early childhood are also noteworthy.¹¹The registry of the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network (IPPN) prospectively collects detailed clinical, biochemical, dialysis, and medication-related information (including ESA types and doses and modalities of iron supplementation) from a substantial number of children undergoing long-term PD around the world. In-depth analysis of this unique database has allowed us to (1) gain insight into the demographic characteristics of renal anemia and its treatment in the pediatric PD population worldwide, (2) explore the relationship between ESA dose requirements and body dimensions, (3) identify factors contributing to ESA resistance in children, and (4) associate anemia control with patient outcomes.     

Evaluation of Femoral Tunnel Positioning Using 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography and Radiographs after Single Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Modified Transtibial Technique

Background

The purpose of this study is to report a modified transtibial technique to approach the center of anatomical femoral footprint in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and to investigate the accurate femoral tunnel position with 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) and radiography after reconstruction.

Methods

From December 2010 to October 2011, we evaluated 98 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction using a modified transtibial technique to approach the center of anatomical femoral footprint in single bundle ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft. Their femoral tunnel positions were investigated with 3D-CT and radiography postoperatively. Femoral tunnel angle was measured on the postoperative anteroposterior (AP) radiograph and the center of the femoral tunnel aperture on the lateral femoral condyle was assessed with 3D-CT according to the quadrant method by two orthopedic surgeons.

Results

According to the quadrant method with 3D-CT, the femoral tunnel was measured at a mean of 32.94% ± 5.16% from the proximal condylar surface (parallel to the Blumensaat line) and 41.89% ± 5.58% from the notch roof (perpendicular to the Blumensaat line) with good interobserver (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC], 0.766 and 0.793, respectively) and intraobserver reliability (ICC, 0.875 and 0.893, respectively). According to the radiographic measurement on the AP view, the femoral tunnel angles averaged 50.43° ± 7.04° (ICC, 0.783 and 0.911, respectively).

Conclusions

Our modified transtibial technique is anticipated to provide more anatomical placement of the femoral tunnel during ACL reconstruction than the former traditional transtibial techniques.     

Endoscopic resection of granular cell tumors in the gastrointestinal tract: a single center experience

Background

The frequency of granular cell tumors (GCTs) identified in the gastrointestinal tract has recently increased with the increased use of routine endoscopy. Endoscopic treatment is increasingly used as an alternative to traditional surgical resection, but there are few reports on the efficacy, safety, and long-term prognosis of endoscopic treatment for GCTs. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, safety, and long-term prognosis of endoscopic resection for the gastrointestinal GCTs.

Methods

We examined a total of 27 GCTs in 25 patients who were treated by endoscopic resection from January 2007 to February 2011. For endoscopic resection, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was used.

Results

Twenty GCTs were located in the esophagus, 5 in the stomach, and 2 in the colon. The median size of the GCTs was 10 mm; the largest size, located in the ascending colon, measured 18 mm. EMR with a ligation device was performed in 20 cases, conventional EMR in 5 cases, and ESD in 2 cases. En bloc resection was performed in 25 cases (92.6 %), and endoscopic complete resection piecemeal resection was achieved in 25 cases (92.6 %). Pathologic complete resection was achieved in 22 lesions (81.5 %). Intraprocedural bleeding was noted in three patients, with no occurrence of perforation or postprocedure stricture. No recurrence was observed during the mean follow-up period of 15 months (range 9–31 months).

Conclusions

Endoscopic resection appears to be a safe and effective treatment for GCTs in the gastrointestinal tract.     

Umbilical portion of recipient's left portal vein: a useful vascular conduit in dual living donor liver transplantation for the thrombosed portal vein.

We considered performing living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in a larger-size recipient. When the recipient was large-sized, or when the donor liver was severely steatotic or had a right-to-left volume discrepancy. We devised dual living donor liver transplantation (DLDLT) to make up for graft size insufficiency and to secure the donor's safety. However, portal vein thrombosis (PVT) presented a challenge for DLDLT because of the need for intact right and left portal veins for the implantation of both liver grafts. Our 52-year-old male patient with hepatitis B cirrhosis had suffered from repeated esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding and underwent 2 trials of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). He developed TIPS occlusion and PVT involving the area just above the spleno-mesenteric confluence to the right and left PV. Also, the right PV orifice was destructed and difficult to isolate because of severe periportal inflammation and neointima growth in the TIPS mesh. The patient's two sons were inadequate for donation because of right-to-left volume discrepancy. Therefore, DLDLT using 2 left lobes was necessary to compensate for graft-size insufficiency and to secure donor safety, and we substituted an intact umbilical portion of recipient's left PV for the destroyed right PV. The patient recovered well, and liver function has been normal for more than a year. In conclusion, the umbilical portion of recipient's left PV can be a useful vascular substitute for the reconstruction of a thrombosed main portal branch in DLDLT.     

Postoperative spondylitis after posterior lumbar interbody fusion using cages

The recommended surgical options for postoperative wound infections after instrumented spine surgery include a wide debridement and irrigation with antibiotics. In most cases, implant removal is not recommended for a solid fusion. However, there are few reports on the treatment choices for persistent postoperative wound infections following a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using cages. This paper reviewed ten patients referred to our department, who underwent revision surgery for a postoperative, deep infection after a PLIF with cages. The surgery included an anterior radical debridement and interbody fusion with removal of all implants. The clinical and laboratory results, including a bacteriologic study for the causative organism and the radiological changes, were analyzed. All patients complained of persistent severe back pain after the primary surgery. MRSA was the main organism found in these patients (five cases). Complete bony fusion was obtained in nine patients (90%). In one patient, back pain and radiating pain prevented him from returning to his original work. Despite the anterior interbody fusion with an autogenous iliac bone graft, all cases had a complete collapse of the intervertebral disc space, without a dislodgement or collapse of the graft bone. The mean loss of the height and lordosis in the involved segment was 12.7 mm (range 4–46 mm) and 5.6° (range 0–15°), respectively. Anterior radical debridement with the removal of all implants would be an effective way to manage patients with postoperative spondylitis after a PLIF using cages.     

Attempted treatment of factor H deficiency by liver transplantation

Complement factor H (FH) deficiency is one of the causes of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Most patients with FH deficiency associated HUS progress to end-stage renal disease despite plasma therapy. Moreover, the disease invariably recurs in the graft kidney and causes graft failure. We confirmed FH deficiency in a 30-month-old boy with recurrent HUS of 2 years duration, and attempted an auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT) to overcome the sustained intractable dependency on plasma therapy. APOLT restored the plasma FH level, without HUS recurrence, for 7 months. However, thereafter he suffered from serious infectious complications associated with immunosuppression and finally died 11 months after APOLT. In conclusion, although APOLT showed clinical and laboratory improvement for some period in this patient, the final fatal outcome suggests that liver transplantation should be cautiously applied to patients with HUS associated with FH deficiency.