Immune response deviation and enhanced expression of chemokine receptor CCR4 in TBI patients due to unknown serum factors

Background

Severe brain trauma leads to an activation of the immune system. To this date, neither the exact perturbation of the specific immune reaction induced by the traumatic brain injury (TBI), nor the interactions leading to the infiltration of peripheral immune cells into the brain are fully understood.

Patients and methods

Serum was collected from 17 patients with TBI and a long bone fracture, 24 patients with an isolated long bone fracture and from healthy individuals. The effect of the serum on normal human monocytes and T-lymphocytes was tested in vitro by assessing proliferation and expression of surface markers, chemokine receptors and cytokines.

Results

Serum collected from patients with a TBI and a long bone fracture increased the expression of the chemokine receptor CCR4 in monocytes when compared to patients with an isolated long bone fracture. Extending this comparison to T-lymphocytes, the serum from TBI patients induced lower proliferation rates and decreased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, while simultaneously increasing the secretion of immune-modulatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with a TBI release currently unknown soluble factors into the circulating blood that up regulate expression of chemokine receptor CCR4 in peripheral blood monocytes whilst concurrently inducing expression of immunosuppressive cytokines by activated T-lymphocytes.     

The reverse epidemiology of plasma total homocysteine as a mortality risk factor is related to the impact of wasting and inflammation.

BACKGROUND: The reason(s) for the apparently paradoxical 'reverse' association in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in whom a low, rather than a high, total plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) level is an indicator of poor outcome remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine whether the inverse association maintains, mitigates or reverses after comprehensive multivariate adjustment for the presence of wasting and inflammation as well as other potential confounders. METHODS: We studied 317 ESRD patients starting dialysis therapy. Fasting blood samples were taken for the analyses of tHcy, serum albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), serum creatinine and plasma folate. Nutritional status was assessed by subjective global assessment (SGA). Survival was followed for up to 66 months; 105 patients died. RESULTS: Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, a low tHcy concentration (< or =30 micromol/l) was associated with higher all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality (P < 0.05). Using Cox proportional analysis adjusting for age, gender, glomerular filtration rate = GFR, cardiovascular disease = CVD, plasma folate, total cholesterol and diabetes mellitus, the all-cause and CV mortality still tended to be high for patients with low tHcy. Adding nutritional and inflammation markers (Body mass index = BMI, SGA, serum creatinine, serum albumin and CRP), a low tHcy level was no longer associated with higher mortality but a trend for high tHcy was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The link between wasting inflammation and a low tHcy appears to be responsible for the reverse association between plasma tHcy and clinical outcome in ESRD patients. After adjustment for confounders including nutritional and inflammation markers, a trend towards increased death risk for high, rather than low, tHcy levels was apparent after adjustment.     

Is it worth using daclizumab induction therapy with mycophenolate mofetil-based immunosuppressive regimens in live related donor kidney transplantation? A long-term follow up

Background/Aims The aim of this work is to determine the long-term therapeutic benefit(s) of daclizumab induction therapy with triple immunosuppressive protocols including prednisolone, cyclosporine microemulsion (CsA), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the living related donor kidney transplantation. Methods Twenty-one adult recipients of their first kidney allograft were allocated to receive daclizumab with triple immunosuppressive therapy (steroids, CsA, and MMF). They were compared to 50 recipients of their first grafts who received a maintenance triple immunosuppressive therapy (steroids, CsA, and azathioprine). The patients were followed up for 5 years. Results Daclizumab group significantly experienced a marked reduction of acute rejection (7/21) when compared to the control group (31/50) with subsequent significant reduction of cumulative steroids doses at the end of 5 years. The overall incidence of post-transplant complications was comparable among the two treatment groups. There was no significant difference in patients and graft survival; 5-year patient and graft survival were 95.3%, 85.7% for daclizumab and 96%, 88% for control group, respectively. Conclusions Although prophylactic daclizumab with triple immunosuppressive protocol including MMF have drastically reduced the incidence of acute rejections, the graft and patient survival are unchanged in this long-term follow up.     

Perineal cellulitis and persistent vaginal erosion after transobturator tape (Obtape)—case report and review of the literature

Transobturator sub-urethral tapes are emerging as one of the surgical options for the management of urodynamic stress incontinence. Though with relatively less risk of injury to the bladder, a different approach as well as the different characteristics of the tape material mean a variety of complications like obturator abscess, obturator haematoma, retro-pubic haematoma, and perineal cellulitis. In this paper, we describe a case of perineal cellulitis following the insertion of a transobturator tape (Obtape®). Though cellulitis was managed conservatively with intravenous antibiotics, the patient was found to have vaginal extrusion of the tape. Vaginal erosion was initially managed with resuturing of the vaginal wall. Persistent erosion unfortunately necessitated complete tape removal. The patient later had another sub-urethral procedure after 3 months. Perineal cellulitis is rare after transobturator tape procedures. In the literature, only two cases have been described so far. Though vaginal erosion can be managed conservatively, we recommend the complete removal of the tape when an infection is proven or suspected.     

Percutaneous fixation with Schanz screws for displaced two- and three- part fractures of the proximal humerus in patients above fifty years of age

Purpose:

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether two 3.0 mm Schanz screws in two-part proximal humeral fractures (plus one additional Schanz screw or K wire in three-part fractures) can provide enough stability to allow early mobilization until healing occurs in elderly patients.

Settings and Design:

This prospective study was performed in the Orthopaedic Department of our University Hospital.

Patients and Methods:

We performed closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for thirty-three patients with proximal humerus fractures. Twenty-seven patients were available for the final follow-up. Of those 27 patients, 17 had two-part surgical neck fractures; while 10 had three-part fractures. For fixation, we used two 3.0 mm Schanz screws in patients with two-part fractures plus one additional Schanz screw or K wire in the 10 patients with three-part fractures.

Results:

The mean Constant score modified according to the age and sex was 89.8% (range: 77.3-97.2%). Fifteen patients had excellent results, 11 patients had good results, and one patient had a fair result.

Conclusion:

Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning with two Schanz screws for two-part surgical neck humeral fractures, plus an additional Schanz screw or K wire for three-part proximal humeral fractures is a useful and effective technique that provides enough stability to allow an early rehabilitation program till union occurs in elderly patients.

Level of Evidence:

IV; therapeutic study, case series.     

Quality of life of adult patients with severe burns

Background

Burns are one of the most significant health problems throughout the world, leading to prolonged hospitalisation and hence increased expense for the patients, their families and society. Today, the prognosis of patients with burns is dependent, apart from adequate treatment, upon the health-care system and health-care professionals, regarding not only survival, but also lifelong quality of life. This study aims to assess quality of life of adult patients with severe burns.

Patients and methods

This study was conducted on 100 adult patients with severe burns in the burn outpatient clinic (male and female) at Mansoura University Hospital. Parameters of burn and Burn Specific Health Scale (BSHS-B) were used to assess quality of life following burns.

Results

The study revealed that burns has negative impact on most dimensions of the quality of life of patients with burns.

Conclusions

The quality of life for people who have sustained a burns should be recognised and valued by the burn team in all phases of burn care.     

Prolonged peri-firing compression with a linear stapler prevents pancreatic fistula in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

Background  

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (Lap-DP) is one of the most accepted laparoscopic procedures in the field of pancreatic surgery. However, pancreatic fistula remains a major and frequent complication in Lap-DP, as in open surgery. The aim of this retrospective study is to clarify the advantages of prolonged peri-firing compression (PFC) with a linear stapler for prevention of pancreatic fistula after laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.     

Comparison between continuous posterior and lateral interscalene brachial plexus blockades for major shoulder surgery

Background

Postoperative pain relief after major shoulder surgery is extremely challenging. Continuous interscalene blockade is considered a well suited pain management technique for this type of surgery, but with technical difficulties. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of continuous posterior and conventional lateral interscalene brachial plexus blockades.

Methods

This prospective randomized study included 40 patients who were radomally allocated into two equal groups (n = 20 patients), in the first group, continuous lateral interscalene blockade was done (Lateral Group), while continuous posterior interscalene was performed in the second group (Posterior Group). The measurement data were patient characteristics and surgical data, easiness of catheter insertion, onset of blockade, catheter insertion and total blockade times. Side effects encountered during blockade and postoperative efficacy of analgesia as well as patients satisfaction were also measured.

Results

There was no significant difference as regards the onset of anesthesia in both groups. Block procedure time and catheter placement times were faster in the posterior group (6.6 ± 0.64 vs 9.6 ± 1.1 min; P < .05 and 1.6 ± 0.7 vs 4.3 ± 0.7 min; P < 0.05 respectively). Successful catheter insertion was higher in the posterior group (19 patients vs 15 patients in the lateral group). Easy catheter insertion were significantly higher in the posterior group (16 patients vs eight patients In the lateral group; P < 0.05).Technical adverse effects related to catheter insertion were significantly higher in the lateral group (nine patients vs only one patient in the posterior group; P < 0.05). Complications were comparable in both groups. Postoperative efficacy of analgesia and Patient’s satisfaction about catheter placement was higher in the posterior group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we demonstrated a high success rate, low systemic and technical adverse effects, and better catheter compliance with continuous posterior interscalene blockade.     

Outcome of 234 pregnancies in 140 renal transplant recipients from five middle eastern countries

OBJECTIVE: To study the pregnancy and offspring outcomes in postrenal transplant recipients. METHODS: This is a retrospective case-note review study investigating the outcome of 234 pregnancies in 140 renal transplant recipients from five different Middle Eastern countries. RESULTS: Of the overall pregnancies 74.4% were successful albeit with high prevalences of preterm and Caesarean deliveries (40.8% and 53%, respectively). The mean serum creatinine did not rise significantly during pregnancy in the group as a whole but did so in patients who had serum creatinine of or above 150 micromol/L at the beginning of their pregnancies. The mean birth weight was (2,458 g) with 41.3% of the newborns being of low birth weight (<2,500 g). The prevalences of stillbirths were 7.3% and of spontaneous abortion was 19.3%. Preeclampsia and gestational diabetes were observed in 26.1% and 2% of pregnancies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the presence of good allograft function, the majority of pregnancies in renal transplant recipients have a good outcome but with increased incidence of preeclampsia, reduced gestational age, and low birth weights. Patients with baseline serum creatinine of above 150 micromol/L have an increased risk of allograft dysfunction resulting from the pregnancy.