Use of totally implantable central venous access ports for high-dose chemotherapy and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation: results of a monocentre series of 376 patients.

BACKGROUND: The complication rate of central venous totally implantable access ports (TIAP), used for high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation support, has not been fully investigated to date, due to the almost exclusive use of externalised, tunnelled devices in this clinical setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 66-month period (from 1 January 1997 to 30 June 2002), 376 patients suffering from breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lymphoma or multiple myeloma were treated with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation at the European Institute of Oncology (Milan, Italy). A single type of port was used, constructed from titanium and silicone rubber, connected to a 7.8 F polyurethane catheter (Port-A-Cath; SIMS Deltec, Inc., St Paul, MN, USA) inserted into the subclavian vein. They were followed prospectively for device-related complications until the device was removed, the patient died or the study was closed (30 June 2002). RESULTS: No TIAP-related deaths were observed in this series. Seven pneumothoraxes (1.8%) occurred as a complication of TIAP placement, one patient only (0.2%) requiring a tube thoracostomy. Port pocket infection occurred twice in this series (0.53%, 0.01 episodes/1000 days of use), whereas three patients suffered from port-related bacteraemia (0.8%, 0.016/1000 days of use). Infections were successfully treated with antibiotics; all three cases had the ports removed at programme completion. Four cases of deep vein thrombosis were detected (1.06%, 0.022/1000 days of use); low molecular weight heparin was given, followed by oral anticoagulants. Finally, one case of extravasation occurred (0.26%, 0.005/1000 days of use), requiring port removal and local medical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The use of TIAPs has resulted in a safe and effective option for high-dose chemotherapy deliverance and stem cell transplantation, in spite of inducing severe neutropenia and increasing the risk of sepsis in this category of oncology patient.     

Partial venous thrombosis of the pancreatic allografts after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation

Despite new advances in transplantation, complete venous thrombosis (VT) of the pancreas after simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK) transplantation usually results in graft loss. Data are limited regarding the outcome and treatment of partial VT of the pancreas allograft. From July 1994 to December 1999, 126 patients with IDDM/end-stage renal disease underwent SPK with systemic bladder drainage at the University of Miami. We retrospectively reviewed our experience regarding the outcome and treatment options of partial VT of the pancreas allografts. From July 1994 to April 1997, partial VT was not seen in the first 66 SPK patients induced with anti-CD3 rnAb and oral or intravenous (i.v.) tacrolimus (TAC) in the operating room. From May 1997 to June 1999, 14 (29%) out of 48 patients had VT. These cases were identified following the i.v. use of TAC with anti-IL-2R antibody-induction therapy (7/15) or without (7/33). Partial thrombosis of the splenic vein (PTSV) was documented in 10 patients, 2 had complete thrombosis of the splenic vein (CTSV), 1 had partial thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein (PTSMV), and 1 patient had PTSV and PTSMV. These were identified incidentally during routine color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU). None of these SPK recipients demonstrates a change in clinical parameters. The first 8 patients were systemically heparinized, followed by oral anticoagulation, except 1 patient with CTSV. He progressed to complete thrombosis of the pancreas allograft and was treated with percutaneous thrombectomy and urokinase infusion, followed by heparinization and oral anticoagulation. One patient required exploration for bleeding. In an attempt to reduce the morbidity of heparinization, we treated the next 6 patients with PTSV with aspirin followed by serial CDU. All 14 patients had preservation of the endocrine and exocrine pancreatic functions. CDU showed resolution with recanalization of the thrombosed vein(s). From July 1999 to December 1999, 12 SPK recipients were administered TAC orally with or without induction therapy with anti-IL-2R antibody. So far, in this group, VT has not been identified. In summary, a total of 14 out of 126 patients (11%) had isolated VT with a mean follow-up of 36.4 months. Based on our experience, we suggest that extensive VT after pancreas transplantation, including splenic and superior mesenteric VT, be treated with heparin and subsequent oral anticoagulation for 3 months. For more limited, partial splenic VT, aspirin may be sufficient. Follow-up CDU is critical for a successful outcome. The i.v. use of TAC appears to be a risk factor for the increased incidence of VT. Currently, using IL-2rmAb as induction, TAC is started orally on postoperative days 3 or 4 and aspirin on postoperative day 2.     

Quadruplet in vitro fertilization pregnancy complicated by fetal reduction and leiomyoma

A woman had a quadruplet IVF pregnancy with a leiomyomatous uterus. Pregnancy resulted in the birth of one baby after missed abortion of one fetus and selective reduction of two others. The woman had a left deep calf vein thrombosis in the first half of pregnancy.     

安宫牛黄丸配合西药治疗重型颅脑损伤78例

安宫牛黄丸配合西药治疗重型颅脑损伤７８例应月初，郑益明１９９０～１９９５年在西医常规治疗下加用安宫牛黄丸治疗重型极重型颅脑损伤患者７８例，结果疗效显著提高，现报道如下。临床资料治疗组７８例中男５４例，女２４例，年龄２～７５岁，平均３６．３岁；致伤原因...     

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a challenging condition because of its variability of clinical symptoms and signs. It is very often unrecognised at initial presentation. All age groups can be affected. Large sinuses such as the superior sagittal sinus are most frequently involved. Extensive collateral circulation within the cerebral venous system allows for a significant degree of compensation in the early stages of thrombus formation. Systemic inflammatory diseases and inherited as well as acquired coagulation disorders are frequent causes, although in up to 30% of cases no underlying cause can be identified. The oral contraceptive pill appears to be an important additional risk factor. The spectrum of clinical presentations ranges from headache with papilloedema to focal deficit, seizures and coma. Magnetic resonance imaging with venography is the investigation of choice; computed tomography alone will miss a significant number of cases. It has now been conclusively shown that intravenous heparin is the first-line treatment for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis because of its efficacy, safety and feasability. Local thrombolysis may be indicated in cases of deterioration, despite adequate heparinisation. This should be followed by oral anticoagulation for 3-6 months. The prognosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is generally favourable. A high index of clinical suspicion is needed to diagnose this uncommon condition so that appropriate treatment can be initiated.     

Anomalous Insertion of the Superior or the Inferior Vena Cava into the Right Atrium

Three cases with anomalous insertion of the superior or inferior vena cava into the right atrium are presented. One case was a 25-year-old healthy man with anomalous low insertion of the right superior vena cava into the right atrium. The remaining two cases were infants with complex cardiac anomalies showing anomalous high insertion of the inferior vena cava into the right atrium. The congenital anomalies of the connection between the superior and the inferior vena cava and the right atrium are rare. Angiographic and computed tomographic findings of these anomalies were reported.     

Calcified catheter “cast”: a rare complication of indwelling central venous catheters in infants

Peri-catheter calcification is an unusual and previously unreported complication of central venous (CV) catheterization in infants. A 1.9 Fr Silastic CV catheter was placed in a term infant for administration of total parenteral nutrition and antibiotics following intra-abdominal sepsis. The catheter was removed, without complication, at a later date after another septic episode. Imaging studies performed in the investigation of a possible intra-abdominal abscess revealed a cylindrical density within a clot in the inferior vena cava (IVC). The density was presumed to be a retained catheter fragment. Further investigation indicated total occlusion of the IVC. Surgical exploration of the IVC revealed only a calcified thrombus. This case represents a rare and previously unreported complication of CV catheterization in infants. Diagnosing this condition on radiographic evidence alone can be difficult. It is hoped that awareness of the potential for this complication will avoid unnecessary invasive procedures in the future. We also suggest a high level of clinical suspicion and routine Doppler ultrasound investigations to detect IVC thrombosis when indwelling CV catheters are used in infants. Accepted: 15 July 1997     

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: a clinical study of 23 cases

Objective To describe the etiologies, clinical features and diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.
Methods We reviewed the records of 23 patients admitted with a documented diagnosis of c erebral venous sinus thrombosis from 1991 through 1999 in the Beijing Tiantan Hospital.
Results Infection was the major condition associated with cerebral venous sinus thrombos is. Pseudotumor cerebri syndrome was the most common manifestation, while hemip legia, seizure and unconsciousness may occur alone or in association. The diagn ostic sensitivity of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and digital subtract angiography (DSA) were 59%, 86% and 100%, respectively. Th e sensitivity of MRI with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) reached 96%.
Conclusion As the clinical findings were found to be nonspecific, CT combined with DSA, or MRI with MRA turns out to be valuable for the early diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.     

红景天注射液对麻醉犬心脏血流动力学及心肌耗氧量的影响

目的:研究红景天注射液治疗冠心病的药理作用及作用机制。方法:将实验犬20只,随机分为空白对照组、阳性药对照组和红景天注射液小、大剂量组。经戊巴比妥钠30mg·kg^-1静脉麻醉后开胸,分别测定冠脉血流量、心输出量、左室内压、左室内压上升最大速率(dp/dt_max)、冠状静脉窦血氧含量、动脉血氧含量、心肌耗氧量、心搏出量、耗氧指数、心脏指数、冠脉阻力、总外周阻力及氧利用率等。结果:动物静脉注射红景天注射液后,冠脉阻力、动脉血压、总外周阻力、耗氧指数、心肌耗氧量、心率明显降低,心输出量、心搏出量及冠状静脉窦血氧含量明显上升,与药前及空白对照组比较均有显著性差异(P<0.05-0.01);左室内压和心肌收缩力则无明显改变。结论:结果表明,用红景天注射液可扩张冠脉血管、降低心脏后负荷,在不明显增加心肌收缩力和左心室压力的情况下,心输出量和每博出量明显增加,心脏有效作功得到加强;还能使冠状静脉窦血氧含量显著增加,心肌耗氧指数降低,心肌耗氧量下降,从而改善心肌的供血供氧,调整心脏血管的顺应性,对心血管系统起到调整和改善作用。这可能是红景天注射液治疗冠心病的药理机理。     

Reciprocating tachycardia during central venous cannulation in a patient with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is important for the anesthesiologist because the sudden development of tachyarrhythmias may result in deleterious hemodynamic changes. We describe an episode of reciprocating tachycardia triggered by the insertion of the guide wire during central venous cannulation in a patient with this syndrome.