bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Impact of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy on Multiple Organ Failure
Authors: Dunham C. Michael 
Published: October 2003

Because continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) may enhance inflammatory mediator removal, this review assesses its impact on multiple organ failure (MOF). Regarding MOF with acute renal failure (ARF), the overall mortality of 2313 CRRT patients
(43 studies) was 62.8% compared with 59.1% (p = 0.046) in 961 intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) patients (12 other studies). Of 13 CRRT studies with an IHD comparison group, 3 showed that the groups had a similar risk, but IHD mortality was higher; 1
noted that CRRT had lower mortality (risk not stated); and 4 showed similar mortality and greater CRRT risk. Aggregate mortality was IHD
69.5% and CRRT 63.9% (p = 0.02). Of the six studies with matched groups (age and APACHE II scores), IHD mortality was higher (70.9% vs. 60.1%, p = 0.01). CRRT pulmonary gas exchange, hemodynamic instability, azotemia control, fluid overload, and nutritional support were better. Regarding MOF without ARF, of 14 CRRT studies (14.5 patients per study), only 4 had comparison groups. Patient conditions were as follows: acute respiratory distress syndrome, six studies; sepsis, three studies;
septic shock, two studies; pancreatitis, one study; critically ill patients, one study; and cardiac surgery with respiratory failure, one study. Of the three studies with a control group, the mortality was the same. There was minimal evidence that CRRT improved pulmonary gas exchange or hemodynamic instability. For MOF patients with ARF, there is compelling evidence that CRRT provides better survival than IHD and more improvement in pulmonary gas exchange, hemodynamic instability,
azotemia control, fluid overload, and nutritional support. In patients with MOF and no renal failure, there is little evidence that CRRT enhances survival, oxygenation, or perfusion. Controlled trials demonstrating a CRRT benefit are necessary before CRRT can be recommended for MOF without ARF.
Survival‐associated Histologic Spreading Modes of Operable Intrahepatic, Peripheral‐type Cholangiocarcinomas
Authors: Namieno Tsutomu , Koito Kazumitsu , Takahashi Masatoshi , Une Yoshie , Yamashita Kenichiro , Shimamura Tsuyoshi 
Published: October 2003

Abstract.We investigated survival‐associated histologic and metastatic spreading modes of intrahepatic, peripheral‐type cholangiocarcinomas resected to contribute to surgical control of the tumor. Previous results have been mostly obtained from autopsies, reflecting the terminal status of patients. We clinicopathologically reviewed the resected 20 intrahepatic, peripheral‐type cholangiocarcinomas and investigated the histologic findings of resected specimens and medical records to assess spreading modes along with patients' survival. The carcinoma cells superficially spread in the ductal epithelium in 75%, infiltrated along Glisson's system and migrated multidirectionally in 100%, and permeated the vascular network in 80%. The cumulative survival rate significantly related to vascular permeation, extrahepatic metastases, and lymphatic, neural, and nodal involvement but not to ductal spread, tumor size (cutoff size 5 cm), or intrahepatic metastases by the log‐rank test. The patients with lymphatic, neural, or nodal involvement died early after surgery. Practically, only vascular permeation was identified as a significant independent variable for survival using multivariate analysis. Peripheral cholangiocarcinomas spread mainly in three modes: ductal spread, infiltration along Glisson's system, and vascular permeation. In the practically operable cases, vascular permeation is closely related to survival, and intrahepatic metastasis may be surgically controlled to some degree.
Clinical Decision‐making, Ultrasonography, and Scores for Evaluation of Suspected Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Zielke Andreas , Sitter Helmut , Rampp Thomas , Bohrer Thomas , Rothmund Matthias 
Published: October 2003

Abstract.Diagnosing acute appendicitis (aA) remains difficult. This study evaluated the utility of ultrasonography (US) compared to clinical decision‐making alone and scoring systems to establish the indication for laparotomy in patients in whom aA was suspected. The prospectively documented data of 2209 patients admitted for suspicion of aA, who underwent US by one of 12 surgeons, formed a database in which the diagnostic and procedural performance of clinical decision‐making, US, two scoring systems (Ohmann and Eskelinen scores), and clinical algorithms taking account of clinical and either US findings or score results, were retrospectively evaluated. The results of either modality were correlated with final diagnoses obtained by laparotomy in 696 patients, of whom 540 had aA (prevalence 24.45%) and follow‐up data in the remainder. US had the highest specificity (97%, compared to 93% for the Ohmann and Eskelinen scores and 94% for the clinical evaluation and algorithms) and lowest overall rate of false‐positive findings (negative laparotomy rate 7.6%). The scores were accurate in refuting the diagnosis of aA but otherwise not superior to US. The best overall diagnostic and procedural results were obtained with the algorithms that combined the results of either US or the Ohmann score with clinical evaluation, which produced the most favorable numbers of negative laparotomies, potential perforations, and missed cases of aA. US is the diagnostic standard of reference for patients with a possible diagnosis of aA. It yields diagnostic results superior to those of scoring systems and provisional clinical evaluation. However, the benefits of US by ultrasonographically trained surgeons are only fully appreciated within the context of clinical algorithms. The joint evaluation of score results and clinical evaluation may deliver information of similar accuracy.
Pancreaticogastrostomy following Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Review of 102 Consecutive Cases
Authors: O'Neil Stephen , Pickleman Jack , Aranha Gerard V. 
Published: October 2003

Abstract.Disruption of the pancreatic anastomosis with resultant sepsis is the cause of nearly 50% of deaths following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Traditionally, the pancreatic remnant is anastomosed to the jejunum. Pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) was introduced as an alternative by Waugh and Clagett in 1946 and by Park, Mackie, and Rhoads in 1967. The purpose of this retrospective review was to assess the safety of PG at a single institution. Between 1986 and 1998 a total of 102 patients underwent PG following PD. The indications for PD were periampullary carcinoma (n= 89), pancreatitis (n= 7), and miscellaneous (n= 6). Altogether, 80 patients underwent the traditional Whipple procedure and 22 the pylorus‐preserving Whipple (PPW) procedure. The PG was performed by a single‐layer invagination technique to the posterior gastric wall using interrupted silk sutures. Leaks from the pancreatic anastomosis were detected by measuring amylase in fluid obtained from surgically placed drains. Operative mortality was 3.9% (4/102). The cause of death was uncontrolled upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, sepsis, pulmonary embolus, and cardiac failure secondary to myocardial infarction. The mean operating time was 6.8 hours. Blood transfusion was given in 43 patients (42%), and the mean amount of the transfusion was 2.6 units. Nonfatal complications occurred in 35 patients (34%), and included leaks from the pancreatic anastomosis in 9 (8.8%), leaks from the biliary‐enteric anastomosis in 4 (3.9%), and gastric paresis 7 (6.9%). Other complications included abscess, wound infection, colitis, delirium tremens, and hyperbilirubinemia. Discharge occurred 6 to 47 days (median 12 days) postoperatively and was prolonged in patients suffering from a complication. PD is associated with significant morbidity. PG is a safe alternative to pancreaticojejunostomy for managing the pancreatic remnant.
Hemodynamic Response of Modified Fluid Gelatin Compared with Lactated Ringer's Solution for Volume Expansion in Emergency Resuscitation of Hypovolemic Shock Patients: Preliminary Report of a Prospective, Randomized Trial
Authors: Wu Jackson Jer‐kan , Huang Mu‐Shun , Tang Gau‐Jun , Kao Wei‐Fong , Shih Hsin‐Chin , Su Cheng‐Hsi , Lee Chen‐Hsen 
Published: October 2003

Abstract.The objective of this study was to compare the cardiac and hemodynamic responses to a rapid infusion of 1000 ml of modified fluid gelatin (group A) or 1000 ml of lactated Ringer's solution (group B) in emergency room patients suffering from shock. This prospective, randomized, open, noncrossover study was performed at a medical center university hospital in a surgical resuscitation room in the emergency department. The subjects were 34 patients with either hypovolemic or neurogenic shock who were admitted to the emergency room. A resuscitation protocol according to Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) with an additional central venous line or Swan‐Ganz catheters for hemodynamic monitoring was used. Physical parameters and hemodynamic variables were measured at baseline and 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 1 hour after the infusion of each fluid. In both groups the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), systolic and diastolic pressure, central venous pressure (CVP), and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) increased significantly. The CVP and PAOP increased significantly more in the modified fluid gelatin resuscitation group. In patients with traumatic or neurogenic shock due to acute volume deficiency, there was significantly better hemodynamic improvement, judged by CVP and PAOP measurements using the modified fluid gelatin for volume replacement than with lactated Ringer's solution during the first hour of resuscitation.
Determination of the Immunoglobulin E Postoperative Variation as a Measure of Surgical Injury
Authors: Navarro‐Zorraquino Marta , Lozano Ricardo , Deus Javier , Pastor Cristina , Larrad Luis , Tejero Eloy , Román Javier , Palacios María J. , Torcal Javier , Salinas José C. 
Published: October 2003

Abstract.The aim of this study was to ascertain postoperative changes in immunoglobulin E (IgE) in patients undergoing different types of surgery and the possible correlation with the duration and type of surgery. Evidence suggests that surgery induces a predominant activation pattern through the T‐helper‐2 (Th2) cell pathway, increasing interleukins (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐13), inhibiting Th1 cell activation, and promoting B and Th2 cell activation. IgE production may indicate predominant Th2 pathway activation and may be a more persistent and easily measurable postoperative marker than IL‐6 for measuring surgical trauma. Altogether, 180 patients undergoing different types of surgery for nonneoplastic and nonparasitic diseases were studied. All patients received the same type of anesthesia. Before surgery and on the first (1PO) and 7th (7PO) postoperative days we determined in peripheral blood the CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, and CD19 cell percentages; IL‐1, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels; and the IgA, IgG, IgM, total IgE, C3, C4, and CIC levels. On 1PO, all variables decreased except IgE, IL‐1, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, CIC, and CD19. Only IgE, IL‐6, and CD19 increases showed a significantly statistical (ss) difference regarding preoperative values (0.01, 0.05, 0.001, respectively). Relations between the IL‐4 and IgE increases (p < 0.01) and between the IgG decrease and IgE increase (p < 0.001) were found. On 7PO, only IgE was increased (p < 0.001). The IgE increase correlated with surgical trauma intensity (p < 0.05). We concluded that IgE increases during the early postoperative period, correlating with surgical injury intensity. The increase in the IgE level may be detected 24 hours after surgery and during the first 7 postoperative days depending on the type of surgery.
Systolic and Diastolic Properties and Myocardial Blood Flow in the Heterotopically Transplanted Rat Heart during Acute Cardiac Rejection
Authors: Szabó Gábor , Bátkai Sándor , Dengler Thomas J. , Bährle Susanne , Stumpf Nicole , Notmeyer Winfried , Zimmermann Rainer , Vahl Christian F. , Hagl Siegfried 
Published: October 2003

Abstract.The aim of the study was to characterize the course of systolic and diastolic function, myocardial blood flow, and histologic changes during acute rejection in a model of heterotopic transplantation in rats. For this purpose isogenic Lewis‐to‐Lewis and allogenic DA (Dark Agouti)‐to‐Lewis rat cardiac transplants were studied 1 hour and 1, 3, and 5 days, respectively, after heterotopic intraabdominal transplantation. Myocardial tissue blood flow (MBF) was assessed by the hydrogen‐clearance method. An implanted balloon was used to measure pressure–volume relations in the transplanted heart. Myocardial water content was determined at the end of the experiments, and histologic examinations were performed. The MBF recovered during the first day postoperatively in both groups and decreased again in the allogenic group after 3 and 5 days (p < 0.05); it remained stable in the isogenic group. Myocardial relaxation was already prolonged in the allogenic group after 3 days and deteriorated further. Left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure progressively increased in the allogenic group, whereas it remained unchanged in the isogenic group up to 5 days. After recovery from ischemia, the left ventricular peak systolic pressure was stable in the isogenic group for the entire further observation period, but it significantly decreased in the allogenic group after 5 days (p < 0.05). Myocardial water content showed a significant increase in the allogenic group compared to that in the isogenic group after 5 days. In the allogenic group histologic examination confirmed mild to moderate rejection after 3 days and severe acute rejection after 5 days. Thus, after recovery from ischemia, mild to moderate cardiac rejection was associated with reduced MBF and impaired relaxation. In a typical sequence, generation of edema and impaired diastolic compliance were terminally followed by systolic dysfunction during severe rejection.
Patterns of Recurrence after Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases: Prediction by Models of Outcome Analysis
Authors: Lise Mario , Bacchetti Stefano , Da Pian Pierpaolo , Nitti Donato , Pilati Pierluigi 
Published: October 2003

Abstract.Various series have reported similar survival and recurrence rates after resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). If outcomes were predictable, indications for surgery could be improved. This hypothesis was tested in 135 consecutive patients with CRLM who underwent “curative” resection from 1977 to 1997. Among the 132 patients available for follow‐up, three groups were identified on the basis of outcome: (1) survival of more than 5 years disease‐free (n= 32; 24%); (2) diffuse recurrences within the first 6 months (n= 24; 18%); and (3) discrete recurrences for which reresection was performed (n= 16; 12%). As our results are similar to those reported in the literature, we assumed that about 50% of patients with resectable lesions have recognizable patterns of recurrence. At multivariate analysis, factors significant for disease‐free survival (DFS) were the percentage of liver invasion, metastases to lymph nodes at the primary site, number of metastases, preoperative glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) level, and type of liver resection. On the basis of the relative risk (RR) expressed by significant prognostic factors, a score model was developed, and three prognostic groups were defined: Group A, with the best prognostic score, included 23 of 32 (72%) patients who survived more than 5 years, and that with the worst prognostic score (group C) included 22 of 24 (92%) patients with early diffuse recurrences. Extreme (especially unfavorable) outcomes can therefore be predicted. By using improved models of outcome analysis, many patients could be spared surgery as first‐line treatment, and stratification criteria could be worked out for future trials.
Early Soft Tissue Coverage after Complex Foot Trauma
Authors: Brenner Peter , Rammelt Stefan , Gavlik Johann Marian , Zwipp Hans 
Published: October 2003

Abstract.Complex foot injuries require early and durable soft tissue coverage to reduce infection rates and fibrosis, thereby improving the functional outcome. Definitive wound closure with tissue transfer was achieved as an emergency procedure within 24 hours in 2 of 28 cases, as urgent revision within 72 hours in 9 of 28 cases, and as early revision within 120 hours in 15 of 28 patients. To evaluate the global foot function the Maryland Foot Score was applied to 17 of 28 patients at the 1‐year follow‐up. The mean score was 74.2 (of 100) points, indicating “good” to “sufficient” foot function. The outcome was superior compared with a series of 18 consecutive open calcaneus fractures with delayed soft tissue coverage (64.4 points). These results were confirmed with a modified Merle d'Aubigné Score. The overall infection rate could be lowered to 7.1% after complex foot injuries with early soft tissue coverage compared to 26 open calcaneus fractures (19.2%). Functional scores allow a reasonable overall assessment of the results, but they are centered on subjective criteria. Thus they must be viewed in conjunction with radiologic and biometric factors as well as criteria valuable for plastic reconstruction, such as two‐point discrimination and durability. Unfortunately, emergency flap procedures are still rare in foot surgery, although they permit primary stable osteosynthesis even with complex foot trauma. The foot should gain the same functional rank as the hand with respect to acute or emergency flap procedures to avoid further complications.
Coexisting Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis and Papillary Thyroid Cancer Revisited
Authors: Kebebew Electron , Treseler Patrick A. , Ituarte Philip H.G. , Clark Orlo H. 
Published: October 2003

Abstract.The effect of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) on the behavior of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remains unclear. In recent studies the presence of CLT in patients with PTC was reported to be associated with a lower recurrence rate and an improved survival rate. Furthermore, patients with PTC and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been reported to have lower recurrence rates and a lower frequency of distant metastases. Because of these and other observations, a tumor immune response in PTC has been suggested. The aim of our study was to determine: (1) the relative frequency of CLT in PTC; (2) the prognostic significance of CLT in patients with PTC; and (3) if TIL occurs independently or in association with CLT. A 10‐year retrospective study of patients who underwent initial thyroidectomy for PTC from 1986 to 1996 was completed. The extent of thyroid lymphocytic infiltration was determined within the tumor, surrounding the tumor, and in the distant parenchyma by two independent observers blinded to the clinical data. Dense focal/diffuse lymphoid aggregates throughout the thyroid gland were diagnostic of CLT and when present within or surrounding the tumor were designated TILs. A total of 136 patients with PTC (typical and follicular variant of PTC histologic subtypes) were identified with a mean follow‐up of 4.4 years and a 8% mortality rate at 10 years. Thirty percent of the patients with PTC had coexisting CLT, and 65% of these patients with CLT had positive anti‐thyroglobulin antibodies. Patients with coexisting CLT and PTC were younger (p < 0.05), more likely to be female (p < 0.05), and more likely to have multicentric tumors (p < 0.001) compared to patients without CLT. Only 5% of patients had TILs without CLT, but 82.5% of patients with CLT had TILs identified (p < 0.0001). By univariate analysis CLT, age, gender, stage of PTC, tumor multicentricity, and tumor size were significant prognostic factors. Only age and TNM stage of PTC remained independent prognostic factors by multivariate analysis. We found a similar frequency (30%) of coexisting CLT and PTC as reported by others; but, more importantly, the presence of TILs primarily occurred in association with CLT. The presence of CLT in patients with PTC correlated with an improved prognosis. It was not an independent prognostic factor, however, and was not associated with a lower recurrence rate or a lower frequency of distant metastasis.
Prognostic Factors and Therapeutic Strategy for Anaplastic Carcinoma of the Thyroid
Authors: Sugitani Iwao , Kasai Nobukatsu , Fujimoto Yoshihide , Yanagisawa Akio 
Published: October 2003

Abstract.Although anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies, a few patients survive for a fairly long time after modern intensive treatment. We tried to identify prognostic factors of ATC to assist in deciding on the proper therapeutic strategy in individual patients. Of 47 patients with ATC (1976–1999), 3 patients with “incidental” ATC (largely differentiated thyroid carcinoma with a small region of ATC) were excluded because they had a favorable outcome. The 1‐year survival rate of the remaining 44 patients with clinically distinct ATC was 16%. The presence of acute symptoms, large tumor (> 5 cm), distant metastasis, and leukocytosis (white blood cell count ≥ 10,000/mm3) proved to be significant risk factors. Multivariate analysis by the Cox proportional hazard model showed that these four factors were independent factors for predicting death from ATC. We devised a novel prognostic index (PI) based on the number of these four unfavorable characteristics the patient possessed. Patients with a PI of ≤1 had a 62% survival rate at 6 months, whereas no patients with a PI of ≥3 survived longer than 6 months. All patients with a PI of 4 died from their disease within 3 months. Nine patients received multimodal treatment with a combination of surgery, external irradiation, and chemotherapy and had a long survival (mean 333 ± 68 days; one patient is still alive and tumor‐free), with a mean PI of 0.6. Our PI is useful as a means of selecting patients for aggressive therapy. When the PI is low, multimodal treatment should be attempted to obtain the best survival results; if it is high most patients are too seriously ill to tolerate intensive treatment and palliative therapy is recommended.