Delayed postpancreatectomy hemorrhage as the role of endovascular approach:Four case reports

BACKGROUND Pancreatic resection is still associated with high morbidity rates and delayed postpancreatectomy hemorrhage(PPH)is the most feared complication as it may lead to hemorrhagic shock or serious septic complications.Today,endovascular approach represent safe and efficient method for minimally invasive management of extraluminal PPH.CASE SUMMARY We describe four patients whose postoperative recovery after pancreatic resection was complicated by postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF)and visceral artery hemorrhage.In all cases endovascular approach was utilized and it resulted in satisfactory outcomes.We discuss modern diagnostic and therapeutic approach in this clinical scenario.CONCLUSION PPH is relatively uncommon,but it is a leading cause of surgical mortality after pancreatic surgery.Careful monitoring and meticulous follow-up are required for all patients post-operatively,especially in the case of confirmed POPF,which is the most significant risk factor for the development of a PPH.Angiography as a diagnostic and therapeutic method may be an optimal first-line treatment for the management of delayed PPHs.In our experience,endovascular treatment for hemorrhagic complications of pancreatic resections has shown satisfactory results.

Key challenges of post-liver transplant weight management

Liver transplantation serves as a life-saving intervention for patients with endstage liver disease,yet long-term survival remains a challenge.Post-liver transplant obesity seems to have a significant contribution to this challenge and it emerges as a significant risk factor for graft steatosis,metabolic syndrome and denovo malignancy development.This review synthesizes current literature on prevalence,risk factors and management strategies for post-liver transplant obesity,emphasizing its impact on graft and patient survival.Literature review consultation was conducted in Medline/PubMed,SciELO and EMBASE,with the combination of the following keywords:Weight management,liver transplantation,immunosuppressive therapy,lifestyle interventions,bariatric surgery.Immunosuppressive therapy has a significant influence on long-term survival of liver transplant patients,yet it seems to have lesser effect on post-transplant obesity development than previously thought.However,it significantly contributes to the development of other components of metabolic syndrome.Key predisposing factors for post-transplant obesity development encompass elevated recipient and donor body mass index,a history of alcoholic liver disease,hepatocellular carcinoma,male gender,the absence of cellular rejection and the marital status of the recipient.Tailored immunosuppressive regimens,pharmacotherapy,lifestyle interventions and bariatric surgery represent key components in mitigating post-transplant obesity and improving long-term survival and quality of life in this group of patients.Timely identification and intervention thus hold paramount importance.Further research is warranted to refine optimal management strategies and enhance outcomes in this patient population.

Spontaneous gastric hematoma as a rare cause of acute abdomen:A case report

BACKGROUND Spontaneous gastric hematoma is an exceedingly rare condition characterized by the accumulation of blood within the gastric wall without any apparent iatrogenic or traumatic cause.Coagulopathies are the most frequent cause of gastric he-matomas.However,other causes include amyloidosis,pancreatitis,visceral vas-cular aneurysms,endoscopy complications and others.The pathophysiology of spontaneous gastric hematoma is not completely understood.However,it is postulated that it is caused by disruption of submucosal vessels that leads to dissection of the muscularis layer and formation of false lumen.The rarity of this condition increases the challenge of diagnosis,and there is no standard treatment protocol.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a spontaneous gastric hematoma in a 22-year-old male.He presented to our emergency department complaining of pain in the left flank area lasting for 2 wk.There was no history of trauma,antico-agulant medications or endoscopy procedures.His hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were slightly lower than normal.Multi-slice computed tomography,ultrasound and endoscopy confirmed a gastric intramural hematoma.We recommended conservative treatment because there was no hemodynamic instability nor significant bleeding.The patient responded well,and there were no unexpected events.At the 3-mo follow-up,the ultrasound exa-mination revealed complete regression of the hematoma.CONCLUSION After reviewing the literature and our experience,we recommend that more of these cases should be treated conservatively.The tendency to treat these cases with potentially burdensome procedures such as total or subtotal gastrectomy should be significantly reduced.

Are treatment options used for adult-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus(equally)available and effective for children and adolescents?

Youth-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),influenced by an increase in obesity,is a rising problem worldwide.Pathophysiological mechanisms of this early-onset T2DM include both peripheral and hepatic insulin resistance,along with increa-sed hepatic fasting glucose production accompanied by inadequate first and second-phase insulin secretion.Moreover,the incretin effect is reduced.The initial presentation of type 2 diabetes can be dramatic and symptoms may overlap with those of type 1 diabetes mellitus.Therefore,immediate therapy should address hyperglycemia and associated metabolic derangements irrespective of ultimate diabetes type,while further therapy adjustments are prone to patients’pheno-type.New agents with proven glycemic and beyond glycemia benefits,such as Glucagon-like polypeptide 1 receptor agonists and Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors,used in the adult population of T2DM patients,might become increasingly important in the treatment armamentarium.Moreover,metabolic surgery is an option for markedly obese(body mass index>35 kg/m^(2))children and adolescents suffering from T2DM who have uncontrolled glycemia and/or serious comorbidities when lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions fail.In this mini-review,we will discuss the potential of treatment options considering new data available from randomized control trials,including individuals with adult-onset type diabetes mellitus.

Primary hyperparathyroidism-induced acute pancreatitis in pregnancy:A systematic review with a diagnostic-treatment algorithm

BACKGROUND Primary hyperparathyroidism(PHPT)-induced acute pancreatitis(AP)during pregnancy has rarely been described.Due to this rarity,there are no diagnostic or treatment algorithms for pregnant patients.AIM To determine appropriate diagnostic methods,therapeutic options,and factors related to maternal and fetal outcomes for PHPT-induced AP in pregnancy.METHODS A literature search of articles in English,Japanese,German,Spanish,and Italian was performed using PubMed(1946-2023),PubMed Central(1900-2023),and Google Scholar.The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)protocol was followed.The search terms included“pancreatite acuta,”“iperparatiroidismo primario,”“gravidanza,”“travaglio,”“puerperio,”“postpartum,”“akute pankreatitis,”“primärer hyperparathyreoidismus,”“Schwangerschaft,”“Wehen,”“Wochenbett,”“pancreatitis aguda,”“hiperparatiroidismo primario,”“embarazo,”“parto,”“puerperio,”“posparto,”“acute pancreatitis,”“primary hyperparathyroidism,”“pregnancy,”“labor,”“puerperium,”and“postpartum.”Additional studies were identified by reviewing the reference lists of retrieved studies.Demographic,imaging,surgical,obstetric,and outcome data were obtained.RESULTS Fifty-four cases were collected from the 51 studies.The median maternal age was 29 years.PHPT-induced AP starts at the 20th gestational week;higher gestational weeks were seen in mothers who died(mean gestational week 28).Median values of amylase(1399,Q1-Q3=519-2072),lipase(2072,Q1-Q3=893-2804),serum calcium(3.5,Q1-Q3=3.1-3.9),and parathormone(PTH)(384,Q1-Q3=123-910)were reported.In 46 cases,adenoma was the cause of PHPT,followed by 2 cases of carcinoma and 1 case of hyperplasia.In the remaining 5 cases,the diagnosis was not reported.Neck ultrasound was positive in 34 cases,whereas sestamibi was performed in 3 cases,and neck computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 9 cases(the enlarged parathyroid gland was not localized in 3 cases).Surgery was the preferred treatment during pregnancy in 33 cases(median week of gestation 25,Q1-Q3=20-30)and postpartum in 12 cases.The timing was not reported in the remaining 9 cases,or surgery was not performed.AP was managed surgically in 11 cases and conservatively in 43(79.6%)cases.Maternal and fetal mortality was 9.3%(5 cases).Surgery was more common in deceased mothers(60.0%vs 16.3%;P=0.052),and PTH values tended to be higher in this group(910 pg/mL vs 302 pg/mL;P=0.059).Maternal mortality was higher with higher serum lipase levels and earlier delivery week.Higher calcium(4.1 mmol/L vs 3.3 mmol/L;P=0.009)and PTH(1914 pg/mL vs 302 pg/mL;P=0.003)values increased fetal/child mortality,as well as abortions(40.0%vs 0.0%;P=0.007)and complex deliveries(60.0%vs 8.2%;P=0.01).CONCLUSION If serum calcium is not tested during admission,definitive diagnosis of PHPT-induced AP in pregnancy is delayed,while early diagnosis and immediate intervention lead to excellent maternal and fetal outcomes.

Immunology demystified: A guide for transplant hepatologists

Liver transplantation has become standard practice for treating end-stage liver disease.The success of the procedure relies on effective immunosuppressive medications to control the host's immune response.Despite the liver's inherent capacity to foster tolerance,the early post-transplant period is marked by significant immune reactivity.To ensure favorable outcomes,it is imperative to identify and manage various rejection types,encompassing T-cell-mediated,antibody-mediated,and chronic rejection.However,the approach to prescribing immunosuppressants relies heavily on clinical judgment rather than evidencebased criteria.Given that the majority of patients will require lifelong immunosuppression as the mechanisms underlying operational tolerance are still being investigated,healthcare providers must possess an understanding of immune responses,rejection mechanisms,and the pathways targeted by immunosuppressive drugs.This knowledge enables customization of treatments and improved patient care,even though a consensus on an optimal immunosuppressive regimen remains elusive.

Clinical analysis of propofol deep sedation for 1,104 patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures:A three year prospective study

AIM： To analyze the hemodynamic and respiratory effects of propofol on patients undergoing gastroscopy and colonoscopy. METHODS： In this prospective study, conducted over a period of three years, 1,104 patients referred for a same day GI endoscopy procedure were analyzed. All patients were given a propofol bolus （0.5-1.5 mg/kg）. Arterial blood pressure （BP） was monitored at 3 rain intervals and heart rate and oxygen saturation （SpO2） were recorded continuously by pulse oximetry. Analyzed data acquisition was carried out before, during, and after the procedure. RESULTS： A statistically significant reduction in mean arterial pressure was demonstrated （P〈0.001） when compared to pre-intervention values, but severe hypotension, defined as a systolic blood pressure below 60mmHg, was noted in only 5 patients （0.5%）. Oxygen saturation decreased from 96.5% to 94.4 % （P〈0.001）. A critical decrease in oxygen saturation （〈90%） was documented in 27 patients （2.4%）. CONCLUSION： Our results showed that propofol provided good sedation with excellent pain control, a short recovery time and no significant hemodynamic side effelts if carefully titrated. All the patients （and especially ASA Ⅲ group） require monitoring and care of an anesthesiologist.

How to treat an extensive form of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia?

We report a case of a 42-year-old man with a rare disorder known as primary intestinal lymphangiectasia,which is characterized by dilated intestinal lymphatics that lead to the development of protein-losing enteropathy. The patient presented with a grand mal seizure caused by malabsorption-derived electrolytes and a protein disorder. Signs of the disease, including chronic diarrhea and peripheral edema, manifested10 years ago, but a diagnosis was never made. The diagnosis was suspected because of the clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, imaging and endoscopic findings. Hyperemic and edematous mucosa of the small intestine corresponded to scattered white spots with dilated intestinal lymphatics and whitish villi in the histological specimen of the biopsied jejunal mucosa.Although numerous therapeutic strategies are available,only octreotide therapy proved to be an effective means of therapeutic resolution in this patient. Although the patient had a partial remission following the use of a slow release formula of octreotide, his prognosis, clinical course, and future treatment challenges are yet to be determined.

Current practice variations in the management of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in Croatia

AIM: To investigate current preferences and opinions on the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) injury in Croatia. METHODS: The survey was conducted using a questionnaire which was sent by e-mail to all 189 members of the Croatian Orthopaedic and Traumatology Association. Only respondents who had performed at least one ACL reconstruction during 2011 were asked to fill out the questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirty nine surgeons responded to the survey. Nearly all participants(95%) used semitendinosus/gracilis tendon autograft for reconstruction and only 5% used bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft. No other graft type had been used. The accessory anteromedial portal was preferred over the transtibial approach(67% vs 33%). Suspensory fixation was the most common graft fixation method(62%) for the femoral side, followed by the cross-pin(33%) and bioabsorbable interference screw(5%). Almost all respondents(97%) used a bioabsorbable interference screw for tibial side graft fixation. CONCLUSION: The results show that ACL reconstruction surgery in Croatia is in step with the recommendations from latest world literature.

Importance of genetic polymorphisms in liver transplantation outcomes

Although,liver transplantation serves as the only curative treatment for patients with end-stage liver diseases,it is burdened with complications,which affect survival rates.In addition to clinical risk factors,contribution of recipient and donor genetic prognostic markers has been extensively studied in order to reduce the burden and improve the outcomes.Determination of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)is one of the most important tools in development of personalized transplant approach.To provide a better insight in recent developments,we review the studies published in the last three years that investigated an association of recipient or donor SNPs with most common issues in liver transplantation:Acute cellular rejection,development of new-onset diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence,and tacrolimus concentration variability.Reviewed studies confirmed previously established SNP prognostic factors,such as PNPLA3 rs738409 for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease development,or the role of CYP3A5 rs776746 in tacrolimus concentration variability.They also identified several novel SNPs,with a reasonably strong association,which have the potential to become useful predictors of post-transplant complications.However,as the studies were typically conducted in one center on relatively low-to-moderate number of patients,verification of the results in other centers is warranted to resolve these limitations.Furthermore,of 29 reviewed studies,28 used gene candidate approach and only one implemented a genome wide association approach.Genome wide association multicentric studies are needed to facilitate the development of personalized transplant medicine.

Role of total pancreatectomy in the treatment of paraduodenal pancreatitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Paraduodenal pancreatitis(PP)is a rare form of chronic pancreatitis presenting with symptoms of duodenal obstruction.Conservative treatment is often unsuccessful and pancreaticoduodenectomy is the preferred surgical approach.A mini review of the outcomes of surgical therapy for PP shows that the results of pancreaticoduodenectomy are predominantly favorable.CASE SUMMARY In our case report of PP,we describe an unusual course first presenting with the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis and a pseudocyst of the pancreatic tail.A pseudocystojejunostomy was performed and the late postoperative course was complicated with the symptoms of duodenal obstruction.At laparotomy,PP was found and the patient was treated with a total pancreatectomy.The postoperative course was uneventful and good weight gain with resolution of pain was demonstrated at follow up visits.CONCLUSION Surgery is currently the optimal treatment option for PP.It is also the best diagnostic tool in distinguishing between pancreatitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Pre-and intraoperative predictors of acute kidney injury after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND Acute kidney injury(AKI)after liver transplantation(LT)is a frequent and multifactorial event related to increased morbidity and mortality.Risk factors for AKI after LT still need to be clarified.AIM To identify the predictors of acute kidney injury after liver transplantation.METHODS The frequency and pre-and intraoperative predictors of AKI within the first 7 d after LT were evaluated in adult liver transplant candidates in a single LT center in Croatia.AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease:Improving Global Outcomes criteria.RESULTS Out of 205 patients(mean age 57±10 years;73.7%males,52.7%with alcoholrelated liver disease)93(45.36%)developed AKI,and the majority of them(58.06%)had stage 1.Only 5.38%of patients required renal replacement therapy after LT.The majority of patients(82.8%)developed AKI within the first two days after the procedure.Multivariate logistic regression identified pre-LT body mass index(OR=1.1,95%CI:1.05-1.24)and red blood cell transfusion(OR=1.66,95%CI:1.09-2.53)as independent predictors of early post-LT AKI occurrence.30-d survival after LT was significantly better for patients without AKI(P=0.01).CONCLUSION Early AKI after LT is a frequent event that negatively impacts short-term survival.The pathogenesis of AKI is multifactorial,but pre-LT BMI and intraoperative volume shifts are major contributors.

Results of National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Croatia(2007-2011)

AIM:To study the epidemiologic indicators of uptake and characteristic colonoscopic findings in the Croatian National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program.METHODS:Colorectal cancer(CRC) was the second leading cause of cancer mortality in men(n = 1063,49.77/100 000),as well as women(n = 803,34.89/100 000) in Croatia in 2009.The Croatian National CRC Screening Program was established by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,and its implementation started in September,2007.The coordinators were recruited in each county institute of public health with an obligation to provide fecal occult blood testing(FOBT) to the participants,followed by colonoscopy in all positive cases.The FOBT was performed by hypersensitive guaiac-based Hemognost card test(Biognost,Zagreb).The test and short questionnaire were delivered to the home addresses of all citizens aged 50-74 years consecutively during a 3-year period.Each participant was required to complete the questionnaire and send it together with the stool specimen on three test cards back to the institute for further analysis.About 4% FOBT positive cases are expected in normal risk populations.A descriptive analysis was performed.RESULTS:A total of 1 056 694 individuals(born between 1933-1945 and 1952-1957) were invited to screening by the end of September 2011.In total,210 239(19.9%) persons returned the envelope with a completed questionnaire,and 181 102 of them returned it with a correctly placed stool specimen on FOBT cards.Until now,12 477(6.9%),FOBT-positive patients have been found,which is at the upper limit of the expected values in European Guidelines for Quality Assurance in CRC Screening and Diagnosis [European Union(EU) Guidelines].Colonoscopy was performed in 8541 cases(uptake 66%).Screening has identified CRC in 472 patients(5.5% of colonoscopied,3.8% of FOBT-positive,and 0.26% of all screened individuals).This is also in the expected range according to EU Guidelines.Polyps were found and removed in 3329(39% of colonoscopied) patients.The largest number of polyps were found in the left half of the colon:64%(19%,37% and 8% in the rectum,sigma,and descendens,respectively).The other 36% were detected in the proximal part(17% in the transverse colon and 19% in ceco-ascending colon).Small polyps in the rectum(5-10 mm in diameter),sigmoid and descending colon were histologically found to be tubular adenomas in 60% of cases,with a low degree of dysplasia,and 40% were classified as hyperplastic.Polyps of this size in the transverse or ceco-ascending colon in almost 20% had a histologically villous component,but still had a low degree of dysplasia.Polyps sized 10-20 mm in diameter were in 43% cases tubulovillous,and among them,32% had areas with a high degree of dysplasia,especially those polyps in the cecoascending or transverse part.The characteristics of the Croatian CRC Screening National Program in the first 3 years were as follows:relatively low percentage of returned FOBT,higher number of FOBT-positive persons but still in the range for population-based programs,and higher number of pathologic findings(polyps and cancers).CONCLUSION:These results suggest a need for intervention strategies that include organizational changes and educational activities to improve awareness of CRC screening usefulness and increase participation rates.

Does shifting to professional emergency department staffing affect the decision for chest radiography?

BACKGROUND: The study aims to determine whether shifting to professional emergency department(ED) teams leads to a higher rate of radiologic workup.METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a total of 2,000 patients presenting to the ED of a tertiary teaching hospital in two time periods: group 1(G1) comprised 1,000 consecutive patients enrolled from December 21, 2012 to January 5, 2013(all patients were examined by an internal medicine specialist);group 2(G2) comprised 1,000 consecutive patients enrolled from December 21, 2018 to January 3, 2019(all patients were examined by an emergency physician).RESULTS: The chest X-ray(CXR) was performed in 40.6% of all patients. There was no difference in the frequency of CXR(38.9% in G1 vs. 42.3% in G2, P=0.152). More CXRs were performed in G2 patients older than 65 years, in female patients older than 65 years, in patients presenting during the evening and night shifts or off-hours, in patients with a history of malignancy, in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, and in patients with bradycardia, but fewer in patients presenting with arrhythmia. No difference in the rates of pathological CXR was found(47.3% in G1 vs. 52.2% in G2, P=0.186). Compared with G2, higher sensitivity and specificity were obtained for the binary logistic regression model predicting pathological findings in G1.CONCLUSIONS: Shifting to professional ED teams does not increase radiologic workup. By implementing deliberate usage of ultrasound, some self-governing procedures, case-oriented investigations, and center-specific recommendations, unnecessary radiologic workup can be avoided. Professional ED teams could lead to a higher standard of emergency care.

Febrile cholestatic disease as an initial presentation of nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

Febrile cholestatic liver disease is an extremely unusual presentation of Hodgkin lymphoma(HL).The liver biopsy of a 40-year-old man with febrile episodes and cholestatic laboratory pattern disclosed an uncommon subtype of HL,a nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL(NLPHL).Liver involvement in the early stage of the usually indolent NLPHL's clinical course suggests an aggressiveness and unfavorable outcome.Emphasizing a liver biopsy early in the diagnostic algorithm enables accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.Although rare,HL should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cholestasis.

流感与COVID-19患者的免疫球蛋白G糖基化差异

The essential role of immunoglobulin G(IgG)in immune system regulation and combatting infectious diseases cannot be fully recognized without an understanding of the changes in its N-glycans attached to the asparagine 297 of the fragment crystallizable(Fc)domain that occur under such circumstances.These glycans impact the antibody stability,half-life,secretion,immunogenicity,and effector functions.Therefore,in this study,we analyzed and compared the total IgG glycome—at the level of individual glycan structures and derived glycosylation traits(sialylation,galactosylation,fucosylation,and bisecting Nacetylglucosamine(GlcNAc))—of 64 patients with influenza,77 patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),and 56 healthy controls.Our study revealed a significant decrease in IgG galactosylation,sialylation,and bisecting GlcNAc(where the latter shows the most significant decrease)in deceased COVID19 patients,whereas IgG fucosylation was increased.On the other hand,IgG galactosylation remained stable in influenza patients and COVID-19 survivors.IgG glycosylation in influenza patients was more time-dependent:In the first seven days of the disease,sialylation increased and fucosylation and bisecting GlcNAc decreased;in the next 21 days,sialylation decreased and fucosylation increased(while bisecting GlcNAc remained stable).The similarity of IgG glycosylation changes in COVID-19 survivors and influenza patients may be the consequence of an adequate immune response to enveloped viruses,while the observed changes in deceased COVID-19 patients may indicate its deviation.

Current concept in dysplastic hip arthroplasty: Techniques for acetabular and femoral reconstruction

Adult patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip develop secondary osteoarthritis and eventually end up with total hip arthroplasty(THA) at younger age. Because of altered anatomy of dysplastic hips, THA in these patients represents technically demanding procedure. Distorted anatomy of the acetabulum and proximal femur together with conjoined leg length discrepancy present major challenges during performing THA in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. In addition, most patients are at younger age, therefore, soft tissue balance is of great importance(especially the need to preserve the continuity of abductors) to maximise postoperative functional result. In this paper we present a variety of surgical techniques availablefor THA in dysplastic hips, their advantages and disadvantages. For acetabular reconstruction following techniques are described: Standard metal augments(prefabricated), Custom made acetabular augments(3D printing), Roof reconstruction with vascularized fibula, Roof reconstruction with pedicled iliac graft, Roof reconstruction with autologous bone graft, Roof reconstruction with homologous bone graft, Roof reconstruction with auto/homologous spongious bone, Reinforcement ring with the hook in combination with autologous graft augmentation, Cranial positioning of the acetabulum, Medial protrusion technique(cotyloplasty) with chisel, Medial protrusion technique(cotyloplasty) with reaming, Cotyloplasty without spongioplasty. For femoral reconstruction following techniques were described: Distraction with external fixator, Femoral shortening through a modified lateral approach, Transtrochanteric osteotomies, Paavilainen osteotomy, Lesser trochanter osteotomy, Double-chevron osteotomy, Subtrochanteric osteotomies, Diaphyseal osteotomies, Distal femoral osteotomies. At the end we present author's treatment method of choice: for acetabulum we perform cotyloplasty leaving only paper-thin medial wall, which we break during acetabular cup impacting. For femoral side first we peel of all rotators and posterior part of gluteus medius and vastus lateralis from greater trochanter on the very thin flake of bone. This method allows us to adequately shorten proximal femoral stump, with possibility of additional resection of proximal femur. Furthermore, several advantages and disadvantages of this procedure are also discussed.

Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration and useful ancillary methods

The role of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) in evaluating pancreatic pathology has been well documented from the beginning of its clinical use. High spatial resolution and the close proximity to the evaluated organs within the mediastinum and abdominal cavity allow detection of small focal lesions and precise tissue acquisition from suspected lesions within the reach of this method. Fine needle aspiration(FNA) is considered of additional value to EUS and is performed to obtain tissue diagnosis. Tissue acquisition from suspected lesions for cytological or histological analysis allows, not only the differentiation between malignant and non-malignant lesions, but, in most cases, also the accurate distinction between the various types of malignant lesions. It is well documented that the best results are achieved only if an adequate sample is obtained for further analysis, if the material is processed in an appropriate way, and if adequate ancillary methods are performed. This is a multi-step process and could be quite a challenge in some cases. In this article, we discuss the technical aspects of tissue acquisition by EUS-guided-FNA(EUS-FNA), as well as the role of an on-site cytopathologist, various means of specimen processing, and the selection of the appropriate ancillary method for providing an accurate tissue diagnosis and maximizing the yield of this method. The main goal of this review is to alert endosonographers, not only to the different possibilities of tissue acquisition, namely EUS-FNA, but also to bring to their attention the importance of proper sample processing in the evaluation of various lesions in the gastrointestinal tract and other accessible organs. All aspects of tissue acquisition(needles, suction, use of stylet, complications, etc.) have been well discussed lately. Adequate tissue samples enable comprehensive diagnoses, which answer the main clinical questions, thus enabling targeted therapy.

Liver regeneration as treatment target for severe alcoholic hepatitis

Severe alcoholic hepatitis(AH)is a distinct entity in the spectrum of alcoholrelated liver disease,with limited treatment options and high mortality.Supportive medical care with corticosteroids in selected patients is the only currently available treatment option,often with poor outcomes.Based on the insights into the pathogenetic mechanisms of AH,which are mostly obtained from animal studies,several new treatment options are being explored.Studies have implicated impaired and deranged liver regeneration processes as one of the culprit mechanisms and a potential therapeutic target.Acknowledging evidence for the beneficial effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF)on liver regeneration and immunomodulation in animal models,several human studies investigated its role in the treatment of advanced alcohol-related liver disease and AH.Contrary to the previously published studies suggesting benefits of G-CSF in the outcomes of patients with severe AH,these effects were not confirmed by a recently published multicenter randomized trial,suggesting that other options should rather be pursued.Stem cell transplantation represents another option for improving liver regeneration,but evidence for its efficacy in patients with severe AH and advanced alcohol-related liver disease is still very scarce and unconvincing,with established lack of efficacy in patients with compensated cirrhosis.In this review,we summarize the current knowledge on the pathogenesis and experimental therapies targeting liver regeneration.The lack of high-quality studies and evidence is a major obstacle in further treatment development.New insights into the pathogenesis of not only liver injury,but also liver regeneration processes are mandatory for the development of new treatment options.A reliable experimental model of the pathogenesis of AH and processes involved in liver recovery is still missing,and data obtained from animal studies are essential for future research.

Gut peptide changes in patients with obstructive jaundice undergoing biliary drainage:A prospective case control study

BACKGROUND Biliary obstruction is a relatively common condition that affects approximately 5 in 1000 people annually.Malnutrition is very common in patients with biliary obstruction and since it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality,it is important to identify factors and mechanisms involved in its development.AIM To determine the influence of obstructive jaundice on the hormones controlling appetite and nutritive status.METHODS This was a prospective case control study performed in a tertiary center in Zagreb,Croatia.Patients with biliary obstruction undergoing internal biliary drainage from September 2012 until August 2013 were enrolled.After excluding patients who developed procedure related complications or were lost in the follow-up,out of initial 73 patients,55 patients were included in the analysis,including 34 with benign and 21 with malignant disease.Meanwhile,40 non-jaundiced controls were also included.Appetite,nutritional status,and serum ghrelin,cholecystokinin(CCK),interleukin 6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α)were determined at admission,48 h and 28 d after internal biliary drainage.Chi square test was used for categorical variables.Continuous variables were analysed for normality by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and relevant non-parametric(Mann-Whitney,Kruskal-Wallis,and Friedman)or parametric(t-test and analysis of variance)tests were used.RESULTS Patients with obstructive jaundice were significantly malnourished compared to controls,regardless of disease etiology.Plasma ghrelin and CCK levels were significantly higher in patients with obstructive jaundice.Serum bilirubin concentrations were negatively correlated with ghrelin levels and positively correlated with TNF-α,but had no correlation with CCK concentrations.After internal biliary drainage,a significant improvement of nutritional status was observed although serum concentrations of ghrelin,IL-6,and TNF-α remained significantly elevated even 28 d after the procedure.CCK levels in patients without malnutrition remained elevated 28 d after the procedure,but in patients with malnutrition,CCK levels decreased to levels comparable with those in the control group.We have not established any correlation between appetite and serum levels of ghrelin,CCK,IL-6,and TNF-α before and after biliary drainage.CONCLUSION Possible abnormalities in ghrelin and CCK regulation may be associated with the development ofmalnutrition during the inflammatory response in patients with biliary obstruction.