Treatment of a patient with severe lactic acidosis and multiple organ failure due to mitochondrial myopathy:A case report

BACKGROUND Mitochondrial myopathy is a rare genetic disease with maternal inheritance that may involve multiple organ systems.Due to the lack of typical characteristics,its clinical diagnosis is difficult,and it is often misdiagnosed or even missed.CASE SUMMARY The patient was a young college student.When he presented at the hospital,he had severe lactic acidosis,respiratory failure,and shock with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS).He was treated by mechanical ventilation,venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation,and other organ support.However,his condition continued to worsen.After a thorough and detailed medical and family history was taken,a mitochondrial crisis was suspected.A muscle biopsy was taken.Further genetic testing confirmed a mitochondrial gene mutation(TRNL13243A>G).The final diagnosis of mitochondrial myopathy was made.Although there is no known specific treatment,intravenous methylprednisone and intravenous immunoglobulin were started.The patient’s shock eventually improved.The further course was complicated by severe infection in multiple sites,severe muscle weakness,and recurrent MODS.After 2 mo of multidisciplinary management and intensive rehabilitation,the patient could walk with assistance 4 mo after admission and walk independently 6 mo after admission.CONCLUSION More attention should be paid to mitochondrial myopathy to avoid missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.

Morphological changes in interstitial cells of Cajal in the deep muscular plexus and enteric motor neurons of the intestine in rats with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

BACKGROUND：Gastrointestinal motility dysfunction in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome （MODS） has been reported to be related to damage to interstitial cells of Cajal （ICC）. In the entedc nervous system, ICC and smooth muscle cells are connected in a network to form a special functional unit. Many gastrointestinal motility dysfunction diseases are associated with damage to this network.OBJECTIVE：To investigate the morphological changes of intestinal ICC, and to explore the mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal motility dysfunction in rats with MODS.DESIGN, TIME AND SE＇I-FING：The randomized, controlled, experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University of China between June 2007 and March 2009.MATERIALS：Escherichia coli （E. colistrain O127 H6） and bovine serum albumin were purchased from Sigma, USA.METHODS：A total of 40 Wistar rats were equally and randomly divided into MODS group and control group. Suspension of E. coil strain O127 H6 containing BaSO4 and saline were sterilely injected into the abdominal cavity of rats in the MODS and control groups, respectively.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES：Immunohistochemical double-staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to observe the morphological changes in intestinal cholinergic nerves and ICC in the deep muscular plexus network. Electron microscopy was employed to evaluate the ultrastructural features of ICC in the deep muscular plexus of rats with MODS.RESULTS：Compared with the control group, the distributions and densities of cholinergic/nitrergic newes and ICC in the deep muscular plexus were significantly decreased in the MODS group （P 〈 0.01）. The enteric nerve-ICC network were disrupted.CONCLUSION：There is ultrastructural injury in the ICC in the deep muscular plexus and enteric nerves of the intestine in rats with MODS, which may be associated with the dysmotility of the gastrointestinal tract in MODS.

Clinical Effects of Intensive Insulin Therapy Treating Traumatic Shock Combined with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

The therapeutic effects of intensive insulin therapy in treatment of traumatic shock combined with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome （MODS） were investigated. A total of 114 patients with traumatic shock combined with MODS were randomly divided into two groups： control group （n=56） treated with conventional therapy, and intensive insulin therapy group （n=58） treated with conventional therapy plus continuous insulin pumping to control the blood glucose level at range of 4.4-6.1 mmol/L. White blood cells （WBC） counts, prothrombin time （PT）, serum creatinine （SCr）, alanine aminotransferase （ALT）, serum albumin and PaO2 were measured before and at the day 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 after treatment. The incidence of gastrointestinal dysfunction, the incidence of MODS, hospital stay and the mortality were also observed and compared. After intensive insulin therapy, the WBC counts, SCr, ALT and PT were significantly reduced （P0.05）, but the level of serum albumin was significantly increased （P0.05） at the day 3, 5, 7 and 14. In the meantime, the PaO2 was significantly elevated at the day 3, 5 and 7 （P0.01） after intensive insulin therapy. The incidence of gastrointestinal dysfunction, the incidence of MODS, the length of hospital stay and the mortality were markedly decreased （P0.01）. The results suggest early treatment with intensive insulin therapy is effective for traumatic shock combined with MODS and can decrease the length of hospital stay and the mortality.

Application of bedside continuous blood purification in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndromes

BACKGROUND:The complications of systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS)include acute lung injury,acute kidney injury,shock,and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS).In recent years,how to clear inflammatory mediators has become a hot topic in critical care medicine.Researchers hypothesize that continuous blood purification(CBP) can effectively eliminate a variety of inflammatory mediators which participate in the occurrence of MODS and adjust the immune imbalance.This study aimed to observe the effects of CBP in MODS patients.METHODS:In this retrospective clinical study,a total of 38 MODS patients,18 males and 20 females,were enrolled.After conventional therapy,all the patients received CBP.Biochemistry,blood gas analysis,oxygenation index,mean arterial blood pressure(MAP),acute physiology and chronic health evaluation(APACHE) II scores were monitored.RESULTS:After CBP,the vital signs of patients were rapidly stable,and electrolyte disorders and acid-base imbalance were corrected.Renal function,blood gas,oxygenation index were all improved.MAP was increased,and APACHE II score was significantly decreased.All patients had good tolerance,stable hemodynamics,and no obvious adverse reaction on CBP compared with pre-CBP.CONCLUSION:CBP can effectively clean toxins,correct electrolyte acid-base balance,and improve systemic inflammatory response syndrome and the organ function of MODS patients.

Blood hemoperfusion with resin adsorption combined continuous veno-venous hemofiltration for patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

BACKGROUND:Blood hemoperfusion with resin adsorption can clean larger molecules that exceed the molecular weight cutoff of combined continuous veno-venous hemofiltration(CWH).Hence blood hemoperfusion with resin adsorption combined CWH(HP+CWH) has higher ability of mediator clearance,and can improve clinical outcomes in theory.This study aimed to investigate the effect of blood hemoperfusion with resin adsorption combined continuous veno-venous hemofiltration(HP+CWH) on plasm cytokines like TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,cellular immunity and prognosis in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS).METHODS:This was a prospective,randomized clinical trial.A total of 30 patients who had been diagnosed with MODS were enrolled in this study.Patients were randomly allocated to routine treatment+HP+CWH group(treatment group) and routine treatment+only CWH group(control group).In the treatment group,patients received blood hemoperfusion with resin adsorption for 2hours,and then received CWH for 10 hours every day.In the control group,patients received CWH for 12 hours only every day.The patients in the two groups received blood purification therapy for three days.The plasma of patients in the treatment group was obtained at 0,2,12,24,26,36,48,50,60 hours,5th day,7th day and 10 th day,respectively.The plasma of patients in the control group was obtained at 0,12,24,36,48,60 hours,5th day,7th day and 10 th day,respectively.APACHE Ⅱscore,T-lymphocytes subpopulations,blood lactate acid concentration,heart rate,breathing rate,and oxygenation index were observed.RESULTS:Plasma cytokines like TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 decreased markedly after HP(P<0.01);T-lymphocytes subpopulations CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,CD4+/CD8+ increased after HP+CWH or only CWH.The plasma concentrations of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in the two groups were not markedly different at 12,36,and 50 hours.But on the 5th day,the plasma concentrations of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).On the 28 th day,5patients died in the treatment group,and 6 patients in the control group.CONCLUSIONS:Both HP+CWH and CWH can clean plasma cytokines like TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6,and improve cellular immunity and clinical symptoms and signs of patients.Compared with only CWH,the plasma concentrations of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 were lower on the 5th day,and patients have an increased survival rate on the 28 day in the HP+CWH group.

Multiple organ dysfunction and rhabdomyolysis associated with moonwort poisoning: Report of four cases

BACKGROUND Moonwort is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine. It has various pharmacological effects, such as relieving cough and preventing asthma. To date,multiple organ dysfunction and rhabdomyolysis caused by moonwort poisoning have not been reported.CASE SUMMARY Here we report four cases of moonwort poisoning that presented with multiple organ dysfunction and rhabdomyolysis accompanied by vomiting, fatigue, and muscle aches. One patient was an adult male, two were adult females, and one was a boy, with an age range of 7–64 years. The adults were treated with hemoperfusion and symptomatic therapies, while the child was treated with plasma exchange and symptomatic therapies. All four patients recovered.CONCLUSION Blood purification combined with symptomatic treatment may be an effective method for managing multiple organ dysfunction and rhabdomyolysis caused by acute moonwort poisoning.

Multiple-Organ Extracorporeal Support Therapies in Critically Ill Patients

The critically ill patient is capable of presenting a multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) caused by different diseases, which can be infectious (sepsis, septic shock) as well as non-infectious (pancreatitis, large surgeries, traumatic injuries, burn patients and brain injuries), this syndrome is characterized by global hemodynamic and organ perfusion alterations accompanied by an uncontrolled and marked inflammatory response unresponsive to pharmacological treatment due to which extracorporeal organ support can be a viable option. Acute renal lesion can occur in up to 60% of patients receiving intensive care, and close to 10% - 20% require renal replacement therapy (RRT) globally this can be provided as peritoneal dialysis (PD) or intermittent hemodialysis (IHD), continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), hybrid therapies known as sustained slow efficiency dialysis (SLED), which combines the benefits IHD and CRRT, slow continuous ultrafiltration (SCUF). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and extracorporeal elimination of CO2, have been used more frequently lately, these are temporal artificial support used for respiratory and/or cardiac insufficiency that is refractory to conventional treatment. Acute liver failure in adults has a mortality rate close to 50% furthermore one-third of patients hospitalized for cirrhosis are likely to progress to acute liver failure which will drastically increase its mortality. Based on concepts of albumin dialysis, one of its most known is the following: Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS), Fractionated Plasma Separation and Absorption—FPSA (Prometheus®) and also, hemoperfusion with different cartridges used in different extracorporeal therapies, used in liver failure, rhabdomyolysis, cytokine release syndrome and more in the context of the pandemic covid19. The objective of this review is to know the different extracorporeal therapies and the therapeutic utility in critical patients.

Association of low non-invasive near-infrared spectroscopic measurements during initial trauma resuscitation with future development of multiple organ dysfunction

BACKGROUND: Near-infrared spectroscopy(NIRS) non-invasively monitors muscle tissue oxygen saturation(St O2). It may provide a continuous noninvasive measurement to identify occult hypoperfusion, guide resuscitation, and predict the development of multiple organ dysfunction(MOD) after severe trauma. We evaluated the correlation between initial St O2 and the development of MOD in multi-trauma patients.METHODS: Patients presenting to our urban, academic, Level I Trauma Center/Emergency Department and meeting standardized trauma-team activation criteria were enrolled in this prospective trial. NIRS monitoring was initiated immediately on arrival with collection of St O2 at the thenar eminence and continued up to 24 hours for those admitted to the Trauma Intensive Care Unit(TICU). Standardized resuscitation laboratory measures and clinical evaluation tools were collected. The primary outcome was the association between initial St O2 and the development of MOD within the f irst 24 hours based on a MOD score of 6 or greater. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed; numeric means, multivariate regression and rank sum comparisons were utilized. Clinicians were blinded from the StO 2 values.RESULTS: Over a 14 month period, 78 patients were enrolled. Mean age was 40.9 years(SD 18.2), 84.4% were male, 76.9% had a blunt trauma mechanism and mean injury severity score(ISS) was 18.5(SD 12.9). Of the 78 patients, 26(33.3%) developed MOD within the first 24 hours. The MOD patients had mean initial St O2 values of 53.3(SD 10.3), signifi cantly lower than those of nonMOD patients 61.1(SD 10.0); P=0.002. The mean ISS among MOD patients was 29.9(SD 11.5), significantly higher than that of non-MODS patients, 12.1(SD 9.1)(P<0.0001). The mean shock index(SI) among MOD patients was 0.92(SD 0.28), also signifi cantly higher than that of non-MODS patients, 0.73(SD 0.19)(P=0.0007). Lactate values were not signifi cantly different between groups.CONCLUSION: Non-invasive, continuous St O2 near-infrared spectroscopy values during initial trauma resuscitation correlate with the later development of multiple organ dysfunction in this patient population.

A Case Report of Scrub Typhus: Secondary Acute Arrest of Hemopoiesis with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndromes

Scrub typhus is a zoonotic disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi (O. tsutsugamushi) in which humans are accidental hosts. Acute arrest of hemopoiesis (AAH) always manifests in pancytopenia and with supportive treatment or inducement removal, the AAH patients would show significant improvement in blood routine for about a week. As a rapidly progressive and potentially life-threatening organ function disorder syndrome, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is often induced by many factors including infection, illness and injury. We received a rare case of scrub typhus rapidly presenting with AAH and MODS 2 weeks ago. The clinical data of a 32-year-old female with O. tsutsugamushi-induced AAH and MODS was summarized retrospectively and analyzed with a literature review. In this case, we selected tigecycline and moxifloxacin as treatment regimens for scrub typhus. When the potential infection was controlled, her pancytopenia and hepatic function rapidly improved in a few days.

Successful treatment of severe burn patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome:A case report

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is the presence of altered organ function of two or more organ systems in acute ill patients with severe trauma,burn,shock and infection.In this case,the patient with burn area amounted to 95%and the third-degree burn was up to 90%.He underwent gastrointestinal tract,blood clotting,lung,brain,heart,liver dysfunction,and cardiac arrest for 30 minutes during the courses of treatment,and was discharged from the hospital after 108 days on the basis of comprehensive treatment and repeated skin grafting.

Vascular endothelium,a promising target for effectively treating fulminant diquat intoxication?

Following the withdrawal of paraquat,diquat(DQ)has emerged as the predominant herbicide.When people come into contact with or ingest DQ,may lead to poisoning and potentially fatal outcomes.Reports suggest that the mortality of DQ poisoning can be as high as 50%.DQ poisoning can be categorized as mild,moderate to severe or fulminant.In cases of fulminant poisoning,victims often succumb to multiple organ failure within 48 h.This presents a significant challenge in the clinical management.Scholars have discovered that oxidative stress,inflammatory injury,and cell apoptosis play crucial roles in the DQ poisoning.However,the underlying connection of the extensive organ damage remains unknown.The abnormal function and activity of endothelial cells(EC)should play a crucial role in tissue damage caused by DQ due to rich microcirculation and high sensitivity to perfusion in the vulnerable organs.However,reports on DQ-induced EC injury is rare.We made a preliminary discovery-the presence of severe vascular endothelial damage in the kidneys and lungs affected by DQ.Therefore,we hypothesize that DQ poisoning may be attributed to EC damage,ultimately resulting in multiple organ failure.

Acute diffuse peritonitis secondary to a seminal vesicle abscess:A case report

BACKGROUND Seminal vesicle abscess(SVA)is the manifestation of a relatively rare urinary system infection.In response to urinary system inflammation,an abscess forms in special locations.However,acute diffuse peritonitis(ADP)induced by SVA is unusual.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a left SVA in a male patient complicated with pelvic abscess,ADP,multiple organ dysfunction syndrome,infectious shock,bacteremia,and acute appendiceal extraserous suppurative inflammation as a result of a long-term indwelling urinary catheter.The patient received a course of morinidazole+cefminol antibiotics but showed no obvious relief,so the perineal SVA underwent puncture drainage and abdominal abscess drainage+appendectomy was performed.The operations were successful.After the operation,anti-infection,anti-shock,and nutritional support treatments were continued and various laboratory indicators were regularly reviewed.The patient was discharged from the hospital after recovery.This disease is a challenge for the clinician because of the unusual spreading path of the abscess.Moreover,appropriate intervention and adequate drainage of abdominal and pelvic lesions are necessary,especially when the primary focus cannot be determined.CONCLUSION The etiology of ADP varies,but acute peritonitis secondary to SVA is very rare.In this patient,the left SVA not only affected the adjacent prostate and bladder but also spread retrogradely through the vas deferens,forming a pelvic abscess in the loose tissues of the extraperitoneal fascia layer.Inflammation involving the peritoneal layer led to ascites and pus accumulation in the abdominal cavity,and appendix involvement led to extraserous suppurative inflammation.In clinical practice,surgeons need to consider the results of various laboratory tests and imaging examinations to make comprehensive judgments involving the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Epidemiology and clinico-laboratory manifestations of scrub typhus in Hadoti region of Rajasthan,India:A cross-sectional study

Objective:To study epidemiology,clinical manifestations,and laboratory parameters of scrub typhus in Hadoti region of Rajasthan,India.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 patients with scrub typhus between August 2022 and November 2022.Scrub typhus was diagnosed by ELISA IgM scrub typhus antibody.The data about demography,vital parameters,and lab investigations were collected and analyzed.Results:Ninety-two percent of the patients were from a rural background(92%),86% were farmers and the majority were females.Most patients were 40-60 years old.The major complaints were fever(100%),myalgia(100%),headache(82%),and body swelling(80%).Major complications were pneumonia(68%),multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(62%),hepatitis(44%),and acute kidney injury(42%).Triglyceride levels were>200 mg/dL in 80% of patients,albumin<3.5 g/dL in 98% and eschar mark was present in 24%of patients.Conclusions:Scrub typhus is a serious acute febrile illness that can lead to multi-organ dysfunction and is associated with significant mortality.Increasing awareness regarding disease in endemic regions,early screening of patients,and treatment as early as possible could help prevent the patient from severe life-threatening complications.

Mutating Escherichia coli caused multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

Pathogenic Escherichia coli is of great concern in the clinical setting.But few reports have demonstrated the variation in disease course.We present a severe case of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome caused by E.coli infection.Pathogens isolated from blood and urine samples harboured many virulence factors.Whole‐genome sequencing and conventional analyses showed that the isolates experienced beneficial variations,both genetically and phenotypically,during the disease course.These findings showed that E.coli can cause sys-temic symptoms and informed us of the importance of assessing the reasons for such variations in pathogens occurring in vivo.

Close Correlation between Development of MODS during the Initial 72h of Hospitalization and Hospital Mortality in Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome

An emerging infectious disease was identified as severe fever with thrombocytopenia syn- drome （SFTS） in central China since late March 2009. We found the patients with SFTS had severe clinical symptoms, and progressed rapidly to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome （MODS） with high fatality rate of 25%-30%. The aim of this study was to assess the significance of risk factors predicting the development of MODS and death in SFTS patients. Consecutive SFTS admissions between May 2009 and September 2011 were analyzed for parameters of organ function during hospitalization using Marshall scoring system for MODS, and platelet counts were recorded on admission and at 24, 48, 72 h and one week after admission. We investigated the kinetics of organ failures and analyzed the associa- tion between age, platelet count and development of MODS or death. A total of 92 SFTS patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 32 patients with dysfunction of over 4 organs were identified, 45% of them died within 72 h, 72% died within 5 days, and 76% died within 7 days after admission. We also found cumulative Marshall score was significantly higher in death patients （11.76＋2.05） than in survival patients （4.22~1.98） （P〈0.001）. In addition, SFTS patients had older age and lower platelet counts in MODS and death groups. Furthermore, we also observed that there was a close correlation between platelet count on admission and Marshall score （P〈0.001）. High Marshall score, advanced age and lower platelet counts were the main risk factors for the development of MODS, and those factors could predict mortality in SFTS patients, suggesting prompt treatment and close monitoring of severe complications, especially MODS, are of great importance in saving patients＇ lives.

Prognosis and weaning of elderly multiple organ dysfunction syndrome patients with invasive mechanical ventilation

Background Elderly multiple organ dysfunction syndrome （MODS） patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation have poor prognosis in intensive care units （ICUs）.We studied the usefulness of four commonly used severity scores and extrapulmonary factors that affected weaning to predict outcome of such patients.Methods Clinical data of 197 patients on admission to ICUs （from January 2009 to June 2012） were used retrospectively.The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation （APACHE） Ⅱ,APACHE Ⅲ,Sample Acute Physiological Score （SAPS） Ⅱ and MODS scores were calculated.All the patients were grouped into survivors and nonsurvivors according to the prognosis.Patients,who weaned from ventilator （n=154）,were subdivided into a successful weaning group and a failed weaning group.The receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curves and Logistic regression was used for prognostic and weaning assessment.Results Based on the outcomes,the areas under the ROC of APACHE Ⅱ,APACHE Ⅲ,SAPS Ⅱ,and MODS were 0.837,0.833,0.824,and 0.837,respectively.The Logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio （OR） of underlying lung diseases,serum albumin and creatinine,and the number of organ failures was 2.374,0.920,1.003,and 1.547.APACHE Ⅱ scores on admission performed excellent （ROC：0.921） on the weaning assessments.Conclusions APACHE Ⅱ and MODS systems were marginally better for evaluating the prognosis of elderly MODS patients who received invasive mechanical ventilation.Underlying lung diseases,serum albumin,serum creatinine and the number of organ failures were independent prognostic factors.Using the APACHE Ⅱ scores on admission before weaning may increase the likelihood of successful weaning.（ClinicalTrial.gov identifier NCT01802983）.

Morphological Changes in Network of Enteric Nerve-Interstitial Cells of Cajal-Smooth Muscle Cells in Rats with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome and Therapeutic Effects of Dachengqi Decoction (大承气汤)

Objective： To observe the effects of Dachengqi Decoction （大承气汤, DCQD） on morphological changes in the network of enteric nerve-interstitial cells of Cajal （ICCs）-smooth muscle cells （SMC） of enteric deep muscular plexuses （DMP） in the rats with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome （MODS）. Methods： One hundred Wistar rats of both sexes weighing 200 to 250 g were randomly divided into the control group, MODS group, and DCQD group. The morphologic changes of enteric nerve-ICC-SMC network in the DMP of intestine was observed using c-Kit and vesicular acetylcholine transporter/neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunohistochemical double-staining with whole-mount preparation technique, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and electron microscopy. Results： Compared with the control group, the distribution and densities of cholinergic/nitrergic nerves and ICC in the DMP （ICC-DMP） of intestine in the MODS group were significantly decreased （P0.01）, and the network of cholinergic nerve-ICC-SMC was disrupted; and the ultrastructural features of ICC-DMP, enteric nerve, and SMC were severely damaged. After treatment with DCQD, the damage in the network of enteric nerve-ICC-SMC was significantly recovered. Compared with the MODS group, the distribution and densities of cholinergic/nitrergic nerves and ICC-DMP in the DCQD group were significantly increased （P0.01）; and the ultrastructural features of ICC-DMP, enteric nerve, smooth muscle cells were significantly recovered. Conclusions： DCQD can improve the gastrointestinal motility in MODS. The mechanism may be related to the effect of repairing the damages in the network of enteric nerve-ICC-SMC.

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome due to massive wasp stings： an autopsy case report

We reported a case of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome （MODS） following about 300 wasp stings. The diagnosis was based on autopsy findings of acute pulmonary edema, acute kidney injury, hepatic and cardiac dysfunction, and cerebral edema. MODS is a life-threatening complication, and should be considered a possibility after multiple wasp stings. Our autopsy helped to establish the cause of unexpected death due to wasp stings and to elucidate a possible mechanism of MODS.

Clinical Study on Therapy of Clearing Hallow Viscera in Treating Critical Patients with Gastro-enteric Function Disorder

Objective： To explore the clinical effect of therapy of clearing hallow viscera in treating critical patients with gastro-enteric function disorder （GEFD）. Methods： Retrospective analysis was carried out on 96 critical patients. They were 48 patients in the treated group treated with Dachengqi Decoction （ 大承气汤） and 48 patients in the control group treated with Western medicine for promoting gastric dynamic force. The recovery rate, recovery time of gastro-enteric function, incidence rate and fatality rate of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome （MODS）, as well as the level of plasma endotoxin （ET） before and after treatment between the two groups were compared. Results： Comparison between the two groups in gastro-enteric function recovery rate （81.3% vs 45.8 %）, functional disorder sustaining time in patients who got recovered （1.2± 0.3 daysvs4.0±1.1 days）, incidence rate （29. 17% vs 52.08%） and fatality rate （28.57% vs 56.00%） of MODS all showed significant difference （ P〈0.05 or P〈0.01 ）. The plasma level of ET after treatment in the treated group was significantly lower than that in the control group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Therapy of clearing hallow viscera has a good effect in treating critical patients with gastro-enteric function disorder, and could reduce the incidence and fatality of MODS.

Effects of Dachengqi Decoction(大承气汤) on Morphological Changes in Enteric Nerve System of Rats with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

Objective： To observe the morphological changes in enteric nerve system （ENS） of rats with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome （MODS） treated by Dachengqi Decoction （大承气汤, DCQD）. Methods： Fifty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the control group, MODS model group and DCQD treated group. The rats in MODS model group and DCQD treated group were injected Escherichia coil （E. coli） suspension into abdominal cavity under sterile condition. The DCQD treated group was gavaged with DCQD 2 days before the E. coil suspension was injected. Twenty-four hours after injection, the proximal segment of intestine was resected and studied by immunohistofluorescence using vesicular acetylcholine transporter, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide （VIP）, substance P （SP） and neuronal nitric oxide synthase （nNOS） antibodies. The whole-mount preparations were observed by laser scanning confocal microscope to detect the changes of quantity and fluorescence integral optical density （IOD） value of intestine enteric nerves. Results： Compared with the control group, the quantity and IOD value of acetylcholine （ACh）, VIP, SP and nitric oxide （NO） nerves of intestine in the MODS group were significantly decreased （P〈0.01）, and the network of enteric nerves was remarkably disrupted. Compared with the MODS group, the quantity and fluorescence IOD value of ACh, VIP, SP and NO nerves in the DCQD group were significantly increased （P〈0.01）, and the network of enteric nerves was remarkably recovered. Conclusions： DCQD can protect and repair damage in the network of ACh, SP, NO and VIP nerves in rats with MODS, which may be one of mechanisms involved in promoting gastrointestinal motility by DCQD.