老年急性前循环缺血性脑卒中血管内治疗成功再通患者90天内死亡的危险因素分析

目的分析老年急性前循环缺血性脑卒中血管内治疗成功再通患者90 d内死亡的危险因素。方法回顾性选取2016年1月1日至2022年5月10日大连医科大学附属第二医院行血管内治疗术后闭塞血管成功再通的老年前循环大血管闭塞脑卒中患者123例,根据90 d内死亡与否分为死亡组21例和非死亡组102例。详尽收集2组基线资料、基线前循环Alberta卒中项目早期CT评分(ASPECTS)、脑卒中TOAST病因分型、实验室资料、入院时改良Rankin量表评分、美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分、临床特征、取栓治疗的相关指标、术后指标,改良脑梗死溶栓(mTICI)分级以及术后90 d预后情况。结果死亡组中性粒细胞与淋巴细胞比值、纤维蛋白原、收缩压、舒张压、平均动脉压、手术时间、术后24 h NIHSS评分、术后颅内出血及术后症状性颅内出血比例明显高于非死亡组,ASPECTS、mTICI分级3级比例明显低于非死亡组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01)。多因素logistic回归分析显示,mTICI分级3级是术后90 d患者死亡的保护因素(OR=0.265,95%CI:0.076~0.922,P=0.037),入院舒张压及术后症状性颅内出血是术后90 d患者死亡的危险因素(OR=1.060,95%CI:1.011~1.112,P=0.016;OR=9.752,95%CI:2.554~37.230,P=0.001)。结论老年急性前循环缺血性脑卒中血管内治疗成功再通的死亡患者具有较高的入院舒张压、症状性颅内出血和较低mTICI分级3级。

A benchtop brain injury model using resected donor tissue from patients with Chiari malformation

The use of live animal models for testing new therapies for brain and spinal cord repair is a controversial area. Live animal models have associated ethical issues and scientific concerns regarding the predictability of human responses. Alternative models that replicate the 3 D architecture of the central nervous system have prompted the development of organotypic neural injury models. However, the lack of reliable means to access normal human neural tissue has driven reliance on pathological or post-mortem tissue which limits their biological utility. We have established a protocol to use donor cerebellar tonsillar tissue surgically resected from patients with Chiari malformation(cerebellar herniation towards the foramen magnum, with ectopic rather than diseased tissue) to develop an in vitro organotypic model of traumatic brain injury. Viable tissue was maintained for approximately 2 weeks with all the major neural cell types detected. Traumatic injuries could be introduced into the slices with some cardinal features of post-injury pathology evident. Biomaterial placement was also feasible within the in vitro lesions. Accordingly, this ‘proof-of-concept’ study demonstrates that the model offers potential as an alternative to the use of animal tissue for preclinical testing in neural tissue engineering. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that donor tissue from patients with Chiari malformation can be used to develop a benchtop model of traumatic brain injury. However, significant challenges in relation to the clinical availability of tissue were encountered, and we discuss logistical issues that must be considered for model scale-up.

Infertility,pregnancy and breastfeeding in kidney transplantation recipients:Key issues

Chronic kidney disease(CKD),especially in advanced stages,is an important cause of infertility.In CKD patients,infertility has been linked to multiple factors.The pathophysiology of infertility related to CKD is complex and forked.Correction of modifiable factors can improve fertility in both genders.In males as well as females,successful kidney transplantation offers good chances of restoration of reproductive function.In female renal allograft recipients,recovery of reproductive functions in the post-transplant period will manifest as restoration of normal menses and ovulation.Owing to this improvement,there is a significant risk of unplanned pregnancy,hence the need to discuss methods of contraception before transplantation.In kidney transplant recipients,different contraceptive options for pregnancy planning,have been used.The selection of one contraception over another is based on preference and tolerability.Pregnancy,in renal transplanted females,is associated with physiologic changes that occur in pregnant women with native kidneys.Immunosuppressive medications during pregnancy,in a recipient with a single functioning kidney,expose the mother and fetus to unwanted complications.Some immunosuppressive drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy.Immunosuppressive medications should be discussed with renal transplant recipients who are planning to breastfeed their babies.In addition to antirejection drugs,other medications should be managed accordingly,whenever pregnancy is planned.

Subtalar dislocations:Mechanisms,clinical presentation and methods of reduction

Subtalar joint is a complex joint in hindfoot formed by the talus superiorly and the calcaneus and navicular inferiorly.Subtalar dislocations are high-mechanism injuries,which are caused by simultaneous dislocation of both talonavicular and talocalcaneal joints,without major fracture of the talus.They are usually classified as medial(most common),lateral,anterior and posterior dislocations,based on the position of foot in relation to talus and the indirect forces that have been applied to cause this significant injury.They are usually diagnosed by X rays,but computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can be used to identify associated intra-articular fractures and peri-talar soft tissue injuries respectively.Majority being closed injuries,can be managed in ED by closed reduction and cast immobilisation,but if they are open,have poor outcomes.Complications that ensue open dislocations are post-traumatic arthritis,instability and avascular necrosis.

Survival analysis in nonagenarian patients with non-hip lower limb fractures

BACKGROUND The United Kingdom has an aging population with nearly 1 in 5 being over the age of 65,and over 0.5 million over the age of 90.The treatment of acute fractures of the lower limb in the nonagenarian cohort of patients poses a technical challenge to orthopaedic surgeons.AIM To report the fracture incidence,survival outcomes of treating acute non-hip lower limb fractures in nonagenarians in Major Trauma Centre.METHODS Thirty Lower limb long bone fractures in patients of age from 90 to 99 years were identified during 12-mo at a Level 1 trauma centre from a computerized database.A retrospective evaluation performed for fracture incidence,treatment,length of hospital duration and mortality at 30-d,1-year and 2-year.RESULTS Thirty fractures(28 patients)were identified,twenty-four fractures were treated with surgery(mean age 93 years SD±2.59)and 6 managed conservatively(mean age 94 years SD±2.07).The mean length of the hospital stay was 18.2 d for both groups.The 30-d,1-year and 2-year mortality risks were 1/23,6/23 and 9/23(4%,26%and 39%)in the surgery group and 0/5,1/5 and 2/5(0%,20%and 40%)in the conservative group,with no evidence for a difference between the two groups at any time point.CONCLUSION Nonagenarians in the surgical group had similar length of hospital stay and mortality risks as those treated conservatively.Patients with fewer comorbidities and admitted from their own home were offered surgery.

Horizontal Inferior Patellar Dislocation in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Intra-articular patellar dislocation due to acute trauma is considered a rare presentation and is less commonly encountered in practice than extra-articular patellar dislocation. This case study presents a rare type 2 inferior dislocation of the patella in an elderly patient which was successfully reduced and managed non-operatively.

Use of orthotics with orthotic sandals versus the sole use of orthotics for plantar fasciitis:Randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND Plantar fasciitis(PF)affects around 10%of the population.Prefabricated orthotics with arch support has been shown to provide symptom relief in PF by decreasing the repetitive stress sustained by the plantar fascia.However,prefabricated orthotics are only effective when shoes are worn,meaning the foot may be left unsupported when it is impractical to wear shoes.Using orthotic sandals in conjunction with prefabricated orthotics may increase PF symptom relief,as they can be worn inside the home,extending the period in which the foot is supported.AIM To compare the combined use of prefabricated orthotics and orthotic sandals vs the sole use of prefabricated orthotics in the treatment of PF.METHODS 98 participants with PF were randomised into two groups.The intervention group received the Aetrex L420 Compete orthotics and the Aetrex L3000 Maui Flips(orthotic sandals),whilst the control group received the Aetrex L420 Compete orthotics only.Foot pain was assessed both by the numerical rating scale(NRS)and the pain sub-scale of the foot health status questionnaire(FHSQ).Foot functionality was measured using the function sub-scale of the FHSQ.Symptom change was measured using the global rating of change scale(GROC).RESULTS Foot pain scores measured both by NRS and FHSQ pain sub-scale showed statistically significant reductions in foot pain in both groups(P<0.05)at six months.Both groups also reported statistically significant improvements(P<0.05)in function as measured by the FHSQ function subscale and improvement of symptoms as measured by the GROC scale.Between-group analysis showed that the intervention group with the combined use of orthotics and orthotic sandals scored better on all four outcome measures as compared to the control group with the sole use of orthotics.However,the between-group analysis only reached statistical significance on the NRS pain score(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Combined use of prefabricated orthotics and orthotic sandals provides a greater decrease in foot pain and improvement in foot function in PF compared to using prefabricated orthotics alone.

原发性疾病和角膜血管化对角膜移植排斥反应和存活率的差异影响

目的:旨在研究按移植指征分类以及移植前角膜血管形成对手术后5年内排斥反应和移植物失败率的相对风险。方法:分析1999—2017年间,英国移植登记处记录的所有因圆锥角膜(keratoconus,KC)、人工晶状体大泡性角膜病(pseudophakic bullous keratopathy,PBK)或既往感染(病毒/细菌/真菌/原生动物)而首次进行角膜移植的成年人。统计移植前受体角膜血管化象限的数量、血管化类型、移植后排斥反应的间隔时间(如果有的话)以及移植后5年的结果。通过多变量风险调整Cox回归法进行排斥反应和移植失败的危险因素建模。结果:KC、PBK和感染患者的角膜血管形成率分别为10%、25%和67%。只有当存在浅表和(或)深部血管形成时(HR分别为1.3和1.4,P=0.004),存在两个以上象限的血管形成时,PBK患者移植排斥反应的风险才会增加(HR=1.5,P=0.0004)。因既往感染而接受移植的个体在四个象限的血管形成中发生排斥反应的风险增加(HR=1.6,P=0.003)。在任何一组中,经过风险调整后,与血管形成有关的移植失败率并未上升。对于含有血管的受体角膜,相对于穿透性KC和PBK移植,没有充分的证据显示板层移植在降低排斥反应或失败风险方面存在优势。结论:血管化是5年内角膜移植排斥反应的危险因素。移植的适应证对这种风险的具有临床意义。

Predictive value of Hajibandeh index in determining peritoneal contamination in acute abdomen:A cohort study and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Hajibandeh index(HI),derived from combined levels of C-reactive protein,lactate,neutrophils,lymphocytes and albumin,is a modern predictor of peritoneal contamination and mortality in patients with acute abdominal pathology.AIM To validate the performance of HI in predicting the presence and nature of peritoneal contamination in patients with acute abdominal pathology in a larger cohort study and to synthesis evidence in a systematic review and meta-analysis.METHODS The STROBE guidelines and the PRISMA statement standards were followed to conduct a cohort study(ChiCTR2200056183)and a meta-analysis(CRD420-22306018),respectively.All adult patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for acute abdominal pathology were eligible.The accuracy of the HI was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis in the cohort study and using weighted summary area under the curve(AUC)under the fixed and random effects modelling in the meta-analysis.The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 criteria were used for methodological quality assessment of the included studies.RESULTS A total of 1437 patients were included(700 from the cohort study and 737 from the literature search).ROC curve analysis of the cohort study showed that the AUC of HI for presence of contamination,purulent contamination and feculent contamination were 0.79[95%confidence interval(CI):0.76-0.82,P<0.0001],0.76(95%CI:0.72-0.80,P<0.0001),and 0.83(95%CI:0.79-0.86,P<0.0001),respectively.The meta-analysis showed that the pooled AUC of HI for presence of contamination,purulent contamination and feculent contamination were 0.79(95%CI:0.75-0.83),0.78(95%CI:0.74-0.81),and 0.80(95%CI:0.77-0.83),respectively.CONCLUSION The HI is a strong and accurate predictor of intraperitoneal contamination.Although the available evidence is robust,it is limited to the studies conducted by our evidence synthesis group.We encourage other researchers to validate performance of HI in predicting the presence of intraperitoneal contamination and more importantly in predicting mortality following emergency laparotomy.

A Holistic Approach to Enhance FRCS General Surgery Examination Training Using Adult Learning Model: A Non-Profit Initiative

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of adult learning and simulation-based learning (SBL) on surgical trainees’ learning experiences and Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) Section 2 General Surgery examination pass rate. Methods: This was a cross-sequential study involving 148 surgical candidates (72 UK trainees, 75 non-UK trainees) who had attended our revision course (Phoenix FRCS Course) from June 2017 until 2023. Each course comprised a two-day weekend preparation with dedicated sections for clinical, viva, and academic reading, incorporating SBL as its key learning style. We maintained a prospective database of candidate and course details, examination results, and feedback since the course inception. Results: We found that 97% of candidates passed the FRCS examination after their first attempt. The course was attended once by 89% of candidates, and only 3 of the 148 candidates exhausted all four attempts at the examination. Candidate feedback for the course and its style of learning was positive, with simulation-based table viva sessions and virtual clinical sessions proving the most popular learning sessions (95% and 80% of candidates attending courses run in December 2017, April 2018, and May 2021 rated them “Excellent” respectively). Conclusions: The course is centered around shared adult learning and mindfulness tools to encourage candidates to learn from each other and develop confidence and mastery in all domains of surgical practice. These methods have been shown to be effective in achieving high success rates in the Intercollegiate and International FRCS examinations for UK and overseas surgeons.

Management of necrotizing pancreatitis

Infection complicating pancreatic necrosis leads to persisting sepsis, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and accounts for about half the deaths that occur following acute pancreatitis. Severe cases due to gallstones require urgent endoscopic sphincterotomy. Patients with pancreatic necrosis should be followed with serial contrast enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) and if infection is suspected fine needle aspiration of the necrotic area for bacteriology (FNAB) should be undertaken. Treatment of sterile necrosis should initially be non-operative. In the presence of infection necrosectomy is indicated. Although traditionally this has been by open surgery, minimally invasive procedures are a promising new alternative. There are many unresolved issues in the management of pancreatic necrosis. These include, the use of antibiotic prophylaxis, the precise indications for and frequency of repeat CE-CT and FNAB,and the role of enteral feeding.

Roux-en-Y versus BillrothⅠreconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer:A meta-analysis

AIM:To conduct a meta-analysis to compare Rouxen-Y(R-Y) gastrojejunostomy with gastroduodenal Billroth Ⅰ(B-Ⅰ) anastomosis after distal gastrectomy(DG) for gastric cancer.METHODS:A literature search was performed to identify studies comparing R-Y with B-Ⅰ after DG for gastric cancer from January 1990 to November 2012 in Medline,Embase,Science Citation Index Expanded and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library.Pooled odds ratios(OR) or weighted mean differences(WMD) with 95%CI were calculated using either fixed or random effects model.Operative outcomes such as operation time,intraoperative blood loss and postoperative outcomes such as anastomotic leakage and stricture,bile reflux,remnant gastritis,reflux esophagitis,dumping symptoms,delayed gastric emptying and hospital stay were the main outcomes assessed.Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.0 software(Cochrane library).RESULTS:Four randomized controlled trials(RCTs) and 9 non-randomized observational clinical studies(OCS) involving 478 and 1402 patients respectively were included.Meta-analysis of RCTs revealed that R-Y reconstruction was associated with a reduced bile reflux(OR 0.04,95%CI:0.01,0.14;P < 0.00 001) and remnant gastritis(OR 0.43,95%CI:0.28,0.66;P = 0.0001),however needing a longer operation time(WMD 40.02,95%CI:13.93,66.11;P = 0.003).Metaanalysis of OCS also revealed R-Y reconstruction had a lower incidence of bile reflux(OR 0.21,95%CI:0.08,0.54;P = 0.001),remnant gastritis(OR 0.18,95%CI:0.11,0.29;P < 0.00 001) and reflux esophagitis(OR 0.48,95%CI:0.26,0.89;P = 0.02).However,this reconstruction method was found to be associated with a longer operation time(WMD 31.30,95%CI:12.99,49.60;P = 0.0008).CONCLUSION:This systematic review point towards some clinical advantages that are rendered by R-Y compared to B-Ⅰ reconstruction post DG.However there is a need for further adequately powered,welldesigned RCTs comparing the same.

Present and future of prophylactic antibiotics for severe acute pancreatitis

AIM: To investigate the role of prophylactic antibiotics in the reduction of mortality of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) patients, which is highly questioned by more and more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and metaanalyses. METHODS: An updated meta-analysis was performed. RCTs comparing prophylactic antibiotics for SAP with control or placebo were included for meta-analysis. The mortality outcomes were pooled for estimation, and re-pooled estimation was performed by the sensitivity analysis of an ideal large-scale RCT. RESULTS: Currently available 11 RCTs were included. Subgroup analysis showed that there was significant reduction of mortality rate in the period before 2000, while no significant reduction in the period from 2000 [Risk Ratio, (RR ) = 1.01, P = 0.98]. Funnel plot indi-cated that there might be apparent publication bias in the period before 2000. Sensitivity analysis showed that the RR of mortality rate ranged from 0.77 to 1.00 with a relatively narrow confidence interval (P < 0.05). However, the number needed to treat having a minor lower limit of the range (7-5096 patients) implied that certain SAP patients could still potentially prevent death by antibiotic prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: Current evidences do not support prophylactic antibiotics as a routine treatment for SAP, but the potentially benefited sub-population requires further investigations.

Preoperative biliary drainage in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma undergoing major hepatectomy

AIM:To investigate the effect of preoperative biliary drainage(PBD)in jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma(HCCA)undergoing major liver resections.METHODS:An observational study was carried out by reviewing a prospectively maintained database of HCCA patients who underwent major liver resection for curative therapy from January 2002 to December 2012.Patients were divided into two groups based on whether PBD was performed:a drained group and an undrained group.Patient baseline characteristics,preoperative factors,perioperative and short-term postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.Risk factors for postoperative complications were also analyzed by logistic regression test with calculating OR and 95%CI.RESULTS:In total,78 jaundiced patients with HCCA underwent major liver resection:32 had PBD prior to operation while 46 did not have PBD.The two groups were comparable with respect to age,sex,body mass index and co-morbidities.Furthermore,there was no significant difference in the total bilirubin(TBIL)levels between the drained group and the undrained group at admission(294.2±135.7 vs 254.0±63.5,P=0.126).PBD significantly improved liver function,reducing not only the bilirubin levels but also other liver enzymes.The preoperative TBIL level was significantly lower in the drained group as compared to the undrained group(108.1±60.6 vs 265.7±69.1,P=0.000).The rate of overall postoperative complications(53.1%vs 58.7%,P=0.626),reoperation rate(6.3%vs 6.5%,P=1.000),postoperative hospital stay(16.5 vs 15.0,P=0.221)and mortality(9.4%vs 4.3%,P=0.673)were similar between the two groups.In addition,there was no significant difference in infectious complications(40.6%vs 23.9%,P=0.116)and noninfectious complications(31.3%vs 47.8%,P=0.143)between the two groups.Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that preoperative TBIL>170μmol/L(OR=13.690,95%CI:1.275-147.028,P=0.031),Bismuth-Corlette classification(OR=0.013,95%CI:0.001-0.166,P=0.001)and extended liver resection(OR=14.010,95%CI:1.130-173.646,P=0.040)were independent risk factors for postoperative complications.CONCLUSION:Overall postoperative morbidity and mortality rates after major liver resection are not improved by PBD in HCCA patients with jaundice.Preoperative TBIL>170μmol/L,Bismuth-Corlette classification and extended liver resection are independent risk factors linked to postoperative complications.

Laparoscopic vs open total gastrectomy for gastric cancer:A meta-analysis

AIM:To conduct a meta-analysis comparing laparoscopic total gastrectomy(LTG)with open total gastrectomy(OTG)for the treatment of gastric cancer.METHODS:Major databases such as Medline(PubMed),Embase,Academic Search Premier(EBSCO),Science Citation Index Expanded and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL)in The Cochrane Library were searched for studies comparing LTG and OTG from January 1994 to May 2013.Evaluated endpoints were operative,postoperative and oncological outcomes.Operative outcomes included operative time and intraoperative blood loss.Postoperative recovery included time to first fatus,time to first oral intake,hospital stay and analgesics use.Postoperative complications comprised morbidity,anastomotic leakage,anastomotic stenosis,ileus,bleeding,abdominal abscess,wound problems and mortality.Oncological outcomes included positive resection margins,number of retrieved lymph nodes,and proximal and distal resection margins.The pooled effect was calculated using either a fixed effects or a random effects model.RESULTS:Fifteen non-randomized comparative studies with 2022 patients were included(LTG-811,OTG-1211).Both groups had similar short-term oncological outcomes,analgesic use(WMD-0.09;95%CI:-2.39-2.20;P=0.94)and mortality(OR=0.74;95%CI:0.24-2.31;P=0.61).However,LTG was associated with a lower intraoperative blood loss(WMD-201.19 mL;95%CI:-296.50--105.87 mL;P<0.0001)and overall complication rate(OR=0.73;95%CI:0.57-0.92;P=0.009);fewer wound-related complications(OR=0.39;95%CI:0.21-0.72;P=0.002);a quicker recovery of gastrointestinal motility with shorter time to frst fatus(WMD-0.82;95%CI:-1.18--0.45;P<0.0001)and oral intake(WMD-1.30;95%CI:-1.84--0.75;P<0.00001);and a shorter hospital stay(WMD-3.55;95%CI:-5.13--1.96;P<0.0001),albeit with a longer operation time(WMD 48.25 min;95%CI:31.15-65.35;P<0.00001),as compared with OTG.CONCLUSION:LTG is safe and effective,and may offer some advantages over OTG in the treatment of gastric cancer.

Meta-analysis of laparoscopic vs open liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To conduct a meta-analysis to determine the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic liver resection(LLR) and open liver resection(OLR) for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS:PubMed(Medline),EMBASE and Science Citation Index Expanded and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library were searched systematically to identify relevant comparative studies reporting outcomes for both LLR and OLR for HCC between January 1992 and February 2012.Two authors independently assessed the trials for inclusion and extracted the data.Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager Version 5.0 software(The Cochrane Collaboration,Oxford,United Kingdom).Pooled odds ratios(OR) or weighted mean differences(WMD) with 95%CI were calculated using either fixed effects(Mantel-Haenszel method) or random effects models(DerSimonian and Laird method).Evaluated endpoints were operative outcomes(operation time,intraoperative blood loss,blood transfusion requirement),postoperative outcomes(liver failure,cirrhotic decompensation/ascites,bile leakage,postoperative bleeding,pulmonary complications,intraabdominal abscess,mortality,hospital stay and oncologic outcomes(positive resection margins and tumor recurrence).RESULTS:Fifteen eligible non-randomized studies were identified,out of which,9 high-quality studies involving 550 patients were included,with 234 patients in the LLR group and 316 patients in the OLR group.LLR was associated with significantly lower intraoperative blood loss,based on six studies with 333 patients [WMD:-129.48 mL;95%CI:-224.76-(-34.21) mL;P = 0.008].Seven studies involving 416 patients were included to assess blood transfusion requirement between the two groups.The LLR group had lower blood transfusion requirement(OR:0.49;95%CI:0.26-0.91;P = 0.02).While analyzing hospital stay,six studies with 333 patients were included.Patients in the LLR group were found to have shorter hospital stay [WMD:-3.19 d;95%CI:-4.09-(-2.28) d;P < 0.00001] than their OLR counterpart.Seven studies including 416 patients were pooled together to estimate the odds of developing postoperative ascites in the patient groups.The LLR group appeared to have a lower incidence of postoperative ascites(OR:0.32;95%CI:0.16-0.61;P = 0.0006) as compared with OLR patients.Similarly,fewer patients had liver failure in the LLR group than in the OLR group(OR:0.15;95%CI:0.02-0.95;P =0.04).However,no significant differences were found between the two approaches with regards to operation time [WMD:4.69 min;95%CI:-22.62-32 min;P = 0.74],bile leakage(OR:0.55;95%CI:0.10-3.12;P = 0.50),postoperative bleeding(OR:0.54;95%CI:0.20-1.45;P = 0.22),pulmonary complications(OR:0.43;95%CI:0.18-1.04;P = 0.06),intra-abdominal abscesses(OR:0.21;95%CI:0.01-4.53;P = 0.32),mortality(OR:0.46;95%CI:0.14-1.51;P = 0.20),presence of positive resection margins(OR:0.59;95%CI:0.21-1.62;P = 0.31) and tumor recurrence(OR:0.95;95%CI:0.62-1.46;P = 0.81).CONCLUSION:LLR appears to be a safe and feasible option for resection of HCC in selected patients based on current evidence.However,further appropriately designed randomized controlled trials should be undertaken to ascertain these findings.

Concomitant lung metastasis in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To investigate the clinical features and prognostic factors of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)patients presenting with lung metastasis at initial diagnosis. METHODS:Between 2001 and 2010,we recruited 76 consecutive HCC patients initially presenting with lung metastasis,without co-existing metastasis from other sites.These patients were divided into three groups:untreated group(n=22),single treatment group(n= 19),and combined treatment group(n=35). RESULTS:Metastasis of bilateral lung lobes was common and noted in 35 patients(46.1%),and most of patients(59/76,77.6%)presented with multiple lung metastatic nodules.Nineteen patients(25.0%) received single-method treatment,including hepatectomy in 4,transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in 6,radiotherapy in 5,and oral sorafenib in 4.Thirty-five patients(46.1%)received combined treatment modalities.The overall median survival of the all patients was 8.7±0.6 mo;4.1±0.3,6.3±2.5 and 18.6±3.9 mo, respectively in the untreated group,single treatment group and combined treatment group,respectively, with a significant difference(log-rank test,P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that Child-Pugh score, the absence or presence of portal vein tumor thrombus,and treatment modality were three independent prognostic factors affecting survival of patients with advanced HCC and concomitant lung metastasis. CONCLUSION:Combined treatment modalities tend to result in a better survival as compared with the conservative treatment or single treatment modality for HCC patients initially presenting with lung metastasis.

Magnesium sulfate and fetal neuroprotection: overview of clinical evidence

Antenatal administration of magnesium sulfate is an important part of the neuroprotective strategy for preterm infants. Strong evidence from five randomized controlled trials and five meta-analyses has demonstrated that magnesium sulfate, when administered before preterm delivery, significantly reduces the risk of cerebral palsy at two years. Through secondary analyses of randomized controlled trials and other original clinical studies, this state-of-the-art review highlights the absence of serious adverse effects in both pregnant women and neonates, as well as the impact of maternal body mass index and preeclamptic status on the maternal and neonatal magnesium levels, which could influence the magnitude of the neuroprotective effect. Although antenatal magnesium sulfate is a cost-effective strategy, some practice surveys have demonstrated that the use of magnesium sulfate is not sufficient and that its use is heterogeneous, differing among different maternity wards. Since 2010, an increasing number of obstetrical societies have recommended its use to improve the neurological outcomes of preterm infants, especially the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and World Health Organization in 2015, and France in 2017. Considering the neuroprotective impact of magnesium sulfate when administered before delivery, postnatal administration should be considered, and its effects should be assessed using randomized controlled trials.

Meta-analysis of subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy vs pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy

AIM: To investigate the differences in outcome following pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy(PPPD) and subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy(SSPPD).METHODS: Major databases including Pub Med(Medline), EMBASE and Science Citation Index Expanded and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library were searched for comparative studies between patients with PPPD and SSPPD published between January 1978 and July 2014. Studies were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The primary outcome was delayed gastric emptying(DGE). Secondary outcomes included operation time, intraoperative blood loss, pancreatic fistula, postoperative hemorrhage, intraabdominal abscess, wound infection, time to starting liquid diet, time to starting solid diet, period of nasogastric intubation, reinsertion of nasogastric tube, mortality and hospital stay. The pooled odds ratios(OR) or weighted mean difference(WMD) with 95% confidence intervals(95%CI) were calculated using either a fixed-effects or random-effects model. RESULTS: Eight comparative studies recruiting 650 patients were analyzed, which include two RCTs, one non-randomized prospective and 5 retrospective trial designs. Patients undergoing SSPPD experienced significantly lower rates of DGE(OR = 2.75; 95%CI: 1.75-4.30, P < 0.00001) and a shorter period of nasogastric intubation(OR = 2.68; 95%CI: 0.77-4.58,P < 0.00001), with a tendency towards shorter time to liquid(WMD = 2.97, 95%CI:-0.46-7.83; P = 0.09) and solid diets(WMD = 3.69, 95%CI:-0.46-7.83; P = 0.08) as well as shorter inpatient stay(WMD = 3.92, 95%CI:-0.37-8.22; P = 0.07), although these latter three did not reach statistical significance. PPPD, however, was associated with less intraoperative blood loss than SSPPD [WMD =-217.70, 95%CI:-429.77-(-5.63); P = 0.04]. There were no differences in other parameters between the two approaches, including operative time(WMD =-5.30, 95%CI:-43.44-32.84; P = 0.79), pancreatic fistula(OR = 0.91; 95%CI: 0.56-1.49; P = 0.70), postoperative hemorrhage(OR = 0.51; 95%CI: 0.15-1.74; P = 0.29), intraabdominal abscess(OR = 1.05; 95%CI: 0.54-2.05; P = 0.89), wound infection(OR = 0.88; 95%CI: 0.39-1.97; P = 0.75), reinsertion of nasogastric tube(OR = 1.90; 95%CI: 0.91-3.97; P = 0.09) and mortality(OR = 0.31; 95%CI: 0.05-2.01; P = 0.22).CONCLUSION: SSPPD may improve intraoperative and short-term postoperative outcomes compared to PPPD, especially DGE. However, these findings need to be further ascertained by well-designed randomized controlled trials.

Prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis on admission by urinary trypsinogen activation peptide: A meta-analysis

AIM: To undertake a meta-analysis on the value of urinary trypsinogen activation peptide (uTAP) in predicting severity of acute pancreatitis on admission. METHODS: Major databases including Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library were searched to identify all relevant studies from January 1990 to January 2013. Pooled sensitivity, specificity and the diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) with 95%CI were calculated for each study and were compared to other systems/biomarkers if mentioned within the same study. Summary receiver-operating curves were conducted and the area under the curve (AUC) was evaluated. RESULTS: In total, six studies of uTAP with a cut-off value of 35 nmol/L were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of uTAP for predicting severity of acute pancreatitis, at time of admission, was 71% and 75%, respectively (AUC = 0.83, DOR = 8.67, 95%CI: 3.70-20.33). When uTAP was compared with plasma C-reactive protein, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, AUC and DOR were 0.64 vs 0.67, 0.77 vs 0.75, 0.82 vs 0.79 and 6.27 vs 6.32, respectively. Similarly, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, AUC and DOR of uTAPvs Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ within the first 48 h of admission were found to be 0.64 vs 0.69, 0.77 vs 0.61, 0.82 vs 0.73 and 6.27vs 4.61, respectively. CONCLUSION: uTAP has the potential to act as a stratification marker on admission for differentiating disease severity of acute pancreatitis.