-
1.
Postoperative Management of Lung Transplant Recipients in the Intensive Care Unit.
Di Nardo, M, Tikkanen, J, Husain, S, Singer, LG, Cypel, M, Ferguson, ND, Keshavjee, S, Del Sorbo, L
Anesthesiology. 2022;(3):482-499
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
The number of lung transplantations is progressively increasing worldwide, providing new challenges to interprofessional teams and the intensive care units. The outcome of lung transplantation recipients is critically affected by a complex interplay of particular pathophysiologic conditions and risk factors, knowledge of which is fundamental to appropriately manage these patients during the early postoperative course. As high-grade evidence-based guidelines are not available, the authors aimed to provide an updated review of the postoperative management of lung transplantation recipients in the intensive care unit, which addresses six main areas: (1) management of mechanical ventilation, (2) fluid and hemodynamic management, (3) immunosuppressive therapies, (4) prevention and management of neurologic complications, (5) antimicrobial therapy, and (6) management of nutritional support and abdominal complications. The integrated care provided by a dedicated multidisciplinary team is key to optimize the complex postoperative management of lung transplantation recipients in the intensive care unit.
-
2.
Impact of STIMUlant and osmotic LAXatives (STIMULAX trial) on gastrointestinal recovery after colorectal surgery: randomized clinical trial.
Dudi-Venkata, NN, Kroon, HM, Bedrikovetski, S, Lewis, M, Lawrence, MJ, Hunter, RA, Moore, JW, Thomas, ML, Sammour, T
The British journal of surgery. 2021;(7):797-803
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recovery of gastrointestinal (GI) function is often delayed after colorectal surgery. Enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) recommend routine laxative use, but evidence of benefit is unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether the addition of multimodal laxatives to an ERP improves return of GI function in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. METHODS This was a single-centre, parallel, open-label RCT. All adult patients undergoing elective colorectal resection or having stoma formation or reversal at the Royal Adelaide Hospital between August 2018 and May 2020 were recruited into the study. The STIMULAX group received oral Coloxyl® with senna and macrogol, with a sodium phosphate enema in addition for right-sided operations. The control group received standard ERP postoperative care. The primary outcome was GI-2, a validated composite measure defined as the interval from surgery until first passage of stool and tolerance of solid intake for 24 h in the absence of vomiting. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of prolonged postoperative ileus (POI), duration of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. The analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS Of a total of 170 participants, 85 were randomized to each group. Median GI-2 was 1 day shorter in the STIMULAX compared with the control group (median 2 (i.q.r. 1.5-4) versus 3 (2-5.5) days; 95 per cent c.i. -1 to 0 days; P = 0.029). The incidence of prolonged POI was lower in the STIMULAX group (22 versus 38 per cent; relative risk reduction 42 per cent; P = 0.030). There was no difference in duration of hospital day or 30-day postoperative complications (including anastomotic leak) between the STIMULAX and control groups. CONCLUSION Routine postoperative use of multimodal laxatives after elective colorectal surgery results in earlier recovery of gastrointestinal function and reduces the incidence of prolonged POI. Registration number: ACTRN12618001261202 (www.anzctr.org.au).
-
3.
The efficacy of early postoperative enteral immunonutrition on T-lymphocyte count: A randomised control study in low-risk cardiac surgery patients.
Svetikiene, M, Ringaitiene, D, Vezeliene, J, Isajevas, V, Trybe, D, Vicka, V, Malickaite, R, Jurgauskiene, L, Norkuniene, J, Serpytis, M, et al
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). 2021;(2):372-379
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients undergoing cardiac surgery have a pronounced immune response that leads to a reduction in cellular immunity. Immune-modulating nutritional supplements are considered to be beneficial for patients undergoing major surgery. However, due to the lack of studies in the cardiac surgery population, the effect of immunonutrition remains unclear in this patient group. OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to research the efficacy of early postoperative enteral immunonutrition on T-lymphocyte count in the cardiac surgery population. METHODS This was a randomised control study of low operative risk adult patients, who underwent elective cardiac surgery. These patients were randomised into immunonutrition and control groups. The immunonutrition group was supplemented with immune nutrients for five postoperative days. The counts of T-lymphocytes, as well as the counts for the CD4+ and CD8+ cell subpopulations were determined on the day of surgery and on the sixth postoperative day. RESULTS Fifty-five patients were enrolled in the study, the mean age was 69.7 ± 6.3 years, 28 (50.9%) of them were males, the median operative risk was 1.75%. Twenty-seven (49.1%) were randomised into the immunonutrition group. The control and the immunonutrition groups were similar before the intervention. The counts of the CD3+ T cells and CD4+ T cells on the sixth postoperative day were significantly higher in the immunonutrition group compared to the control group with 1.42 ± 0.49 vs. 1.12 ± 0.56 (∗109/l), p = 0.035 and 1.02 ± 0.36 vs. 0.80 ± 0.43 (∗109/l), p = 0.048, respectively. Regression analysis was performed to determine the efficacy of the immunonutrition on the counts of the CD3+ and CD4+ T cells; CD3+ T and CD4+ T cell counts were increased to 0.264 (∗109/l), p = 0.039 and 0.232 (∗109/l), p = 0.021, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Early postoperative immunonutrition increases the count of the CD3+ and CD4+ T cells in cardiac surgical patients. Clinical trials identifier number: NCT04047095.
-
4.
Intravenous iron supplementation after liver surgery: Impact on anemia, iron, and hepcidin levels-a randomized controlled trial.
Assouline, B, Benoliel, A, Zamberg, I, Legouis, D, Delhumeau, C, Favre, M, Andrès, A, Toso, C, Samii, K, Schiffer, E
Surgery. 2021;(3):813-821
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anemia is a recognized risk factor for perioperative related morbidity and mortality and is frequently reported in liver surgeries with an estimated incidence of 32%. We aim to assess the impact of intravenous iron administration in the immediate postoperative period on anemia and iron status as well as to determine the kinetics of hepcidin after liver surgery. METHODS The HepciFer trial, a randomized controlled trial, included 50 patients undergoing liver surgery. In accordance with the randomization process, patients received either ferric carboxymaltose (15 mg/kg, maximum 1 g) or placebo 4 hours after surgery. RESULTS The mean hemoglobin level, 7 days after surgery, did not differ significantly between the intervention and control group (11.1 ± 1.8 g/dL and 10.4 ± 1.6 g/dL, respectively) with a mean difference of +0.7 g/dL ([95% confidence interval, -0.3 to +1.7], P = .173). Within patients receiving intravenous iron supplementation, none presented biological signs of functional iron deficiency. Hepcidin levels remained significantly higher during the observation period in the intervention group. Inflammatory biomarkers, red blood cells transfusion rate and hospital duration of stay were similar between groups. CONCLUSION Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose administration did not result in a significant increase of hemoglobin levels 7 days after surgery. However, this study suggests that intravenous iron supplementation in the immediate postoperative settings prevents functional iron deficiency. Intravenous iron supplementation overcame the hepcidin-mediated blockade of iron absorption and should be considered as the preferred route of administration in the postoperative period.
-
5.
The PINS Trial: a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing a traditional versus an emollient skincare regimen for the care of pin-sites in patients with circular frames.
Ferguson, D, Harwood, P, Allgar, V, Roy, A, Foster, P, Taylor, M, Moulder, E, Sharma, H
The bone & joint journal. 2021;(2):279-285
Abstract
AIMS: Pin-site infection remains a significant problem for patients treated by external fixation. A randomized trial was undertaken to compare the weekly use of alcoholic chlorhexidine (CHX) for pin-site care with an emollient skin preparation in patients with a tibial fracture treated with a circular frame. METHODS Patients were randomized to use either 0.5% CHX or Dermol (DML) 500 emollient pin-site care. A skin biopsy was taken from the tibia during surgery to measure the dermal and epidermal thickness and capillary, macrophage, and T-cell counts per high-powered field. The pH and hydration of the skin were measured preoperatively, at follow-up, and if pin-site infection occurred. Pin-site infection was defined using a validated clinical system. RESULTS Out of 116 patients who were enrolled in the study, 23 patients (40%) in the CHX group and 26 (44%) in the DML group had at least one bad or ugly pin-site infection. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.71). There was no significant relationship between pH or hydration of the skin and pin-site infection. The epidermal thickness was found to be significantly greater in patients who had a pin-site infection compared with those who did not (p = 0.01). Skin irritation requiring a change of treatment occurred in four patients (7%) using CHX, and none using DML. CONCLUSION We found no significant difference in the incidence of pin-site infection between the CHX and DML treatment groups. Dermol appeared to offer a small but significant advantage in terms of tolerability. We did not find a significant association between patient or treatment related factors and pin-site infection. It is therefore difficult to make specific recommendations based upon these results. The use of either cleaning agent appears to be appropriate. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):279-285.
-
6.
Assessment of Body Composition as an Indicator of Early Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition Therapy in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery in an Enhanced Recovery Program.
López-Rodríguez-Arias, F, Sánchez-Guillén, L, Lillo-García, C, Aranaz-Ostáriz, V, Alcaide, MJ, Soler-Silva, Á, Soriano-Irigaray, L, Barber, X, Arroyo, A
Nutrients. 2021;(9)
Abstract
BACKGROUND A poor body composition (BC) has been identified as a risk factor for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). This study was performed to assess the effect of early peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) on BC in patients undergoing CCR surgery within an enhanced recovery program. METHODS Patients with normal nutritional status were prospectively included between October 2016 and September 2019, randomized into two groups (PPN with periOlimel N4-E versus conventional fluid therapy) and subsequently classified according to their preoperative CT scan into high- or low-risk BC groups. Postoperative complications and length of hospital stay (LOS) were assessed. RESULTS Of the 156 patients analyzed, 88 patients (56.4%) were classified as having high-risk BC according to CT measurements. PPN led to a 15.4% reduction in postoperative complications in high-risk vs. 1.7% in low-risk BC patients. In the multivariate analysis, high-risk BC was related to an OR (95% CI) of 2 (p = 0.044) of presenting complications and of 1.9 (p = 0.066) for major complications, and was associated with an increase in LOS of 3.6 days (p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS The measurement of patients' BC can allow for the identification of target patients where PPN has been proven to be an effective tool to improve postoperative outcomes.
-
7.
Nurse-led, telephone-based follow-up after acute coronary syndrome yields improved risk factors after 36 months: the randomized controlled NAILED-ACS trial.
Henriksson, R, Huber, D, Mooe, T
Scientific reports. 2021;(1):17693
Abstract
We investigated whether a nurse-led, telephone-based follow-up including medical titration was superior to usual care in improving blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values 36 months after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We screened all patients admitted with ACS at Östersund hospital, Sweden, between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014, for inclusion based on ability to participate in a telephone-based follow-up. Participants were randomly allocated to usual care or an intervention group that received counselling and medical titration to target BP < 140/< 90 mmHg and LDL-C < 2.5/< 1.8 mmol/L. The primary outcome was LDL-C at 36 months. Of 962 patients, 797 (83%) were available for analysis after 36 months. Compared to controls, the intervention group had a mean systolic BP (SBP) 4.1 mmHg lower (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-6.5), mean diastolic BP (DBP) 2.9 mmHg lower (95% CI 1.5-4.5), and mean LDL-C 0.28 mmol/L lower (95% CI 0.135-0.42). All P < 0.001. A significantly greater proportion of patients reached treatment targets with the intervention. After 36 months of follow-up, compared to usual care, the nurse-led, telephone-based intervention led to significantly lower SBP, DBP, and LDL-C and to a larger proportion of patients meeting target values.Trial registration: ISRCTN registry. Trial number ISRCTN96595458. Retrospectively registered.
-
8.
Digestion-Specific Acupuncture Effect on Feeding Intolerance in Critically Ill Post-Operative Oral and Hypopharyngeal Cancer Patients: A Single-Blind Randomized Control Trial.
Ben-Arie, E, Wei, TH, Chen, HC, Huang, TC, Ho, WC, Chang, CM, Kao, PY, Lee, YC
Nutrients. 2021;(6)
Abstract
Malnourishment is prevalent in patients suffering from head and neck cancer. The postoperative period is crucial in terms of nutritional support, especially after composite resection and reconstruction surgery. These patients present with a number of risk factors that aggravate feeding intolerance, including postoperative status, prolonged immobility, decreased head elevation, mechanical ventilation, and applied sedative agents. Routine management protocols for feeding intolerance include prokinetic drug use and post-pyloric tube insertion, which could be both limited and accompanied by detrimental adverse events. This single-blind clinical trial aimed to investigate the effects of acupuncture in postoperative feeding intolerance in critically ill oral and hypopharyngeal cancer patients. Twenty-eight patients were randomized into two groups: Intervention group and Control group. Interventions were administered daily over three consecutive postoperative days. The primary outcome revealed that the intervention group reached 70% and 80% of target energy expenditure (EE) significantly earlier than the control group (4.00 ± 1.22 versus 6.69 ± 3.50 days, p = 0.012), accompanied by higher total calorie intake within the first postoperative week (10263.62 ± 1086.11 kcals versus 8384.69 ± 2120.05 kcals, p = 0.004). Furthermore, the intervention group also needed less of the prokinetic drug (Metoclopramide, 20.77 ± 48.73 mg versus 68.46 ± 66.56 mg, p = 0.010). In conclusion, digestion-specific acupuncture facilitated reduced postoperative feeding intolerance in oral and hypopharyngeal cancer patients.
-
9.
A Preliminary Report of the Biochemical and Clinical Effects of 1,4-Diaminobutane on Prevention of Human Hypertrophic Scars.
Dolynchuk, KN, Tredget, EE
Plastic and reconstructive surgery. 2020;(1):76e-84e
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Objective evidence for the role of inhibition of collagen cross-linking in human scar using a nontoxic topical inhibitor, 1,4-diaminobutane (1,4 DAB), in patients with scars at risk for hypertrophic scar formation is presented. The authors used a concentration of 1,4 DAB of 0.8% (weight/volume) in a cream base similar to Glaxal Base. Application was once per day at night. The control was treated with cream base alone. In treatment phase studies at 2 months, tissue biopsies were performed and used to determine a therapeutic effect biochemically in paired scars harvested chosen with typical hypertrophic scars at two major treatment centers. Tissue transglutaminase activity revealed a significant reduction of the ε-(γ-glutamyl)lysine cross-links in the treated scars: 7.96 ± 1.51 pmol/µmol amino acid versus 14.78 ± 3.52 pmol/µmol amino acid. A subset of paired scars (n = 15) was also analyzed for soluble procollagen type III amino propeptide. The effect was a significant increase in procollagen type III amino propeptide in the scars treated with 1,4 DAB compared with sham-treated scars: 47.75 ± 4.6 µg/mg wet weight versus 39.08 ± 6.02 µg/mg wet weight, respectively. Levels of tissue 1,4 DAB was found to be twice as high in the presence of the active cream versus in the tissue of the control group. In subsequent prophylaxis studies, the authors treated 44 breast reduction patients prospectively with active cream to one or the other side in a double-blind randomized fashion. Hardness (in grams) measured using a Rex Durometer at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively along with photographs were analyzed. The mean value ± SD of 24.98 ± 1.2 g on the active side versus 31.76 ± 1.1 g on the sham side was significantly different (p < 0.05). The patient scale scores of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale were also requested by survey in a responding 27-patient subgroup at a minimum 1 year postoperatively, and the differences between the two sides were found to be statistically significant, where the mean on the active side was 14.07 ± 1.34 and the mean on the sham side was 21.41 ± 1 (p < 0.05). The results are evidence to support the use of this agent in prevention of hypertrophic scars. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, II.
-
10.
Postoperative intravenous parecoxib sodium followed by oral celecoxib post total knee arthroplasty in osteoarthritis patients (PIPFORCE): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
Zhuang, Q, Tao, L, Lin, J, Jin, J, Qian, W, Bian, Y, Li, Y, Dong, Y, Peng, H, Li, Y, et al
BMJ open. 2020;(1):e030501
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the morphine-sparing effects of the sequential treatment versus placebo in subjects undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the effects on pain relief, inflammation control and functional rehabilitation after TKA and safety. DESIGN Double-blind, pragmatic, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING Four tertiary hospitals in China. PARTICIPANTS 246 consecutive patients who underwent elective unilateral TKA because of osteoarthritis (OA). INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomised 1:1 to the parecoxib/celecoxib group or the control group. The patients in the parecoxib/celecoxib group were supplied sequential treatment with intravenous parecoxib 40 mg (every 12 hours) for the first 3 days after surgery, followed by oral celecoxib 200 mg (every 12 hours) for up to 6 weeks. The patients in the control group were supplied with the corresponding placebo under the same instructions. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary endpoint was the cumulative opioid consumption at 2 weeks post operation (intention-to-treat analysis). Secondary endpoints included the Knee Society Score, patient-reported outcomes and the cumulative opioid consumption. RESULTS The cumulative opioid consumption at 2 weeks was significantly smaller in the parecoxib/celecoxib group than in the control group (median difference, 57.31 (95% CI 34.66 to 110.33)). The parecoxib/celecoxib group achieving superior Knee Society Scores and EQ-5D scores and greater Visual Analogue Scale score reduction during 6 weeks. Interleukin 6, erythrocyte sedation rate and C-reactive protein levels were reduced at 72 hours, 2 weeks and 4 weeks and prostaglandin E2 levels were reduced at 48 hours and 72 hours in the parecoxib/celecoxib group compared with the placebo group. The occurrence of adverse events (AEs) was significantly lower in the parecoxib/celecoxib group. CONCLUSIONS The sequential intravenous parecoxib followed by oral celecoxib regimen reduces morphine consumption, achieves better pain control and functional recovery and leads to less AEs than placebo after TKA for OA. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT02198924).