Annals of surgery
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A computer analysis of post renal transplantation gastrointestinal problems was performed to identify important associated clinical factors. Thirty-seven per cent of all transplant recipients developed one or more significant problems. ⋯ Eleven of 32 HLA identical recipients treated with maintenance corticosteroids during stable kidney function developed gastrointestinal disease while only one of 13 HLA identical recipients not given maintenance steroids developed a problem, which strongly suggests a causal role for steroids in the development of late complications. The association of preexisting peptic ulcer and diverticular disease with hemorrhage and perforation supports previous recommendations that documented peptic ulcer disease or diverticulitis should be corrected surgically prior to transplantation.
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Profuse hemorrhage into the biliary tract--major hemobilia,--is an alarming condition which attracts much attention. Minor hemobilia, often caused by gallstones or operative injury, is much more frequent, yet often neglected. Clinical observations indicate that minor hemobilia is not always an innocent condition with the blood remaining fluid and unobtrusively flowing into the intestine. ⋯ These findings explain why under certain circumstances minor hemobilia acquires clinical significance by forming clots that may obstruct the flow or cause diagnostic errors. Successful dissolution of "retained stones" may occasionally have the simple explanation that blood clots, mistaken for calculi, have been fibrinolysed. Consequently, in biliary obstruction or when defects are found on cholangiography, the possibility of blood clots in the ducts should be considered even in the absence of overt gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
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Twenty-seven patients requiring massive transfusions were studied prospectively to determine whether administration of stored, modified whole blood induced a primary disorder of hemostasis evidenced by generalized microvascular oozing. Platelet counts fell in proportion to the number of units of blood transfused. In contrast, the levels of factors V and VIII correlated poorly with the units of blood transfused, 85% of the total variation in the levels being due to influences other than transfused blood. ⋯ We recommend that any patient receiving massive transfusions who develops diffuse microvascular bleeding be given platelet concentrates. Platelet counts as high as 100,000 may be required to control bleeding from surgical wounds. It is not necessary to supplement transfusions of stored, modified whole blood with fresh blood or fresh frozen plasma.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Infusion of the branched chain amino acids in postoperative patients. Anticatabolic properties.
Postinjury metabolism is characterized by breakdown of muscle protein as substrate for energy production and gluconeogenesis and by the resultant loss of lean body mass and weight loss. The branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) which are principally oxidized by the skeletal muscle have been implicated in recent in vitro and in vivo studies as having special anticatabolic and regulating effects in skeletal muscle. We studied the anticatabolic effects of the BCAAs in 35 patients undergoing operative injury of moderate severity. ⋯ With mild variations the plasma amino acid patterns in all groups were similar to the normal pattern, even in the 100% BCAAs group receiving an unbalanced amino acid solution, suggesting the complete cessation of amino acid efflux from muscle, the muscle depending solely on the exogenous supply of BCAAs to satisfy its metabolic requirements. The results suggest that early nutritional suppport in the postoperative period will result in nitrogen equilibrium and that the infusion of the three BCAAs only in the postoperative state is as effective in preventing muscle catabolism as other more balanced amino acid solutions. In the postinjury state balanced amino acid solutions rich in BCAA may prove beneficial.
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An experience with penetrating cardiac injuries between 1974 and 1977 has permitted designation of particular findings as indications for emergent operations and appropriate therapeutic approaches. Of the 46 patients with cardiac trauma, 28 suffered gunshot wounds. Seventeen patients died, and 14 of the deaths occurred as a result of asystole, ventricular fibrillation or exsanguination during operation. ⋯ Pericardiocentesis is at best only temporarily effective. Thoracotomies performed in the emergency room were uniformly unsuccessful. If possible, cardiorrhaphy should be done in the operating room. 4) Median sternotomy is the approach of choice. 5) The basic principles of management of cardiac injury are rapid diagnosis, relief of tamponade, control of hemorrhage, repair of cardiac defects and restoration of blood volume.