Resectable adenocarcinoma developing in the remnant pancreas 7 years after partial pancreatoduodenectomy for invasive ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas: a case report

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma still has an excessively high mortality rate and resection is the only potentially curative treatment. The postoperative 5-year survival rate is approximately 20% and recurrence devel...

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Erratum to: The German Lipoprotein Apheresis Registry (GLAR) – almost 5 years on

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Comparison of two stroke volume variation-based goal-directed fluid therapies for supratentorial brain tumour resection: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: The optimal volume status for neurosurgery has yet to be determined. We compared two fluid protocols based on different stroke volume variation (SVV) cut-offs for goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) during supratentorial brain tumour resection.Methods: A randomized, single-blind, open-label trial was conducted. Eighty adult patients undergoing elective supratentorial brain tumour resection were randomly divided into a low SVV and a high SVV group. The SVV cut-offs were used to determine when to initiate colloid infusion. Clinical outcomes and perioperative changes in serum neuronal biomarkers, including S100β, neurone-specific enolase (NSE) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), were compared.Results: Patients in the low SVV group received a higher volume of colloid [869 (SD 404) vs 569 (453) ml; P=0.0025], had a higher urine output [3.4 (2.4) vs 2.5 (1.7) ml kg^–1 h^–1; P=0.0416] and a higher average cardiac index [3.2 (0.7) vs 2.8 (0.6) litres min^–1 m^–2; P=0.0204]. Patients in the low SVV group also had a shorter intensive care unit stay [1.4 (0.7) vs 2.6 (3.3) days, P=0.0326], fewer postoperative neurological events (17.5 vs 40%, P=0.0469), attenuated changes in the NSE and GFAP levels, lower intraoperative serum lactate and a higher Barthel index at discharge (all P<0.05).Conclusions: During GDFT for supratentorial brain tumour resection, fluid boluses targeting a lower SVV are more beneficial than a restrictive protocol.Clinical trial registration. NCT02113358.

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What do recent human studies tell us about the association between anaesthesia in young children and neurodevelopmental outcomes?

Abstract

Anaesthetic and sedative drugs transiently disrupt normal neural activity to facilitate healthcare procedures in children, but they can also cause long-term brain injury in experimental animal models. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently advised that repeated or lengthy exposures to anaesthetic and sedative drugs prior to 3 yr of age have the potential to harm the development of children's brains and added warnings to these drug labels. Paediatric anaesthesia toxicity could represent a significant public health issue, and concern about this potential injury in children has become an important issue for families, paediatric clinicians and healthcare regulators. Since late 2015, important new data from five major clinical studies have been published. This narrative review aims to provide a brief overview of the preclinical and clinical literature, including a comprehensive review of these recent additions to the human literature. We integrate these new data with prior studies to provide further insights into how these clinical findings can be applied to children.

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Duration of general anaesthetic exposure in early childhood and long-term language and cognitive ability

Abstract

Background. The anaesthetic dose causing neurotoxicity in animals has been evaluated, but the relationship between duration of volatile anaesthetic (VA) exposure and neurodevelopment in children remains unclear.Methods. Data were obtained from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, with language (Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals: Receptive [CELF-R] and Expressive [CELF-E] and Total [CELF-T]) and cognition (Coloured Progressive Matrices [CPM]) assessed at age 10 yr. Medical records were reviewed, and children divided into quartiles based on total VA exposure duration before age three yr. The association between test score and exposure duration quartile was evaluated using linear regression, adjusting for patient characteristics and comorbidity.Results. Of 1622 children with available test scores, 148 had documented VA exposure and were split into the following quartiles: ≤25, >25 to ≤35, >35 to ≤60 and >60 min. Compared with unexposed children, CELF-T scores for children in the first and second quartiles did not differ, but those in the third and fourth quartiles had significantly lower scores ([3^rd quartile – Unexposed] -5.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], (-10.2 – -0.4), [4^th quartile – Unexposed] -6.2; 95% CI, (-11.6 – -0.9). CELF-E showed similar findings, but significant differences were not found in CELF-R or CPM for any quartile.Conclusions. Children with VA exposures ≤35 min did not differ from unexposed children, but those with exposures >35 min had lower total and expressive language scores. It remains unclear if this is a dose-response relationship, or if children requiring longer exposures for longer surgeries have other clinical reasons for lower scores.

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How big data shape paediatric anaesthesia

Paediatric anaesthesia practise is changing. This change is primarily the result of new evidence emerging from analyses of large datasets and represents a shift in focus from prevention of perioperative mortality towards a reduction of perioperative morbidity. Children do offer the unique opportunity to study the lifelong consequences of any early intervention. The effects of early-life surgical and anaesthetic exposure may resonate through adolescence and into adulthood. Therefore, it appears necessary to perform long-term follow-up over several years until higher cognitive and other physiological functions have been fully matured and developed.

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Dexmedetomidine pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modelling in healthy volunteers: 1. Influence of arousal on bispectral index and sedation

Abstract

Background. Dexmedetomidine, a selective α₂-adrenoreceptor agonist, has unique characteristics, such as maintained respiratory drive and production of arousable sedation. We describe development of a pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model of the sedative properties of dexmedetomidine, taking into account the effect of stimulation on its sedative properties.Methods. In a two-period, randomized study in 18 healthy volunteers, dexmedetomidine was delivered in a step-up fashion by means of target-controlled infusion using the Dyck model. Volunteers were randomized to a session without background noise and a session with pre-recorded looped operating room background noise. Exploratory pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modelling and covariate analysis were conducted in NONMEM using bispectral index (BIS) monitoring of processed EEG.Results. We found that both stimulation at the time of Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (MOAA/S) scale scoring and the presence or absence of ambient noise had an effect on the sedative properties of dexmedetomidine. The stimuli associated with MOAA/S scoring increased the BIS of sedated volunteers because of a transient 170% increase in the effect-site concentration necessary to reach half of the maximal effect. In contrast, volunteers deprived of ambient noise were more resistant to dexmedetomidine and required, on average, 32% higher effect-site concentrations for the same effect as subjects who were exposed to background operating room noise.Conclusions. The new pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic models might be used for effect-site rather than plasma concentration target-controlled infusion for dexmedetomidine in clinical practice, thereby allowing tighter control over the desired level of sedation.Clinical trial registration. NCT01879865.

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Ultrasound-guided percutaneous cryoneurolysis for treatment of acute pain: could cryoanalgesia replace continuous peripheral nerve blocks?

Local anaesthetics, delivered percutaneously through a needle, have been used for over a century to provide perioperative anaesthesia and analgesia. However, the duration of a single-injection peripheral nerve block is usually limited to less than 24 hr, leaving untreated surgical pain that may last for weeks—or in some cases months. While prolonged analgesia may be provided using a perineural catheter and repeated/continuous administration of local anaesthetic, the duration of this modality is still usually limited to less than one week because of the risk of infection, rapid consumption of the local anaesthetic, and the burden of carrying an infusion pump and anaesthetic reservoir.¹ An analgesic modality with a prolonged duration of action could be advantageous for various surgical procedures that are associated with a typically prolonged postoperative period of pain.

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Inhibition of p75 neurotrophin receptor does not rescue cognitive impairment in adulthood after isoflurane exposure in neonatal mice

Abstract

Background: Isoflurane is widely used for anaesthesia in humans. Isoflurane exposure of rodents prior to post-natal day 7 (PND7) leads to widespread neurodegeneration in laboratory animals. Previous data from our laboratory suggest an attenuation of apoptosis with the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) inhibitor TAT-Pep5. We hypothesized that isoflurane toxicity leads to behavioural and cognitive abnormalities and can be rescued with pre-anaesthesia administration of TAT-Pep5.Methods: Neonatal mouse pups were pretreated with either TAT-Pep5 (25 μl, 10 μM i.p.) or a scrambled control peptide (TAT-ctrl; 25 μl, 10 μM i.p.) prior to isoflurane exposure (1.4%; 4 h) or control (n = 15–26/group). Three to 5 months after exposure, behavioural testing and endpoint assays [brain volume (stereology) and immunoblotting] were performed.Results: No significant difference was observed in open field, T-maze, balance beam or wire-hanging testing. The Barnes maze revealed a significant effect of isoflurane (P = 0.019) in errors to find the escape tunnel during the day 5 probe trial, a finding indicative of impaired short-term spatial memory. No difference was found for brain volumes or protein expression. TAT-Pep5 treatment did not reverse the effects of isoflurane on neurocognitive behaviour.Conclusion: A single isoflurane exposure to early post-natal mice caused a hippocampal-dependent memory deficit that was not prevented by pre-administration of TAT-Pep5, although TAT-Pep5, an inhibitor of p75NTR, has been shown to reduce isoflurane-induced apoptosis. These findings suggest that neuronal apoptosis is not requisite for the development of cognitive deficits in the adults attendant with neonatal anaesthetic exposure.

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Variations in assessment and certification in postgraduate anaesthesia training: a European survey

Abstract

Background: Postgraduate specialty training has traditionally been based on a time- and rotation-based model, but competency-based models are emerging. Because anaesthesia training evolves differently across Europe, variations in assessment and certification processes are expected, but the extent of similarities and differences is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare anaesthesia training programmes in Europe, focusing on assessment and certification processes.Methods: We performed an online survey among national representatives of the Union of European Medical Specialists/European Board of Anaesthesiology. Results: All 36 countries participated. Duration of training had a median of 5 yr (range 2.75–7). Mean number of different assessment tools was 7.45 (range 4–13), with more tools being used in competency-based programmes [mean 9.1 (sd 2.97) vs 7.0 (sd 1.97); P=0.03]. Most countries had a nationally uniform certification process. Based on a qualitative analysis of the survey findings, a categorization of countries emerged, reflecting the approach to assessment and certification. We observed two main streams of countries with an underlying knowledge or procedural focus within a time- and rotation-based apprenticeship model. These main streams are evolving, to different extents, towards a third orientation, competency-based training.Conclusions: Assessment and certification processes in European anaesthesia training are diverse. In many countries, a time-based apprenticeship model is evolving towards a competency-based certification process. This diversity precludes comparison of competence of graduating anaesthetists across Europe.

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Acute rehabilitation after resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in major trauma

We report a 23-year-old woman admitted post cyclist versus heavy goods vehicle accident in December 2014. This was the second case the life-saving procedure, that is, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) was performed on at the roadside. This advanced procedure was performed due to the extensive haemorrhage from this patient's complex pelvic fracture . As a result of REBOA, the patient consequently lost her left lower limb and underwent a variety of complex pelvic and lower limb surgeries.

The patient was admitted to the acute critical care unit and underwent repeated operations and was not ready to start active rehabilitation until 12 days into her admission. Prior to this she was on movement restrictions and received physiotherapy for limb care and dietetics in order to meet her nutritional requirements. The patient was stepped down to a ward setting and started on an extensive physiotherapy programme and was then transferred to the rehabilitation unit for amputees at Roehampton.

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Uncommon cause of cervicobrachial neuralgia: epidural abscess complicating tuberculous arthritis

Description

A 59-year-old patient was admitted to the rheumatology department with cervicobrachial neuralgia in the upper extremities and paresthesia. The symptoms appeared 3 months ago.

Physical examination showed neck stiffness with decreased sensitivity in the territory of the C4 root in both arms. There was no motor weakness or fever. The inflammatory blood markers were increased.

Spinal MRI was performed showing posterior epidural collection hyperintense in T2-weighted images (figure 1) with intense peripheral enhancement extending from C3-C4 to C4-C5 (figure 2). A facet joint arthritis at the level of C3-C4 was also noticed with a T2 hyperintense lesion of the spinal cord (figure 1).

Figure 1

T2-weighted sagittal and axis images showing posterior epidural mass with mass effect on the spinal cord at C3-C4 and medullar oedema.

Figure 2

T1FAT SAT post-gadolinium axial images showing intense...

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Customised crescentic corneal transplant with conjunctival resection in an atypical case of malignant Moorens ulcer

Description

Mooren's ulcer is a painful peripheral ulcerative keratitis of unknown aetiology. It is rapidly progressive inflammatory destruction of the juxtalimbal corneal stroma with no associated scleritis. Mooren's ulcer is a diagnosis of exclusion, after ruling out all the relevant systemic and local causes that lead to peripheral ulcerative keratitis. It usually present as bilateral disease with male to female distribution of 1:0.74 being more common in older age group.1 Mooren's ulcer has been seen to be associated with human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DR17(3) and DQ2.2

A 20-year-old male patient presented with complaints of sudden onset pain, redness and watering in the left eye. History revealed recurrent episodes of similar complaints for the last 2 years. On examination, the visual acuity in the left eye was counting finger at 2 m and 20/20 in the right eye. The slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination showed juxtalimbal severe congestion associated with 2x2 mm of...

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Social considerations of inflammatory bowel disease in Southern Israel

Chronic diseases pose unique social challenges beyond traditional health considerations that require specific attention. In this report, we examine the case of a middle-aged woman with ulcerative colitis, living in Southern Israel. Trust between the patient and physician is shown to positively influence a variety of therapeutic outcomes and should be considered a fundamental component of successful care. In context of the military conflict between Israel and Gaza, the needs of patients with chronic diseases cannot be forgotten. The work environment is also identified as an area of particular concern, as a supportive work environment is essential in order to maintain satisfaction in the workplace and sustain a high quality of life. Out-of-pocket costs for medications are confirmed to be a significant barrier to adherence. Better understanding of patientsâ™ financial capabilities, along with affordable therapeutic interventions, will alleviate healthcare-related financial burdens and improve health outcomes.

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Increased risk for thionamide-induced agranulocytosis in elderly patients: a case presentation and literature review

Thionamides, such as methimazole and propylthiouracil, are used for the management of hyperthyroidism. Agranulocytosis is a rare adverse effect of thionamides and elderly patients are especially vulnerable. Here we discuss a case of an 80-year-old woman who developed agranulocytosis and pneumonia approximately 4 weeks after starting low dose methimazole therapy. Despite aggressive treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and granulocyte colony stimulating factor, she developed multiorgan failure and died. Our goals are to identify risk factors common to elderly patients and hopefully improve outcomes in this population when prescribed thionamides.

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Thrombotic microangiopathy associated with intravenous injection of extended-release oxycodone

We describe the case of a 35-year-old man presenting with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) and renal impairment following, as he later disclosed, intravenous injection of oral formulation tamper-resistant extended-release oxycodone hydrochloride (Oxycontin). Recurrent misuse of this agent was associated with relapsing TMA despite treatment with terminal complement inhibitor eculizumab. Cases of TMA have been reported in the USA in association with intravenous misuse of extended-release oxymorphone (Opana ER) after the introduction of a new non-crushable formulation in 2012. There are two reported accounts of TMA associated with tamper-resistant Oxycontin, which became available in Australia in 2014. This is the first documented case in which eculizumab was used. This case illustrates the practical diagnostic challenges in identifying TMA disorders, and the importance of a detailed drug history. It also highlights the need to clarify what role, if any, eculizumab therapy has in cases of drug-associated TMA.

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Chewing-induced facial dystonia: a rare presentation of task-specific dystonia

This case is an addition to scarce literature available for a rare condition, chewing-induced task-specific dystonia. The patient was a 63-year-old woman who presented with a 4-year history of progressive difficulty in eating food only during chewing associated with abnormal facial grimaces without any difficulty in drinking, swallowing, speaking or singing. Examination revealed dystonia of facial muscles every time she chewed but absent during drinking and speaking. As movements were consistent and reproducible with the specific task, other differential diagnosis like motor tics, psychogenic disorder, tardive dystonia and parkinsonism syndrome were excluded leading to a diagnosis of task-specific facial dystonia triggered by chewing. Treatment was started with trihexyphenidyl and later on tetrabenazine was also added but she got only mild relief of symptoms. As she did not agreed for botulinum toxin therapy, so we continued with the same treatment without much improvement.

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Localised pneumoperitoneum following liver mass biopsy in the setting of post-ERCP pneumobilia

Description

A 72-year-old woman presented with a 1-week history of fatigue, weight loss and painless jaundice. Liver chemistries confirmed cholestasis with hyperbilirubinaemia of 25.6 mg/dL. An abdominal CT scan revealed multifocal liver lesions and dilation of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. On endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), a common bile duct stricture was found requiring dilation and insertion of a biliary stent. Cholangiogram demonstrated free bile drainage without contrast medium leakage. The patient then underwent CT-guided biopsy of a left lobe liver mass. On the next day, she complained of constant abdominal pain. She was afebrile and there were no peritoneal signs. Abdominal CT scan demonstrated localised free air in the peritoneal cavity (figure 1). The stent was at the proper position and pneumobilia of the common bile duct and intrahepatic bile ducts was noted. The occurrence of free air in the peritoneal cavity post-ERCP raised significant concerns...

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A rare consequence of very common osteoporotic pubic rami fracture in a patient with myeloproliferative disease

Description

An 80-year-old female with janus kinase 2 positive myeloproliferative disease with stable blood parameters on aspirin and anagrelide admitted to the emergency department after a fall over the kerb complaining of pain limiting mobility. Initial assessment was stable without any external injuries noted. Pelvic X-ray demonstrated a stable pubic rami fracture (figure 1). Later on, her haemoglobin dropped 106 g/dL to 67 g/dL for no apparent cause. She was also noted to have an abdominal fullness and examination revealed a suprapubic mass. CT scan showed a well-defined hypointense collection measuring 85x60x105 mm extending superiorly from the symphysis pubis compressing bladder (figure 2-4). It was compatible with a late development of a haematoma. There was no contrast extravasation suggesting active bleeding. Her platelets and coagulation were normal. She was managed conservatively with blood transfusions but there was a place for angiography if she was...

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Multiple Osteolytic Lesions Causing Hypercalcemia: A Rare Presentation of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is characterized by unchecked proliferation of malignant lymphoblasts which replaces the normal bone marrow culminating in anemia due to red blood cells inadequacy as well as in easy bruising/bleeding secondary to insufficient platelets production. Even the white blood cells which are produced excessively are immature and abnormal. ALL is the most common hematological malignancy in children. Most commonly, patients present with lymphadenopathy, recurrent infections, bleeding, fatigue, and bone pains. Bone pains, often particularly involving long bones, occur in about 21–38% of cases and are due to overcrowding of bone marrow with malignant cells. Vast majority of children with ALL have thrombocytopenia and/or anemia with a normal or mildly elevated white blood cells count with the presence of lymphoblasts on peripheral smear. About 50% of children present with bleeding while about 75% of patients have platelet count 100,000/microL. Visceromegaly is not uncommon but osteolytic lesions and hypercalcemia are rather uncommon. We present a 22-year-old gentleman with generalized fatigue and bone pains without visceromegaly. There was severe hypercalcemia with normal parathyroid levels but multiple osteolytic lesions. Peripheral smear showed anemia without blasts, whereas a bone marrow biopsy revealed > 30% blasts with interspersed CD 10 positive cells.

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