Paraoxonase: a multifaceted biomolecule

BACKGROUND

Paraoxonase enzyme was first identified as a protective barrier against organophosphorus poisoning. After painstaking research spanning the last three decades, the knowledge about this enzyme has increased immensely. The present review attempts to elaborate the role of paraoxonase enzyme in normal physiology as well as provide an overview of the various disorders in which the enzyme may have a role in etiopathogenesis.

METHODS

The literature was searched from the websites of the National Library of Medicine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and Pub Med Central, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's digital archive of life sciences journal literature.

RESULTS

Paraoxonase acts as an important antioxidant enzyme against oxidative stress. The enzyme has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of disorders including cardiovascular disorders, cancers etc.

CONCLUSIONS

A better understanding of the molecular mechanism of the enzyme along with the regulatory circuits will help us to utilize agonists to potentiate the anti oxidant actions of the enzyme.

Validation of a scoring system to predict difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the most common laparoscopic procedures being performed by general surgeons all over the world. Preoperative prediction of the risk of conversion or difficulty of operation is an important aspect of planning laparoscopic surgery. The purpose of our prospective study was to analyze various risk factors and to predict difficulty and degree of difficulty preoperatively by the use of a scoring system.

MATERIALS

This prospective study was conducted in the department of surgery, Lady Hardinge Medical College and associated Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Delhi, India. The parameters considered in the preoperative scoring method were old age, male sex, history of hospitalization, obesity, previous abdominal surgery scar, palpable gall bladder, wall thickness of gall bladder, pericholecystic collection and impacted stone. A total of 210 patients were included in the study.

RESULTS

We found that history of hospitalization, palpable gall bladder, impacted stone and gall bladder wall thickness were statistically significant factors for prediction of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Sensitivity and specificity of this preoperative scoring method were found to be 95.74% and 73.68% respectively. Positive predictive values of this scoring method were 90% and 88% for easy and difficult cases respectively. Area under ROC curve was 0.86. Conversion rate from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy was found to be 4.28%.

CONCLUSION

With the help of accurate prediction, high risk patient may be informed before hand regarding the probability of conversion and hence they may have a chance to make arrangements accordingly. On the other hand, surgeons also may have to schedule the time and team for the operation appropriately. Surgeons can also be aware about the possible complications that may arise in high risk patients.

Role of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in the management of choledocholithiasis

Surgical fraternity has not yet arrived at any consensus for adequate treatment of choledocholithiasis. Sequential treatment in the form of pre-operative endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is considered as optimal treatment till date. With refinements in technique and expertise in field of minimal access surgery, many centres in the world have started offering one stage management of choledocholithiasis by LC with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). Various modalities have been tried for entering into concurrent common bile duct (CBD) [transcystic (TC) vs transcholedochal (TD)], for confirming stone clearance (intraoperative cholangiogram vs choledochoscopy), and for closure of choledochotomy (T-tube vs biliary stent vs primary closure) during LCBDE. Both TC and TD approaches are safe and effective. TD stone extraction is involved with an increased risk of bile leaks and requires more expertise in intra-corporeal suturing and choledochoscopy. Choice depends on number of stones, size of stone, diameter of cystic duct and CBD. This review article was undertaken to evaluate the role of LCBDE for the management of choledocholithiasis.

Laparoscopic management of CBD stones: an Indian experience

BACKGROUND

Common bile duct stones (CBDS) that are seen in the Asian population are very different from those seen in the west. It is not infrequent to see multiple, large, and impacted stones and a hugely dilated CBD. Many of these patients have been managed by open CBD exploration (OCBDE), even after the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), because these large stones pose significant challenges for extraction by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. This series presents the largest experience of managing CBDS using a laparoscopic approach from Indian subcontinent.

METHODS

Between 2003 and 2009, 150 patients with documented CBDS were treated laparoscopically at a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi. Of these, 4 patients were managed through transcystic route and 140 through the transcholedochal route.

RESULTS

There were 34 men and 116 women patients with age ranging from 15 to 72 years. The mean size of the CBD on ultrasound was 11.7 ± 3.7 mm and on MRCP 13.8 ± 4.7 mm. The number of stones extracted varied from 1 to 70 and the size of the extracted stones from 5 to 30 mm. The average duration of surgery was 139.9 ± 26.3 min and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 103.4 ± 85.9 ml. There were 6 conversions to open procedures, 1 postoperative death (0.7%), and 23 patients (15%) had nonfatal postoperative complications. Three patients had retained stones (2%) and one developed recurrent stone (0.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Even in patients with multiple, large, and impacted CBDS, there is scope for a minimally invasive procedure with its attendant benefits in the form of laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE).

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A review of recent paradigms and advances in epidemiology, clinical diagnosis and management

Pancreatic cancer is one of the dreaded malignancies for both the patient and the clinician. The five-year survival rate of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDA) is as low as 2% despite multimodality treatment even in the best hands. As per the Global Cancer Observatory of the International Agency for Research in Cancer estimates of pancreatic cancer, by 2040, a 61.7% increase is expected in the total number of cases globally. With the widespread availability of next-generation sequencing, the entire genome of the tumors is being sequenced regularly, providing insight into their pathogenesis. As invasive PDA arises from pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and mucinous neoplasm and intraductal papillary neoplasm, screening for them can be beneficial as the disease is curable with resection at an early stage. Routine preoperative biliary drainage has no role in patients suffering from PDA with obstructive jaundice. If performed, metallic stents are preferred over plastic ones. Minimally invasive procedures are preferred to open procedures as they have less morbidity. The duct-to-mucosa technique for pancreaticojejunostomy is presently widely practiced. The role of intraperitoneal drains after surgery for PDA is controversial. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy has been proven to have a significant role both in locally advanced as well as in resectable PDA. Many new regimens and drugs have been added in the arsenal of chemoradiotherapy for metastatic disease. The roles of immunotherapy and gene therapy in PDA are being investigated. This review article is intended to improve the understanding of the readers with respect to the latest updates of PDA, which may help to trigger new research ideas and make better management decisions.

Evaluation of the role of magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the diagnosis of follicular malignancies of thyroid

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate role of magnetic resonance spectroscopy in differentiating benign from malignant follicular nodules.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Department of Surgery in collaboration with Department of Radio Diagnosis, Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi, India.

PATIENTS

Twenty-five patients with a solitary thyroid nodule with follicular etiology.

INTERVENTIONS

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy was carried out in all the cases, and its findings were compared with the final diagnosis based on histopathological examination of sample obtained at surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Choline peak detected on MRS.

RESULTS

There were 17 benign cases, 16 follicular adenomas, and 1 colloid goiter. Of the 17 benign cases, only 1 showed choline peak; however, all 8 follicular carcinoma cases showed prominent choline peak. Hence, the sensitivity is 100% while the specificity is 94.11%.

CONCLUSION

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy may prove to be a sensitive diagnostic tool in differentiating follicular adenomas from carcinomas.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a diagnostic modality for carcinoma thyroid

AIM

The aim of this study was to observe the findings of magnetic resonance spectroscopy of solitary thyroid nodules and its correlation with histopathology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, magnetic resonance spectroscopy was carried out on 26 patients having solitary thyroid nodules. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was performed on a 1.5T super conductive system with gradient strength of 33mTs. Fine needle aspiration cytology was done after MRS. All 26 patients underwent surgery either because of cytopathologically proven malignancy or because of cosmetic reasons. Findings of magnetic resonance spectroscopy were compared with histopathology of thyroid specimens.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

It was seen that presence or absence of choline peak correlates very well with presence or absence of malignant foci with in the nodule (sensitivity=100%; specificity=88.88%). These results indicate that magnetic resonance spectroscopy may prove to be an useful diagnostic modality for carcinoma thyroid.

Triple tube drainage for "difficult" gastroduodenal perforations: A prospective study

AIM

To prospectively study the outcome of difficult gastroduodenal perforations (GDPs) treated by triple tube drainage (TTD) in order to standardize the procedure.

METHODS

Patients presenting to a single surgical unit of a tertiary hospital with difficult GDPs (large, unfavourable local and systemic factors) were treated with TTD (gastrostomy, duodenostomy and feeding jejunostomy). Postoperative parameters were observed like time to return of bowel sounds, time to start enteral feeds, time to start oral feeds, daily output of all drains, time to clamping/removal of all drains, time for skin to heal, complications, hospital stay, and, mortality. Descriptive statistics were used.

RESULTS

Between December 2013 and April 2015, 20 patients undergoing TTD for GDP were included, with mean age of 44.6 ± 19.8 years and male:female ratio of 17:3. Mean pre-operative APACHE II scores were 10.85 ± 3.55; most GDPs were prepyloric (9/20; 45%) or proximal duodenal (8/20; 40%) and mean size was 1.83 ± 0.59 cm (largest 2.5 cm). Median times of resumption of enteral feeding, removal of gastrostomy, removal of duodenostomy, removal of feeding jejunostomy and oral feeding were 4 d (4-5 IQR), 13 (12-16.5 IQR), 16 (16.25-22.25 IQR), 18 (16.5-24 IQR) and 12 d (10.75-18.5 IQR) respectively. Median hospital stay was 22 d (19-26 IQR) while mortality was 4/20 (20%).

CONCLUSION

TTD for difficult GDP is feasible, easy in the emergency, and patients recover in two-three weeks. It obviates the need for technically demanding and riskier procedures.

COVID 19 and laparoscopic surgeons, the Indian scenario - Perspective

Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID 19) had emerged as a global pandemic in recent times. The healthcare sector is at the epicentre of this unprecedented global pandemic challenge. Hospitals all over the world have reduced the number of non-emergency surgeries in order to utilise the staff and resources in a more efficient way. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is most transmitted via respiratory droplets, but risk of transmission is hugely increased while doing aerosol generating procedures (AGPs). Laparoscopy remains the preferred surgical approach for most surgical indications. There is theoretical possibility of generation of aerosols contaminated with COVID-19 from leaked CO2 and smoke generation after energy device use. The aim of this paper is to review available evidence evaluating the risk of spread of COVID-19 during necessary laparoscopic procedures and to compile guidelines from relevant professional organizations to minimize this risk.

•

The healthcare sector is at the epicentre of this COVID-19 pandemic challenge.

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Leaked CO2 and smoke are theoretically contaminated with COVID-19.

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India has a huge population with many people in Below poverty line category.

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Monetary burden for surgeries is borne either by government or patients.

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Recommendations for laproscopic surgeons during this pandemic to for safe surgery.

Effect of standard anthracycline based neoadjuvant chemotherapy on circulating levels of serum IL-6 in patients of locally advanced carcinoma breast - a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Elevated IL-6 levels have been associated with advanced stage of breast cancer and metastasis-related morbidity. The present prospective study was carried out to assess the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on circulating levels of serum IL-6 in patients of locally advanced carcinoma breast.

MATERIALS

All locally advanced carcinoma breast cases presenting to the surgery out patient's department were included in the study excluding pregnant or lactating females and those patients who were unfit for anthracycline based chemotherapy. A total of 30 cases were included. The various parameters that were evaluated include detailed clinico-pathological profile and IL-6 levels. Clinical staging using TNM classification was performed in all enrolled patients. This included documenting tumor size (on USG), node status and metastatic workup. First blood sample was collected before start of any treatment. Second blood sample was collected after 3 cycles of chemotherapy. Blood was centrifuged within 30 min and serum kept at -80 °C until analysis for IL-6. IL-6 levels were quantified by ELISA.

RESULTS

Majority of patients presented in stage T3N1M0 (66.66%). The serum level of IL-6 increased as the disease progressed from T3N1M0 to T4dN2M0 (41.4 ± 31.9 pg/ml vs. 164.0 ± 31.1 pg/ml respectively). A progressive reduction in IL-6 levels with subsequent cycles of chemotherapy was observed which was statistically significant (from 72.8 ± 56.0 pg/ml to 47.0 ± 61.9 pg/ml; p value 0.002 wilcoxan signed rank test).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows a consistent decline in the IL-6 levels with chemotherapy. Upon ratification of our findings by large population based multi centric studies, we may state with conviction that a single blood test as serum level of IL6 will prove beneficial in assessing the efficacy of chemotherapy.

Lead poisoning associated with Ayurvedic drug presenting as intestinal obstruction: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Lead poisoning is most commonly caused by occupational exposure. It presents with a myriad of signs and symptoms ranging from mild anemia to frank encephalopathy, depending on the blood lead levels as well as the duration of exposure. Intake of herbal/Ayurvedic medicine may also lead to plumbism as heavy metals are often incorporated in such medications with the belief that such metals have medicinal properties.

METHODS

We report a case of lead poisoning caused by Ayurvedic medication. The patient presented with symptoms of intestinal obstruction to the surgical casualty.

RESULTS

The patient presented with symptoms that mimicked intestinal obstruction. No specific etiology could be determined. Serum lead levels were determined and diagnosis of lead poisoning ascertained. The lead content of the medicine was analyzed and it contained 30% w/w lead.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of heavy metal poisoning consequent to intake of alternative medicine must be kept in mind when a patient presents with vague complaints.

Assessment of oxidative stress and inflammatory process in patients of multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a disseminated malignancy of monoclonal plasma cells that accounts for 15 % of all hematological cancers. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of inflammation and oxidant-antioxidant dynamics in the etiology of this disease. The study population comprised of 20 cases of multiple myeloma and 20 healthy controls. The parameters evaluated were serum malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ferritin levels. The serum MDA levels were 1.9 ± 0.96 nmol/ml in cases as compared to 0.98 ± 0.55 nmol/ml in the controls. Similarly, a statistically significant difference was noted in the SOD and ferritin levels between the cases and controls (93.2 ± 23.8 vs. 210.1 ± 190.5 U/ml and 285.8 ± 216.4 vs. 131.8 ± 30.1 ng/ml respectively). Our study highlights the imbalance in the oxidant-anti oxidant mechanism and the role of smoldering inflammation in the etiology of multiple myeloma.

A Prospective Randomized Study Comparing Fibrin Glue Versus Prolene Suture for Mesh Fixation in Lichtenstein Inguinal Hernia Repair

The aim of this study is to assess the advantages of fibrin glue over Prolene suture in fixation of the mesh in open inguinal hernia repair. Sixty-four cases of inguinal hernia underwent hernia repair by the Lichtenstein method in the department of surgery in PGIMER & Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi. The patients were randomized prospectively into group A (fibrin glue group) and group B (Prolene suture group). In group A, fibrin glue was used for mesh fixation, and in group B, Prolene suture was used for mesh fixation. The mean age of patients in group A was 44.5 years and that of group B patients was 44.2 years. There was a significant difference in the duration of surgery, with the mean duration in fibrin glue group being 30.6 min and that of the suture group was 43.3 min. The mean visual analogue pain score of postoperative pain at 1, 6, 12, and 24 h was significantly higher in the suture group than in the fibrin glue group (p < 0.001). The mean total dose of analgesia in ampoules of tramadol was significantly less in the fibrin glue group (1.56 ampoules) than that in the suture group (4.125 ampoules) with p = 0.000. At the end of the first month, 25 % of subjects in the suture group presented with mild groin pain (p value = 0.0048). At the end of the second and third month, 22 % (p 68 value = 0.0048) and 12.5 % (p value = 0.1132) of subjects respectively presented with mild groin pain in the suture group. The present study demonstrates that the use of fibrin glue in place of Prolene suture for mesh fixation in open inguinal hernia repair can help decreasing the time required for surgery, reduce the intensity of postoperative pain, shorten the duration of hospital stay, and prevent the incidence of chronic groin pain.

Potential biochemical markers for preterm labor: a pilot study in north India

Preterm delivery is a major contributor for neonatal mortality. Intensive research is underway to establish a reliable biomarker that can ascertain the risk of preterm delivery in pregnant women. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of various biochemical parameters as potential biomarker for risk assessment for preterm labor. Forty women presenting with preterm labor and 40 women who delivered at term were included in the study. Parameters that were evaluated include corticotrophin (ACTH), prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), ferritin and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP). Serum ACTH, ferritin, ALP and Ferritin/Iron ratio were significantly higher in the subjects who delivered prematurely as compared to the controls. Comparison of sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, positive and negative predictive values for different cut offs for ACTH, ferritin, ALP and ferritin/iron ratio was carried out. Ferritin emerged as the best marker with area under curve of 0.96 as compared to 0.88 for ACTH, 0.825 for ALP and 0.735 for ferritin/iron ratio. Our study establishes the superiority of ferritin as a predictive biomarker for preterm labor as compared to the rest of the parameters evaluated.

Correlation of levels of IL-6 with tumor burden and receptor status in patients of locally advanced carcinoma breast

Inflammatory pathways have garnered considerable interest in the recent past as an important mediator of the molecular mechanisms leading to carcinogenesis. The present study was conducted to evaluate the correlation of levels of IL-6 with tumor burden and receptor status in patients of locally advanced carcinoma breast. This prospective study was conducted by the collaborative efforts of the departments of Surgery and Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College and associated Lok Nayak Hospital and GB Pant Hospitals, New Delhi. The study population comprised of 30 cases of locally advanced breast carcinoma recruited from the surgical outpatient department. The various parameters that were evaluated include detailed clinico-pathological profile and IL-6 levels. Tissue specimens received after surgeries were examined for the various characteristics indicative of tumor prognosis. Majority of the patients was in the age group of 41-50 years and was postmenopausal. The serum level of IL-6 increased as the disease progressed from T3N1M0 to T4dN2M0 (41.4 ± 31.9 vs. 164.0 ± 31.1 pg/ml respectively). There was significant correlation of IL-6 levels with lymph node involvement, tumor grade, mitotic index and adipose tissue invasion. Emerging molecular markers are being investigated for breast cancer prognosis assessment and prediction of response to chemotherapy including selection of best possible treatment modality. Our study showed that there is progressive increase in IL-6 levels as the stage of disease progresses.

Algorithmic bias and research integrity; the role of nonhuman authors in shaping scientific knowledge with respect to artificial intelligence: a perspective

Artificial intelligence technologies were developed to assist authors in bettering the organization and caliber of their published papers, which are both growing in quantity and sophistication. Even though the usage of artificial intelligence tools in particular ChatGPT's natural language processing systems has been shown to be beneficial in research, there are still concerns about accuracy, responsibility, and transparency when it comes to the norms regarding authorship credit and contributions. Genomic algorithms quickly examine large amounts of genetic data to identify potential disease-causing mutations. By analyzing millions of medications for potential therapeutic benefits, they can quickly and relatively economically find novel approaches to treatment. Researchers from several fields can collaborate on difficult tasks with the assistance of nonhuman writers, promoting interdisciplinary research. Sadly, there are a number of significant disadvantages associated with employing nonhuman authors, including the potential for algorithmic prejudice. Biased data may be reinforced by the algorithm since machine learning algorithms can only be as objective as the data they are trained on. It is overdue that scholars bring forth basic moral concerns in the fight against algorithmic prejudice. Overall, even if the use of nonhuman authors has the potential to significantly improve scientific research, it is crucial for scientists to be aware of these drawbacks and take precautions to avoid bias and limits. To provide accurate and objective results, algorithms must be carefully designed and implemented, and researchers need to be mindful of the larger ethical ramifications of their usage.

Evaluation of ISS, RTS, CASS and TRISS scoring systems for predicting outcomes of blunt trauma abdomen

PURPOSE

Trauma is the leading cause of mortality in people below the age of 45 years. Abdominal trauma constitutes one-fourth of the trauma burden. Scoring systems in trauma are necessary for grading the severity of the injury and prior mobilization of resources in anticipation. The aim of this study was to evaluate RTS, ISS, CASS and TRISS scoring systems in blunt trauma abdomen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective single-center study was conducted on 43 patients of blunt trauma abdomen. Revised trauma score (RTS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), Clinical Abdominal Scoring System (CASS) and Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) were calculated and compared with the outcomes such as need for surgical intervention, post-operative complications and mortality.

RESULTS

The majority of the study subjects were males (83.7%). The most common etiology for blunt trauma abdomen as per this study was road traffic accident (72.1%). Spleen was the most commonly injured organ as per the study. CASS and TRISS were significant in predicting the need for operative intervention. Only ISS significantly predicted post-operative complications. All scores except CASS significantly predicted mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the scoring systems studied CASS and TRISS predicted the need for operative intervention with good accuracy. For the prediction of post-operative complications, only the ISS score showed statistical significance. ISS, RTS and TRISS predicted mortality with good accuracy but the superiority of one score over the other couldn't be proved.

Transmural Migration of Gossypiboma: a Rare Cause of Acute Abdomen

Gossypiboma is the retained foreign body which is generally a cotton sponge/gauze after surgery. Incidence of gossypiboma is around one in 3000 to 5000 surgeries. This low incidence is mainly attributed to a low case reporting due to an associated medicolegal aspect. We are reporting a case of a 38 years old male, who presented with signs and symptoms of peritonitis. The patient had a history of open cholecystectomy 2 years back. A working diagnosis of perforation peritonitis was made, and the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy. Intraoperatively, a surgical sponge was present inside the ileal lumen causing intestinal obstruction with dense adhesion of bowel loops proximal to the site of obstruction with multiple ileal perforations. Even though the incidence of gossypiboma is very low, it should always be kept in mind as a cause of chronic abdominal pain and abdominal discomfort in a patient with previous abdominal surgery.

Breast cancer: interaction between oxidant-antioxidant dynamics and inflammation in Indian females

OBJECTIVES

Oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory mediators have been implicated in breast carcinogenesis. We attempted to evaluate the markers of oxidative stress, antioxidant mechanism and the inflammatory pathway in patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

This study was carried out in departments of Biochemistry and Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College and associated Hospitals, New Delhi, India. A total of 60 cases of carcinoma of the breast and 60 healthy controls were included in the study. The parameters that were assayed include markers of oxidative stress-conjugated dienes, thiobarbitone reactive substances (TBARS), antioxidants-superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH) and markers of inflammation-interleukin-6(IL-6) and ferritin.

RESULTS

There was a significant decline in the antioxidant levels and a significant rise in oxidant levels in patients with carcinoma of the breast, compared to controls. The inflammatory markers-IL-6 and ferritin-were also significantly higher in patients with breast cancer. A significantly positive correlation was observed between the IL-6 levels and conjugated dienes with the stage of breast carcinoma; whilst a significantly negative correlation was observed between the levels of conjugated dienes and superoxide dismutase and superoxide dismutase levels with the disease staging.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underlines the interplay between inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. MINI ABSTRACT: An intense research is underway to identify the possible risk factors and the molecular mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of breast cancer. Inflammation and oxidative stress are two such etiologies investigated in our study.

New Technique of Applying Topical Oxygen Therapy as a Cost-Effective Procedure

To describe the newly designed technique of applying topical oxygen therapy for large wounds. C arm sterile disposable cover is used for covering the wound. For abdominal and pelvis wounds, two artificial holes are created at one end of the cover for the inclusion of the limb. Free end of the cover is secured with adhesive, and a hole is created for the insertion of the suction catheter. Oxygen cylinder is connected to the suction catheter, and oxygen is supplied at the rate of 10 L/min. Three patients were treated with topical oxygen therapy. These patients were cases of necrotizing soft tissue infections and large post traumatic wounds. There were less requirements of debridement and granulation tissue appeared earlier. The cost of one cycle of the therapy is less than 500 INR. Topical oxygen therapy is the recent modality for improved wound healing. The novel method of applying topical oxygen devised by us is effective, feasible, and cost-effective as compared to standard devices.

Correlation of D dimer and factor VIII levels with histopathology in patients with breast carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

There is evidence that the components of the coagulation/fibrinolytic system play a role in cancer biology and angiogenesis. Studies reveal that at the time of diagnosis, majority of the cancer patients have laboratory evidence of systemic coagulation activation. Our purpose was to investigate the significance of D-Dimer (product of fibrin degradation) and factor VIII levels in breast cancer and to evaluate its relationship with other variables such as histological characteristics, lymph node status and immunohistochemistry markers (ER, PR and Her-2neu).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study was conducted in the Department of Surgery in collaboration with Departments of Medicine, Pathology and Radiodiagnosis & Imaging, Maulana Azad Medical College & Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi. Fifty patients with diagnosed cancer breast who were treated in surgery department were evaluated for D Dimer and factor VIII levels. D-dimer and Factor VIII levels were measured three times i.e. at the time of commencement of treatment then after three cycles of Chemotherapy (CAF Regimen) and finally after six weeks of surgery.

RESULTS

Significantly higher levels of D Dimer and factor VIII were observed in tumors with significant lymphovascular and adipose tissue invasion in comparison to localized tumors. The reduction in D-dimer and Factor VIII values after Surgery was significant for both D-dimer (p value 0.000) and Factor VIII (p value 0.000). The reduction in D-dimer after 3 cycles of chemotherapy was significant for D-dimer (575.51 ± 572.47 ng/ml vs. 422.45 ± 363.58 ng/ml; p value 0.046) but not significant for Factor VIII (307.83 ± 184.47 ng/ml vs. 288.78 ± 163.02 ng/ml; p value 0.151).

CONCLUSION

D-dimer and factor VIII may be used as yardstick for systemic adjuvant therapy in node negative < 1 cm breast cancer. D-dimer may prove to be a safe, convenient and easily available biomarker which can be combined with conventional sentinel node biopsy in clinically node negative breast cancer to assess metastatic disease in axilla and reduce false negative results.