Human immunodeficiency virus and the trauma patient: factors influencing postoperative infectious complications

The Effect of Human-Immunodeficiency Virus Status on Outcomes in Penetrating Abdominal Trauma: An Interim Analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the outcomes of hemodynamically stable patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy for penetrating abdominal trauma differed as a result of their HIV status.

METHODS

This was an observational, prospective study from February 2016 to May 2017. All hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating abdominal trauma requiring a laparotomy were included. The mechanism of injury, the HIV status, age, the penetrating abdominal trauma index (PATI), and the revised trauma score (RTS) were entered into a binary logistic regression model. Outcome parameters were in-hospital death, morbidity, admission to intensive care unit (ICU), relaparotomy within 30 days, and length of stay longer than 30 days.

RESULTS

A total of 209 patients, 94% male, with a mean age of 29 ± 10 years were analysed. Twenty-eight patients (13%) were HIV positive. The two groups were comparable. Ten (4.8%) laparotomies were negative. There were two (0.96%) deaths, both in the HIV negative group. The complication rate was 34% (n = 72). Twenty-nine patients (14%) were admitted to the ICU. A higher PATI, older age, and a lower RTS were significant risk factors for ICU admission. After 30 days, 12 patients (5.7%) were still in hospital. Twenty-four patients (11%) underwent a second laparotomy. The PATI score was the single independent predictor for complications, relaparotomy, and hospital stay longer than 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary results reveal that HIV status does not influence outcomes in patients with penetrating abdominal trauma.

Sepsis risk factors associated with HIV-1 patients undergoing surgery

Recent developments in the treatment of HIV-1 have improved the disease prognosis from a terminal disease to a chronic disease. The number of HIV-1-infected patients who require surgery has become more common. The main threat to HIV-1-infected patients following surgery is the development of sepsis. In this study, we collected a large number of clinical recordings of HIV-1-infected patients from two hospitals in China, specializing in HIV-1 treatment in order to summarize the risk indicators of sepsis in HIV-1-infected patients. We compared the significant risk indicators between the sepsis and non-sepsis groups. Using logistic regression based on the indicators of four separate surgery-based diseases, we generally found that low CD4 and hypoalbuminemia counts prior to surgery were the significant risk factors for developing sepsis. The morbidity of sepsis in trauma patients was approximately 10 times higher than the dysfunction group, whereas the tumor and the infection groups were approximately 1.5 and 2 times higher, respectively. Based on the comparison between the sepsis and non-sepsis groups for each surgery-based disease, we found that the severity of trauma is a critical risk factor for trauma patients; therefore, limiting the size of the wound during surgery is crucial. HIV-1-infected patients often develop postoperative sepsis due to immunodeficiency and complications due to the surgery. We hope that this study can help to reduce the risk of developing sepsis due to surgery and improve the survival rate of HIV-1-infected patients.

Bone Components Downregulate Expression of Toll-Like Receptor 4 on the Surface of Human Monocytic U937 Cells: A Cell Model for Postfracture Immune Dysfunction

To mimic the immune status of monocyte in the localized fracture region, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) surface expression in human monocytic U937 cells was used as the main target to assess immune dysfunction following bone component exposure. We first identified the effects of bone components (including the marrow content) on TLR4 surface expression and then examined the mechanisms underlying the changes. The level of microRNA-146a expression, an indicator of endotoxin tolerance, was also assayed. Bone component exposure downregulated TLR4 surface expression at 24 h by flow cytometry analysis, compatible with the result obtained from the membranous portion of TLR4 by western blot analysis. The cytoplasmic portion of TLR4 paradoxically increased after bone component exposure. Impaired TLR4 trafficking from the cytoplasm to the membrane was related to gp96 downregulation, as observed by western blot analysis, and this was further evidenced by gp96-TLR4 colocalization under confocal microscopy. TaqMan analysis revealed that the expression of microRNA-146a was also upregulated. This cell model demonstrated that bone component exposure downregulated TLR4 surface expression in a gp96-related manner in human monocytic U937 cells, an indicator of immunosuppression at 24 h. Immune dysfunction was further evidenced by upregulation of microRNA-146a expression at the same time point.

Does HIV infection influence outcomes after trauma?

BACKGROUND

Our goal was to analyze whether the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection effects outcome after trauma.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of trauma patients from 2000 to 2005 comparing HIV-positive patients with HIV-negative patients.

RESULTS

A group of 54 HIV-positive patients were compared with 200 HIV- negative patients who were equally matched for demographics, mechanism, and injury severity. The groups had similar comorbidities except for more coagulopathy (0% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.04) and renal failure (0.5% vs. 9.3%, [p = 0.002]) in the HIV-positive group. The HIV-negative group had 9% overall complications versus 22.2% for the HIV-positive group (p = 0.02). There were more respiratory (0.5% vs. 5.6% [p = 0.03]) and renal (0% vs. 5.6% [p = 0.009]) complications in the HIV-positive group. No differences were found between the groups regarding ventilator, intensive care unit, hospital lengths of stay, or mortality. In the HIV-positive group, 34 had known CD4 counts which averaged 474.6 cells/muL +/- 457.4 cells/muL. There were eight who had a CD4 count less than 200 cells/muL of whom two had complications, and one had an infectious complication. These were not statistically different from those who had CD4 counts >/=200 cells/muL. Regression analysis did not demonstrate any difference in overall complications (p = 0.37) or infections (p = 0.38) regardless of the CD4 count.

CONCLUSION

Although HIV-infected patients suffer more complications than their noninfected counterparts, HIV does not alter the outcomes for trauma patient. HIV status should not influence management decisions for these patients regardless of the patient's CD4 count.

Impact of HIV and AIDS on surgical practice

INTRODUCTION

Surgical intervention has become a common component in the management of patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or suffering from the clinical consequences of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We investigated the evolution of this involvement at a tertiary referral centre for this condition over a 16-year period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Detailed retrospective examination of the medical records of HIV-positive patients treated at the Royal Free Hospital between 1986 and 2002 was undertaken. Clinical, pathological and operative details of those patients who underwent surgical intervention were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 2100 cases reviewed, 477 patients underwent a combined total of 772 surgical procedures. Of the 772 operations, 95 (12.3%) were performed as emergencies. Anorectal surgery represented the highest group with a total of 195 procedures (25.26%) being undertaken. The majority of patients (59%) had AIDS at the time of surgery, and 27.04% had a significant co-existing medical problem. Overall postoperative complication rate was 10.1%, with the risk being significantly greater in those undergoing intra-abdominal surgery and emergency procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest study to audit the impact of HIV/AIDS in general surgical practice in the UK retrospectively. Surgery for HIV patients can be safely conducted with a low complication rate for the diagnostic and anorectal procedures that comprise the vast majority of surgery in HIV/AIDS patients. Medical treatment for patients with HIV/AIDS has developed dramatically over the last two decades. In parallel, this has resulted in a heavy, new and varied workload for general surgeons, who have also had to adapt in order to deal with the challenging spectrum of this disease.

The impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on outcome and practice in trauma: past, present and future

Since the initial description of a concentrated outbreak of pneumocystis carnii pneumonia in 1981, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic has accounted for nearly 25 million deaths worldwide. This review focuses on estimations of prevalence by geographic region and identification of high-risk populations within each region, outcome for trauma patients with HIV and AIDS and risk management for health care workers who sustain occupational exposures. Trauma surgeons are more likely to encounter patients infected with HIV in geographic areas where HIV prevalence is high or in areas where intravenous drug use, high-risk sexual behaviours and penetrating trauma are more common. Patients with HIV may be expected to have higher rates of infectious and respiratory complications if they have active AIDS and/or liver disease caused by one of the hepatitis viruses. Certain aspects of therapy may change in this group of patients. Clinicians should be aware that highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) might produce complications. Occupational exposure among healthcare workers is uncommon. Cases of infection in healthcare workers from needlesticks are rare. Certain precautions regarding body fluid and needlestick exposures have been widely adopted over the past decade. When percutaneous injury results in known exposure to HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be used and can be expected to be effective in preventing infection in the large majority of cases.

Total hip arthroplasty in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection: pathologic findings and surgical outcomes

BACKGROUND

An increased incidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head has been reported in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The purpose of this study was to review the pathologic specimens of HIV-positive patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) and compare them with those of THA patients who were HIV-negative. The surgical outcomes of these HIV-positive patients were also reviewed.

METHODS

40 HIV-positive patients who underwent 54 THAs at our institution were identified. The primary pathologic diagnosis for the femoral heads of these patients was osteonecrosis in 35 cases, degenerative joint disease in 11 cases, and other diagnoses in 8 cases.

RESULTS

There was a higher incidence of osteonecrosis in HIV-positive patients. At the most recent follow-up, 4 patients had died and 1 patient had a significant Staphylococcus aureus infection of the hip.

INTERPRETATION

There was a significant difference in the pathologic diagnoses of the HIV-positive group and the HIV-negative group, implicating HIV infection as a risk factor for osteonecrosis. Also, the risk of infectious complications is lower in our study than previously reported in other studies of HIV-positive patients who have undergone THA.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Trauma Patients: Where Do We Stand?

OBJECTIVE

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic is a growing health care problem. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between HIV infection and trauma patient treatment, complications, and mortality.

METHODS

The Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study database was used to identify trauma patients with known HIV-positive status (HP) and randomly selected age-matched controls (CL). Demographics, Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Scale score, mechanism of injury, preexisting conditions, complications, mortality, hospital length of stay (HLOS), intensive care unit length of stay (ILOS), and operative interventions were compared.

RESULTS

Demographics, vital signs on presentation, and Injury Severity Score were similar between the HP and CL groups. There was no difference in mortality between the two groups (3.6% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.6447). HP patients were more likely to present with penetrating injuries (22.6% vs. 15.8%, p < 0.0031) and had significantly fewer major orthopedic injuries than CL patients (p < 0.01). HP patients were more likely to have a history of a neurologic condition; chronic drug/alcohol use; psychiatric diagnosis; or liver, pulmonary, and/or renal disease (all p < 0.01). HP patients had more pulmonary complications (12.3% vs. 4.1%), renal complications, and infectious/septic complications (all p < 0.01) than controls. Infection/sepsis and pulmonary complications were associated with significant mortality in HP patients. HP patients underwent more thoracostomies (7.5% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.0235) and exploratory laparotomies (7.0% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.0002). HLOS (10.2 +/- 10 vs. 6.8 +/- 8.6 days, p = 0.001) and ILOS (2.3 +/- 7.2 vs. 1.5 +/- 4.9 days, p = 0.0178) were greater for HP patients. HP patients were less likely than controls to be discharged directly to home (67.8% vs. 82.7%, p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

HP patients had more preexisting conditions and complications than controls. There was no difference in overall mortality between the two groups. However, pulmonary/infectious complications were associated with significant mortality in HP patients. HP patients consumed more health care resources than controls, as exemplified by greater ILOS and HLOS and more operative procedures.

Abdominal aortic surgery in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection

PURPOSE

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is known to cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome, which has been associated with a wide array of cardiovascular pathologies. This report examined the clinical outcome of patients infected with HIV who underwent abdominal aortic reconstruction for aneurysm or occlusive disease.

METHODS

Hospital and clinic records of all patients with HIV infection who underwent an abdominal aortic operation were reviewed during an 11-year period. Relevant risk factors and clinical variables were assessed for surgical outcome.

RESULTS

Forty-eight HIV patients (mean age 54 +/- 13 years) were identified who underwent abdominal aortic bypass grafting during the study period. Indications for aortic operation included aneurysm (n = 20) and aortoiliac occlusive disease (n = 28). All patients underwent successful aortic reconstructions without intraoperative mortality. Postoperative complications and in-hospital mortality occurred in 16 patients (33%) and 7 patients (15%), respectively. The mean follow-up period was 41 months. Life-table survival rates in aneurysm and occlusive patients at 60 months were 43.2% +/- 5.3% and 46.3% +/- 7.4% (not significant), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that low CD4 lymphocyte counts (< 200/microL, P <0.05) and hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL, P <0.05) were risk factors for postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative morbidity and mortality rates are high in HIV patients undergoing an abdominal aortic operation. Low CD4 lymphocyte counts and hypoalbuminemia are associated with poor clinical outcomes in HIV patients undergoing abdominal aortic reconstruction.

Breast cancer and human immunodeficiency virus infection: issues for the 21st century

BACKGROUND

As we enter the 21st century, AIDS and breast cancer are two pressing issues in women's health. The spread of AIDS continues unabated. More than 21.8 million people have died of AIDS, and it is estimated that as of December 2000 an additional 36.1 million people, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, were infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. In addition, women now constitute almost one half of all AIDS cases. With the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy in the United States, the overall health and survival of HIV(+) individuals has improved dramatically. Thus, as the HIV(+) population matures, we will be called on to diagnose and treat more cases of breast cancer in seropositive women. What can we expect as the incidence of these two diseases begins to overlap?

METHODS

Medline search, and review of the relevant literature.

RESULTS

Forty-six published cases of breast cancer in HIV(+) individuals identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on epidemiologic data from Western countries and Africa, HIV infection is not permissive for breast cancer. This is reflected in the paucity of available data. Early reports consisted of case reports, describing advanced cancers with unusual presentations and uniformly poor prognoses. Recent series describe more favorable prognoses and long-term survivors. It appears that hormonal therapy is well tolerated and effective, even in cases of locally advanced disease, and the toxicity from standard chemotherapy regimens is unacceptably high.

Management of infections in the trauma patient

Infections play a leading role in the morbidity and mortality of injured patients. This article discusses risk factors that can increase the chances of a nosocomial infection. It also discusses common types of infection, causative organisms, and the approach to the febrile trauma patient.

Otologic surgery in patients with HIV-1 and AIDS

Otologic disease in patients infected with HIV occurs frequently and usually represents rhinologic disease and associated eustachian tube dysfunction rather than manifestations of HIV infection. As in all patients, the decision to operate on an HIV-infected individual who would benefit from major otologic surgery is a balance between the risks of the procedure and the possible benefits to the patient. Many concerns regarding wound infection and healing have been raised. The objective of this study is to evaluate the outcome of otologic procedures in this population. The charts of 9 men and 4 women were reviewed. Seven patients (54%) met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for AIDS. Patients with chronic otitis media (46%) underwent tympanomastoidectomies, and the cases of acute mastoiditis (31%) were managed with simple mastoidectomies. Other procedures included repair of cerebrospinal fluid leak (15%) and stapedectomy (8%). Two patients had early complications and died during their hospitalizations. Three patients had prolonged hospital courses requiring long-term antibiotics. These 5 patients underwent urgent procedures and were severely immunocompromised. Of the remaining 8 patients only 2 had AIDS, and all had an uncomplicated postoperative course. Six of these patients were followed up for more than 1 year, and only 2 developed subsequent otologic disease.