Intra-abdominal pressure: Time ripe to revise management guidelines of acute pancreatitis?

Incidence, implications and predictors of abdominal compartment syndrome in acute pancreatitis: A nationwide analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) often presents with varying severity, with a small fraction evolving into severe AP, and is associated with high mortality. Complications such as intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are intricately associated with AP.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical implications and predictors of ACS in AP patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database on adult AP patients, further stratified by the presence of concurrent ACS. The data extraction included demographics, underlying comorbidities, and clinical outcomes. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were performed using STATA (v.14.2).

RESULTS

Of the 1,099,175 adult AP patients, only 1,090 (0.001%) exhibited ACS. AP patients with ACS had elevated inpatient mortality and all major complications, including septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), requirement for total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission (P < 0.01). These patients also exhibited increased odds of requiring pancreatic drainage and necrosectomy (P < 0.01). Predictor analysis identified blood transfusion, obesity (BMI ≥30), and admission to large teaching hospitals as factors associated with the development of ACS in AP patients. Conversely, age, female gender, biliary etiology of AP, and smoking were found less frequently in patients with ACS.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare resource utilization associated with the concurrence of ACS in AP patients. We identified potential factors associated with ACS in AP patients. Significantly worse outcomes in ACS necessitate the need for early diagnosis, meticulous monitoring, and targeted therapeutic interventions for AP patients at risk of developing ACS.

Surgical decompression for the management of abdominal compartment syndrome with severe acute pancreatitis: A narrative review

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and contribute to new-onset and persistent organ failure. The optimal management of ACS involves a multi-disciplinary approach, from its early recognition to measures aiming at an urgent reduction of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). A targeted literature search from January 1, 2000, to November 30, 2022, revealed 20 studies and data was analyzed on the type and country of the study, patient demographics, IAP, type and timing of surgical procedure performed, post-operative wound management, and outcomes of patients with ACS. There was no randomized controlled trial published on the topic. Decompressive laparotomy is effective in rapidly reducing IAP (standardized mean difference = 2.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.19-1.47, P < 0.001; 4 studies). The morbidity and complications of an open abdomen after decompressive laparotomy should be weighed against the inadequately treated but, potentially lethal ACS. Disease-specific patient selection and the role of less-invasive decompressive measures, like subcutaneous linea alba fasciotomy or component separation techniques, is lacking in the 2013 consensus management guidelines by the Abdominal Compartment Society on IAH and ACS. This narrative review focuses on the current evidence regarding surgical decompression techniques for managing ACS in patients with SAP. However, there is a lack of high-quality evidence on patient selection, timing, and modality of surgical decompression. Large prospective trials are needed to identify triggers and effective and safe surgical decompression methods in SAP patients with ACS.

Efficacy and safety of early enteral and intravenous fluid resuscitation in severe acute pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of enteral fluid resuscitation (via nasointestinal tube or colorectal tube) and intravenous fluid resuscitation (via intravenous route) in the early treatment of severe acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

In this study, 8 electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, China HowNet database, Wanfang database, and VIP database) were searched to collect clinical studies from inception to June 12, 2022. After the quality evaluation and data extraction of the included studies, the RevMan 5.3 software was used for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of seven studies including 580 patients were studied in this meta-analysis, in which 291 cases were treated with enteral fluid resuscitation and 289 cases were treated with intravenous fluid resuscitation. Compared with the intravenous route group, the enteral route resuscitation group reduced the incidence of new organ failure (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.12-0.43, P < 0.00001), the incidence of persistent organ failure (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.22-0.64, P = 0.0003), the incidence of mechanical ventilation (OR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03-0.69, P = 0.01), the incidence of ICU care (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.27-0.88, P = 0.02), and the incidence of pancreatic infection (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17-0.83, P = 0.02). There were no statistically significant differences in mortality (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.35-1.66, P = 0.50), surgical intervention rate (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.19-1.18, P = 0.11), and incidence of localized ascites (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.25-1.73, P = 0.39).

CONCLUSION

Early enteral fluid resuscitation is safe and effective for in severe pancreatitis. But this conclusion needs to be verified by more additional multi-centre randomized controlled trials with large samples.

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Acute Pancreatitis: A Narrative Review

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) represents a severe complication of acute pancreatitis (AP), resulting from an acute and sustained increase in abdominal pressure >20 mmHg, in association with new organ dysfunction. The harmful effect of high intra-abdominal pressure on regional and global perfusion results in significant multiple organ failure and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. There are several deleterious consequences of elevated intra-abdominal pressure on end-organ function, including respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurologic, and renal effects. It is estimated that about 15% of patients with severe AP develop intra-abdominal hypertension or ACS, with a mortality rate around 50%. The treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome in acute pancreatitis begins with medical intervention and percutaneous drainage, where possible. Abdominal compartment syndrome unresponsive to conservatory treatment requires immediate surgical decompression, along with vacuum-assisted closure therapy techniques, followed by early abdominal fascia closure.

Effect of continuous hemofiltration on severe acute pancreatitis with different intra-abdominal pressure: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

The clinical efficacy and timing of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) remain uncertain. In this prospective cohort study, patients with SAP were classified according to intra-abdominal pressure (IAP).

METHODS

Seventy-four patients with SAP admitted to the intensive care unit were randomly divided into group A (IAP ≥20 mm Hg) and group B (with IAP ≤20 mm Hg). Then, according to whether CVVH was administered or not, groups A and B were divided into 4 subgroups: group A1 and B1 (non-CVVH treatment), group A2 and B2 (CVVH treatment). Changes in clinical and laboratory indicators were recorded before and on the seventh day after treatment, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Before treatment, there was no significant difference in general conditions between subgroups A1 and A2, and between subgroups B1 and B2. After CVVH treatment, the indicators recorded in group A2 were significantly improved compared to those in group A1 (P < .05). In group A2, the 28 day operation rate was lower (P < .05), as mechanical ventilation, gastric decompression, and intensive care unit treatment time were shorter (P < .05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in any of the above indicators between subgroups B (P > .05). Groups A2 and B2 had more days of negative fluid balance within 1 week of admission than groups A1 and B1 (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

For SAP, patients with IAP ≥20 mm Hg can benefit from treatment with CVVH, but for patients with IAP ≤20 mm Hg, the efficacy is not clear, and monitoring IAP may be an indicator to decide whether or when to initiate CVVH. Negative fluid balance caused by CVVH treatment may be one of the reasons for the benefit of this group of patients.

Using a multidisciplinary team for the staged management and optimally minimally invasive treatment of severe acute pancreatitis

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a common critical disease with a high mortality rate that involves a complex, rapid change in condition and multiple organ systems. Therefore, a multidisciplinary team (MDT), including staff from the emergency department, intensive care unit, pancreatic surgery, gastroenterology , and imaging, is necessary for the early diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of patients with SAP. This involves managing the systemic inflammatory response and maintaining organ function in the early stage and managing systemic infection and treatment of peripancreatic complications in the middle-to-late stages. The MDT should be led by departments corresponding to the clinical characteristics of each stage, and those departments should be responsible for the coordination and implementation of treatment by other relevant departments. In the late stage, pancreatic surgery and gastroenterology are the main departments that should manage peripancreatic complications. In line with the principle of minimally invasive treatment, the timely and reasonable selection of endoscopic or minimally invasive surgical debridement can achieve good therapeutic outcomes. Open surgery is also an effective method for treating an intractable massive hemorrhage in the abdominal cavity or necrotic cavity, intractable abdominal compartment syndrome, visceral perforation, and fistulae.

Gastrointestinal Failure Is a Predictor of Poor Outcome in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

Although gastrointestinal dysfunction is common in patients with acute pancreatitis, its impact on the outcome of disease has not been adequately studied. The present study was conducted to study the frequency of gastrointestinal failure (GIF) as well as its effect on outcome in patients with acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

Patients with acute pancreatitis admitted in our unit were prospectively studied. Gastrointestinal dysfunction and intra-abdominal pressures were measured daily till their resolution, and gastrointestinal failure score was calculated. Baseline parameters including various severity scores were noted. The patients were followed till clinical recovery or death.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients (mean age 41.52 ± 16.28 years; 45 (70.3%) males) were prospectively studied. Forty-five (70.3%) patients had severe disease, and 18 (28.1%) patients succumbed to illness. GIF was present in 31 (48.4%) patients. The median duration of GIF was 5 (range 1-20) days. The presence of GIF was significantly associated with mortality (p value < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, the presence of GIF [OR 10.6 (95% CI 1.97-57.04)] and duration of ICU stay [OR 1.08 (95% CI 1.015-1.15)] were found to be independent predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSION

Gastrointestinal failure is an important organ failure in patients with acute pancreatitis and is an independent predictor of mortality. Incorporation of gastrointestinal failure scores in dynamic assessment of patients with acute pancreatitis could help us in better stratifying severity of patients and predicting outcome.

PROTOCOLS FOR DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF INTRA-ABDOMINAL HYPERTENSION IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS

OBJECTIVES

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is a common morbid condition in critically ill patients. Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a severe condition that requires surgical treatment, and it is an evolution of undiagnosed and untreated IAH. This study aims to highlight the importance of clinical evidence, and proposes screening as well as medical protocols for IAH and ACS, in intensive care units.

METHODS

Database searches were performed and the recommended World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome standards and protocols were used.

RESULTS

Protocols for IAH and ACS investigation, measurements, management and control, tailored for the Brazilian ICU reality, were indicated.

CONCLUSION

We extensively detailed IAH medical evidence, using the most up-to-date literature about IAH care and how to measure intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), which can be easily reproduced in any intensive care unit.

Soluble Dietary Fiber Reduces Feeding Intolerance in Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Randomized Study

BACKGROUND

Feeding intolerance of enteral nutrition (EN) frequently occurs in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) because of intestinal motility disorders. Soluble dietary fiber (SDF) modulates the intestinal motility. The present study examined whether SDF can improve intestinal motility and permeability, and thereby reduce feeding intolerance, in patients with SAP.

METHODS

This study was a single-blind, randomized, controlled, single-center trial. Forty-nine patients with SAP were included. The control and SDF groups received the same EN solution via a nasojejunal tube. The SDF group additionally received 20-g/d polydextrose. The primary outcome was the time to reach the energy goal. Follow-up was continued for 28 days after admission or until discharge from the hospital.

RESULTS

Among 49 randomized patients, 46 patients (n = 22, control group; n = 24, SDF group) were included in the intent-to-treat analysis. The time to reach the energy goal was 7.00 (6.00, 8.25) days and 5.00 (4.25, 6.00) days in the control and SDF groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The rates of feeding intolerance were significantly reduced in the SDF group (59.09% vs 25.00%, P < .05). SDF was associated with decreases in the incidence of abdominal distension (72.73% vs 29.17%, P < .01), diarrhea (40.91% vs 8.33%, P < .05), and constipation (72.73% vs 12.50%, P < .001). The time to first flatus and first defecation were significantly shorter in the SDF group (P < .001). The intestinal mucosal barrier function and levels of gastrointestinal hormone were improved by SDF, as evidenced by significantly reduced blood levels of diamine oxidase, D-lactic acid, endotoxin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

SDF shortens the time to reach the energy goal during EN and improves intestinal permeability and motility disorders, thus reducing the incidence of feeding intolerance in SAP patients.

Abdominal compartment syndrome: Often overlooked conditions in medical intensive care units

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome are well recognized entities among surgical patients. Nevertheless, a number of prospective and retrospective observational studies have shown that IAH is prevalent in about half of the critically ill patients in the medical intensive care units (ICU) and has been widely recognized as an independent risk factor for mortality. It is alarming to note that many members of the critical care team in medical ICU are not aware of the consequences of untreated IAH and the delay in making the diagnosis leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Frequently it is underdiagnosed and undertreated in this patient population. Elevated intra-abdominal pressure decreases the blood flow to the kidneys and other abdominal viscera and also results in reduced cardiac output and difficulties in ventilating the patient because of increased intrathoracic pressure. When intraabdominal hypertension is not promptly recognized and treated, it leads to abdominal compartment syndrome, multiorgan dysfunction syndrome and death. Large volume fluid resuscitation is very common in medical ICU patients presenting with sepsis, shock and other inflammatory conditions like pancreatitis and it is one of the major risk factors for the development of intra-abdominal hypertension. This article presents an overview of the epidemiology, definitions, risk factors, pathophysiology and management of IAH and abdominal compartment syndrome in critically ill medical ICU patients.

Role of Static and Dynamic Intra-abdominal Pressure Monitoring in Acute Pancreatitis: A Prospective Study on Its Impact

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed to determine the relationship between static and dynamic intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) with the mortality and outcome of acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

From July 2017 to December 2018, 150 patients admitted at the Institute of Gastrosciences and Liver and diagnosed as acute pancreatitis were included in the study. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured for the first few days, and mean value of day 1 (static IAP) and highest value on day 2 and day 3 (dynamic IAP) were calculated and categorized into intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome.

RESULTS

A statistical relationship was observed between static and dynamic IAP with the severity and mortality of acute pancreatitis. Both static and dynamic IAPs tended to be higher in nonsurvivors (83.33% and 88.88%, respectively) compared with survivors (51.51% and 63.63%, respectively). Higher IAP had more severe disease. However, IAP did not correlate with the evidence of sepsis or serum procalcitonin levels.

CONCLUSION

Determination of static IAP is an easy, useful, and inexpensive method to determine and predict the mortality of acute pancreatitis. Prevention and/or early detection of intra-abdominal hypertension helps in reducing the mortality in acute pancreatitis.

Severe pancreatitis complicated by abdominal compartment syndrome managed with decompressive laparotomy: a case report

Background

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is an uncommon complication of severe pancreatitis. It is defined as a sustained intraabdominal pressure (IAP) > 20 mmHg (with or without an abdominal perfusion pressure (APP) < 60 mmHg), associated with new organ dysfunction/failure. ACS confers a poor prognosis and should be promptly diagnosed and managed. However, it is often missed on clinical examination, leading to a delay of diagnosis.

Case presentation

A 38-year old Sri Lankan man presented with severe alcohol-induced pancreatitis associated with abdominal compartment syndrome. Diagnosis was delayed due to false reassurance from clinical examination. The patient was managed with a decompressive laparotomy, after which he required treatment with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and broad-spectrum antibiotics for a prolonged period of time. Despite significant post-operative multi-organ failure, the patient survived.

Conclusions

Early trans-bladder measurement of IAP is important for severe pancreatitis. Serial measurements of IAP should be implemented early when any known risk factor for ACS is present in a critically ill patient.

Ascites in acute pancreatitis: not a silent bystander

BACKGROUND & AIM

Ascites in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) is understudied although recent literature hints at its evident role in the final outcome. This study was planned to study the characteristics of ascites in patients of AP and its effect on the disease course and outcome.

METHODS

Consecutive patients of AP were studied and patients with or without ascites were evaluated for the baseline parameters and severity assessment. Ascites was quantified and fluid analyzed for its characteristics. Intraabdominal pressure (IAP) was monitored. The various outcome parameters were compared between the two groups of patients with and without ascites.

RESULTS

Of the cohort of 213 patients, 82 (38.5%) developed ascites. Ascites group had significantly higher rates of organ failure (p = 0.001), necrosis (p=<0.001) and higher severity assessment scores. The ascites group had significantly longer hospital and ICU stay and higher ventilator days compared to the non-ascites group. Mortality was also higher in the ascites group (34.1% vs 8.45; p = 0.001). Majority of patients with ascites had moderate to gross ascites (75.6%), low serum ascites albumin gradient (87.8%) with low amylase levels (71.9%). Sub-group analysis in ascites group showed that patients with fatal outcome had higher rates of moderate to gross ascites, higher baseline IAP and lower reduction in IAP after 48 h. Moderate to gross ascites and grades of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) were significant predictors of mortality (AUC - 0.76).

CONCLUSION

AP patients with ascites have a more severe disease with poorer outcome. Higher degrees of ascites and IAH grades are significant predictors of mortality.

Validity of a disposable catheter to drain urine overnight in neurogenic bladder

BACKGROUND

Overnight catheter drainage (OCD) is introduced to avoid overdistention of the bladder at night-time when clean intermittent catheterization proves ineffective for daytime management of neurogenic bladder. We adopted OCD using disposable silicone no-balloon (DSnB) catheters, with the distal end outside the body opening into diapers. OCD using DSnB catheter, however, had risks of retrograde bacterial contamination. Therefore, in this study, the validity of equipping DSnB catheters with check valves to prevent retrograde bacterial contamination was examined.

METHODS

For the in vitro study, excised saline-filled swine bladders were drained using DSnB catheters with or without check valves, and the time required for intravesical pressure to reach 5 cmH₂ O was measured. For the in vivo study, in cross-over experiments comparing DSnB catheters with and without check valves, OCD using DSnB catheters for 10 h was performed in rabbits under analgesia. Bacterial growth from urine samples before and after OCD and residual urine volume were examined.

RESULTS

For the in vitro experiment, the median drainage time was 368.2 s (range, 88-1,085 s) and 344.7 s (range, 28-840 s) with and without check valves, respectively (n = 6), which was not significantly different. For the in vivo experiment, in cross-over experiments (n = 8) new bacterial growth rates after OCD did not differ, and median residual urine volume was 17.1 mL (range, 0-75 mL) and 1.2 mL (range, 0-5 mL) with and without check valves, respectively (P = 0.055).

CONCLUSIONS

Installing a check valve in the DSnB catheter did not decrease new bacterial growth, while tending to increase residual urine volume. DSnB catheters without check valves appear to be better for continuous drainage of urine from bladder.

2019 WSES guidelines for the management of severe acute pancreatitis

Although most patients with acute pancreatitis have the mild form of the disease, about 20-30% develops a severe form, often associated with single or multiple organ dysfunction requiring intensive care. Identifying the severe form early is one of the major challenges in managing severe acute pancreatitis. Infection of the pancreatic and peripancreatic necrosis occurs in about 20-40% of patients with severe acute pancreatitis, and is associated with worsening organ dysfunctions. While most patients with sterile necrosis can be managed nonoperatively, patients with infected necrosis usually require an intervention that can be percutaneous, endoscopic, or open surgical. These guidelines present evidence-based international consensus statements on the management of severe acute pancreatitis from collaboration of a panel of experts meeting during the World Congress of Emergency Surgery in June 27-30, 2018 in Bertinoro, Italy. The main topics of these guidelines fall under the following topics: Diagnosis, Antibiotic treatment, Management in the Intensive Care Unit, Surgical and operative management, and Open abdomen.

Pancreatic necrosis: Complications and changing trend of treatment

Incidence of acute pancreatitis seems to be increasing in the Western countries and has been associated with significantly increased morbidity. Nearly 80% of the patients with acute pancreatitis undergo resolution; some develop complications including pancreatic necrosis. Infection of pancreatic necrosis is the leading cause of death in these patients. A significant portion of these patients needs surgical interventions. Traditionally, the “gold standard” procedure has been the open surgical necrosectomy, which is now being completed by the relatively lesser invasive interventions. Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures include endoscopic drainage, percutaneous image-guided catheter drainage, and retroperitoneal drainage. This review article discusses the open and MIS interventions for pancreatic necrosis with each having its own respective benefits and disadvantages are covered.

Comparison of pressure-regulated volume control ventilation and pressure control ventilation in patients with abdominal compartment syndrome

Mechanical ventilation support is commonly required in abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). In the present study, pressure-regulated volume control ventilation (PRVCV) was compared to pressure control ventilation (PCV) in patients with ACS. The prospective study included 40 patients with ACS who were randomized into the PCV or PRVCV groups and subjected to the different modes of ventilation. After 6 h of ventilation, arterial blood gas, respiratory mechanics and hemodynamics parameters, as well as the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were calculated. Compared to the PCV mode, mechanical ventilation with PRVCV lead to a significant decrease in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, the peak inspiratory pressure, the mean inspiratory pressure, the central venous pressure, the heart rate and the extravascular lung water index. In addition, a marked improvement in pH, partial pressure of oxygen, oxygenation index and pulmonary static compliance was noted. However, no significant differences in airway resistance, mean arterial pressure, or IAP and SOFA scores were obtained. In conclusion, the PRVCV mode is better than the PCV mode in ventilation patients with ACS, and should therefore be used as a lung protective strategy. The present study was registered at Chictr.org (no. ChiCTR1800016869).

Elevated Serum miR-7, miR-9, miR-122, and miR-141 Are Noninvasive Biomarkers of Acute Pancreatitis

Background

It has been reported that several microRNAs (miRNAs), such as miR-141, miR-9, and miR-122, are involved in the regulation of pancreatitis-related proteins or that their levels change in acute pancreatitis (AP) animal models. However, the serum levels, as well as the clinical diagnostic and prognostic values, of these miRNAs in AP patients remain unclear. Furthermore, as a pancreas- (islet) enriched miRNA, miR-7 was reported to be downregulated in AP patients, which requires further verification.

Methods

The levels of miR-7, miR-9, miR-122, and miR-141 were examined and compared using qRT-PCR among 80 severe AP patients, 80 mild AP patients, and 74 healthy controls.

Results

The serum levels of these four miRNAs were increased markedly in the AP patients compared with the controls, and these levels decreased significantly after effective therapy. Particularly, the level of miR-7 was higher in severe AP patients than in mild AP patients. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that four miRNAs could be used as potential biomarkers for AP. Moreover, these miRNAs showed strong positive correlations with CRP, which may be associated with inflammation.

Conclusions

The serum miR-7, miR-9, miR-122, and miR-141 levels were increased in AP patients. These 4 miRNAs may represent diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for AP.

Update: Role of surgery in acute necrotizing pancreatitis

Acute necrotizing pancreatitis is a prevalent disease with high morbidity and mortality. The development of radiologic and endoscopic techniques to manage pancreatic necrosis commands a multidisciplinary approach, which has considerably decreased the need for laparotomy. The objective of this update is to define the role of surgery in the multidisciplinary approach to management of necrotizing acute pancreatitis.

Early Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration Is Effective in Decreasing Intra-Abdominal Pressure and Serum Interleukin-8 Level in Severe Acute Pancreatitis Patients with Abdominal Compartment Syndrome

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) in decreasing the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) level in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) patients with abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). Methods: Twenty-five ACS patients of SAP were enrolled in a prospective study conducted according to the standard management protocol. They were treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Affiliated Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang Medical College and underwent CVVH. Eleven patients were set up as the control group that received no hemofiltration and surgical treatment due to economic or other reasons but solely conventional treatment. Serum amylase, liver and kidney function, and C reactive protein were investigated before and after treatment. IAP and blood level of IL-8 were measured daily to investigate their time course of changes and the correlation between the 2 parameters. Results: Serum amylase levels, C-reactive protein and IAP were significantly lower and liver and kidney function was significantly better than those of the control group (p < 0.05). IAP on admission to the ICU was high, at 22.9 ± 2.1 mm Hg. The IAP was significantly lower to 17.2 ± 2.2 mm Hg (p < 0.01) 24 h after the initiation of CVVH, and thereafter decreased rapidly. The average blood level of IL-8 was high at 88.2 ± 25.1 ng/L on admission. However, it significantly decreased to 63.2 ± 18.7 ng/L (p < 0.01) 24 h after the initiation of CVVH, and subsequently decreased. There was a significant positive correlation between the blood level of IL-8 and IAP(r = 0.62, p < 0.01). Conclusions: CVVH is effective to decrease the IAP and the blood level of IL-8 in ACS patients of SAP. The blood level of IL-8 was significantly correlated with IAP, suggesting that IL-8 might play an important role in the pathogenesis of ACS. Early CVVH appeared to be effective in the treatment of ACS in patients with SAP through the removal of causative cytokines such as IL-8, and it thereby decreased interstitial edema to lower IAP and should be applied in the early stage of ACS. Video Journal Club ‘Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco' at http://www.karger.com/?doi=480223.

Efficacy of different routes of administration of magnesium sulfate in treatment of severe acute pancreatitis

AIM: To evaluate the clinical effects of different routes of administration of magnesium sulfate in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

METHODS: Fifty-six patients diagnosed with SAP were randomly divided into an oral magnesium sulfate treatment group and a venous magnesium sulfate treatment group. Blood tests, liver and kidney function, electrolytes, blood and urine amylase, and glucose were monitored. C-reaction protein (CRP), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE-Ⅱ) score and abdominal pressure were determined. Blood gas analysis and abdominal ultrasound or CT were performed. Time to first defecation and time to relief of abdominal pain and distension were recorded. The rates of requiring blood filtration and operation, serious complications, and total duration of hospitalization were also recorded.

RESULTS: After defecation, blood and urine amylase and abdominal pressure significantly declined, and CRP gradually decreased in both groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the venous magnesium sulfate treatment group, blood and urine amylase, CRP, abdominal pressure, and APACHE-Ⅱ score were significantly lower in the oral magnesium sulfate treatment group (P < 0.05). Time to first defecation, time to relief of abdominal distention and abdominal pain, rate of the need for blood filtration and surgical treatment, rate of complications, and total duration of hospitalization were significantly lower in the oral treatment group than in the venous treatment group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Compared with intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate, oral magnesium sulfate can effectively reduce intra-abdominal pressure, the inflammatory response, and the rate of serious complications in SAP, thus improving the cure rate.