Effects of surgical removal of lung cancer on total plasma antioxidant capacity in lung cancer patients

Previous evidence suggests that malignant tumors cause an oxidative burden to human antioxidative defense systems. We followed the plasma total radical-trapping antioxidant parameters (TRAP) and their main antioxidant components (alpha-tocopherol, uric acid, protein sulfhydryl groups, and unidentified antioxidant proportions) in 13 lung cancer patients and 7 control patients scheduled for thoracotomy. Plasma samples were collected 9 times during a 5 month follow-up period in the cancer patients. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of surgical removal of lung cancer on human plasma total antioxidant capacity. A significant reduction of plasma TRAP (period effect of ANOVA, p = 0.0006) and its components appeared in both groups during the first postoperative day. This decrease was due to reduction of ascorbate (p = 0.002) alpha-tocopherol (p = 0.0001) and urate (p = 0.05) concentrations. At 3 and 5 months after the surgical removal of the tumor there was an augmentation in plasma TRAP concentrations (p = 0.02, 3 months; p = 0.07, 5 months). This was mainly due to the increases in plasma yet as unidentified antioxidant components (UNID) and protein SH-groups. The data indicates that, first, thoracotomy itself causes a reduction in plasma TRAP during the early hours after operation, and secondly surgical removal of lung cancer increases plasma TRAP concentrations compared to the baseline values possibly reflecting the relief of oxidative stress caused by malignant tumors.

Auditing a nationwide vascular registry--the 4-year Finnvasc experience. Finnvasc Study Group

OBJECTIVE

To assess the validity of a national vascular registry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

17,465 vascular and endovascular procedures, immediate reoperations excluded, registered in the Finnvasc registry from 26 centres during the years 1991-1994.

CHIEF OUTCOME MEASURES

Comparison of the number of registered procedures with hospital records, comparison of initial registrations with a random sample of re-registration and comparison of the 1-year local data input of one major centre to the same data input of the central unit.

RESULTS

The rate of missing registrations was 19% ranging from 0-47%. The data of the re-registered forms were in agreement with the original data in 93% of all data points, the range being from 81-100%. There was a difference of 1.5% in the data between the major centre and the central unit.

CONCLUSIONS

The Finnvasc registry makes it possible to audit vascular surgery nationally, although a potential limitation is centres with low registration rates.