Obstructive Jaundice Caused by a Large Intact Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Obstructive jaundice caused by abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an extremely rare clinical presentation. We present an 85-year-old male with a large intact AAA causing obstructive jaundice and review the relevant literature.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The patient was referred to our hospital with jaundice and a palpable pulsatile abdominal mass. Computerized tomography (CT) angiogram and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) revealed an infrarenal AAA with maximal diameter of 8.5 cm compressing the pancreatic head and common bile duct, causing obstructive jaundice with elevated levels of total, and direct bilirubin. The patient was subjected to endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Blood bilirubin gradually decreased to normal levels. No complications were reported during the immediate postoperative and at 3-month follow up period. Literature review suggests that our case is one of the largest intact AAAs which have been reported to cause biliary obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

AAAs causing secondary obstructive jaundice is an uncommon clinical presentation requiring high clinical suspicion during differential diagnosis, so that patients can receive proper and early diagnosis and treatment.

Dynamic change of serum CA19-9 levels in benign and malignant patients with obstructive jaundice after biliary drainage and new correction formulas

BACKGROUND

CA19-9 is one of the most widely used tumor markers in biliary-pancreatic diseases. The measured value may not factually reflect the genuine CA19-9 level secreted by tumor, which affected by biliary obstruction. There is an urgent need of developing a correction formula of CA19-9 in biliary obstructive patients to guide clinical practice and avoid making improper clinical decision.

METHODS

Clinical characteristics were collected among patients undergoing biliary drainage in our hospital between January 2014 and January 2019. By comparing the malignant and benign patients statistically, dynamic change trend of CA19-9 levels after biliary drainage was obtained. The correction formulas of CA19-9 were generated by means of linear regression.

RESULTS

121 patients, including 102 malignant and 19 benign patients, were enrolled in this study. The baseline CA19-9 level of malignant patients is much higher than that of benign patients. Total bilirubin (TB) level was found to be not related with CA19-9 value (p = 0.109). The drop proportion of the average CA19-9 level in the malignant patients (39.2%, IQR -18.4-78.6%) was much lower than that in the benign patients (75.7%, IQR 58.1-86.6%) (p = 0.014). The correction formula, CA19-9True = 0.63 × CA19-9Measured - 20.3 (R2 = 0.693, p<0.001), was generated based on the linear relation between CA19-9 after drainage and CA19-9 before drainage in malignant patients, which had similar diagnostic value with true CA19-9 value.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative correction formulas of CA19-9 considering the effect of biliary decompression was first proposed in this study, aiming to provide a more accurate CA19-9 level to make more accurate clinical decision and avoid making improper therapeutic schedule.

[Lemmel's syndrome: report of a case]

Lemmel's syndrome is a very rare condition as a cause of obstructive jaundice secondary to the presence of a duodenal diverticulum. We report a case, a 68-year-old female patient with a cholestatic pattern, biliary tract dilatation, who underwent ERCP, with a juxtapapillary diverticulum compressing the distal bile duct, which was sphincterotomy.

The pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine in patients with obstructive jaundice: A clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

Dexmedetomidine, a highly selective central α2-agonist, undergoes mainly biotransformation in the liver. The pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine were significantly affected by hepatic insufficiency. The clearance of dexmedetomidine in patients with severe hepatic failure decreased by 50% compared with controls. We tested the hypothesis that the pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine would be affected by obstructive jaundice. The prospective registration number of clinical trial is ChiCTR-IPR-15007572.

METHODS

18 patients with obstructive jaundice and 12 non-jaundiced patient controls received dexmedetomidine, 1 μg/kg, over 10 min. Arterial blood samples were drawn before, during, and up to 5 h after the infusion. Plasma dexmedetomidine concentrations were determined by 1290 infinity high performance liquid chromatography coupled with 6470 tandem mass spectrometry. The relevant pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non-compartmental analysis using Phoenix WinNonlin 7.0.

RESULTS

Plasma clearance of dexmedetomidine was decreased by 33.3% in the obstructive jaundice group as compared with the control group (0.0068±0.0017 vs. 0.0102±0.0033 L/kg/min; P = 0.002). Volume of distribution was decreased by 29.2% in the obstructive jaundice group as compared with the control group (1.43±0.58 vs. 2.02±0.84 L/kg; P = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the clearance and distribution volume of dexmedetomidine were decreased in patients with obstructive jaundice. It may be advisable to adjust the dose of dexmedetomidine in those patients.

Gilbert syndrome combined with prolonged jaundice caused by contrast agent: Case report

This case highlights a patient with Gilbert syndrome who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with removal of bile duct stones, who then experienced an unexplained increase in bilirubin, with total bilirubin (TBIL) levels increasing from 159.5 μmol/L to 396.2 μmol/L and to a maximum of 502.8 μmol/L after 9 d. Following the decrease in the TBIL level, enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was performed to exclude any possible remaining choledocholithiasis. Nevertheless, the serum bilirubin level increased again, with TBIL levels rising from 455.7 μmol/L to 594.8 μmol/L and a maximum level of 660.3 μmol/L with no remaining bile duct stones. A liver biopsy showed severe bile duct cholestasis with no inflammation. Based on the exclusion of other potential causes of hyperbilirubinemia and the fact that both instances of increased bilirubin occurred after ERCP and MRCP, the contrast agents iopromide and gadoterate meglumine were suspected to be the causes of the hyperbilirubinemia. As of the writing of this report, the patient’s bilirubin levels have spontaneously returned to baseline levels. In summary, ERCP and MRCP utilizing the contrast agents iopromide and gadoterate meglumine may possibly induce prolonged hyperbilirubinemia.

Pathophysiological consequences of obstructive jaundice and perioperative management

BACKGROUND

Obstructive jaundice is a common problem in daily clinical practice. Understanding completely the pathophysiological changes in obstructive jaundice remains a challenge for planning current and future management.

DATA SOURCES

A PubMed was searched for relevant articles published up to August 2016. The effect of obstructive jaundice on proinflammatory cytokines, coagulation status, hemodynamics and organ functions were evaluated.

RESULTS

The effects of obstructive jaundice included biliary tree, the hepatic cell and liver function as well as systemic complications. The lack of bile in the gut, the disruption of the intestinal mucosal barrier, the increased absorption of endotoxin and the subsequent endotoxemia cause proinflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-6). Bilirubin induces systemic inflammatory response syndrome which may lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The principal clinical manifestations include hemodynamic instability and acute renal failure, cardiovascular suppression, immune compromise, coagulation disorders, nutritional impairment, and wound healing defect. The proper management includes full replacement of water and electrolyte deficiency, prophylactic antibiotics, lactulose, vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma, albumin and dopamine. The preoperative biliary drainage has not been indicated in overall, but only in a few selected cases.

CONCLUSION

The perioperative management is an essential measure in improving the outcome after the appropriate surgical operation in jaundiced patients especially those with malignancy.

Prognostic value of inflammation-based markers in patients with recurrent malignant obstructive jaundice treated by reimplantation of biliary metal stents: A retrospective observational study

We aimed to assess the therapeutic effect of reimplantation of biliary metal stents by percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) in patients with recurrent malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ). Furthermore, we explored the prognostic value of inflammation-based markers in these patients.We reviewed 33 cases of recurrent MOJ after implantation of biliary metal stents by PTCD, all of which underwent reimplantation of stents under digital subtraction angiography guidance. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin were compared between before and after reimplantation (1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively). Preoperative clinical data were collected to calculate the inflammation-based markers, including systemic immune-inflammation index (SII, neutrophil × platelets/ lymphocyte), platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR). The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), which was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis.The levels of ALT, AST, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin significantly reduced after the reimplantation operation. During a median follow-up time of 10 months, 18 (54.5%) patients died. Gender, albumin, SII, PLR, NLR, and MLR were found to be associated with OS by the log-rank test and univariate analysis. Multivariate Cox analysis identified elevated levels of SII and PLR as significant factors for predicting poor OS.Reimplantation is clinically feasible in patients with recurrent MOJ after implantation of biliary metal stents. SII and PLR are independent, useful inflammation-based prognostic models for predicting outcomes in these patients.

Amoxicillin-Clavulanate-Induced Liver Injury

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Amoxicillin-clavulanate (AC) is the most frequent cause of idiosyncratic drug-induced injury (DILI) in the US DILI Network (DILIN) registry. Here, we examined a large cohort of AC-DILI cases and compared features of AC-DILI to those of other drugs.

METHODS

Subjects with suspected DILI were enrolled prospectively, and cases were adjudicated as previously described. Clinical variables and outcomes of patients with AC-DILI were compared to the overall DILIN cohort and to DILI caused by other antimicrobials.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventeen subjects with AC-DILI were identified from the cohort (n = 1038) representing 11 % of all cases and 24 % of those due to antimicrobial agents (n = 479). Those with AC-DILI were older (60 vs. 48 years, P < 0.001). AC-DILI was more frequent in men than women (62 vs. 39 %) compared to the overall cohort (40 vs. 60 %, P < 0.001). The mean time to symptom onset was 31 days. The Tb, ALT, and ALP were 7 mg/dL, 478, and 325 U/L at onset. Nearly all liver biopsies showed prominent cholestatic features. Resolution of AC-DILI, defined by return of Tb to <2.5 mg/dL, occurred on average 55 days after the peak value. Three female subjects required liver transplantation, and none died due to DILI.

CONCLUSION

AC-DILI causes a moderately severe, mixed hepatocellular-cholestatic injury, particularly in older men, unlike DILI in general, which predominates in women. Although often protracted, eventual apparent recovery is typical, particularly for men and usually in women, but three women required liver transplantation.

The study on clinical value of the detection about serum and Unconjugated Bilirubin in diagnosis of neonatal jaundice

In this paper, the clinical value of the detection about serum and unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) in neonatal jaundice was studied to found an effective and rapid method for diagnose of neonatal jaundice. ALB (Serum Albumin), total serum bilirubin (TSB) and UCB were detected by ELISA method among the 100 cases with neonatal jaundice selected for the study. The values of ALB, UCB and TSB in moderate jaundice patients were (42.83±3.87) g/L, (287.35±44.38) μm/L, (304.16±43.40) μm/L, respectively; as for the severe jaundice patients, the values were (38.41±4.82) g/L, (354.38±48.75) μm/L, (375.20±47.51) μm/L. The results showed significant differences with the p< 0.05 between moderate and severe jaundice patients. The level of ALB, UCB, TSB in hemolytic jaundice, obstructive jaundice and jaundice caused by other infections also had significant differences, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The detection of ALB and UCB provides a useful method for the diagnosis and assessment of neonatal jaundice.

Expression of renal Oat5 and NaDC1 transporters in rats with acute biliary obstruction

AIM: To examine renal expression of organic anion transporter 5 (Oat5) and sodium-dicarboxylate cotransporter 1 (NaDC1), and excretion of citrate in rats with acute extrahepatic cholestasis.

METHODS: Obstructive jaundice was induced in rats by double ligation and division of the common bile duct (BDL group). Controls underwent sham operation that consisted of exposure, but not ligation, of the common bile duct (Sham group). Studies were performed 21 h after surgery. During this period, animals were maintained in metabolic cages in order to collect urine. The urinary volume was determined by gravimetry. The day of the experiment, blood samples were withdrawn and used to measure total and direct bilirubin as indicative parameters of hepatic function. Serum and urine samples were used for biochemical determinations. Immunoblotting for Oat5 and NaDC1 were performed in renal homogenates and brush border membranes from Sham and BDL rats. Immunohistochemistry studies were performed in kidneys from both experimental groups. Total RNA was extracted from rat renal tissue in order to perform reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Another set of experimental animals were used to evaluate medullar renal blood flow (mRBF) using fluorescent microspheres.

RESULTS: Total and direct bilirubin levels were significantly higher in BDL animals, attesting to the adequacy of biliary obstruction. An important increase in mRBF was determined in BDL group (Sham: 0.53 ± 0.12 mL/min per 100 g body weight vs BDL: 1.58 ± 0.24 mL/min per 100 g body weight, P < 0.05). An increase in the urinary volume was observed in BDL animals. An important decrease in urinary levels of citrate was seen in BDL group. Besides, a decrease in urinary citrate excretion (Sham: 0.53 ± 0.11 g/g creatinine vs BDL: 0.07 ± 0.02 g/g creatinine, P < 0.05) and an increase in urinary excretion of H⁺ (Sham: 0.082 ± 0.03 μmol/g creatinine vs BDL: 0.21 ± 0.04 μmol/g creatinine, P < 0.05) were observed in BDL animals. We found upregulations of both proteins Oat5 and NaDC1 in brush border membranes where they are functional. Immunohistochemistry technique corroborated these results for both proteins. No modifications were observed in Oat5 mRNA and in NaDC1 mRNA levels in kidney from BDL group as compared with Sham ones.

CONCLUSION: Citrate excretion is decreased in BDL rats, at least in part, because of the higher NaDC1 expression. Using the outward gradient of citrate generated by NaDC1, Oat5 can reabsorb/eliminate different organic anions of pathophysiological importance.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Autoimmune Pancreatitis in China: A Systematic Review

AIMS

To provide comprehensive data on the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) patients in China.

DESIGN

A systematic review.

METHODS

All clinical studies concerning AIP from China published between January 2006 and June 2014 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 26 original articles involving 706 AIP patients were included with an estimated proportion of type 2 AIP as 4.7%. In the 706 AIP patients, the range of mean/median age was 48.6-67.0 years old and the male to female ratio was 4.47:1. The common presentations included obstructive jaundice (pooled rate: 63.4%, 95%CI: 55.4%-71.0%) and abdominal symptoms (pooled rate: 62.3%, 95%CI: 52.4%-71.7%). Biliary involvement was the most common extrapancreatic manifestations, especially the lower part of the common bile duct (pooled rate: 62.3%, 95%CI: 49.9%-73.9%). According to the imaging examinations, 53.8% and 41.6% patients were classified into focal-type and diffuse-type, respectively. Notably, upstream pancreatic duct dilatation was found in parts of patients (pooled rate: 13.8%, 95%CI: 6.6%-23.1%). The levels of serum IgG4 were elevated in most patients (pooled rate: 86.0%, 95%CI: 74.2%-94.6%). Nearly three tenths AIP patients received surgery (pooled rate: 29.7%, 95%CI: 18.1%-42.8%) due to mimicked malignancy. Steroid treatment was given to 78.4% patients (95%CI: 65.3%-89.1%) with a pooled remission rate of 96.2% (95%CI: 94.0%-97.9%). The pooled relapse rate was 13.8% (95%CI: 7.2%-22.0%) with the mean follow-up time ranging from 12 to 45 months.

CONCLUSION

Type 1 is the predominant type of Chinese AIP patients and the clinical features, diagnostic modalities and therapeutic regimen were similar with those in other countries. Knowledge of AIP should be more widespread to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Distinguishing primary from secondary Δ(4) -3-oxosteroid 5β-reductase (SRD5B1, AKR1D1) deficiency by urinary steroid analysis

OBJECTIVE

Deficiency of Δ(4) -3-oxosteroid 5β-reductase (5β-reductase), a bile acid synthesis disorder, presents findings of neonatal cholestasis and hyper-3-oxo-Δ(4) bile aciduria. The 5β-reductase enzyme participates in not only bile acid synthesis but also hepatic steroid metabolism. Deficiency of 5β-reductase includes 2 types: primary deficiency, with an SRD5B1 gene mutation; and secondary deficiency, lacking a mutation. Secondary deficiency is caused by fulminant liver failure from various aetiologies including neonatal hemochromatosis (NH). Distinguishing primary from secondary deficiency based on γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), serum total bile acids (TBA), and urinary bile acid analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) is very difficult. SRD5B1 gene analysis is the only reliable method. We examined urinary steroid analysis as a way to distinguish primary from secondary 5β-reductase deficiency.

DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

We examined 12 patients with cholestatic jaundice, normal or slightly elevated GGT, and hyper-3-oxo-Δ(4) bile aciduria using urinary steroid analysis by GC-MS of both cortisol and cortisone compounds, such as 5β-tetrahydrocortisol (5β-THF) and 5β-tetrahydrocortisone (5β-THE). Patients previously were diagnosed with primary 5β-reductase deficiency (n = 3), deficiency secondary to NH (n = 3) and deficiency secondary to other liver disorders (n = 6).

RESULTS

Urinary steroid analysis in 3 primary deficiency and 3 NH patients showed low 5β-THE and elevated 5α/5β-THE ratios, making distinction difficult without also considering the clinical course and abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, such as a very low signal intensity in liver and/or pancreas, especially in T2 -weighted images. In the six patients with other secondary deficiencies, urinary 5β-THF and 5α/5β-THF differed from those in primary deficiency (P < 0·05).

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary steroid analysis can distinguish primary and NH-related deficiencies from other secondary deficiencies.

[The state of cytokine status in patients with mechanical jaundice of benign origin]

The results of survey of 67 patients with obstructive jaundice (OJ) of benign origin are analyzedin the article. In all patients the cause of obstructive jaundice was choledocholithiasis. The degree of hepatic dysfunction (HD) was identified taking into account of cholestasis (total serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase activity in blood) and cytolysis syndromes (levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase). Liver dysfunction degree I was observed in 21 patients, degree II--in 14, degree III--in 10 and degree IV--in 9 patients. In 13 patients OJ was complicated with purulent cholangitis (PCh). Serum concentration of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 was determined. Cytokine status imbalance was diagnosed in all patients with benign mechanical jaundice on admission. Levels of serum proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6 were greater and the level of IL-2 was lower than those in healthy people. The analysis has showed that severity of cytokine imbalance depends on the degree of LD and level of hyperbilirubinemia. Imbalance in cytokine regulation manifests in disorders of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokinesratio.

[Changes of the hemostasis system in patients with obturation jaundice caused by choledocholithiasis, and possibilities of their correction with the help of miniinvasive operative interventions]

Changes in the hemostasis system in choledocholithiasis, taking into account the obturation jaundice severity and possibility of the correction conduction, using miniinvasive operative interventions, were studied. Dynamic of changes in the hemostasis system in patients preoperatively, in 1 and 3 days after endoscopic papillosphincterotomy were monitored, using the method of a low--rate piezoelectric thromboelastography. Basing on analysis of the results, the changes in hemostasis in obturation jaundice were classified, taking into account its degree of severity, what have permitted to select a correct tactics for prophylaxis of hemorrhagic complications intraoperatively and postoperatively.

Evaluation of endoscopic biliary stenting for obstructive jaundice caused by hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To review the usefulness of endoscopic biliary stenting for obstructive jaundice caused by hepatocellular carcinoma and identify problems that may need to be addressed.

METHODS: The study population consisted of 36 patients with obstructive jaundice caused by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent endoscopic biliary stenting (EBS) as the initial drainage procedure at our hospital. The EBS technical success rate and drainage success rate were assessed. Drainage was considered effective when the serum total bilirubin level decreased by 50% or more following the procedure compared to the pre-drainage value. Survival time after the procedure and patient background characteristics were assessed comparatively between the successful drainage group (group A) and the non-successful drainage group (group B). The EBS stent patency duration in the successful drainage group (group A) was also assessed.

RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100% for both the initial endoscopic nasobiliary drainage and EBS in all patients. Single stenting was placed in 21 patients and multiple stenting in the remaining 15 patients. The drainage successful rate was 75% and the median interval to successful drainage was 40 d (2-295 d). The median survival time was 150 d in group A and 22 d in group B, with the difference between the two groups being statistically significant (P < 0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to patient background characteristics, background liver condition, or tumor factors; on the other hand, the two groups showed statistically significant differences in patients without a history of hepatectomy (P = 0.009) and those that received multiple stenting (P = 0.036). The median duration of stent patency was 43 d in group A (2-757 d). No early complications related to the EBS technique were encountered. Late complications occurred in 13 patients (36.1%), including stent occlusion in 7, infection in 3, and distal migration in 3.

CONCLUSION: EBS is recommended as the initial drainage procedure for obstructive jaundice caused by HCC, as it appears to contribute to prolongation of survival time.

The diagnostic value of C-reactive protein in bacterial translocation in experimental biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND

Many experimental studies have verified that obstructive jaundice (OJ) causes bacterial translocation (BT).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess to whether C-Reactive Protein (CRP) can be used to detect bacterial translocation induced by biliary obstruction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty rats were divided into two groups containing 10 rats each: sham-operated controls and the obstructive jaundice (OJ) group. All procedures were performed aseptically. After an upper midline incision, the common bile duct (CBD) was identified, mobilized, ligated and divided. The sham-operated animals had a similar incision, followed by mobilization of the CBD, without ligation or division. Ten days after the first operation, a second laparotomy was performed. Blood samples were collected for culture and serum CRP analysis. In addition, liver, spleen, and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) specimens were taken for microbiological culture to determine the presence of BT. BT was considered positive if there was any bacterial growth in the MLN, liver, spleen, or blood cultures; a lack of bacterial growth indicated a negative BT.

RESULTS

The OJ group had significantly higher rates of bacterial translocation than the sham-operated group (p = 0.002). Mean CRP levels (ng/mL) were 8.7 ± 11.8 and 18.6 ± 17.2 in the sham-operated group and the OJ group respectively. There was no significant difference in mean CRP levels between the two groups (p = 0.257). Mean CRP levels were 4.5 ± 4.3 and 24.9 ± 16.4 in the BT (-) and BT (+) groups respectively (p = 0.003). A marked increase in CRP levels paralleled an increase in BT.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has demonstrated a direct relationship between BT and CRP levels in an experimental OJ model.

The effects of erythropoietin on bacterial translocation and inflammation in rats with obstructive jaundice

INTRODUCTION

Obstruction of the common bile duct is associated with hepatic paranchymal damage and increased susceptibility to subsequent bacterial infections. Erythropoietin has antiinflammatory and cytoprotective effects and it induces antiinflammatory cytokines and suppresses the production of proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Erythropoietin on bacterial translocation, inflammation and tissue damage in rats with obstructive jaundice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two Wistar albino rats (200-250 g) were divided into 4 groups as follows: Group 1 (Sham); only hepatoduodenal ligament dissection, Group 2 (Erythropoietin); hepatoduodenal ligament dissection and given 500 IU/kg Erythropoietin subcutaneously, Group 3 (Obstructive jaundice); complete hepatoduodenal ligament ligation, Group 4 (Obstructive jaundice + Erythropoietin); complete hepatoduodenal ligament ligation and given 500 IU/kg Erythropoietin subcutaneously. After 7 days, the rats were sacrificed by taking blood from the heart for biochemical analyses. Peritoneal swab culture, liver, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and ileum were collected for microbiological and histopathological examinations.

RESULTS

Erythropoietin reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, oxidative damage and bacterial translocation, prevent the formation of inflammatory changes in intestine and liver after obstructive jaundice.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of EPO in rats with OJ reduces bacterial translocation, inflammation and tissue damage.

Biopsy-driven diagnosis in infants with cholestatic jaundice in Iran

AIM: To determine the frequencies of diagnoses confirmed by liver biopsy in infants with cholestasis in an Iranian pediatric hospital.

METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary referral children’s hospital in Iran. We retrieved all pathology reports of liver biopsies from children less than two years of age who had presented for evaluation of cholestatic jaundice from March 2001 to March 2011. Additional specimen samples obtained from archived pathology blocks were reviewed by a pathologist blinded to the final diagnosis. These results were compared with the pathology reports from chart records to ensure consensus and eliminate any inconsistencies in final diagnoses. A structured checklist was used to gather information on multiple variables including age, sex, gestational age at birth, birth weight, age at which hyperbilirubinemia manifested, presence and identification of associated anomalies, clinical manifestations, and histological findings from liver biopsies. The baseline data are reported using descriptive statistics, and differences between groups were assessed by Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t test when indicated.

RESULTS: Fifty-five cases (28 females; 27 males) of infantile cholestasis (IC) were included in this study. The mean serum total bilirubin and direct bilirubin at presentation were 13.6 ± 5.9 and 7.3 ± 3.4, respectively. Forty cases (72.7%) were the product of term pregnancies. Common associated clinical findings were acholic stool in 33 cases (60.0%), hepatomegaly in 30 cases (54.5%), and dark-colored urine in 21 cases (38.2%). Biliary atresia (BA) was the most frequent diagnosis, found in 32 cases (58.2%), followed by intrahepatic bile duct paucity found in 6 cases (10.9%), metabolic disease in 6 cases (10.9%), idiopathic neonatal hepatitis in 5 cases (9.1%), choledochal cyst in 2 cases (3.6%), liver cirrhosis in 2 cases (3.6%), and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis and portal fibrosis each in 1 case (1.8%). The mean times for jaundice onset and liver biopsy were 43.8 and 102.0 d, respectively. In BA, the mean age at jaundice presentation was 21 d and for liver biopsy was 87.5 d, representing a mean delay of 66.5 d.

CONCLUSION: A significant delay was found between IC presentation and liver biopsy, which is detrimental in conditions that can cause irreversible liver damage, such as BA.

Serum total sialic acid as a novel complementary candidate marker of hepatic damage in obstructive jaundice

The present study was carried out to investigate oxidant-antioxidant status and serum total sialic acid (SA) levels as alternative markers complementary to routine laboratory tests in an experimental obstructive jaundice model (OJM). Rats were divided into three groups: sham operated control (SOC), OJM monitored for 7 days (OJM-7), and OJM monitored for 14 days (OJM-14). Antioxidant activities, lipid peroxidation, C reactive protein (CRP), and SA concentrations were analyzed at the end of post-operative days 7 and 14. In both OJM groups, SA and CRP levels were significantly increased when compared with the SOC group. Moreover SA and CRP levels were significantly correlated in both groups. As a marker of inflammation and oxidative stress in obstructive jaundice, serum SA may serve as an adjunct when combined with other markers in disease screening and progression.

Influence of obstructive jaundice on pharmacodynamics of rocuronium

BACKGROUND

Anesthetics are variable in patients with obstructive jaundice. The minimum alveolar concentration awake of desflurane is reduced in patients with obstructive jaundice, while it has no effect on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of propofol. In this study, we investigated the influence of obstructive jaundice on the pharmacodynamics and blood concentration of rocuronium.

METHODS

Included in this study were 26 control patients and 27 patients with obstructive jaundice. Neuromuscular block of rocuronium was monitored by acceleromyography. Onset time, spontaneous recovery of the height of twitch first (T1) to 25% of the final T1 value (Duration 25%, Dur 25%), recovery index (RI), and spontaneous recovery of train-of-four (TOF) ratios to 70% were measured. The plasma rocuronium concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography using berberine as an internal standard.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in onset time between the two groups. The Dur 25%, the recovery index and the time of recovery of the TOF ratios to 70% were all prolonged in the obstructive jaundice group compared with the control group. The plasma concentration of rocuronium at 60, 90 and 120 min after bolus administration was significantly higher in the obstructive jaundice group.

CONCLUSIONS

The neuromuscular blockade by rocuronium is prolonged in obstructive jaundice patients, and therefore precautions should be taken in case of postoperative residual neuromuscular block. The possible reason is impedance of rocuronium excretion due to biliary obstruction and increased plasma unbound rocuronium because of free bilirubin competing with it for albumin binding.

iTRAQ reveals candidate pancreatic cancer serum biomarkers: influence of obstructive jaundice on their performance

BACKGROUND

The aims of our study were to identify serum biomarkers that distinguish pancreatic cancer (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, PDAC) patients from benign pancreatic disease patients and healthy subjects, and to assess the effects of jaundice on biomarker performance.

METHODS

Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification were used to compare pooled serum and pancreatic juice samples from a test set of 59 and 25 subjects, respectively. Validation was undertaken in 113 independent subjects.

RESULTS

Candidate proteins Complement C5, inter-α-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H3, α1-β glycoprotein and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor were elevated in cancer, as were the reference markers CA19-9 and Reg3A. Biliary obstruction had a significant effect on the performance of the markers, in particular within the PDAC group where the presence of jaundice was associated with a significant increase in the levels of all six proteins (P<0.01). Consequently, in the absence of jaundice, proteins showed reduced sensitivity for PDAC patients over benign subjects and healthy controls (HCs). Similarly, in the presence of jaundice, markers showed reduced specificity for PDAC patients over benign subjects with jaundice. Combining markers enabled improved sensitivity for non-jaundiced PDAC patients over HCs and improved specificity for jaundiced PDAC patients over jaundiced benign disease subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence-absence of jaundice in the clinical scenario severely impacts the performance of biomarkers for PDAC diagnosis and has implications for their clinical translation.

Caution in interpretation of the tumor marker CA 19.9 in patients with obstructive jaundice: illustrative case reports

BACKGROUND

Carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19.9 is a Lewis blood group oligosaccharide antigen which exists in fixed and soluble forms. The CA 19.9 antigen is synthesized by epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreatic duct, and biliary tree. The CA 19.9 antigen is commonly used as a tumor marker for malignancies of the pancreas and biliary tract. High levels (> 300 U/ml) of antigen have strongly suggested malignant processes.

METHODS

Four patients are described with markedly elevated levels of CA 19.9 due to benign calculous disease.

RESULTS

Three of four patients underwent endoscopic stone removal followed by cholecystectomy; the fourth patient spontaneously passed stones and had a subsequent cholecystectomy with benign inflammatory pathology. Removal or passage of the obstructing stones produced normalization of the CA 19.9 in each case even with long-term follow-up up to one year. All pathology specimens were interpreted as benign.

CONCLUSIONS

Marked elevations of CA 19.9 may be found in benign obstructive disease and should be interpreted with caution until biliary obstruction is relieved.

[Criteria of diagnosis and principles of treatment of obturation jaundice and its complicated forms--an acute cholangitis and biliary sepsis]

Analysis of the examination and treatment results was conducted in 92 patients, suffering the obturation jaundice syndrome. There was elaborated a diagnostic program, in which the existing diagnostic standard for obturation jaundice and its complicated forms, an acute cholangitis and biliary sepsis, was added by determination of the blood procalcitonin level, microbiological investigation of the blood and bile, the bile microscopy, the analysis of the system inflammatory response syndrome signs and the organs dysfunction (according to SOFA scale). The program introduction have permitted to perform differential diagnosis of uncomplicated--in 30 (32.6%) patients, and complicated--in 42 (45.7%) obturation jaundice in an acute cholangitis and in 20 (21.7%)--in biliary sepsis. The treatment program is characterized by differentiated approach, depending on the disease kind, and includes the conduction of urgent decompression and sanation of biliary ducts. The method and volume of complex conservative therapy have differed essentially in patients, suffering obturation jaundice, an acute cholangitis and biliary sepsis.

[Effect of antihypoxant infusion on microbial endotoxin circulation in obstructive jaundice patients]

The dynamics of microbial endotoxemia in group of 149 patients with cholelithiasis complicated by obstructive jaundice has been studied as dependent on the perioperative tactics of infusion therapy. The perioperative period in obstructive jaundice patients is complicated by a significant increase in lipopolysaccharidemia caused by translocation mechanisms and disorders of the liver detoxification function. In Group 1, 47 patients received infusion therapy including Ringer's solution and 10% glucose solution at a 1:1 ratio. In group 2, 55 patients received infusion therapy with only Sterofundin G-5 solution. In Group 3, 47 patients received the infusion therapy with remaxol in a dose of 800 ml/day. It is established that the infusion of Sterofundin G-5, and to a greater extent the infusion of remaxol, reduces the early postoperative degree of decompensation and accelerates recovery of the detoxifying function of Kupffer cells with respect to microbial endotoxin.

[The bile-diverting methods in long-term obstructive jaundice]

There were examined 59 patients, admitted to hospital for residual choledocholithiasis, complicated by durable (during more than 2 weeks) obturation jaundice, who were treated in 2009-2012 yrs. In 37 patients (the first group) endoscopic papillosphincterotomy was conducted and choledocholithoextraction, in 22 (the second group)--after endoscopic papillosphincterotomy and choledocholithoextraction nasobiliary drainage was performed during 3-8 days. Besides the conventional clinical and instrumental investigations, there were examined also the spectrum of conjugated and nonconjugated biliary acids in the blood plasm, as the indices of the bile toxicity and early markers of hepatic insufficiency occurrence. There was established in the blood serum of both groups of patients the content increase of the biliary acids toxic fractions. In the patients of the second group the toxic fractions of biliary acids disappearance was observed trustworthy earlier, than in patients of the first group.

Serum bile acid: an alternative liver function marker in the obstructive jaundice patient

AIM

to confirm the role of bile acid value as single marker for liver function test as compared to the conventional liver function tests on obstructive jaundice patients.

METHODS

before and after study on severe obstructive jaundice patients was performed from December 2007 until January 2009. The liver function markers were measured before, 7th day and 14th day after bile duct decompression (BDD). Open Cholecystostomy as BDD was used as a model to observe the markers changes. Samples were collected by trained medical professionals and Automated clinical chemistry analyzer (ACA) TRX 7010 was used to measure the markers value. All continuous data were presented as mean (SD) and the variables were compared and analyzed by t-test and multiple measurements test using SPSS v.16 with a p-value of <0.05 considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

twenty one patients were included. All patients suffered bile acid accumulation and impairment of all conventional liver functions tests. After decompression, the average serum bile acid decreased significantly (p<0.05). Significant decrease after decompression happened to serum total bilirubin (p<0.05) and serum ALP (p<0.05). A trend towards improvement in coagulation function was evident by the shortening of PT and APTT. The albumin level increased slightly from 2.8 to 2.9 mg/dL while CHE activity was fixed at low level. A decrease in average activity of transaminase enzyme (AST (p<0.05) and ALT) was also observed.

CONCLUSION

the sBA level follow the pattern of changes of classic liver function markers. Serum bile acid could be considered to be used as alternative marker to evaluate liver function, which is simple and applicable.

Prevalence and outcome of hepatobiliary dysfunction in neonatal septicaemia

BACKGROUND

Cholestatic jaundice and liver enzyme abnormalities have been reported in neonatal septicaemia; the course, pattern, and outcome of such hepatobiliary dysfunction have not been described.

METHODS

One hundred fifty-three neonates with blood culture-positive sepsis were recruited from the neonatal intensive care unit of an urban hospital. Liver function tests were done on day 3 and day 10 in all of the cases. In babies with abnormal results (direct bilirubin >20% of total with a minimum level of 2/dL or alanine aminotransferase [ALT] >50  U/L), tests were repeated weekly for 1 month and then fortnightly for 3 months or until normalization of values. Anthropometry was recorded at all of these visits.

RESULTS

Klebsiella pneumoniae was the commonest organism, isolated in 95.4% of subjects. Eighty-three (54.2%) subjects had hepatobiliary dysfunction in the form of either cholestatic jaundice (n = 65 [42.5%]) or derangement in ALT (n = 57 [37.3%]). The onset of cholestasis was seen by day 3 of sepsis in 80% (n = 52), with maximum value of direct bilirubin seen by the 10th day in 90% (n = 58). Only 15% (n = 10) continued to have cholestatic jaundice beyond 30 days of onset of sepsis, and it resolved by 60 days. Hepatic enzyme abnormalities followed a more protracted course: onset by day 10 in 95%, peak value by day 38 in 90%, and normalisation by 60 days in 82% of subjects. The prevalence of any hepatobiliary dysfunction was found less frequently in babies who died as compared with survivors (43.4% vs 56.7%; P < 0.01). The weight, length, and head circumference during follow-up visits were comparable between neonates with or without hepatobiliary dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatobiliary dysfunction is common in Gram-negative neonatal septicaemia. The onset of abnormalities is early in most cases but ultimately resolve within 2 to 3 months after sepsis. The presence of conjugated hyperbilirubinemia in neonatal sepsis may carry a better prognosis in terms of survival and has no significant effect on growth during early infancy.

[Application of plasmapheresis in postoperative period in patients, suffering obturation jaundice]

Operative intervention, aiming to decompress a biliary system in the patients, suffering choledocholithiasis, durable obturation jaundice, severe hepatic insufficience, gives often poor outcomes, high lethality and high complications ratio. Obturation jaundice and hepatic insufficiency, occurring on its background, coincide with accumulation of significant quantity of water soluble and protein connected toxins in the blood. A patient state improvement, the intoxication severity reduction, objectively confirmed by bilirubin level lowering in the blood, the transaminases and alkaline phosphatase activity lowering were noted under the influence of plasmapheresis application.

Effects of ellagic acid on copper, zinc, and biochemical values in serum and liver of experimental cholestatic rats

Ellagic acid (EA) is a natural polyphenolic compound. Although, modulator effects of EA on copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels in some liver diseases have been reported in experimental animals, its effects in obstructive jaundice (OJ) has not been clarified. We aimed to evaluate potential effects of EA on Cu and Zn levels in liver and serum of cholestatic rats. Forty Wistar albino rats were equally divided into four groups. First group was used as controls. Second group received EA (60 mg(-1) kg(-1) day(-1)) for 8 days. Third was OJ group, and fourth group was OJ plus EA group. After 8 days, blood and liver samples were obtained. Higher serum and liver Cu and lower serum and liver Zn levels were found in OJ group (p < 0.05) compared with other groups. However, these differences reached to significant levels for Cu in serum and for Zn in lever. Higher serum copper levels were decreased, and lower liver Zn levels were increased by EA treatment in cholestatic rats (p < 0.05). Also, higher Cu/Zn ratio in OJ group was decreased by EA treatment both in liver (p < 0.05) and in serum (p < 0.05). Significantly higher serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase values were found in OJ and OJ + EA groups compared with the control and EA groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, result of the current study indicated that ellagic acid has modulator effects on Cu and Zn levels in liver and serum of cholestatic rats.

Bilirubin levels predict malignancy in patients with obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND

Differentiating between benign and malignant causes of obstructive jaundice can be challenging, even with the advanced imaging and endoscopic techniques currently available. In patients with obstructive jaundice, the predictive accuracy of bilirubin levels at presentation was examined in order to determine whether such data could be used to differentiate between malignant and benign disease.

METHODS

A total of 1,026 patients with obstructive jaundice were identified. Patients were divided into benign and malignant groups. The benign patients were subgrouped into those with choledocholithiasis and those with inflammatory strictures of the biliary tree. Bilirubin levels at presentation and other demographic data were obtained from case records.

RESULTS

Area under the curve (AUC) values for bilirubin as a predictor of malignancy were highly significant for all benign presentations and for those with benign biliary strictures (AUC: 0.8 for both groups; P < 0.001). A bilirubin level > 100 µmol/l was determined to provide the optimum sensitivity and specificity for malignancy in all patients and in those without choledocholithiasis (71.9% and 86.9%, 71.9% and 88.0%, respectively). The application of a bilirubin level > 250 µmol/l achieved specificities of 97.1% and 98.0% in each subgroup of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with obstructive jaundice, bilirubin levels in isolation represent an important tool for discriminating between benign and malignant underlying causes.

[The effect of N-acetylcysteine on hepatic function in patients suffering from mechanical jaundice of cholelithic etiology]

The effect of N- acetylcysteine on the level of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α) and liver parenchyma injury in an experimental rat model of obstructive jaundice were investigated. Thirty-six Wistar-Albino rats weighing 250- 300 g were randomly divided into three groups of 12 animals in each, as sham-operated, bile duct ligated plus N- acetylcysteine (treatment), bile duct ligated plus saline administered (control). After the operation, the rats in treatment and control groups were administered NAC and saline, respectively. After 10 days of treatment, liver function tests were performed and plasma TNF-a levels were determined in all rats to assess the parenchymal damage. Parenchymal damage and plasma TNF-α level were significantly lower in the treatment group, compared with the control group. N-Acetylcysteine can be useful in decreasing the parenchymal damage in the liver and suppress the plasma TNF-α level in experimental obstructive jaundice.

[Gastropancreatoduodenal resection for malignant tumors, complicated with obstructive jaundice]

The experience of 329 gastropancreatoduodenal resections for malignant tumors of the periampullary zone has been reviewed. The obstructive jaundice complicated the disease in 237 (70%) patients. The fact required various modalities of the preoperative artificial bile drainage. To evaluate the jaundice influence on the perioperative period, patients were divided in 4 groups, considering the bile drainage modality and bilirubin blood levels. The early postoperative period was respectively analyzed, which led to the conclusion that bilirubin blood level has no influence on either intraoperative characteristics or postoperative morbidity and mortality. For the reason of that, radical treatment of the periampullary cancer, complicated by the obstructive jaundice, does not require preoperative bile drainage.

Diagnosis of bile duct hepatocellular carcinoma thrombus without obvious intrahepatic mass

AIM

To study the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presenting as bile duct tumor thrombus with no detectable intrahepatic mass.

METHODS

Six patients with pathologically proven bile duct HCC thrombi but no intrahepatic mass demonstrated on the preoperative imaging or palpated intrahepatic mass during operative exploration, were collected. Their clinical and imaging data were retrospectively analyzed. The major findings or signs on comprehensive imaging were correlated with the surgical and pathologic findings.

RESULTS

Jaundice was the major clinical symptom of the patients. The elevated serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase levels were in concordance with obstructive jaundice and the underlying liver disease. Of the 6 patients showing evidence of viral hepatitis, 5 were positive for serum alpha fetoprotein and carbohydrate antigen 19-9, and 1 was positive for serum carcinoembryonic antigen. No patient was correctly diagnosed by ultrasound. The main features of patients on comprehensive imaging were filling defects with cup-shaped ends of the bile duct, with large filling defects presenting as casting moulds in the expanded bile duct, hypervascular intraluminal nodules, debris or blood clots in the bile duct. No obvious circular thickening of the bile duct walls was observed.

CONCLUSION

Even with no detectable intrahepatic tumor, bile duct HCC thrombus should be considered in patients predisposed to HCC, and some imaging signs are indicative of its diagnosis.

[Study of integral hematological indices in patients with mechanical jaundice of benign genesis]

The retrospective analysis of 105 case records of patients with mechanical jaundice of benign genesis in the period 2000 to 2008 revealed the specific features of changes in integral hematological indices. In all the patients, the admission hematological indices were found to significantly differ from those in the control group. All the patients underwent surgical interventions by one of two modes: laparotomy or endoscopic surgery. Integral hematological indices decreased more rapidly and the patients' status stabilized more early after endoscopic versus laparatomic surgery.

[Comparison of the therapeutic effects of PTBD and PTBS in treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize and compare the short-term and long-term clinical efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary stent (PTBS) in the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice.

METHODS

210 cases of malignant obstructive jaundice underwent interventional therapy, of which 161 cases of drainage catheters placement and 49 cases of metallic stent implantation. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone review or check-up records.

RESULTS

The technical success rate of technique was 100%. At 3 - 5 days after treatment, the serum total bilirubin in 15 metallic stent-treated patients was decreased by (178.04 +/- 42.32) micromol/L, and direct bilirubin by (83.97 +/- 23.63) micromol/L. Compared with those of 28 cases treated with drainage catheters: (95.67 +/- 34.28) micromol/L and (49.84 +/- 28.21) micromol/L, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.017 and P = 0.035). At 6 - 9 days after treatment, the serum total bilirubin in 28 cases of metallic stent group was decreased by (188.22 +/- 79.90) micromol/L, and that in 126 cases of drainage catheter group decreased by (141.39 +/- 65.32) micromol/L. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.014). But the decline value of direct bilirubin had no significant difference. The median patency period and the median survival time of the drainage catheter group were 60 and 148 days, respectively, those of metallic stent group were 197 days and 245 days. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that the short-term and long-term efficacies of metallic stent implantation are better than those of catheter drainage technique.

Human adrenomedullin and its binding protein ameliorate sepsis-induced organ injury and mortality in jaundiced rats

Sepsis is a serious complication for patients with obstructive jaundice. Although administration of adrenomedullin (AM) in combination with its binding protein (AMBP-1) is protective after injury, it remains unknown whether AM/AMBP-1 ameliorates sepsis-induced organ injury and mortality in the setting of biliary obstruction. The aim of this study is, therefore, to test the efficacy of human AM/AMBP-1 in a rat model of obstructive jaundice and polymicrobial sepsis. To study this, obstructive jaundice was induced in male adult rats (275-325g) by common bile duct ligation (BDL). One week after BDL, the rats were subjected to sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Plasma levels of AM and AMBP-1 were measured at 20h after CLP. In additional groups of BDL+CLP rats, human AM/AMBP-1 (24/80microg/kg body weight (BW)) or vehicle (i.e., human albumin) was administered intravenously at 5h after CLP. Blood and tissue samples were collected at 20h after CLP for various measurements. To determine the long-term effect of human AM/AMBP-1 after BDL+CLP, the gangrenous cecum was removed at 20h after CLP and 7-day survival was recorded. Our results showed that plasma levels of AM were significantly increased while AMBP-1 levels were markedly decreased after BDL+CLP (n=8, P<0.05). Administration of human AM/AMBP-1 attenuated tissue injury and inflammatory responses after BDL+CLP. Moreover, human AM/AMBP-1 significantly increased the survival rate from 21% (n=14) to 53% (n=15). Thus, human AM/AMBP-1 ameliorates sepsis-induced organ injury and mortality in jaundiced rats. Human AM/AMBP-1 can be further developed as a novel treatment for sepsis in jaundiced patients.

[Dynamics of changes of the blood biochemical indices in patients with obturation jaundice caused by choledocholithiasis, effect of plasmapheresis]

In choledocholithiasis the obturation jaundice and its complication hepatic insufficiency are accompanied by accumulation of significant quantity of water-soluble and protein-associated toxins in the blood. Application of plasmapheresis promotes the patients state improvement and intoxication severity reduction. The levels in the blood lowering of bilirubin, the average-mass peptides concentration, activity of transaminases, alkaline phosphatase were noted.

Altered occludin expression in brain capillaries induced by obstructive jaundice in rats

The development of increased oxidative stress in the context of obstructive cholestasis has been proven in various rats' organs including the brain. The present study aimed to detect alterations of tight junction-associated occludin in rat brain capillaries after bile duct ligation (BDL). In experiment 1, occludin expression was evaluated by Western blot analysis in 5 animals 10 days after BDL and compared with 5 sham-operated ones. In experiment 2, groups of 9 animals each were used to assess occludin levels on the 1st, 5th, and 10th days after BDL and to associate these measurements with the in vivo superoxide radical production measured by means of an ultrasensitive fluorescent assay. The results indicated that occludin expression in BDL animals, as opposed to sham-operated, was significantly reduced at every time point studied, being lowest in the rats remaining on BDL condition for 10 days. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the time-dependent downregulation of occludin expression in the brain endothelial was significantly correlated with the time-dependent increase of brain superoxide radical level, implying a relationship between these two abnormalities. In conclusion, the evidence presented herein suggests the implication of occludin and, therefore, of blood-brain barrier in the pathophysiology of extrahepatic cholestasis.

[Treatment of calculous cholecystitis, complicated by obturational jaundice]

Results of surgical treatment of 52 patients for chronic calculous cholecystitis, complicated by cholelithiasis, were studied. In 26 (50%) patients as a first stage of treatment there was applied endoscopic papillosphincterotomy (EPST) and transpapillary endobiliary manipulations and then--laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CHE). In 13 (25%) patients as the first stage of treatment EPST and transpapillary endobiliary manipulations were performed, and as the second one--CHE through laparotomy. In 13 (25%) patients there were performed an open CHE. choledocholithotomy and one of variants of the biliary ducts drainage. In chronic calculous cholecystitis, complicated by cholelithiasis, the optimal treatment consists of complex endoscopic treatment. The combined and standard surgical tactic are indicated when application of endoscopic technologies is impossible.

The effects of obstructive jaundice on the pharmacodynamics of propofol: does the sensitivity of intravenous anesthetics change among icteric patients?

BACKGROUND

Some studies suggest that certain clinical symptoms of cholestasis, such as fatigue and pruritus, result from altered neurotransmission. Patients with obstructive jaundice also have labile blood pressure and heart rate. In the present study, the authors investigated whether obstructive jaundice affects a patient's sensitivity to hypnotics and the haemodynamic profile of propofol.

METHODS

Thirty-six ASA physical status I/II/III patients with serum total bilirubin (TBL) from 7.8 to 362.7 micromol/l scheduled for bile duct surgery were recruited. A computer-controlled propofol infusion programmed for effect site target was used to rapidly attain and maintain sequential increase of the compartment concentration (from 1 to 3 microg/ml). Each target-controlled concentration was maintained for about 12 min, and arterial blood samples were drawn for propofol concentration determination. The bispectral index (BIS) and mean arterial pressures (MAP) were used as indices of the propofol effect. The relation between the concentration and the effects was described by the Hill equation. The pharmacodynamic parameters were optimized using a nonlinear mixed-effect model.

RESULTS

TBL was not a significant covariate of EC(50) for the pharmacodynamic model. For BIS and MAP, the parameters of the pharmacodynamic model were E(max)=75.77%, EC(50)=2.34 microg/ml, and gamma=1.82, and E(max)=47.83%, EC(50)=1.49 microg/ml, and gamma=1.88, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that obstructive jaundice with serum TBL from 7.8 to 362.7 micromol/l had no effect on propofol pharmacodynamics observed by BIS and MAP.

[A case of interstitial pneumonia induced by gemcitabine hydrochloride for unresectable bile duct cancer]

A 78-year-old man was admitted for obstructive jaundice and unresectable bile duct cancer on March 4, 2008. Since biliary drainage was extremely difficult, he began 2 treatment courses of gemcitabine hydrochloride (GEM 800 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, 15 every 4 weeks). He suffered from dry cough and dyspnea on May 13, 2008. He was diagnosed as GEM-induced interstitial pneumonia with severe hypoxemia by CT scan and arterial blood gas examination. He recovered with two courses of steroid pulse therapy, diuretics and antibiotics. Alternatively, he was given oral S-1 ( 80 mg/m(2) 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off) from June 12, 2008. His QOL was well kept without jaundice for as long as a half year. This is the first report of GEM-induced interstitial pneumonia in bile duct cancer. In conclusion, interstitial pneumonia must be taken into consideration as a rare adverse reaction when GEM is used for biliary neoplasms.

[Impact of obstructive jaundice upon hepatectomy: experiment with rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of obstructive jaundice on hepatectomy.

METHODS

120 Wistar rats underwent ligation of the common bile duct to establish animal model of obstructive jaundice. On days 1 after ligation 20 rats underwent 30% hepatic resection + choledochojejunostomy (Group 1) and 20 rats underwent 70% hepatic resection + choledochojejunostomy (Group 2); on day 3 after ligation 10 rats underwent 30% hepatic resection + choledochojejunostomy (Group 3) and 10 rats underwent 70% hepatic resection + choledochojejunostomy (Group 4); on day 5 20 rats underwent 30% hepatic resection + choledochojejunostomy (Group 5) and 20 rats underwent 70% hepatic resection + choledochojejunostomy (Group 6); and on day 7 10 rats underwent 30% hepatic resection + choledochojejunostomy (Group 7) and 10 rats underwent 70% hepatic resection + choledochojejunostomy (Group 8). The serum total protein, albumin, total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin, and alanine transaminase (ALT) were detected. Then livers were taken out after the rats died or were killed, and the levels of ALT and Na+ K+(-)ATPase were measure.

RESULTS

The serum TBIL peaked on day 3. The survival rate after the operation of Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were 20% , 20%, 100%, 50%, 30%, 20%, 0, and 0 respectively.

CONCLUSION

(1) It is the too short a time between two operations, but not liver dysfunction, that is responsible for the high death rate in Groups 1 and 2. (2) 30% hepatic resection + choledochojejunostomy performed 3 days after the ligation of common bile duct is safe with a survival rate of 100%. However, 70% hepatic resection + choledochojejunostomy is dangerous in this time with a survival rate of 50% only. (3) 30% and 70% hepatic resection + choledochojejunostomy performed 5 and 7 days after the ligation are very dangerous with a post-operational survival rate of zero.

Circulating leptin levels and bone mineral density in children with biliary atresia

AIM

To investigate circulating leptin levels in biliary atresia (BA) patients and the association of leptin with bone mineral density (BMD) and the severity of BA.

METHODS

We have examined 50 patients with BA and 15 matched healthy controls. Serum leptin, osteocalcin and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) levels were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). BMD of the lumbar spine was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

Serum leptin levels of BA patients were lower than those of healthy controls (2.7 +/- 0.3 vs. 7.1 +/- 1.7 ng/mL, p = 0.0001). Among the BA patients, serum leptin levels were significantly lower in patients with jaundice than patients without jaundice (1.7 +/- 0.2 vs. 3.4 +/- 0.4 ng/mL, p = 0.001). BMD of BA patients was correlated (p < 0.001) with leptin levels, age and BMI (r = 0.55, r = 0.75 and r = 0.58, respectively). The serum CTX levels were significantly higher in jaundice patients compared with jaundice-free patients and the healthy controls (0.6 +/- 0.2 vs. 0.2 +/- 0.1 ng/mL, p = 0.01), whereas the serum osteocalcin levels in BA patients were not different from those in the controls.

CONCLUSION

Circulating leptin levels are correlated with BMD and the presence of jaundice in BA, suggesting that the leptin may play a physiological role in maintaining bone mass of BA patients with jaundice.