Re-examining so-called 'secondary identifiers' in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI): Why and how are they used?

Disaster victim identification (DVI) refers to the identification of multiple deceased persons following an event that has a catastrophic effect on human lives and living conditions. Identification methods in DVI are typically described as either being primary, which include nuclear genetic markers (DNA), dental radiograph comparisons, and fingerprint comparisons, or secondary, which are all other identifiers and are ordinarily considered insufficient as a sole means of identification. The aim of this paper is to review the concept and definition of so-called 'secondary identifiers" and draw on personal experiences to provide practical recommendations for improved consideration and use. Initially, the concept of secondary identifiers is defined and examples of publications where such identifiers have been used in human rights violation cases and humanitarian emergencies are reviewed. While typically not investigated under a strict DVI framework, the review highlights the idea that non-primary identifiers have proven useful on their own for identifying individuals killed as a result of political, religious, and/or ethnic violence. The use of non-primary identifiers in DVI operations in the published literature is then reviewed. Because there is a plethora of different ways in which secondary identifiers are referenced it was not possible to identify useful search terms. Consequently, a broad literature search (rather than a systematic review) was undertaken. The reviews highlight the potential value of so-called secondary identifiers but more importantly show the need to scrutinise the implied inferior value of non-primary methods which is suggested by the terms "primary" and "secondary". The investigative and evaluative phases of the identification process are examined, and the concept of "uniqueness" is critiqued. The authors suggest that non-primary identifiers may play an important role in providing leads to formulating an identification hypothesis and, using the Bayesian approach of evidence interpretation, may assist in establishing the value of the evidence in guiding the identification effort. A summary of contributions non-primary identifiers may make to DVI efforts is provided. In conclusion, the authors argue that all lines of evidence should be considered because the value of an identifier will depend on the context and the victim population. A series of recommendations are provided for consideration for the use of non-primary identifiers in DVI scenarios.

Outcome of a rabbit model for late irradiation effects in mandibular oral mucosa and bone: A pilot study

BACKGROUND/AIM/OBJECTIVE

Late side effects of radiotherapy (RT) in the treatment for head and neck (HN) malignancies involve an inadequate healing response of the distressed tissue due to RT-induced hypovascularity. The aim of this study was to develop a pilot model in which vascular alterations associated with the onset of late irradiation (IR) injury could be measured in rabbit oral mucosa and mandibular bone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight male New Zealand white rabbits were divided over four treatment groups. Group I-III received four fractions of RT (5.6 Gy, 6.5 Gy, and 8 Gy, respectively) and Group IV received 1 fraction of 30 Gy. Oral microcirculatory measurements were performed at baseline (before RT) and once a week during 11 consecutive weeks after RT assessing perfusion parameters, that is, total vessel density (TVD), perfused vessel density (PVD), proportion of perfused vessels (PPV), and microvascular flow index (MFI). Post-mortem histopathology specimens were analyzed.

RESULTS

Five weeks after RT, TVD, and PVD in all groups showed a decrease of >10% compared to baseline, a significant difference was observed for Groups I, II, and IV (P<0.05). At T11, no lasting effect of decreased vessel density was observed. PPV and MFI remained unaltered at all-time points. Group IV showed a marked difference in scattered telangiectasia such as microangiopathies, histological necrosis, and loss of vasculature.

CONCLUSION

No significant lasting effect in mucosal microcirculation density due to IR damage was detected. Observed changes in microcirculation vasculature and histology may align preliminary tissue transition towards clinical pathology in a very early state associated with late IR injury in the oral compartment.

RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS

Enhancing knowledge on the onset of late vascular IR injury in the HN region could help the development, monitoring, and timing of therapies that act on prevention, discontinuation, or repair of radiation pathology.

An Investigation of Micro-CT Analysis of Bone as a New Diagnostic Method for Paleopathological Cases of Osteomalacia

OBJECTIVE

This paper looks to broaden the methodological possibilities for diagnosing osteomalacia in archaeological bone using micro-CT analysis. Increasing the identification of osteomalacia in paleopathology will provide support for important interpretive frameworks.

MATERIALS

Nine embedded and two unembedded rib fragments were sourced from St. Martin's Birmingham and Ancaster, UK, and Lisieux Michelet, France. Of the 11 samples, nine were previously confirmed as osteomalacic, and presented with varying levels of diagenesis and two were non-osteomalacic controls, one of which exhibits diagenetic change.

METHODS

Micro-CT, backscattered scanning electron microscopy, and light microscopy were employed. Micro-CT images were evaluated for osteomalacic features using corresponding microscopic images.

RESULTS

Micro-CT images from osteomalacic samples demonstrated the presence of defective mineralization adjacent to cement lines, areas of incomplete mineralization, and resorptive bays/borders, three key diagnostic features of osteomalacia. Diagenetic change was also detectable in micro-CT images, but did not prevent the diagnosis of osteomalacia.

CONCLUSIONS

Micro-CT analysis is a non-destructive method capable of providing microstructural images of osteomalacic features in embedded and unembedded samples. When enough of these features are present, micro-CT images are capable of confirming a diagnosis of osteomalacia.

SIGNIFICANCE

Vitamin D deficiency has important health consequences which operate throughout the life course. Increasing the ability to detect cases of vitamin D deficiency provides researchers with a greater understanding of health and disease in past communities.

LIMITATIONS

Only adult rib samples were used.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

Paleopathologists should look to test the utility of micro-CT analysis in diagnosing active rickets in subadult individuals.

Four possible cases of osteomalacia: The value of a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach

Rickets and residual rickets are often encountered in Dutch archeological skeletal samples. However, no archeological Dutch paleopathological case of adult osteomalacia has been described in literature to date. This paper describes the first four archeological Dutch paleopathological cases of osteomalacia and assesses the value of the various modalities (macroscopic assessment, radiology and histology) that may be used for diagnosis. The skeletal remains investigated originate from the Meerenberg psychiatric hospital cemetery in Bloemendaal, the Netherlands, and date from 1891 - 1936. The remains of 69 adult individuals were inspected for macroscopic lesions which may be associated with osteomalacia. In cases suspect for osteomalacia, complimentary radiological and histological investigations (BSE-SEM and light microscopy) were performed. Macroscopically, four individuals presented with lesions (highly) suggestive of osteomalacia. Histological examination (both BSE-SEM and light microscopy) provided valuable information to come to an eventual diagnosis of osteomalacia in all four cases. Light microscopy proved to be an feasible alternative for BSE-SEM. The added value of radiological analyses was limited. The individuals identified were most likely patients in the psychiatric hospital, and the reason for their institutionalization and/or the regime in the institution may have played a role in the development of the osteomalacia observed.

An accessory skull suture mimicking a skull fracture

This paper describes an investigation of the sudden and unexpected death of a five-and-a-half-month-old boy. As in every Dutch case of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach was used. This included post-mortem radiography, showing a linear discontinuity of the parietal bone. Originally this was interpreted as a skull fracture, but autopsy indicated no signs of mechanical trauma. Instead the defect was defined as a unilateral accessory suture of the parietal bone. The initial erroneous diagnosis had severe adverse consequences and thus every health care professional or forensic specialist dealing with paediatric mechanical traumas should be cautious of this rare anomaly.

A lethal case of the dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome involving the myocardium

In the Netherlands dapsone is used for the treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis, leprosy and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and prophylaxis in case of cotrimoxazole allergy. An idiosyncratic drug reaction, known as the dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS), appears in about 0.5-3.6% of persons treated with dapsone. DHS can be associated with fever, rash and systemic involvement. We present a 35-year-old woman who developed severe DHS seven weeks after starting dapsone. Six weeks after being discharged in a good clinical condition she died from fulminant myocarditis, 11 weeks after the first DHS symptoms and the discontinuation of dapsone.

Survival analysis of human meniscal transplantations

We describe a prospective survival analysis of 63 consecutive meniscal allografts transplanted into 57 patients. The lateral meniscus was transplanted in 34, the medial meniscus in 17, and both menisci (combined) in the same knee in six. For survival analysis we used persistent pain or mechanical damage as clinical criteria of failure. A total of 13 allografts failed (5 lateral, 7 medial, 1 medial and lateral). A significant negative correlation (p = 0.003) was found between rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and successful meniscal transplantation. A significant difference (p = 0.004) in the clinical results was found between lateral and medial meniscal transplants. The cumulative survival rate of the lateral, medial and combined allografts in the same knee, based on the life-table method and the Kaplan-Meier calculation, was 76%, 50% and 67%, respectively. The survival of medial meniscal allografts may improve when reconstruction of the ACL is carried out at the same time as meniscal transplantation in an ACL-deficient knee.

Survival analysis of human meniscal transplantations

We describe a prospective survival analysis of 63 consecutive meniscal allografts transplanted into 57 patients. The lateral meniscus was transplanted in 34, the medial meniscus in 17, and both menisci (combined) in the same knee in six. For survival analysis we used persistent pain or mechanical damage as clinical criteria of failure. A total of 13 allografts failed (5 lateral, 7 medial, 1 medial and lateral).

A significant negative correlation (p = 0.003) was found between rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and successful meniscal transplantation. A significant difference (p = 0.004) in the clinical results was found between lateral and medial meniscal transplants.

The cumulative survival rate of the lateral, medial and combined allografts in the same knee, based on the life-table method and the Kaplan-Meier calculation, was 76%, 50% and 67%, respectively. The survival of medial meniscal allografts may improve when reconstruction of the ACL is carried out at the same time as meniscal transplantation in an ACL-deficient knee.

Meniscal allografts: evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging and correlation with arthroscopy

PURPOSE

To correlate clinical results to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy after cryopreserved nontissue-antigen-matched meniscal transplantations.

TYPE OF STUDY

Blinded; the observers were blinded for each others' assessment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen consecutive patients were included in the protocol. First, clinical evaluation and MRI were performed. Second, within 24 hours, arthroscopy was performed.

RESULTS

The clinical results showed better correlation between clinical results and arthroscopy than between clinical results and MRI. In the present study, MRI was not beneficial in evaluating meniscal transplants.

CONCLUSIONS

Using more sophisticated MRI techniques, the correlation between clinical results, arthroscopy, and MRI could probably be improved.

Human leukocyte antigen sensitization after cryopreserved human meniscal transplantations

The presence of antibodies against human leukocyte antigens (HLA) in recipients of cryopreserved, non-tissue-antigen-matched human meniscal allografts was evaluated. Serological HLA typing was performed for both class I and class II antigens. The results showed that 11 of 18 recipients became sensitized.

Human meniscal transplantation. Preliminary results at 2 to 5-year follow-up

In a prospective study, we evaluated the clinical results of 23 patients with a cryopreserved non-tissue-antigen-matched meniscal transplant at a follow-up of from two to five years. These early results were satisfactory in 20 patients. Three transplantations failed and the allografts were removed after 12, 20 and 24 months. Post-transplantation arthroscopy showed that most meniscal transplants had healed to the knee capsule. Histological examination showed revascularisation of the transplant and evidence of viable meniscal chondrocytes. The failures were probably caused by malalignment, resulting in impaired revascularisation of the graft.

Nonoperative treatment of Bennett's fracture: a 13-year follow-up

We reviewed the treatment and results of 22 Bennett's fractures. Of these fractures, treated by closed reduction and plaster immobilization, 20 were available for follow-up. Eighteen patients had a subjectively satisfactory outcome, and seven had a radiographically confirmed arthrosis of the first carpometacarpal joint. Of these, two were severe and painfully impaired. Nonanatomic reduction was seen in six of the seven patients with arthrosis and is thus considered a prognostic factor of posttraumatic arthrosis.

Failed meniscus transplantation. A report of three cases

Treatment of patients with an established disabling compartment arthrosis after total meniscectomy is an important clinical problem. Meniscal transplantation may be an alternative method of treatment. Between 1989 and 1992, 25 cryopreserved nontissue antigen matched meniscal transplantations were performed. In three patients with a medial meniscus, the transplantation failed because of partial loosening of the meniscus. The donor meniscus was removed in one case after 12 months and in the other two cases after 20 and 24 months. In two cases, there was a varus malalignment of the knee. In the third case, the knee was unstable because of an insufficient anterior and posterior cruciate ligament. The retrieved menisci were stained with enzyme and immunohistochemical reactions. Focal areas of degeneration were noted, with vital cells around the microvascular supply and at the synovial side. The growth potential of vital parts of the grafts, as shown by proliferation markers, seemed to be virtually nil. The success of meniscal transplantation seems to depend on factors responsible for vascularization. Malalignment and instability of the joint, causing abnormal pressure on the graft, may be responsible for vascular damage leading to degeneration and loosening of the graft.

Quality control in fatally injured patients: the value of the necropsy

OBJECTIVE

To identify the contribution of necropsy results to the audit care of severely injured patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University Hospital in The Netherlands.

SUBJECTS

56 patients who died of severe trauma or its complications during the 10 year period, 1977 to 1987.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Correlation between clinical and necropsy findings.

RESULTS

The clinical and necropsy findings corresponded in 31 patients (55%). The necropsy brought to light errors in diagnosis or treatment that might have affected survival in eight cases (14%). The most common missed diagnoses were bronchopneumonia and severe haemorrhage, and the most common cause of death was sepsis. Age, length of stay in hospital, and time between admission and operation were not correlated with accuracy of diagnosis or adequacy of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Necropsies in patients who die after severe injuries make a useful contribution to the audit of the care of patients admitted with such injuries.

Human meniscus transplantation

The short term results of 15 cryopreserved non-tissue-antigen matched meniscus transplantations are described. The clinical outcome is satisfactory. Histological and histochemical studies showed that meniscuschondrocytes can survive cryopreservation and transplantation.

Autopsy analysis in surgical patients: a basis for clinical audit

An autopsy study was performed to quantify diagnostic fallibility in clinical surgery. Autopsy results in 312 surgical patients were compared with clinical findings. The primary clinical diagnosis was correct in 93 per cent of patients; complications had been correctly diagnosed in 60 per cent and error in treatment was found in 16 per cent. Error in treatment had an adverse impact on the course of disease in 11 per cent of patients. Infective complications such as abdominal sepsis and bronchopneumonia were encountered most often. Sensitivity was low for the clinical diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, bronchopneumonia, myocardial infarction and terminal haemorrhage. Statistical analysis showed that sudden unexpected death is the most obvious condition in which a high yield is expected from a post-mortem examination. Autopsy remains a valuable means of quality control in clinical surgery and could be a basis for surgical audit.

Histologic evaluation of wound healing in experimental intestinal anastomoses: effects of antineoplastic agents

Histologic evaluation of intestinal wound healing with and without cytostatics was performed in 36 rats. Variables were the relative position of the wound edges in mucosa and muscularis, necrosis, exudate, granulation tissue, granulocytes, macrophages, fibroblasts, restoration of the mucosal epithelium, and repair of the muscularis propria. The relative position of the wound edges in the mucosa and the muscularis in the initial phase of wound healing depended on technique but appeared to improve in the later phases of wound healing. It was not affected by the administration of antineoplastic agents; neither were muscularis repair, epithelial restoration of the mucosa, necrosis, nor exudate. Granulation tissue, fibroblasts and macrophages were present in maximal amounts after 7 days appearing later or showing this maximum at a different moment in time when antineoplastic agents were given. The processes of epithelial and muscularis repair were not influenced by the relative position of the wound edges. Granulation tissue, macrophages, and fibroblasts were the best parameters for measuring the histologic evolution of intestinal wound healing, and the effects of antineoplastic agents upon it.

Collagenolytic activity in experimental intestinal anastomoses. Differences between small and large bowel and evidence for the presence of collagenase

Collagen degradation is thought to be an integral part of the healing sequence of intestinal anastomoses, but almost nothing is known about the enzyme activities involved. We have studied collagenolytic activities, extracted from 1 day-old intestinal anastomoses in the rat. Using either soluble type I collagen or fibrillar type I or type III collagen as a substrate, activities measured in extracts from anastomotic segments were compared to those in extracts from uninjured intestine, removed at operation: in all cases, the collagenolytic activity in anastomotic extracts was significantly higher. This increase was significantly more pronounced in large bowel than in small bowel. The activities were strongly inhibited by serum and metallo-chelating compounds. Analysis, by means of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, of the reaction products of the degradation of fibrillar type I collagen by the extracts revealed the presence of a multitude of fragments, amongst them TcA fragments characteristic for the activity of mammalian collagenase. Thus, the degradative capacity towards various collagen substrates is enhanced in the anastomotic area during the first postoperative period and a true mammalian collagenase is one of the enzymes present.

Morphometric analysis of the effects of antineoplastic drugs on mucosa of normal ileum and ileal anastomoses in rats

Antineoplastic agents affect the healing of intestinal anastomoses. They often induce anorexia and diarrhea, possibly caused by morphological changes in the small intestinal mucosa. These changes were evaluated in the rat ileum. Animals in group I underwent only intestinal surgery while those in groups II and III underwent surgery on the third day of a 5-day course with cisplatin (in two different doses), bleomycin, and 5-fluorouracil. The parameters were: number of mitoses in crypts, crypt depth, villus height, width, and contour length, measured in the mucosa of primarily resected segments of the ileum and of the anastomotic area. Surgery yields an increased crypt depth and villus length in the anastomotic area without changing villus width. The changes in intestinal crypts precede those in villi. Antineoplastic drugs decrease crypt mitotic rate, villus height, width, and contour length. After cessation of antineoplastic chemotherapy mitotic activity increases. The shallower and shorter villi increase in width and length resulting in an increased villus contour length and area. A linear relation exists between villus contour length and villus height and width. Thus, antineoplastic polychemotherapy, dose-dependently, reduces and surgical trauma increases intestinal proliferative activity. However, the morphologic changes do not unequivocally explain possible metabolic disturbances causing retarded intestinal wound healing.

Scoring systems for predicting outcome in acute hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis

Five scoring systems for predicting the severity and outcome of acute haemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis were retrospectively evaluated in 39 patients. The respective scores were Ranson, Imrie, APACHE II, multiple organ failure (MOF) and Sepsis Sensitivity Score (SSS). Twenty-two (56%) of the patients died. The survivors were significantly younger than the non-survivors, 68% of whom died within 3 weeks of admission to the intensive care unit. Stay in the unit was significantly longer in the former group. Sensitivity in prediction of death was best with APACHE II score greater than 9 (96%) and Ranson score greater than or equal to 3 (95%). Of the five scores, MOF greater than or equal to 4 gave the best equilibration between sensitivity (73%) and specificity (76%) and the strongest prediction of lethal outcome (80%). Although the independent factor age had low sensitivity (55%), it showed the highest values for specificity (88%) and prediction of death (86%). APACHE II scoring is concluded to be best for grading the severity of disease on admission to intensive care, while the MOF score is best for monitoring the degree of organ dysfunction and the intensity of supportive treatment.

Autopsy analysis in patients with vascular diseases

An analysis of autopsy findings in 68 patients who died with vascular surgical disorders was performed. Incorrect diagnoses and therapy were evaluated. It was found that complications of the primary disease or its treatment were frequently missed clinically (41%). Septic complications and severe hemorrhage were common in examinations of morbidity and mortality. In 13% of cases a treatment error with adverse impact on survival was detected. It is concluded that postmortem examination is a valuable tool in the final evaluation of patient care in a vascular surgical unit. A repeated plea for the autopsy is supported by this study.

Cytostatics and anastomotic healing in the intestine: an experimental study on the effect of parenteral nutrition

The effects of parenteral nutrition on the healing of experimental ileal and colonic anastomoses constructed on the 3rd day of a 5-day cytostatics course were investigated. Intravenous saline alone already reduced weight loss induced by cytostatics while parenteral nutrition almost completely prevented postoperative loss of weight. A negative effect of cytostatics on anastomotic bursting strength was found in the ileum 7 days after operation. Parenteral feeding negated this effect but had no positive effect on anastomotic hydroxyproline content. Thus, parenteral nutrition increases the strength of intestinal anastomoses, constructed during a cytostatics regimen, but intravenous saline alone also appears to have a similar effect.

Intraperitoneal cytostatics impair healing of experimental intestinal anastomoses

We investigated the effect of two doses of cytostatics, administered intraperitoneally during 5 consecutive days, on the healing of ileal and colonic anastomoses constructed on the third day. The cytostatics regimen consisted of a combination of 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin and cisplatin at 10, 2 and 0.35 mg kg-1d-1, respectively, or at twice higher doses. The lower dose was similar to that given intravenously in previous experiments. Rats were sacrificed 3 or 7 days after operation. No effects of cytostatics were observed after 3 days, neither on anastomotic bursting pressure nor on hydroxyproline concentration (microgram/mg dry weight) or content (microgram cm-1). Profound effects were seen at 7 days. In the high dose group, bursting pressures in both anastomoses were greatly reduced with respect to the control group. Concurrently, collagen synthesis was severely impaired, as indicated by sustained decreased hydroxyproline concentrations and content. The lower dose of cytostatics showed essentially similar effects on hydroxyproline parameters, but affected anastomotic strength less dramatically. The data indicate that, while intraperitoneal chemotherapy may show less detrimental systemic toxicity and thus allow higher doses, its application as an adjunct to gastrointestinal surgery may be limited because of its severe effects on anastomotic repair.

[Transplantation using allogeneic bone in orthopedics]

The reconstruction of large skeletal defects presents a challenging problem to the orthopaedic community. Currently bone graft surgery enjoys renewed interest because of the increased demand for bone grafts in limb salvaging bone tumour surgery and reconstructive surgery on failed arthroplasties. Two patients treated with an allograft are presented.

The influence of NSAIDs on experimental intestinal anastomoses

Limiting degradation of collagen during the initial phase of wound healing is expected to improve postoperative intestinal strength and thereby decrease chances for anastomotic dehiscence. We studied the influence of four nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs on the healing of intestinal anastomoses in rats, with special regard to changes of collagen levels around the anastomoses. Four experimental groups of 20 rats each received daily oral doses of piroxicam, ibuprofen, aspirin, or indomethacin and were compared with a control group. Animals were sacrificed 3 or 7 days after operation. Both morbidity and mortality rate in the experimental groups were high. Collagen, measured as hydroxyproline, levels in anastomotic and adjoining 1-cm intestinal segments were compared with concentrations in control segments resected during operation. After an initial decrease on day 3, hydroxyproline concentrations increased on day 7. In the colon the lowering of hydroxyproline concentrations, which was more pronounced than in the ileum, was significantly reduced by administration of piroxicam and ibuprofen, both in the anastomosis and its proximal segment. On day 7, the increase of hydroxyproline concentrations in the ileum was inhibited by administration of anti-inflammatory drugs. It is concluded that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may limit postoperative degradation of collagen in colonic anastomoses, but at the same time may increase the rat's susceptibility to surgical infections.

Intestinal anastomotic healing in the absence of suture material: an experimental study in rats

In order to investigate the influence of sutures on intestinal anastomotic healing, 48 rats underwent both ileal and colonic resection. In 24 rats all intestinal sutures were removed 30 min after anastomotic construction (group 1), while in the remaining animals (group 2) the sutures were left in place. Bursting pressures and collagen (hydroxyproline) levels in anastomotic segments were measured 1, 3, and 7 days after operation. Two lethal ileal dehiscences and 9 anastomotic abscesses (5 ileal and 4 colonic) occurred in group 1, while in group 2 there were 3 ileal anastomotic abscesses. On the first day after operation, bursting pressures were significantly lower in sutureless ileal and colonic than in sutured anastomoses. During the post-operative course, changes in collagen concentrations in ileal and colonic segments did not differ between the groups. Thus, sutures are only essential in providing anastomotic strength during the immediate post-operative period, but do not seem to affect post-operative collagen metabolism.

Influence of methylprednisolone on the healing of intestinal anastomoses in rats

Although steroids are generally thought to impair intestinal anastomotic healing, this effect has never been proven unequivocally in either clinical or experimental studies. We have investigated the influence of methylprednisolone (2.5 or 10.0 mg kg-1 day-1) given from 2 days before operation onwards, on 3-day-old and 7-day-old ileal and colonic anastomoses in rats. Anastomotic abscesses occurred more frequently in the ileum, but not in the colon, after steroid medication. However, methylprednisolone did not lower anastomotic bursting pressures in either of the bowel segments. Comparison of the hydroxyproline content of the anastomotic segment yielded no significant difference between control and methylprednisolone groups in either small or large bowel. Thus, healing of experimental colonic anastomoses remains unaffected by short-term administration of this corticosteroid.

Reconstruction of large skeletal defects by vascularized fibula transfer. Factors that influenced the outcome of union in 62 cases

We have studied the results of reconstruction of a large skeletal defect using a vascularized fibula graft in 62 consecutive cases. We were particularly interested in factors that may significantly influence the outcome of union. In at least 90% of cases, eventual union can be expected in the reconstruction of large skeletal defects resulting from tumour resection, traumatic bone loss, or nonunion. The results of reconstruction for osteomyelitis were less favorable. Statistical analysis of the influences of bone graft polarity, internal fixation, additional bone graft polarity, internal fixation, additional bone graft material, and the length of the graft on the outcome of union revealed that the use of stable fixation and additional bone graft material significantly enhanced bone union, whereas the length or polarity of the graft had no influence.

Collagen changes around intestinal anastomoses in germ-free rats

The changes in collagen, measured as hydroxyproline, concentration around both ileal and colonic anastomoses in germ-free and control rats have been investigated and compared with each other. The germ-free rats were raised, operated on and maintained under completely pyrogen-free conditions. Animals were killed 2, 3 or 7 days after operation. There was a significant reduction in the lowering of hydroxyproline concentrations around the colonic anastomosis of germ-free rats compared with control rats both in the anastomosis at days 2 and 3 (P = 0.04 and P = 0.006 respectively) and in the proximal segment at day 3 (P = 0.03). In ileal anastomoses, significant differences between control and germ-free rats were only found at 7 days. Here, the increase in hydroxyproline concentration observed in control rats was significantly reduced in germ-free rats. These data are taken to support the hypothesis that bacteria affect colonic anastomotic healing by contributing to postoperative collagen degradation.

Diagnosis and treatment of adult intussusception

Twenty adults were treated for intussusception in two large hospitals from 1969 to 1988. Fourteen intussusceptions originated in the small intestine and 6 in the large intestine. Diagnosis was reached preoperatively in only 10 patients, probably due to the atypical clinical picture. In addition to a high degree of suspicion, careful examination of plain abdominal radiograph and ultrasonography are helpful in diagnosing adult intussusception. In 18 of 20 patients, an organic lesion causing intussusception was found. In six patients the cause was a malignancy. In such cases surgical treatment is necessary. In jejunojejunal and ileoileal intussusceptions, an attempt at primary reduction followed by resection or enterotomy is justified. In most cases of ileocolic, ileocecocolic, and colocolic intussusception, primary resection is the treatment of choice, especially in patients over 60 years old because of the high incidence of malignancy.

Pseudogout attacks after successful treatment of hyperparathyroidism

Two patients developed pseudogout attacks during treatment for hyperparathyroidism, the first shortly after surgery and the second during medical treatment of her hypercalcaemia. From our observations in these patients and from data in the literature, we conclude that pseudogout attacks following parathyroidectomy in patients with chondrocalcinosis are caused by the decrease in the serum calcium levels and not by the major surgical procedure itself.

Collagenolytic activity extracted from intestinal anastomoses of the rat

The post-operative degradation of collagen has been postulated to play an important role in the development of anastomotic leakage in the intestine. However, collagenolytic activity in intestinal anastomoses has hardly been studied so far. We have measured collagenolytic activity, after extraction in an urea-containing medium, in both ileal and colonic anastomoses in the rat, from 12 hours to 31 days after operation. In ileum collagenolytic activity increased significantly, from 2 to 4 (average 2.7) times the control value, at 12 hours post-operatively followed by a steady decline to original levels. Four weeks after surgery the activity was still slightly, but significantly, enhanced. In colon collagenolytic activity also increased up to 4 times the pre-operative level (average 3.0) 12 hours after operation. Return to original levels was delayed in colon compared to ileum but here activities were similar to control values after one month. In both parts of the intestine there was only a small increase in activity at a segment proximal to the anastomosis during the first 24 hours after operation. The amount of protein extracted did not vary significantly between control and anastomotic samples. These data are the first to show a transiently increased extractable collagenolytic activity in intestinal anastomoses.

Bone changes in the vascularised fibular graft

We report a retrospective review of 62 consecutive patients who had a vascularised fibular transfer to reconstruct a large skeletal defect. We were particularly interested in the bone dynamics of the vascularised graft, since fractures occurred in 25% of the cases at an average time of eight months after surgery. Hypertrophy was more common when the limb was mechanically loaded; it was enhanced where the graft was not bypassed by internal fixation. The length of the graft and the use of additional bone graft material had no influence on the incidence of stress fracture or on hypertrophy. We conclude that a vascularised graft should be protected against fatigue fracture during the first year, and that a gradual increase in mechanical loading will enhance remodelling and hypertrophy.

Piroxicam affects collagen changes around experimental intestinal anastomoses

The effects of piroxicam on postoperative changes of collagen--measured as hydroxyproline--concentrations were measured around intestinal anastomoses in rats. Piroxicam, in a dose of 2 mg/kg/day, significantly reduced the decrease of hydroxyproline concentrations around colonic anastomoses during the first 3 days after the operation but also reduced the increase of hydroxyproline concentrations observed at day 7 around ileal anastomoses in the control group. 10 mg piroxicam/kg/day resulted in a 100% lethal peritonitis after the 5th postoperative day. We suggest that piroxicam affects collagen metabolism by inhibiting granulocyte functions.

Hemihepatectomy and replacement of the afferent hepatic blood supply in the dog. Resection of liver and hepatoduodenal ligament

Hemihepatectomy along with portal vein or hepatic artery replacement in dogs was well tolerated, but combined with replacement of both vessels it was lethal because of outflow block and shock. Total liver blood flow should be kept as high as possible during such procedures in man.

Collagen in colorectal cancer in relation to clinicopathologic stage and histologic grade

Interstitial collagen is a major constituent of the tumor matrix. The quantity of this protein may influence the prognosis. The collagen content of 54 colorectal tumors, measured as the hydroxyproline concentration in relation to clinicopathologic stage and histologic grade, was investigated and no support for either a negative or positive influence on the prognosis.

Free vascularized fibular graft for tibial pseudarthrosis in neurofibromatosis

Four patients with neurofibromatosis and a dysplastic type of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia were treated by resection of the lesion and reconstruction of the extremity with a free vascularized fibular graft. Solid union of the graft was achieved within 3 months in 3 children. However, valgus malalignment of the tibia progressed in all 3. One child was treated with resection of a lateral fibrotic band and another with distal tibial epiphysial distraction and realignment. In the fourth patient, who was skeletally mature, a nonunion developed proximally.

Enterostomy as an adjunct to treatment of intra-abdominal sepsis

In 60 patients a small bowel enterostomy was constructed as part of the treatment of various intra-abdominal infectious and obstructive conditions. Eleven patients (18 per cent) died in the immediate postoperative period from continuing sepsis. In one patient closure of the stoma was not considered because of disseminated malignancy. In the remaining 48 patients continuity of the gut was subsequently restored. In 22 patients (46 per cent) complications occurred, 12 (25 per cent) of which were intra-abdominal septic complications. The occurrence of intra-abdominal complications was found to be linked to premature (i.e. within 3 months) closure of the stoma. Reasons for premature closure were stomal difficulties and prerenal azotaemia. Stomal closure was attended by a 10 per cent mortality rate.

The history of bone grafts

Bone autografts, allografts, and even vascularized bone grafts are currently used in nearly every orthopedic center throughout the world. The recent interest in bone graft surgery is because of the increased demand for bone grafts for skeletal reconstruction in limb salvage surgery for bone tumors and for reconstruction of failed arthroplasties. This reconstruction of large skeletal deficiencies presents a challenging problem to orthopedists; treatment of these defects has advanced significantly during the past two decades. Bone transplantation has been the subject of many experimental and clinical studies. This is a review of the history of different types of bone grafts used in the past and currently.

Mammographic and histopathologic correlation of nonpalpable lesions of the breast and the reliability of frozen section diagnosis

During a period of ten years, 118 (32.9 per cent) instances of carcinoma were found in 359 specimens taken at biopsy for nonpalpable mammographic lesions. In recent years, the positive predictive value has increased from 68 per cent due to the development of magnification mammography and the use of a mammographic grid. Correlating mammographic and histopathologic data, the rate of malignant disease was 12.7 per cent for instances of a circumscribed or nodular mass, 32.4 per cent for clustered microcalcifications as the only suspect finding, 28.6 per cent when a mass with microcalcifications was present and 66.7 per cent when a stellate-shaped mass was found. Of 188 instances of carcinoma, 40 were noninvasive: 32 instances of ductal carcinoma (27.1 per cent) and eight of lobular carcinoma in situ (6.8 per cent). The possibility of frozen section diagnosis was studied retrospectively by comparison with the paraffin section reports. A correct diagnosis, whether benign or malignant, was achieved in 68 per cent. No frozen section examination was done in 17.3 per cent and the diagnosis was deferred to results of paraffin section in 12.2 per cent. False-negative results were encountered in seven patients (1.9 per cent) and false-positive results in two (0.6 per cent). Both of these patients had florid sclerosing adenosis. Although frozen section diagnosis is feasible in nonpalpable lesions of the breast, it is recommended that this method not be used in instances of pure microcalcifications and tiny solid masses of 5 millimeters or less.

Localization and excision of nonpalpable breast lesions. A surgical evaluation of three methods

Three methods of excising nonpalpable breast lesions have been evaluated: (1) "blind" method, using mammographic coordinates; (2) preoperative localization with the Frank needle; and (3) Frank needle localization aided by a multiperforated compression plate. Successful removal at first attempt occurred in about 80% with any method. The size of the biopsy specimens did not differ significantly among the three groups and is most probably a function of the breast volume. The failure rate was seven (2.1%) of 332 biopsies. Since three of the six repeated biopsies yielded specimens with malignancy, the persistence of a radiographically suspicious lesion on follow-up mammogram of the operated-on breast is an urgent indication for reoperation.