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Mallina R, Craik J, Briffa N, Ahluwalia V, Clarke J, Cobb AG. Probiotic containing Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophiles (ACTIMEL) for the prevention of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea in the elderly with proximal femur fractures. J Infect Public Health 2017; 11:85-88. [PMID: 28652125 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Revised: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea (CDAD) is greater in elderly patients. Probiotics may have a beneficial effect in the prevention of CDAD. However, their effect in elderly orthopaedic patients has not been previously reported. Between April 2013 and April 2014, 105 patients admitted with femoral neck fractures, and who required 3days of antibiotics for infection of any cause, were prescribed the probiotic ACTIMEL until 3days after the last antibiotic dose. The incidence of CDAD was compared with historical controls (April 2011¬タモApril 2012). There was no significant reduction in the incidence of CDAD in patients receiving probiotics (OR: 0.9; 95% CI 0.27¬タモ2.91; p=0.8) and therefore we cannot recommend the use of ACTIMEL containing Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophiles for this purpose in this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Mallina
- Department of Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, Epsom & St. Helier¬タルs Hospital, Carshalton, SM5 1AA, UK.
| | - J Craik
- Department of Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, Epsom & St. Helier¬タルs Hospital, Carshalton, SM5 1AA, UK
| | - N Briffa
- Department of Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, Epsom & St. Helier¬タルs Hospital, Carshalton, SM5 1AA, UK
| | - Viren Ahluwalia
- Academic Foundation Trainee, St George¬タルs Hospital, Tooting, London SW17 0QT, UK
| | - J Clarke
- Department of Microbiology, Epsom & St. Helier¬タルs Hospital, Carshalton, SM5 1AA, UK
| | - A G Cobb
- Department of Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, Epsom & St. Helier¬タルs Hospital, Carshalton, SM5 1AA, UK
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Mickleburgh J, Gooseman M, Stott M, Briffa N. Expert-led cardiac basic science teaching in an integrated clinical learning environment: Improving global educational outcomes for undergraduates. Int J Surg 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.07.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
Operative notes in surgical practice are a vital source of information and communication between healthcare professionals as well as being a legal document. Errors and omissions can have serious effects on patient care and lead to confusion. We audited our compliance within trauma and orthopaedics at a busy district general hospital in South East England with the standard set by the Royal College of Surgeons (England) before and after the introduction of an operation note template. We achieved significant improvements in compliance across almost all of the standard's domains and recommend widespread implementation of similar templates nationally.
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Sudarsanam A, Briffa N. ‘Doctor, there is a lump in my heart’ – A rare case of a ventricular myxoma. J Surg Case Rep 2011; 2011:1. [PMID: 24950392 PMCID: PMC3649288 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/2011.8.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Myxomas are the commonest primary cardiac tumours. They may be asymptomatic, and picked up incidentally, or be the cause of congestive heart failure, arrhythmias and/or murmurs. Echocardiography is necessary for diagnosis. Surgical resection is recommended to prevent further complications. A rare symptomatic ventricular myxoma is presented in this case report.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N Briffa
- Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK
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Abstract
We report the outcome of 161 of 257 surgically fixed acetabular fractures. The operations were undertaken between 1989 and 1998 and the patients were followed for a minimum of ten years. Anthropometric data, fracture pattern, time to surgery, associated injuries, surgical approach, complications and outcome were recorded. Modified Merle D'Aubigné score and Matta radiological scoring systems were used as outcome measures. We observed simple fractures in 108 patients (42%) and associated fractures in 149 (58%). The result was excellent in 75 patients (47%), good in 41 (25%), fair in 12 (7%) and poor in 33 (20%). Poor prognostic factors included increasing age, delay to surgery, quality of reduction and some fracture patterns. Complications were common in the medium- to long-term and functional outcome was variable. The gold-standard treatment for displaced acetabular fractures remains open reduction and internal fixation performed in dedicated units by specialist surgeons as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Briffa
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT, UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Briffa
- Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
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Briffa N, Seifert BC. Surgeons' attitudes to intraoperative death. West J Med 2001. [DOI: 10.1136/bmj.323.7308.341/a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Briffa N. Surgeons' attitudes to intraoperative death. Cardiac surgeons might have different attitudes. BMJ 2001; 323:341-2. [PMID: 11548680 PMCID: PMC1120943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
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Ikonen TS, Briffa N, Gummert JF, Honda Y, Hayase M, Hausen B, Billingham ME, Yock PG, Robbins RC, Morris RE. Multidimensional assessment of graft vascular disease (GVD) in aortic grafts by serial intravascular ultrasound in rhesus monkeys. Transplantation 2000; 70:420-9. [PMID: 10949182 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200008150-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Graft vascular disease (GVD) is an incompletely understood process and the primary cause of late allograft failure. A nonhuman primate model was established to study the progression of GVD by using serial intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). METHODS Aortic allografts were transplanted below the inferior mesenteric arteries (IMA) into 6 rhesus monkeys. Removed and re-implanted aortic segments between renal arteries, and the inferior mesenteric arteries served as autografts. IVUS was performed at days 0, 24, 52, 80, and 98 after transplantation. Vessel area (VA) and lumen area (LA) were measured from each cross-section at 0.5 mm intervals. Intimal index (II=100x (VA-LA/VA)) and corresponding vessel volumes were calculated for the whole grafts. Histologic features were assessed from autopsy samples using computerized morphometric method and a score from 0 to 3 for GVD (0=none, 3=severe). RESULTS In allografts, vessel volume and luminal volume decreased significantly (P<0.05 for both) and the intimal index increased from 12% to 59% by day 98. These parameters remained unchanged in autografts. Histologic analysis of allografts showed concentric intimal hyperplasia and scattered mononuclear cell accumulations, whereas the autografts had only occasional eccentric intimal changes. The GVD-scores were significantly higher in allografts than in autografts (median 3 vs. 1, P=0.042). CONCLUSIONS We introduce a nonhuman primate model of GVD that enables serial IVUS assessments of multiple parameters of GVD. Concentric intimal proliferation and decrease of vessel dimensions was observed in allografts as a consequence of alloimmunity. This is a potential new model for studying new therapies to prevent GVD or halt its progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- T S Ikonen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Transplantation Immunology, Stanford University Medical School, California, USA
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Hausen B, Ikonen T, Briffa N, Berry GJ, Christians U, Robbins RC, Hook L, Serkova N, Benet LZ, Schuler W, Morris RE. Combined immunosuppression with cyclosporine (neoral) and SDZ RAD in non-human primate lung transplantation: systematic pharmacokinetic-based trials to improve efficacy and tolerability. Transplantation 2000; 69:76-86. [PMID: 10653384 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200001150-00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We studied the efficacy and tolerability of combined immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine A microemulsion (Neoral) plus the macrolide SDZ RAD 40-0 (2-hydroxyethyl) rapamycin (RAD) in a stringent cynomolgus monkey lung graft model in comparison with cyclosporine or SDZ RAD monotherapy. METHODS Thirty-nine cynomolgus monkeys received mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) mismatched unilateral lung transplants. Immunosuppressants were administered orally as single daily doses. The observation period was 28 days and follow-up included serial trough blood drug concentrations measured by high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, blood analyses, chest radiographs, open lung biopsies, as well as tissue drug concentrations and graft histology at necropsy. RESULTS Graft biopsies in monkeys treated with vehicle (n=4), Neoral (day 1-7: 150 mg/kg/day; day 8-28: 100 mg/kg/day; n=6; mean +/- SE trough level (MTL): 292+/-17 ng/ml) or SDZ RAD monotherapy (1.5 mg/kg/day; n=6; MTL: 15+/-1 ng/ml) showed severe rejection. Coadministration in two transplant monkeys of Neoral (150/100 mg/kg/day) and SDZ RAD (1.5 mg/kg/day) caused their early death. In both animals, SDZ RAD blood levels were more than 5-fold higher than under monotherapy (MTL: 82+/-18 ng/ml). Simultaneous administration (n=6) of Neoral (150/100 mg/kg/day; MTL: 217+/-16 ng/ml) and SDZ RAD (0.3 mg/kg/day; MTL: 24+/-2 ng/ml) improved graft outcome (mild rejection). Side effects included renal failure (n=2) and seizures (n=1). Three monkeys survived to day 28. In this group the MTL for cyclosporin was 143+/-13 and for RAD 38+/-3. Staggered treatment completely prevented rejection in four of six grafts. However, five of six monkeys had moderate to severe diarrhea. In a concentration-controlled trial of simultaneously administered Neoral and SDZ RAD in transplant monkeys (target SDZ RAD MTL: 20-40 ng/ml; cyclosporine MTL: 100-200 ng/ml) all six monkeys survived with improved drug tolerability and an average biopsy score of mild rejection. CONCLUSION Combination of orally administered SDZ RAD and Neoral showed excellent immunosuppressive efficacy in a stringent lung transplant model. The drug interaction and the narrow therapeutic index of this drug combination required careful dose adjustments to optimize tolerability and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Hausen
- Transplantation Immunology, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305-5407, USA
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Hausen B, Berry GJ, Dagum P, Ikonen T, Christians U, Briffa N, Hook L, Morris RE. The histology of subcutaneously implanted donor bronchial rings correlates with rejection scores of lung allografts in a primate lung transplant model. J Heart Lung Transplant 1999; 18:714-24. [PMID: 10452349 DOI: 10.1016/s1053-2498(99)00032-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of acute rejection in lung transplantation generally relies on transbronchial biopsies. This invasive procedure may be associated with bronchial bleeding or pneumothorax and may not be feasible in patients with severely compromised lung function. The hypothesis of the current study was that histopathological findings of donor bronchial segments implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of lung allograft recipients would predict lung tissue rejection scores, thus providing the clinician with an alternate source of information. METHODS Unilateral left lung transplantation was performed in 34 cynomolgus monkeys as part of a drug efficacy study. After completion of the transplant procedure, 4 bronchial ring segments of the explanted recipient left lung and 4 bronchial ring segments of the non-transplanted right donor lung were implanted subcutaneously in the abdominal region. Lung allograft rejection was evaluated by open lung biopsies of the allograft performed on postoperative (PO) Day 14 and during sacrifice on PO Day 28. At the time of each biopsy, 2 donor and 2 recipient subcutaneous bronchial rings were explanted. Histologic evaluation of the lung tissue samples was performed according to the working formulation of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Bronchial rings were independently evaluated by assessing the degree of airway narrowing; percentage of intact epithelial coverage as well as its specific histology (respiratory ciliated, flattened cuboidal, squamous); presence of lymphocytes, macrophages or spindle cells; and presence of peribronchial inflammation, luminal fibrosis, lymphocytic bronchitis or luminal mucous. Statistical analysis was performed by logistic regression. RESULTS In the recipient bronchial rings, there was no evidence of airway narrowing. There was 98% epithelial coverage, 71% that were respiratory ciliated cells, and there was no inflammation. Donor bronchial rings showed no airway narrowing for monkeys with grade A0 to A2 rejection in tissue biopsies and a maximum narrowing (41.2%) with A4 rejection. Epithelial cell coverage was approximately 100% with grade A0-A2 and 44+/-11% with A4 rejection. Lymphocytic bronchitis was most severe in A4 rejection and minimal in A0 to A2 rejection. By logistic regression analysis, independent predictors of a likelihood of rejection were the degree of airway obliteration, the percentage of epithelial cell coverage, the degree of lymphocytic bronchitis and the product of respiratory and flattened cuboidal cell coverage. CONCLUSIONS The current data show that histologic alterations of subcutaneously implanted donor bronchial rings correlate with lung tissue biopsy scores based on the ISHLT working formulation. Because subcutaneous bronchial rings can be explanted under local anesthesia, they may provide useful information for the diagnosis of acute allograft rejection in patients with impaired lung function, patients that obtaining lung tissue samples may not be feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Hausen
- Transplantation Immunology, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305-5407, USA.
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Gummert JF, Ikonen T, Briffa N, Honda Y, Hayase M, Perlroth J, Kobayashi Y, Hausen B, Barlow C, Billingham ME, Fitzgerald P, Yock PG, Robbins RC, Morris RE. A new large-animal model for research of graft vascular disease. Transplant Proc 1998; 30:4023. [PMID: 9865284 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(98)01327-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J F Gummert
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Transplantation Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305, USA
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Ikonen T, Briffa N, Brazelton T, Shorthouse R, Berry G, Morris RE. Prevention of Obliterative Airway Disease (OAD) without Immunosuppression in Heterotopic Rat Tracheal Allografts: Anastomosis of Recipient Trachea to Donor Trachea Enables Re-epithelialization of Allografts by Recipient Epithelium. Transplantation 1998. [DOI: 10.1097/00007890-199805131-00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Briffa N. Patient data, confidentiality, and electronics. BMJ 1998; 316:718-9. [PMID: 9529395 PMCID: PMC1112720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Abstract
Survival after lung transplantation is less than 50% after 5 yrs and is limited by infection and obliterative bronchiolitis. There is, therefore, a need for new immunosuppressive regimens if we are to attempt to improve long-term survival. Several trials in lung transplantation of new immunosuppressive agents are in the planning stages. In this article, we review the experience with a new monoclonal agent (interleukin 2 (IL2) receptor antagonist) in kidney transplantation, together with the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic properties and experience in transplantation in general, of the more promising of the new xenobiotic compounds (cyclosporine microemulsion, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus and sirolimus). Recent novel approaches to the vexing problem of resistant lung rejection and obliterative bronchiolitis, such as the use of aerosolized cyclosporine, methotrexate, total lymphoid irradiation and phototherapy, are discussed. Finally an immunosuppressive regimen, using these new drugs in lung transplantation is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Briffa
- Transplantation Immunology, Dept of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305-5247, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- N Briffa
- Surgical Unit, Papworth Hospital NHS Trust, Cambridge
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Briffa N, Vicidimini G, Braidley P, Nashef SA, Wells FC. Bullous emphysema: the role of the surgeon. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 1996; 55:213-7. [PMID: 8777504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Emphysema is the permanent dilatation of the distal respiratory passages. Although the mainstay of treatment of emphysema is medical, there are certain groups of patients who obtain both symptomatic and prognostic benefits from certain surgical treatments, both old and new. This article discusses the indications for treatment and the different treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Briffa
- Surgical Unit, Papworth Hospital, Cambridge
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Briffa N, Oaks T, Parameshawar J, Schofield P, Large S, Wallwork J. Harvesting of domino hearts. J Heart Lung Transplant 1993; 12:884-5. [PMID: 8241237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
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Abstract
A retrospective study was undertaken to assess whether, using serial ultrasound examinations, the behaviour of small abdominal aortic aneurysms could be predicted. The average increase in size was found to be 0.3 cm/year. The pattern of increase in size was not affected by age, sex or the presence of hypertension. A proposed course of management of patients with small aneurysms is suggested, particularly if they have other significant medical problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Walsh
- Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Derby, U.K
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