Postoperative complications after displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture operations

BACKGROUND

The objective was to compare postoperative complications in the management of displaced intra articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF) between two groups; the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) group versus the percutaneous fixation (PF) group.

METHODS

A total of 243 DIACFs were diagnosed and 127 of them received operations either with ORIF 75 (59.1 %) or PF 52 (40.9 %) between 2004 and 2018. Postoperative complications, radiological Sanders's classification and improvement of Böhler's angle were analyzed.

RESULTS

Early complication rate (<6 weeks), rate of deep wound infections and wound edge necrosis were significantly better in PF than in ORIF patient group. There were no significant differences in late complications (>6 weeks from operation) nor in improvement of Böhler's angle.

CONCLUSION

Complication rate is lower when using PF technique while fracture reduction remains the same compared to the ORIF.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV retrospective cohort study at a single institution.

Unresponsive Low Mixed Venous Oxygen Saturation During Early Intensive Care Unit Stay is Associated With Increased Risk of Organ Dysfunction After Cardiac Surgery: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to determine if unresponsive mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) values during early postoperative hours are associated with postoperative organ dysfunction.

DESIGN

A single-center retrospective observational study.

SETTING

A university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 6,282 adult patients requiring cardiac surgery who underwent surgery in a University Hospital from 2007 to 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

A pulmonary artery catheter was used to gather SvO2 samples after surgery at admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 4 hours later. For the analysis, patients were divided into 4 groups according to their SvO2 values. The rate of organ dysfunctions categorized according to the SOFA score was then studied among these subgroups.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The crude mortality rate for the cohort at 1 year was 4.3%. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) was present in 33.0% of patients in the early postoperative phase. During the 4-hour initial treatment period, 43% of the 931 patients with low SvO2 on admission responded to goal-directed therapy to increase SvO2 >60%; whereas, in 57% of the 931 patients, the low SvO2 was sustained. According to the adjusted logistic regression analyses, the odds ratio for MODS (4.23 [95% CI 3.41-5.25]), renal- replacement therapy (4.97 [95% CI 3.28-7.52]), time on a ventilator (2.34 [95% CI 2.17-2.52]), and vasoactive-inotropic score >30 (3.62 [95% CI 2.96-4.43]) were the highest in the group with sustained low SvO2.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with SvO2 <60% at ICU admission and 4 hours later had the greatest risk of postoperative MODS. Responsiveness to a goal-directed therapy protocol targeting maintaining or increasing SvO2 ≥60% at and after ICU admission may be beneficial.

Prevention of incisional hernia with retrorectus synthetic mesh versus biological mesh following loop ileostomy closure (Preloop trial)

BACKGROUND

The rate of incisional hernia after closure of a temporary loop ileostomy is significant. Synthetic meshes are still commonly avoided in contaminated wounds. The Preloop trial was a multicentre RCT designed to evaluate the benefits of synthetic mesh in incisional hernia prevention, and its safety for use in a contaminated surgical site compared with biological mesh.

METHODS

Study patients who underwent closure of a loop ileostomy after anterior resection for rectal cancer were assigned to receive either retrorectus synthetic or biological mesh to prevent incisional hernia. The primary outcomes were surgical-site infections within 30 days, and clinical or radiological incisional hernia incidence at 10 months. Secondary outcomes were reoperation rate, operating time, duration of hospital stay, other complications within 30 days of surgery, 5-year quality of life measured by RAND-36, and incisional hernia incidence within 5 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

Between November 2018 and September 2021, 102 patients were randomised, of whom 97 received the intended allocation. At 10-month follow-up, 90 patients had undergone clinical evaluation and 88 radiological evaluation. One patient in each group (2 per cent) had a clinical diagnosis of incisional hernia (P = 0.950) and one further patient in each group had a CT-confirmed incisional hernia (P = 0.949). The number of other complications, reoperation rate, operating time, and duration of hospital stay did not differ between the study groups.

CONCLUSION

Synthetic mesh appeared comparable to biological mesh in efficacy and safety for incisional hernia prevention at the time of loop ileostomy closure.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03445936 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Synthetic mesh versus biological mesh to prevent incisional hernia after loop-ileostomy closure: a randomized feasibility trial

BACKGROUND

Incisional hernia is a frequent complication after loop-ileostomy closure, rationalizing hernia prevention. Biological meshes have been widely used in contaminated surgical sites instead of synthetic meshes in fear of mesh related complications. However, previous studies on meshes does not support this practice. The aim of Preloop trial was to study the safety and efficacy of synthetic mesh compared to a biological mesh in incisional hernia prevention after loop-ileostomy closure.

METHODS

The Preloop randomized, feasibility trial was conducted from April 2018 until November 2021 in four hospitals in Finland. The trial enrolled 102 patients with temporary loop-ileostomy after anterior resection for rectal cancer. The study patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either a light-weight synthetic polypropylene mesh (Parietene Macro™, Medtronic) (SM) or a biological mesh (Permacol™, Medtronic) (BM) to the retrorectus space at ileostomy closure. The primary end points were rate of surgical site infections (SSI) at 30-day follow-up and incisional hernia rate during 10 months' follow-up period.

RESULTS

Of 102 patients randomized, 97 received the intended allocation. At 30-day follow-up, 94 (97%) patients were evaluated. In the SM group, 1/46 (2%) had SSI. Uneventful recovery was reported in 38/46 (86%) in SM group. In the BM group, 2/48 (4%) had SSI (p > 0.90) and in 43/48 (90%) uneventful recovery was reported. The mesh was removed from one patient in both groups (p > 0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Both a synthetic mesh and biological mesh were safe in terms of SSI after loop-ileostomy closure. Hernia prevention efficacy will be published after the study patients have completed the 10 months' follow-up.

Changes in transcranial near-infrared spectroscopy values reflect changes in cardiac index during cardiac surgery

To determine whether changes in transcranial near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) values reflect changes in cardiac index (CI) in adult cardiac surgical patients. Single-center prospective post hoc analysis. University hospital. One hundred and twenty-four adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. In each patient, several CI measurements were taken, and NIRS values were collected simultaneously. We used a hierarchical linear regression model to assess the association between NIRS values and CI. We calculated a crude model with NIRS as the only factor included, and an adjusted model, where mean arterial pressure, end-tidal CO₂ , and oxygen saturation were used as confounding factors. A total of 1301 pairs of NIRS and CI values were collected. The analysis of separate NIRS and CI pairs revealed a poor association, which was not statistically significant when adjusted with the chosen confounders. However, when the changes in NIRS from baseline or from the previous measurement were compared to those of CI, a clinically and statistically significant association between NIRS and CI was observed also in the adjusted model. Compared to the baseline and to the previous measurement, respectively, the regression coefficients with 95% confidence intervals were 0.048 (0.041-0.056) and 0.064 (0.055-0.073) in off-pump coronary artery bypass patients and 0.022 (0.016-0.029) and 0.026 (0.020-0.033) in patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass. In an unselected cardiac surgical population, the changes in NIRS values reflect those in CI, especially in off-pump coronary artery bypass patients. In this single-center post hoc analysis of data from a prospectively collected database of cardiac surgery patients, paired measurements of cardiac output and NIRS revealed that while there was a no correlation between individual paired measurements, a small correlation was found in changes in the two measurements from baseline values. This highlights a potential to utilize changes in NIRS from baseline to suggest changes in cardiac output in cardiac surgical populations.

Association of low mixed venous oxygen saturations during early ICU stay with increased 30-day and 1-year mortality after cardiac surgery: a single-center retrospective study

Background

Low postoperative mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO₂) values have been linked to poor outcomes after cardiac surgery. The present study was designed to assess whether SvO₂ values of < 60% at intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 4 h after admission are associated with increased mortality after cardiac surgery.

Methods

During the years 2007–2020, 7046 patients (74.4% male; median age, 68 years [interquartile range, 60–74]) underwent cardiac surgery at an academic medical center in Finland. All patients were monitored with a pulmonary artery catheter. SvO₂ values were obtained at ICU admission and 4 h later. Patients were divided into four groups for analyses: SvO₂ ≥ 60% at ICU admission and 4 h later; SvO₂ ≥ 60% at admission but < 60% at 4 h; SvO₂ < 60% at admission but ≥ 60% at 4 h; and SvO₂ < 60% at both ICU admission and 4 h later. Kaplan–Meier survival curves, Cox regression models, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used to assess differences among groups in 30-day and 1-year mortality.

Results

In the overall cohort, 52.9% underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 29.1% valvular surgery, 12.1% combined CABG and valvular procedures, 3.5% surgery of the ascending aorta or aortic dissection, and 2.4% other cardiac surgery. The 1-year crude mortality was 4.3%. The best outcomes were associated with SvO₂ ≥ 60% at both ICU admission and 4 h later. Hazard ratios for 1-year mortality were highest among patients with SvO₂ < 60% at both ICU admission and 4 h later, regardless of surgical subgroup.

Conclusion

SvO₂ values < 60% at ICU admission and 4 h after admission are associated with increased 30-day and 1-year mortality after cardiac surgery. Goal-directed therapy protocols targeting SvO₂ ≥ 60% may be beneficial. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these observational findings.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12871-022-01862-8.

Syndesmosis fixation in supination-external rotation ankle fractures. Long-Term results of a prospective randomised study

BACKROUND

The clinical relevance and treatment of syndesmosis injury in supination-external rotation (SER) ankle fractures are controversial.

METHODS

After malleolar fixation 24 SER 4 ankle fracture patients with unstable syndesmosis in external rotation stress test were randomised to syndesmosis transfixation with a screw (13 patients) or no fixation (11 patients). Mean follow-up time was 9.7 years (range, 8.9-11.0). The primary outcome measure was the Olerud-Molander Ankle Outcome Score (OMAS). Secondary outcome measures included ankle mortise congruity and degenerative osteoarthritis, 100-mm visual analogue scale for function and pain, RAND 36-Item Health Survey, and range of motion.

RESULTS

Mean OMAS in the syndesmosis transfixation group was 87.3 (SD 15.5) and in the no-syndesmosis-fixation group 89.0 (SD 16.0) (difference between means 1.8, 95% CI -10.4-14.0, P = 0.76). There were no differences between the two groups in secondary outcome measures.

CONCLUSION

With the numbers available, SER 4 ankle fractures with unstable syndesmosis can be treated with malleolar fixation only, with good to excellent long-term functional outcome.

Accuracy, Precision, and Trending Ability of Perioperative Central Venous Oxygen Saturation Compared to Mixed Venous Oxygen Saturation in Unselected Cardiac Surgical Patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO₂) measurements could be used interchangeably with mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO₂) measurements in adult cardiac surgery patients.

DESIGN

A single-center prospective observational study.

SETTING

A university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty-five adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

The study authors compared the oxygen saturations in 590 pairs of venous blood samples drawn from the pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) at three different time points during surgery and four different time points in the intensive care unit. They compared samples obtained from the distal pulmonary artery line (SvO₂) to those drawn from the proximal central venous line of the PAC (ScvO₂) with the Bland-Altman test and the four-quadrant method.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The mean bias between SvO₂ and ScvO₂ was -1.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], -2.3 to -1.5) and the limits of agreement (LOA) were -11.5 to 7.6 (95% CI, -12.5 to -10.7 and 6.8-8.5, respectively). The percentage error (PE) was 13.2%. Based on the four-quadrant plot, only 50% of the measurement pairs were in agreement, indicating deficient trending ability.

CONCLUSION

ScvO₂ values showed acceptable accuracy as the mean bias was low. The precision was inadequate; although the PE was acceptable, the LOA were wide. Trending ability was inadequate. The authors cannot recommend the use of ScvO₂ values interchangeably with SvO₂ measurements in the management of adult cardiac surgery patients.

Changes in the incidence and outcome of multiple organ failure in emergency non-cardiac surgical admissions: a 10-year retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

During the past decades, epidemiologic data of independent predictors of multiple organ failure (MOF), incidence, and mortality have changed. The aim of the study was to assess the potential changes in the incidence and outcomes of MOF for one decade (2008-2017). In addition, resource utilization was considered.

METHODS

Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were adults, admitted to the ICU between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2017, and had complete data sets regarding MOF. MOF was defined as organ failure separately with and without central nervous system (CNS) failure. The onset of MOF was defined as being early (≤48 h of ICU admission) and late (>48 h after ICU admission).

RESULTS

Of a total of 13,270 patients enclosed in this study, 44.6% of the patients developed MOF with and 31.4% without CNS failure. MOF-related mortality decreased in patients with (adjusted IRR 0.972 [95% CI 0.948 to 0.996], P=0.022) and without (adjusted IRR 0.957 [95% CI 0.931 to 0.983], P=0.0013) CNS failure. In addition, the incidence (adjusted IRR 0.970 [95% CI 0.950 to 0.991], P=0.006) and mortality (adjusted IRR 0.968 [95% CI 0.940 to 0.996], P=0.025) of early-onset MOF decreased, while the incidence and mortality of late-onset MOF remained constant. The length of ICU (P=0.024) and hospital (P=0.032) stays decreased while the length of mechanical ventilation remained constant (P=0.41).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite all improvements in intensive care during the last decades, the incidence of late-onset MOF remains a resource-intensive, morbid, and lethal condition. More research on etiologies, signs of organ failure, and where and when to start treatment is needed to improve the prognosis of late-onset MOF.

Effects of simulation education on oral care practices - a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Implementation of evidence-based oral care protocols, nurse education programmes and assessment tools may reduce the risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia by increasing critical care nurses' knowledge and skills in adhering to current oral care recommendations.

AIMS

To evaluate the longitudinal effects of single-dose simulation education with structured debriefing and verbal feedback on critical care nurses' knowledge and skills in adhering to current oral care recommendations.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial with repeated measurements.

METHOD

The data for the study were collected in a single academic centre in a 22-bed adult, mixed, medical-surgical intensive care unit in Finland from February 2012 to March 2014. The effectiveness of simulation education was evaluated through the validated Ventilator Bundle Questionnaire and Observation Schedule at baseline (n = 30) and 24 months (n = 17) after simulation education. Data were analysed using a linear mixed model and intention-to-treat analyses.

RESULTS

During the study period, the average knowledge score in the intervention group increased significantly (44·0% to 56·0% of the total score) in the final post-intervention measurement (p_t  = 0·51, p_g  = 0·002, p_t*g  = 0·023). However, single-dose simulation education with structured debriefing and verbal feedback had no impact on critical care nurses' skill scores.

CONCLUSION

Single-dose simulation education had only a minimal effect on critical care nurses' knowledge and skills in adhering to current oral care recommendations. Despite increased awareness, there was no significant difference in oral care practices between the study groups after simulation education.

RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

The need for regularly repeated educational sessions with theoretical training and practical exercises and direct feedback is evident. Certain aspects of oral care, such as prevention of microaspiration of oropharyngeal secretions and moistening of oral mucosa and lips, require more reinforcement than others.

Longitudinal effects of single-dose simulation education with structured debriefing and verbal feedback on endotracheal suctioning knowledge and skills: A randomized controlled trial

We evaluated the longitudinal effects of single-dose simulation education with structured debriefing and verbal feedback on critical care nurses' endotracheal suctioning knowledge and skills. To do this we used an experimental design without other competing intervention. Twenty-four months after simulation education, no significant time and group differences or time × group interactions were identified between the study groups. The need for regularly repeated educational interventions with audiovisual or individualized performance feedback and repeated bedside demonstrations is evident.

Serum S100β as a prognostic marker in patients with non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

The serum concentration of S100β protein reportedly predicts outcomes after brain injury. We examined the prognostic accuracy of S100β in patients with non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage.

METHODS

This was a prospective, observational study of patients with non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage treated in the intensive care unit at our university hospital. Computed tomography imaging findings and the level of consciousness on admission were recorded. Serum S100β concentration was measured serially during the first six days of admission. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH group) or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH group) were analyzed separately. The 3-month and 1-year functional outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).

RESULTS

Of 108 patients enrolled, 66 were included in the SAH group and 42 in the ICH group. High initial S100β concentration was associated with Glasgow Coma Score 3-6 on admission (SAH group 0.61 μg/L versus 0.15 μg/L, P=0.001 and ICH group 1.00 μg/L versus 0.42 μg/L, P=0.005). Initial S100β concentration correlated with ICH volume (rho=0.50, P<0.001) and IVH Sum Score (rho=0.30, P=0.013). The thresholds for the initial S100β concentration with 100% specificity for poor outcome (GOS 1-3) were 1.40 μg/L for SAH and 1.76 μg/L for ICH group. ORs varied between 3.1 and 6.1 for S100β on poor outcome in the SAH group. Increasing S100β level during study period was associated with poor outcome in the SAH group.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum S100β concentration corresponds with the severity of neurological insult and predicts poor outcome in patients with non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Simulation education as a single intervention does not improve hand hygiene practices: A randomized controlled follow-up study

BACKGROUND

To evaluate how critical nurses' knowledge of and adherence to current care hand hygiene (HH) guidelines differ between randomly allocated intervention and control groups before and after simulation education in both a simulation setting and clinical practice during a 2-year follow-up period. It was hypothesized that intervention group knowledge of and adherence to current HH guidelines might increase compared with a control group after simulation education.

METHODS

A prospective, parallel, randomized controlled trial with repeated measurements was conducted in a 22-bed adult mixed medical-surgical intensive care unit in Oulu, Finland. Thirty out of 40 initially randomized critical care nurses participated in the baseline measurements; of these, 17 completed all the study procedures. Participants' HH adherence was observed only in high-risk contact situations prior to and postendotracheal suctioning events using a direct, nonparticipatory method of observation. Participants' HH knowledge was evaluated at the end of each observational session.

RESULTS

The overall HH adherence increased from a baseline value of 40.8% to 50.8% in the final postintervention measurement at 24 months (P = .002). However, the linear mixed model did not identify any significant group (P = .77) or time-group interactions (P = .17) between the study groups after 2 years of simulation education. In addition, simulation education had no impact on participants' HH knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS

After a single simulation education session, critical care nurses' knowledge of and adherence to current HH guidelines remained below targeted behavior rates.

Randomized, controlled trial of the effectiveness of simulation education: A 24-month follow-up study in a clinical setting

BACKGROUND

Critical care nurses' knowledge and skills in adhering to evidence-based guidelines for avoiding complications associated with intubation and mechanical ventilation are currently limited. We hypothesized that single simulation education session would lead to a long-lasting higher level of skills among critical care nurses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in a 22-bed adult mixed medical-surgical intensive care unit in Finland during the period February 2012-March 2014. Thirty out of 40 initially randomized critical care nurses participated in a 24-month follow-up study. Behavior and cognitive development was evaluated through a validated Ventilator Bundle Observation Schedule and Questionnaire at the baseline measurement and repeated 3 times during simulation and real-life clinic settings.

RESULTS

After simulation education, the average skills score increased from 46.8%-58.8% of the total score in the final postintervention measurement (Ptime < .001, Ptime × group = .040, and Pgroup = .11). The average knowledge scores within groups did not change significantly. The average between-group difference in skills scores was significant only at the measurement taken at 6 months (P = .006).

CONCLUSIONS

Critical care nurses' skills in adhering to evidence-based guidelines improved in both groups over time, but the improvements between the study groups was significantly different only at 6 months and was no longer evident after 2 years following a single simulation education.

Human patient simulation education in the nursing management of patients requiring mechanical ventilation: a randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Knowledge among critical care nurses and their adherence to evidence-based guidelines for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia is reported to be low. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of human patient simulation (HPS) education in the nursing management of patients requiring mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

A prospective, parallel, randomized controlled trial with repeated measurements was conducted in a 22-bed adult mixed medical-surgical intensive care unit in Finland from February-October 2012. Thirty critical care nurses were allocated evenly to intervention and control groups (n = 15 each). The effectiveness of HPS education was evaluated through the validated Ventilator Bundle Questionnaire and Ventilator Bundle Observation Schedule at baseline and repeated twice-after the clinical and simulation settings, respectivley.

RESULTS

After HPS education, the average skill scores (Ventilator Bundle Observation Schedule) in the intervention group increased significantly (46.8%-60.0% of the total score) in the final postintervention observation. In the average skill scores, a linear mixed model identified significant time (Pt < .001) and group (P(g) = .03) differences and time-group interactions (P(t*g) = .02) between the study groups after the HPS education. In contrast, the model did not identify any significant change over time (P(t) = .29) or time-group interactions (P(t) = .69) between groups in average knowledge scores (Ventilator Bundle Questionnaire).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified significant transfer of learned skills to clinical practice following HPS education but no influence on the level of participants' factual knowledge.

Syndesmotic fixation in supination-external rotation ankle fractures: a prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to assess whether transfixion of an unstable syndesmosis is necessary in supination-external rotation (Lauge-Hansen SE/Weber B)-type ankle fractures.

METHODS

A prospective study of 140 patients with unilateral Lauge-Hansen supination-external rotation type 4 ankle fractures was done. After bony fixation, the 7.5-Nm standardized external rotation (ER) stress test for both ankles was performed under fluoroscopy. A positive stress examination was defined as a difference of more than 2 mm side-to-side in the tibiotalar or tibiofibular clear spaces on mortise radiographs. If the stress test was positive, the patient was randomized to either syndesmotic transfixion with 3.5-mm tricortical screws or no syndesmotic fixation. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Olerud-Molander scoring system, RAND 36-Item Health Survey, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to measure pain and function after a minimum 1-year of followup.

RESULTS

Twenty four (17%) of 140 patients had positive standardized 7.5-Nm ER stress tests after malleolar fixation. The stress view was positive three times on tibiotalar clear space, seven on tibiofibular clear space, and 14 times on both tibiotalar and tibiofibular clear spaces. There was no significant difference between the two randomization groups with regards to Olerud-Molander functional score, VAS scale measuring pain and function, or RAND 36-Item Health Survey pain or physical function at 1 year.

CONCLUSION

Relevant syndesmotic injuries are rare in supination-external rotation ankle fractures, and syndesmotic transfixion with a screw did not influence the functional outcome or pain after the 1-year followup compared with no fixation.

Stability criteria for nonoperative ankle fracture management

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to see if stability based criteria are useful in choosing between nonoperative and operative treatment of ankle fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred sixty ankle fractures in skeletally mature patients were retrospectively analyzed to obtain an epidemiological profile in a population of about 130,000. One hundred thirty patients had followup of more than 2 years. A decision between operative and nonoperative treatment was made by the surgeon-on-duty, based on accepted stability criteria. Fractures were classified according to Weber and Lauge-Hansen systems. Clinical outcome was assessed using the scoring systems of Olerud-Molander, the RAND 36-Item Health Survey and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), measuring pain and function.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of ankle fractures was 154/100,000. Nonoperatively treated patients had more displacement of the distal fibula after treatment, but less pain and better Olerud-Molander (good or excellent, 89% vs. 71%) and VAS functional scores. Independent factors for worse outcome were female gender, older age, unstable fracture and co-morbidity. No nonoperatively treated patients needed operative fixation during followup.

CONCLUSION

Stability-based fracture classification was a simple and useful tool in decision-making for the treatment of ankle fractures. We found lateral malleolar fractures could be treated nonoperatively with success if the ankle mortise was stable. Displacement of the distal fibula after treatment did not affect functional scores or pain.

Anti-inflammatory effect of high-dose insulin treatment after urgent coronary revascularization surgery

BACKGROUND

The administration of insulin has been shown to exert cardioprotective and immunomodulatory properties. Ischemia and inflammation are typical features of acute coronary syndrome, thus it was hypothesized that high-dose glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) treatment could suppress the systemic inflammatory reaction and attenuate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients with unstable angina pectoris after urgent coronary artery bypass surgery.

METHODS

Forty patients with unstable angina pectoris scheduled for urgent coronary artery bypass surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass were randomly assigned to receive either high-dose insulin treatment (short-acting insulin 1 IU/kg/h with 30% glucose 1.5 ml/kg/h administered separately) or control treatment (saline). Blood glucose levels were targeted to 6.0-8.0 mmol/l in both groups by adjusting the rate of glucose infusion in the GIK group and by additional insulin in the control group as needed.

RESULTS

High-dose insulin treatment was associated with significantly lower average C-reactive protein (23.8 vs. 40.1 mg/l, P= 0.008) and free fatty acid levels (0.22 vs. 0.41 mmol/l, P= < 0.001) post-operatively. Average blood glucose levels were comparable during the intensive care unit (ICU) stay (7.1 vs. 6.9 mmol/l, P= 0.5) and 95% of the control patients received supplemental insulin. The pro-inflammatory cytokine response [interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)] did not differ between the groups and beneficial effects on myocardial injury were not detected.

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose insulin treatment has potential anti-inflammatory properties independent of its ability to lower blood glucose levels. Even profound suppression of free fatty acid levels, the attenuation of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury was not detected.

Incisional and epidural analgesia after caesarean delivery: a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical study

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction with incisional analgesia with a subfascial catheter compared to epidural analgesia for pain relief following caesarean section.

METHODS

Forty patients were randomised after elective caesarean section to receive either intermittent 10-mL boluses of 0.125% levobupivacaine into the epidural space and physiologic saline into the surgical wound or intermittent 10-mL boluses of 0.25% levobupivacaine into the wound and epidural saline with a repeated 10-dose regimen. Analgesic efficacy was evaluated by numerical pain scores (0-10, 0=no pain, 10=worst pain) and based on the consumption of supplemental opioid. Side effects, patient satisfaction and plasma concentrations of levobupivacaine were recorded.

RESULTS

In the epidural group average pain scores were lower (1.8 vs. 3, P=0.006) and the consumption of local anaesthetic (29 mL vs. 38 mL, P=0.01) was smaller during the first four postoperative hours, after which both groups had pain scores of 3 or less at rest. All parturients were able to walk after the 24-h study period. The total consumption of rescue opioid oxycodone (32 vs. 37 mg, P=0.6) during the whole 72-h study period was low in both study groups. Side effects were mild and rare. Satisfaction scores were equally high in the two groups. Peak plasma concentrations of levobupivacaine were below the toxic range.

CONCLUSION

Incisional local analgesia via a subfascial catheter provided satisfactory pain relief with patient satisfaction comparable to that seen with epidural analgesia. This technique may be a good alternative to the more invasive epidural technique following caesarean section as a component of multimodal pain management.

Metabolic and Hemodynamic Effects of High-Dose Insulin Treatment in Aortic Valve and Coronary Surgery

BACKGROUND

Glucose and insulin have been used as an adjuvant therapy in cardiac surgery because of their potentially beneficial effects on myocardial metabolism and contractile function. This study evaluated the effects of high-dose insulin on systemic metabolism and hemodynamics after combined heart surgery.

METHODS

Forty elective patients scheduled for combined aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass surgery were randomly assigned to receive either high-dose insulin treatment (short-acting insulin 1 IU.kg(-1).h(-1) with 30% glucose 1.5 mL.kg(-1).h(-1) administered separately) or control treatment (saline). The blood glucose levels were maintained within a targeted range by adjusting the rate of glucose infusion in the treatment group and by short-acting insulin bolus doses in the control group.

RESULTS

The lactate clearance was faster (p = 0.046), and the lactate levels (p = 0.016), blood glucose levels (p < 0.001), and free fatty acid levels (p < 0.001) were lower in the insulin group postoperatively. Besides, there was lesser need for dobutamine support (p = 0.013) and a trend toward better cardiac indices. Insulin treatment increased the respiratory quotient (p < 0.001), but there were no differences between the groups with regard to systemic oxygen consumption or energy expenditure measured by indirect calorimetry. The average glucose uptake in the insulin group was 7.1 g/kg in 24 hours (28 kcal.kg(-1).day(-1)).

CONCLUSIONS

The high-dose insulin treatment was associated with lower blood glucose levels, better preserved myocardial contractile function, and less need for inotropic support, and hence led to lower lactate levels postoperatively. The protocol is safe, but requires strict control of blood glucose level.

PERSISTENCE OF INDENTATION WITH BIOABSORBABLE POLY-l/d-LACTIDE VERSUS SILICONE SPONGE SCLERAL BUCKLING IMPLANTS

PURPOSE

To measure the amount and duration of indentation depth achieved with biodegradable poly-L/D-lactide 96/4 (PLA96) and silicone sponge implants.

METHODS

Thirty rabbits underwent a scleral buckling procedure. A PLA96 buckling implant was used in 15 rabbits and a silicone sponge buckling implant was in 15 rabbits. A circumferential scleral buckling implant was sutured episclerally on the left eye of each rabbit, just temporal to the superior rectus muscle and 7 mm posterior to the limbus. Computed tomography was performed at 1 week, 3 months, and 5 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The PLA96 buckling implant (implant diameter, 3-3.5 mm) used in this study created lower indentation than the silicone sponge implant (implant diameter, 4 mm). The indentation created by the PLA96 implant decreased over time compared with that created by the silicone implant. There were no complications related to either kind of implant.

CONCLUSION

Both the silicone sponge implant and the PLA96 implant caused indentation that decreased in a comparable manner over the follow-up period (5 months).