Validation of the tablet-based Turkish-PAINReportIt® for lung cancer patients after thoracotomy in Turkey

BACKGROUND

Digital pain assessment is advantageous and timely for healthcare priorities in Turkey. However, a multi-dimensional, tablet-based pain assessment tool is not available in the Turkish language.

PURPOSE

To validate the Turkish-PAINReportIt® as a multi-dimensional measure of post-thoracotomy pain.

METHODS

In the first of a two-phased study, 32 Turkish patients (mean age 47.8 ± 15.6 years, 72 % male) participated in individual cognitive interviews as they completed the tablet-based Turkish-PAINReportIt® once during the first four days post-thoracotomy, and 8 clinicians participated in a focus group discussion of implementation barriers. In the second phase, 80 Turkish patients (mean age 59.0 ± 12.7 years, 80 % male) completed the Turkish-PAINReportIt® preoperatively, on postoperative days 1-4, and at the two-week post-operative follow-up visit.

RESULTS

Patients generally interpreted accurately the Turkish-PAINReportIt® instructions and items. We eliminated some items unnecessary for daily assessment based on focus-group suggestions. In the second study phase, pain scores (intensity, quality, pattern) were low pre-thoracotomy for lung cancer and high postoperatively high on day 1, decreasing on days 2, 3 and 4, and back down to pre-surgical levels at 2-weeks. Over time, pain intensity decreased from post-operative day 1 to post-operative day 4 (p < .001) and from post-operative day 1 to post-operative week 2 (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The formative research supported proof of concept and informed the longitudinal study. Findings showed strong validity of the Turkish-PAINReportIt® to detect reduced pain over time as healing occurs after thoracotomy.

Comparison of delivery characteristics and early obstetric outcomes between Turkish women and Syrian refugee pregnancies

Background

Until September 1, 2016, Turkey hosted around 2.7 million Syrian refugees. However, data investigating the pregnancy health concerning the refugees are still limited.

Aim

In the present study, we aimed to compare the delivery characteristics and short-term obstetric outcomes in Turkish women and Syrian refugees.

Subjects and Methods

The study included 1556 singleton pregnancies which comprised 940 Turkish women and 616 Syrian women between January 2016 and January 2017. The groups were compared for demographic data, obstetric features, and pregnancy outcomes.

Results

There were significant differences between Turkish women and the refugees in terms of preterm (18.94% vs. 11.00%, P = 0.003) and post-term delivery rates (11.49% vs. 2.91%, P < 0.001), caesarian delivery rates (33.4% vs. 23.95%, P = 0.002), newborn weights <1000 g (2.55% vs. 0.97%, P = 0.006) and >4000 g (5.32% vs. 3.24%, P = 0.006), pre-eclampsia (5.32% vs. 1.62%, P = 0.009), HELLP (1.28% vs. 0.00%, P = 0.046), and placental anomalies (1.91% vs. 0.00%, P = 0.014), respectively. Being a Turkish resident (P = 0.015) was an important risk factor for the development of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. Moreover, maternal education of at least 12 years (P = 0.028) and receiving a regular antenatal visit at a tertiary center (P = 0.031) were preventative for the development of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were less prevalent in Syrian refugees compared to that in the Turkish residents which was likely due to the contribution of maternal education and regular antenatal visits which were higher in Syrian refugees.

Conclusions

We suggest that providing adequate education particularly for women in undeveloped countries and facilitating access to the tertiary hospitals have the potential to reduce unfavorable pregnancy outcomes in immigrant women.

Cusum analysis for learning curve of videothoracoscopic lobectomy

Background

Video assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy has a demanding learning curve due to its technical complexity and risk of uncontrollable bleeding. We investigated the case number required for gaining technical proficiency by applying cumulative sum analysis on initial VATS lobectomy operations of a single surgeon.

Methods

CALGB definition was used for the definition of VATS lobectomy. The data of the initial cases evaluated and cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis was applied to duration of the operations and length of hospital stay.

Results

Fifty-eight patients underwent VATS lobectomy. Of those 51 were malignant and 7 were benign. Fifty-five of the procedures were lobectomy, 2 were inferior bi-lobectomy and 1 was left upper lobectomy with chest wall resection. CUSUM analysis reached to proficiency at 27 cases for duration of the operations.

Conclusions

The length of learning curve depends on previous experience of the surgeon on open lobectomy and simpler VATS operations, potential number of VATS lobectomy cases and VATS capability of the surgeon. Depending on these factors, it is possible to obtain technical proficiency with an inferior number of procedures compared with existing literature (50-200).

Coadministration of intravenous remifentanil and morphine for post-thoracotomy pain: comparison with intravenous morphine alone

OBJECTIVES

In this double-blind, randomized study, the authors compared the effects of a patient-controlled remifentanil and morphine combination with morphine alone on post-thoracotomy pain, analgesic consumption, and side effects.

DESIGN

A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Volunteer patients at a university hospital undergoing elective thoracotomy surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were allocated randomly into 2 groups to receive patient-controlled analgesia: the morphine (M) group or the morphine plus remifentanil (MR) group. Pain, discomfort, sedation scores, cumulative patient-controlled morphine consumption, rescue analgesic (meperidine) requirement and side effects were recorded for 24 hours.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Sixty patients were allocated randomly to receive intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with morphine alone (M) or morphine plus remifentanil (MR) in a double-blind manner. Patients were allowed to use bolus doses of morphine (0.02 mg/kg) or the same dose of a morphine plus remifentanil (0.2 µg/kg) mixture every 10 minutes without a background infusion. VAS scores were lower in the MR group than in the M group at 30 minutes (p = 0.04), 1 hour (p = 0.03), and 2 hours (p = 0.04). Mean cumulative doses of morphine were not significantly different at 27.8±15 mg for the M group and 21.9±10.5 mg for the MR group. Significantly more patients needed meperidine in the M group (p = 0.039); these also experienced more nausea (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Coadministration of PCA remifentanil with morphine for the treatment of post-thoracotomy pain did not reduce morphine consumption but provided superior analgesia, less use of rescue analgesics, and fewer side effects compared to morphine alone.

The importance of administration of early surfactant and nasal continuous positive airway pressure in newborns with respiratory distress syndrome

AIM

Mechanical ventilation is an invasive method and causes to important problems in the respiratory tract and lung parenchyma. The objective of our study was to investigate if administration of early surfactant and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) was superior to delayed surfactant administration and mechanical ventilation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted in the Van 100th Year University, Medical Faculty Hospital, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. One hundred and nine infants with respiratory distrss syndrome (RDS) with a gestational age of 32 weeks and/or below were included in the study. Surfactant was given to 61 infants in the delivery room or intensive care unit and subsequently nCPAP was administered. Surfactant was administered in 48 infants in the control group and mechanical ventilation was inititated subsequently. Informed consent was obtained from the relatives of all patients and ethics committee approval was also obtained (Approval number: 03.02.2011/15).

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of gestational age, birth weight, gender, height and head circumference measurements (p>0.05). The mean hospitalization time in the patients in the study group was 24.4±17.8 days, whereas the mean time of nCPAP was 28.4 (4-120) hours. In the study group, intracranial hemorrhage was found with a rate of 27.85%, bronchopulmonary dysplasia was found with a rate of 4.91%, pneumothorax was found with a rate of 3.27%, necrotizing enterocolitis was found with a rate of 3.27%, patent ductus arteriosus was found with a rate of 16.39, sepsis was found with a rate of 22.95% and retinopathy of prematurity was found with a rate of 1.63%. No statistically significant difference was found between the study and control groups in terms of the rates of complications. During the follow-up period, 17 (27.86%) patients were lost. The length of stay on mechanical ventilation in the study group was found to be statistically significantly shorter compared to the control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, it was observed that administration of early surfactant and nCPAP in treatment of preterm newborns with a diagnosis of RDS markedly decreased the lenght of stay on mechanical ventilation, but had no significant impact on morbidity and mortality.

[Traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst: 2 case reports]

Traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts (TPP) are cavitary lesions that are rarely seen after blunt thoracic traumas. Two male patients who were diagnosed with cystic lesions in the left lung after trauma were followed in our clinic with the diagnosis of TPP. Due to increase in cyst dimensions and wall tension, which were seen on the follow-up thorax tomography, surgical intervention was decided for both cases. The first case underwent cystotomy and capitonnage via thoracotomy, and was discharged without any complication. However, the second case was lost due to cardiac arrest during the operative preparations. Thorax tomography is an important method in the diagnosis and radiological follow-up of TPP. The surgery option should always be remembered for patients who show progression during the follow-up.

The effects of clipping on thoracic sympathetic nerve in rabbits: early and late histopathological findings

BACKGROUND

The clipping of the thoracic sympathetic nerve, which has been a technique used for approximately the past 10 years, has rapidly become popular because of its "bring-back" claim. However, the information regarding the mechanism behind this claim is based on investigator's comments and has not been proven by objective research, such as the histopathological examination of the clipped nerve and/or ganglion. We aimed to evaluate sympathetic regeneration and degeneration after clip removal.

METHODS

The rabbits were divided into two groups with six rabbits per group. For the first group (group A), the sympathetic chain was clipped using two titanium clips, and a right thoracotomy was made at the T4 and T5 levels. For the second group (group B), the animals were also operated on, which was similar to the rabbits in group A. At the end of a 48-hour follow-up period, the clips were removed after a second operation. The rabbits in group B were followed for 45 days and sympathetic nerves were also examined histopathologically.

RESULTS

In group A, hemorrhage, fibrinous material, polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration, and acute inflammation with fat necrosis were observed in and around the sympathetic ganglia and trunk. Loss of nuclei and vacuolization in some sympathetic ganglia cells were also observed. These findings demonstrated severe degeneration of the sympathetic ganglia and trunk. For group B, microscopic examination revealed a loss of sympathetic ganglion cells as well as fibrosis within and around the ganglia. No signs of regeneration were detected and the progression of nerve degeneration was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The clips used in our study were shown to cause the degeneration of neural structures within 2 days. At the end of the 45 days following the removal of the clips, progressive, degenerative changes radiating along the axons of the sympathetic cells were seen.

Cesarean section with relative indications versus spontaneous vaginal delivery: short-term outcomes of maternofetal health

AIM

The aim of the study was to compare maternal and perinatal mortality and short-term outcomes of maternal and perinatal health between a cesarean group with relative indications and a vaginal delivery group.

METHODS

A total of 1,119 patients were included; 582 were delivered by spontaneous vaginal birth and 537 delivered by cesarean section without labor. The indication for cesarean section was tocophobia and fear of childbirth for all patients. Maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

No maternal mortality was recorded. Maternal morbidity was significantly lower in the vaginal birth group than the cesarean group (7 vs 30, p<0.05). Perinatal mortality (2 vs 0) and perinatal morbidity were not significantly different between the two groups (33 vs 17). The vaginallly delivered group had significantly higher newborn hospitalization rates than the cesarean group (p<0.05), but hospitalization time did not differ. Newborns with the first minute Apgar score below 7 were higher in the cesarean group (p<0.05). Fifth minute Apgar scores and umblical cord pH values were similiar. Cesarean neonates weighed more than vaginally delivered ones (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Short-term maternal complications were more frequently seen in cesarean deliveries with relative indications than spontanous vaginal deliveries but no difference was found in perinatal mortality and morbidity. There is a clear need for research on health outcomes for mothers and infants associated with cesarean delivery without any medical indication.

The evaluation of Pat-Pat related injuries in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey

BACKGROUND

Accidents caused by motorized vehicle in the agricultural sector are frequently observed. In Turkey; accidents arising from motorized vehicles, named Pat-Pat, which are used by farmers in the Western Black Sea region is not unusual.

METHODS

One hundred five patients who were brought into the Emergency Department of Duzce University, Medical Faculty Hospital between September 2009 and August 2010 due to Pat-Pat related accidents were evaluated.

RESULTS

The cases consisted of 73 (69.5%) males and 32 (30.5%) females, ranging from 2 to 73 years of age. In the 10-39 age group, a total of 63 (60.0%) cases were determined. The months when the greatest rate of cases applied to the hospital consisted of July, August, September and the season is summer. The cases were exposed to trauma in roads in 54 (51.4%), and 51 (48.6%) occurred in agricultural area without roads. Eighty seven (82.9%) cases were injured due to the overturning of vehicle. The patients were brought to the hospital using a private vehicle in 54 (51.4%) of the cases and in 51 (48.6%) cases, 112 ambulance system was used. The cases were determined to apply to the hospital most frequently between 6 pm-12 am. The injuries frequently consisted of head-neck and spine traumas, thorax traumas and upper extremity traumas. In 55 (52.4%) cases, open wound-laceration was determined. Seventy five (71.4%) cases were treated in the Emergency Department, and 28 (26.7%) were hospitalized. Three (2.9%) cases were deceased.

CONCLUSIONS

Serious injuries can occur in Pat-Pat related accidents, and careful systematic physical examination should be conducted. In order to prevent these accidents, education of farm operators and engineering studies on the mechanics and safety of these vehicles should be taken and legal regulations should be created.

Kergin pneumonectomy: a rare procedure

We have evaluated our cases of "Kergin" pneumonectomy in which a bronchial flap of the medial part of the right main stem bronchus was created during right pneumonectomy and was turned upward to cover the lateral airway defect at the level of the carina. Five male patients with a mean age of 53.6 underwent "Kergin" pneumonectomy due to nonsmall cell carcinoma arising from right upper lobe entrance, which does not allow a classical pneumonectomy. Postoperative pathology stagings were stage IIB in 1 patient and stage IIIA in 4 patients. Any operative mortality or short-term complication was not observed. Two of the patients died in the second year of follow-up. "Kergin" pneumonectomy is a rarely performed procedure with acceptable morbidity and mortality and good lung cancer resection. Actually, our current report of five cases will be one of the largest series of "Kergin" pneumonectomy.

Sleeve resections for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

BACKGROUND

Sleeve resection is an advanced technique that was developed as an alternative to pneumonectomy. This study evaluated our cases of sleeve resection for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and compared the outcomes with the literature reports.

METHODS

In total, 26 bronchial, 5 bronchovascular, and 3 vascular sleeve lobectomies were performed between January 2000 and July 2005 in our clinic. Age, gender, operations, postoperative diagnosis and staging, and postoperative morbidity and mortality were evaluated.

RESULTS

Sleeve resections were performed in 34 patients. All patients were male, with a mean age of 59.4 years. The operations consisted of 16 right upper, 14 left upper, and 1 left lower sleeve lobectomies and 3 superior sleeve bilobectomies. The most common postoperative pathological staging group was stage IIb (32.3%). Operative mortality was 5.9% (n=2). Postoperative morbidity was 20.5% (n=7), including 4 prolonged air leaks plus empyema, 1 prolonged air leak, 1 postoperative bleeding needing revision, and 1 severe bronchostenosis; of these, 6 had persistent atelectasis. The local tumour recurrence rate was 11.7% (n=4). The median survival time and 5-year survival were 36 months and 42%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleeve resection proved to be good therapy for lung cancer and has a lower morbidity and mortality than standard pneumonectomies and results in better lung function and quality of life. The anastomosis-related complications are experience-related technical complications and training thoracic surgeons to perform SRs at experienced centres will reduce the morbidity associated with SRs.

Prevention of pulmonary complications of pneumoperitoneum in rats

Background

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) pneumoperitoneum facilitates the visualization of abdominal organs during laparoscopic surgery. However, the associated increase in intra-abdominal pressure causes oxidative stress, which contributes to tissue injury.

Objective

We investigated the ability of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug Erdosteine to prevent CO₂ pneumoperitoneum-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions in a rat model.

Methods

Fourteen female adult Wistar albino rats were divided into a control group (Group A, n = 7) and an Erdosteine group (Group B, n = 7). Group A received 0.5 cc/day 0.9% NaCl, and Group B received 10 mg/kg/day Erdosteine was administered by gavage, and maintained for 7 days prior to the operation. During the surgical procedure, the rats were exposed to CO₂ pneumoperitoneum with an intra-abdominal pressure of 15 mmHg for 30 min. The peritoneal gas was then desufflated. The rats were sacrificed following 3 h of insufflation. Their lungs were removed, histologically evaluated, and scored for intra-alveolar hemorrhage, alveolar edema, congestion, and leukocyte infiltration. The results were statistically analyzed. A value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Significant differences were detected in intra-alveolar hemorrhage (P < 0.05), congestion (P < 0.001), and leukocyte infiltration (P < 0.001) in Group A compared with Group B. However, the differences in alveolar edema were not statistically significant (P = 0.698).

Conclusions

CO₂ pneumoperitoneum results in oxidative injury to lung tissue, and administration of Erdosteine reduces the severity of pathological changes. Therefore, Erdosteine may be a useful preventive and therapeutic agent for CO₂ pneumoperitoneum-induced oxidative stress in laparoscopic surgery.

Comparison of the effects of N-acetyl cysteine and erdosteine in rats with renal injury caused by paracetamol intoxication

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic and preventive effects of N-acetyl cysteine and erdosteine on renal injury associated with paracetamol (acetaminophen) intoxication. Materials and methods: Female albino Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control; paracetamol (1 g/kg, oral); paracetamol (1 g/kg, oral) + erdosteine (150 mg/kg/day, oral); paracetamol (1 g/kg, oral) + N-acetyl cysteine (140 mg/kg bolus, followed by 70 mg/kg, oral); N-acetyl cysteine control (140 mg/kg bolus, followed by 70 mg/kg, oral); and erdosteine control (150 mg/kg/day, oral). Potential renal injury was assessed using biochemical analyses, radionuclide imaging, and histopathological parameters. Results: In the paracetamol group, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were significantly increased compared with controls. Histopathological examination showed tubular vacuolization, tubular necrosis, and remarkable interstitial inflammation. The excretion function was observed to be insufficient on radionuclide imaging. However, in the groups treated with erdosteine or N-acetyl cysteine after paracetamol, biochemical analyses, radionuclide imaging, and histopathological parameters showed significantly less evidence of renal toxicity than that observed in the group receiving paracetamol alone. Less renal toxicity was detected in rats receiving N-acetyl cysteine than in those receiving erdosteine. Conclusion: Renal injury may develop after paracetamol overdose. Erdosteine and N-acetyl cysteine are both effective in the prevention of renal injury when given in the early phase of paracetamol nephrotoxicity. N-acetyl cysteine is more protective than erdosteine.

Effects of Urtica dioica on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of Urtica dioica on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

METHODS

Thirty adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: sham group (group 1), control group (group 2), and Urtica dioica group (group 3). All the rats were exposed to hepatic ischemia for 60 min, followed by 60 min of reperfusion. In group 2, a total of 2 ml/kg 0.9% saline solution was given intraperitoneally. In group 3, a total of 2 ml/kg Urtica dioica was given intraperitoneally. At the end of the procedure, liver tissue and blood samples were taken from all rats. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, ceruloplasmin, catalase, paraoxonase, arylesterase, and lipid hydroperoxide levels were measured. Liver tissue histopathologies were also evaluated by light microscopy.

RESULTS

Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1, and significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2. Also, group 2 had higher serum lipid hydroperoxides and ceruloplasmin levels but lower catalase, paraoxonase, and arylesterase levels than group 1. In group 3, serum lipid hydroperoxides and ceruloplasmin levels were significantly lower, and catalase, paraoxonase, and arylesterase levels were higher than those in group 2. Histopathological examination showed that liver tissue damage was significantly decreased in group 3 compared with group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Urtica dioica has a protective effect on the liver in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion-injured rats.

Remicade as TNF Suppressor in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Remicade, a chimeric human-murine monoclonal antibody capable of neutralizing tumor necrosis factor alpha was given to 37 low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients in two cohorts; 5 and 10 mg/kg intravenously every 4 weeks for 4 cycles. Median age was 68 years, 33 had primary MDS, 14 had refractory anemia (RA), 14 RA with ringed sideroblasts, 9 RA with excess blasts. Nine patients stopped therapy prior to completing 4 cycles, 3 from cohort 1 and 6 from cohort 2 and response was evaluated using the International Working Group criteria in 28 patients who completed the 4 cycles. Six patients showed disease progression, 14 had stable disease and 8 showed hematologic responses, 3/15 (20%) in cohort 1 and 5/13 (38%) in cohort 2. Two patients had multi-lineage responses, 2 had > 100% increase in absolute neutrophils, 1 had > 1 gm/dl increase in hemoglobin, 1 had reduction in blasts from 7% to 1%, and 2 had minor cytogenetic responses (> 50% reduction in + 8 and 20q-metaphases respectively). We conclude that Remicade may have a variety of activities in low risk MDS patients, is well tolerated with a high patient compliance, and may be considered for combination therapy in the future.

Thoracotomies in children

Thoracotomies in children have been less extensively studied, as the incidence of diseases necessitating thoracotomies is low in the pediatric age group. This study reviews childhood thoracic diseases, thoracotomy approaches, indications, and complications. Surgical procedures and complications of a total of 196 children below 16 years of age who underwent thoracotomy for various reasons at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ataturk Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital, between January 2000 and December 2004, were reviewed in this study. Out of the 196 patients, 77 were female (39%) and 119 (61%) were male. The most commonly encountered indications for surgery were hydatid cyst (35%), bronchiectasis (25%), chronic nonspecific pleuritis (13%), chest wall deformities (10%), and mediastinal cystic formations and masses (10%). The other indications included tuberculosis (3%), aspergilloma (0.5%), fibrohyalinized cyst (0.5%), resection of trachea (0.5%), bronchogenic cyst (0.5%), inflammatory pseudo-tumor (0.5%), sequestration (1%), lipoblastoma (0.5%), and eosinophilic granuloma (1%). Out of the 196 patients, 176 underwent lateral thoracotomy and 20 patients with a chest wall deformity underwent midsternal incision. Complications were seen in 35 patients (18%): atelectasia and secretory retention (54%), wound infection (17%), hemorrhage (3%), chylothorax (3%), intrathoracic space (3%), and postoperative extended air leakage (20%). The mean hospital stay was 15 days and we did not encounter any mortality. The physiology and anatomy of the respiratory system and especially the respiratory control mechanism in pediatric patients vary from those of the adults, resulting in a more morbid course after thoracic surgery in children. Despite severe postoperative pain, posterolateral thoracotomy is the preferred approach in adults because of an advanced intrathoracic exposure and easy manipulation. On the other hand, lower pain threshold and the different types of diseases seen in children make lateral thoracotomy a more appropriate choice for thoracotomy, which, at the same time, spares the serratus anterior muscle decreasing its negative impact on postoperative respiratory function.

Acquired pulmonary arteriovenous malformation secondary to hydatid cyst operation

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are abnormal communications between pulmonary arteries and pulmonary veins. The majority of the cases are congenital in origin, and acquired pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are very rare. We present a case here, which - to the best of our knowledge - is the first acquired pulmonary arteriovenous malformation secondary to a hydatid cyst operation in the literature, and we discuss the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities and treatment of acquired pulmonary arteriovenous malformations.

Surgical results and prognosis of patients with primary bronchogenic carcinoma aged less than 36 years

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

This study reports on the demographic features, clinico-pathological results and prognoses of patients aged less than 36 years diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

This is an observational study of patients with primary NSCLC who had a surgical procedure at a tertiary thoracic surgery centre in Turkey. Data collected were age, gender, history of smoking, symptoms, postoperative histopathological diagnosis, stage, surgical procedure and survival.

RESULTS

Of the 31 patients in the study, 27 were male (87%) and the median age was 32 years (10-35 years). Nineteen patients were smokers (61.2%). The most common presenting symptom was cough (n = 23, 67.7%). Histopathological diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, n = 17), adenocarcinoma (n = 12), lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (n = 1) and undifferentiated carcinoma (n = 1). Staging of the 17 patients with SCC (58.8%) was stage I and II (n = 10, 58%), and stage III (n = 7, 41%). Staging of the 13 patients with adenocarcinoma was stage IV (n = 2, 16%) and stage III patients (n = 8, 66%). Follow-up data were available on 22 patients (71%) and showed a median survival of 17.2 months. Two and 5-year survival rates were 54.5% and 45.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

SCC comprised a relatively high proportion of NSCLC in these younger patients. Aggressive multimodality treatment may achieve satisfactory 2- and 5-year survival rates in young patients with NSCLC who usually present with advanced disease.

Pulmonary sequestration: a single-institutional series composed of 27 cases

OBJECTIVE

Large series about pulmonary sequestration from a single institute are rare in the literature. In this study, we aimed to evaluate diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of pulmonary sequestration in a single institute.

METHODS

Records of patients with pulmonary sequestration between January 1982 and January 2006 were reviewed retrospectively. Age, sex, symptoms, diagnostic procedures, operative findings, operative techniques, postoperative complications, and follow-up results were evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients, 17 male and 10 female, with an average age of 23.3 were operated on for pulmonary sequestration. Twenty patients had preoperative symptoms including recurrent pneumonia attacks, chest pain, hemoptysis, and shortness of breath. Chest radiography, thoracic computed tomography, aortography, magnetic resonance imaging, and bronchoscopy were used as diagnostic methods. Of the cases, 19 (70%) were intralobar pulmonary sequestration and 8 (30%) were extralobar pulmonary sequestration. Surgical procedures were lower lobectomy in 18 and segmentectomy in 1 of the patients with intralobar pulmonary sequestration and simple mass excision in all of those with extralobar pulmonary sequestration. Postoperative histopathologic examinations excluded any other alternative diagnosis. Furthermore, it detected an aspergilloma ball in 1 of the intralobar pulmonary sequestration specimens. Two patients had a postoperative complication (prolonged air leak in 1 patient and empyema in the other). During the follow-up period (mean 2.3 years), none of the patients presented a problem. No mortality was encountered.

CONCLUSION

Owing to the potentially severe complications they can cause, pulmonary sequestrations should be removed whenever they are diagnosed. Since careful dissection provides sufficient surgical comfort, preoperative identification of the aberrant vessels is not a rule for the success of the operation.

Hydatid disease of the first rib causing thoracic outlet syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To present a case of hydatid disease of the first rib as a rare cause of thoracic outlet syndrome.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 57-year-old female patient who had suffered from pain on the left shoulder radiating to the arm and numbness and weakness on the left arm for 3 months was admitted to our hospital. She had undergone an operation due to a mass lesion of the first rib compressing the thoracic outlet which was detected in the preoperative examinations. During the intraoperative examination it was decided that the lesion was a hydatid cyst and the first rib was totally resected.

CONCLUSION

This report shows that hydatid disease should be taken into consideration amongst the tumoral diseases of the first rib as a very rare cause of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Surgical management of bronchiectasis in childhood

OBJECTIVE

Though there is a gradual decrease in the prevalence of bronchiectasis, it is still a cause of mortality and morbidity among children in developing countries such as Turkey. We reviewed the morbidity and mortality rates and the outcome of surgical treatment for childhood bronchiectasis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Age, sex, etiological factors, symptoms, radiological examinations, surgical procedures, postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients aged 16 years and younger, operated for bronchiectasis between January 1991 and April 2006 in the Thoracic Surgery Clinic of Atatürk Training and Research Hospital for Chest Disease and Chest Surgery were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Between January 1991 and April 2006, 176 cases aged 16 and younger were operated for bronchiectasis. There were 95 females (54%) and 81 males (46%), with a mean age of 12.3 years (range: 3.4-16 years). The most common cause of bronchiectasis was lung infection (n: 87, 49.4%). Main symptoms were coughing (n: 167, 94.9%), sputum (n: 139, 79%), hemoptysis (n: 78, 44.3%), and fever (n: 77, 43.7%). Mean duration of the symptoms in patients who were operated was 3.8 years (range: 0-7.6 years). Cases underwent a total of 201 operations: 19 cases had bilateral surgical resection and 6 cases had completion pneumonectomy. Majority of cases had complete resection (n: 165, 93.75%) while only 11 cases (6.25%) had incomplete resection. Mean duration of hospitalization was 8.9 days (range: 5-39 days). The outcome, based on the responses of patients postoperatively, was 'perfect' in 129 cases (73.3%), 'improved' in 41 cases (23.3%), and 'no changes' in 6 cases (3.4%). The mean follow-up after surgery was 4.3 years (range: 14 months to 7.2 years), mortality was 0% and morbidity was 13% (n: 23).

CONCLUSION

With acceptable mortality and morbidity rates and high chance of cure after complete resection, surgical treatment is a successful and reliable method of treatment in childhood bronchiectasis that yields marked improvement in the quality of life.

Diffuse cystic disease of the lung associated with simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax: an unknown component of Caroli disease?

Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax is an uncommon and serious medical problem frequently related to an underlying lung disease such as parenchymal lung disease, inflammatory events or neoplasms. Recurrent pneumothorax associated with persistent air leakage may pose a therapeutic dilemma in patients with underlying lung diseases. Caroli disease (CD) is a very rare congenital disorder characterised by intrahepatic biliary cystic dilatations and frequently associated with polycystic kidney and hepatic fibrosis. To date, no relation between CD and the bilateral diffuse cystic structure of pulmonary parenchyma has been described. In this paper we present a patient with the diagnosis of CD in whom simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax was the initial finding due to severe underlying pulmonary disease. Our patient's demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and course made us exclude the other aetiologies leading to such diffuse multi-bullous pulmonary involvement. The coincidence of recurrent pneumothorax and severe pulmonary disease has led to a big therapeutic dilemma. Open or minimally invasive surgery could be morbid or even mortal because of the nature of the parenchyma and the operative risk due to CD. Therefore, we suggest a unique conservative management including tube thoracostomy by locating the correct air spaces with the aid of high-resolution computed tomography followed by talc pleurodesis in patients with severe multi-bullous lung disease associated with potential risks due to co-morbidities.

Rare cause of pleural nodularity: Splenosis

Splenosis is a rare condition described as ectopic splenic tissue implantation generally after a splenic rupture. A 35-year-old male patient who had a history of splenectomy operation due to gunshot wound seven years ago was referred to our hospital with complaints, including exhaustion, sweating and shortness of breath. Thoracic computed tomography of the patient showed nodular pleural thickenings at the level of the left lower lobe, which proved to be unrelated with the presenting symptoms. The patient underwent a minithoracotomy for diagnosis and treatment. During the intraoperative observation, dark-colored, soft, multiple nodular lesions with a biggest size of 2 cm inside the visceral pleura over an area of 5 x 10 cm in dimension were observed. Also, a few tiny nodules in the lung parenchyma approximately 1-cm deep to the pleural nodules were palpated. The lesions were excised. The histopathological examination of the specimen showed splenic tissue in the lung parenchyma and pleura, so the lesions were accepted as splenosis. Pleuropulmonary splenosis, which develops generally after simultaneous rupture of the diaphragma and spleen, is a very rare condition. Most of the patients are asymptomatic and the lesions are detected accidentally. If the diagnosis can be made preoperatively, surgical excision is not needed.

Hydatid cyst of the pulmonary artery secondary to hepatic hydatid cyst embolism

A cystic lesion of the liver extending into the inferior vena cava was discovered in a 33-year old female patient suffering from dyspnea, pain and swelling in the legs. Plain chest X-ray was normal. CT and MRI of the thorax showed a cystic lesion within the right pulmonary artery. The liver lesion was treated by a partial cystectomy and omentoplasty, inferior vena cava and bile ducts repair. Through a right thoracotomy, a hydatid cyst was found in the pulmonary artery and enucleated. Although very rare, pulmonary artery hydatidosis may be the cause of an unexplained dyspnea in patients with hydatidosis of the liver.

Utility of intraoperative frozen section examination in thoracic surgery. A review of 721 cases

AIM

Intraoperative frozen section examination (FSE) is an important tool for determining how extensive a surgical procedure needs to be. In this study we reviewed the indications for FSE, the correlation between FSE and postoperative histopathology, and the contribution of intraoperative FSE in determining the extent of the surgical procedure.

METHODS

A total of 744 FSE performed in 721 patients between January 1995 and January 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. The FSE were divided into 7 groups according to the indications of the request for frozen section. False positivity and false negativity were evaluated.

RESULTS

The indications for FSE included intraoperative diagnosis of pulmonary masses (311, 41.8%), determination of N2 status with mediastinoscopy and mediastinotomy (153, 20.6%), staging of pulmonary carcinomas during the operation (86, 11.6%), assessment of the margin of bronchial surgical resection following pulmonary resection (54, 7.2%), presence of solitary pulmonary nodules (75, 10.1%), presence of mediastinal masses (39, 5.2%), and pleural thickening (26, 3.5%). When compared to postoperative paraffin sections, FSE was found to have a 1.9% (8) rate of false negatives and a 0.2% (1) rate of false positives (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative FSE in thoracic surgery is a rather reliable method. When FSE indicates malignancy, it is a valuable guide in directing the extent of the ongoing surgical procedure. However, when FSE indicates a benign lesion, surgeons should interpret this in the light of the patient's clinical and radiological features and the lesion's macroscopic nature when deciding how extensive an operation needs to be.

Clinical and radiologic evaluation of foramen of Morgagni hernias and the transthoracic approach

The limited number of publications on repair of the foramen of Morgagni hernia concentrates mainly on the laparotomy approach. We present our experience with the transthoracic approach. Patients who were diagnosed as having a foramen of Morgagni hernia and were operated on via the transthoracic approach between December 1991 and June 2004 are reviewed retrospectively for their age, sex, presenting symptoms, and diagnostic and surgical procedures. Surgical repair was carried out via the transthoracic approach in all cases. Of the 24 patients who underwent transthoracic diaphragmatic repair of the defect, 16 were women and 8 were men, with an overall mean age of 55.1 years (range 42-69 years). In most cases the defect was on the right side; there was only one case of a left-sided defect. The most common presenting symptoms were dyspnea and gastrointestinal discomfort; five (20.8%) patients were asymptomatic. In 21 cases (87.5%) the diagnoses were established radiologically. The defect was accessed surgically via a posterolateral thoracotomy. No postoperative morbidity or mortality was observed. The mean follow-up was 8.3 years (14 months to 14 years), and no recurrence was noted. As important as the surgical repair of the foramen of Morgagni hernia itself is selection of the surgical approach so adhesions of the hernial sac from the surrounding tissues in the thoracic cavity are easily released. The transthoracic approach is amenable to safe primary repair of the defect and the release of adhesions, even in elderly and obese patients, in whom adhesions may be excessive.

A rare complication of subclavian vein catheterization: mediastinal haematoma, delayed resorption

Attempts for right and left subclavian vein catheterizations were unsuccessful in a patient followed for pre-eclampsia. Meanwhile, the patient developed chest pain and dyspnea. Chest radiography revealed mediastinal widening. Later, mediastinal haematoma was diagnosed by thoracic computed tomography. At 28 days follow-up, the mediastinal haematoma was resorbed. A review of literature revealed very few cases of mediastinal haematoma secondary to subclavian vein catheterization. In all these cases the haematoma was resorbed, usually within one week. Mediastinal haematoma is a rare complication and its resolution after several weeks adds to its rarity.

Giant primary mediastinal hydatid cyst causing Horner's syndrome: report of a case

As the liver and the lungs are the most common sites for hydatid cysts, a primary mediastinal involvement is quite rare. The symptoms related to primary mediastinal hydatid cysts usually depend on the size, location and compression to nearby structures. Presenting a 51-year-old male patient with the symptoms of Horner's Syndrome, we draw attention to a rare complication of a giant primary mediastinal hydatid cyst and its challenging management.

The clinical and biological effects of thalidomide in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes

Thirty patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) were treated with thalidomide at 100 mg/d p.o., increased as tolerated to 400 mg/d for 12 weeks. Levels of apoptosis, macrophage number, microvessel density (MVD), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), interleukin 6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were determined in the serum, bone marrow (BM) plasma and BM biopsies before and after therapy. Pretherapy biological characteristics of MDS patients were compared with similar studies performed in 11 normal volunteers. Ten patients demonstrated haematological improvement in the erythroid series, six becoming transfusion independent. Responders had a higher pretherapy platelet count (P < 0.048) and lower BM blasts (P < 0.013). Median time to response was 10 weeks, and four remain in remission beyond a year. Pretherapy MDS BMs showed higher MVD (P < 0.001) and TGF-beta (P < 0.03) and higher serum TNF-alpha (P < 0.008) compared with normal control subjects. After therapy, only BM TGF-beta decreased significantly (P < 0.002). Pretherapy haemoglobin was directly related to serum VEGF (P < 0.001) in responders and inversely related in non-responders (P < 0.05), suggesting the possibility that angiogenesis may be a primary pathology in the former and a consequence of anaemia-induced hypoxia in the latter. We conclude that thalidomide has important clinical and biological effects in at least a subset of MDS patients, but the precise mechanism of its action remains unknown and requires further study including a larger number of patients.

Successful establishment of long-term bone marrow cultures in 103 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes

We used bone marrow biopsies instead of mononuclear cells to maintain long-term cultures from 103 patients belonging to all five sub-categories of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), as well as 12 normal controls. By week 4, 30-50% confluency was reached and could be maintained for up to 12 weeks with 100% confluency. The four prominent cells were fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelial cells and adipocytes. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies provided lineage confirmation. Normal hematopoiesis was well supported by MDS stroma. Neither the FAB nor cytogenetics was co-related with the potency of growth. MDS stroma appears to be both morphologically and functionally normal.

Thalidomide produces transfusion independence in long-standing refractory anemias of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes

Thalidomide was administered to 83 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), starting at 100 mg by mouth daily and increasing to 400 mg as tolerated. Thirty-two patients stopped therapy before 12 weeks (minimum period for response evaluation), and 51 completed 12 weeks of therapy. International Working Group response criteria for MDS were used to evaluate responses. Intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis classified all off-study patients as nonresponders. Off-study patients belonged to a higher risk category (P =.002) and had a higher percentage of blasts in their pretherapy bone marrow than patients who completed 12 weeks of therapy (P =.003). No cytogenetic or complete responses were seen, but 16 patients showed hematologic improvement, with 10 previously transfusion-dependent patients becoming transfusion independent. Responders had lower pretherapy blasts (P =.016), a lower duration of pretherapy platelet transfusions (P =.013), and higher pretherapy platelets (P =.003). Among responders, 9 had refractory anemia (RA); 5 had RA with ringed sideroblasts; and 2 had RA with excess blasts. By ITT analysis, 19% of patients (16 of 83) responded, and when only evaluable patients were analyzed, 31% (16 of 51) responded. It was concluded that thalidomide, as a single agent, is effective in improving cytopenias of some MDS patients, especially those who present without excess blasts. (Blood. 2001;98:958-965)

Methamphetamine causes depletion of glutathione and an increase in oxidized glutathione in the rat striatum and prefrontal cortex

The administration of methamphetamine to experimental animals results in damage to dopaminergic neurons. The hypothesis that methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity is mediated by reactive oxygen species was evaluated. It was found that acute administration of methamphetamine (5 and 15 mg kg(-1)) resulted in production of oxidative stress as demonstrated by decreased glutathione and increased oxidized glutathione levels in the rat striatum and prefrontal cortex. These changes in glutathione and oxidized glutathione levels were dose-dependent in striatum but not in prefrontal cortex. In conclusion, the results of present study provide further evidence in support of the notion that oxidative stress may play an important role in the methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity.

High remission rate in acute myeloblastic leukemia with only two days of chemotherapy

Twenty five patients with AML who had neither a history of toxic exposure or myelodysplasia were treated with a remission induction regimen consisting of two pulses of chemotherapy separated by 96 hrs. Each pulse consisted of cytarabine 2gm/m(2) (at t=0 and t=12 hrs) with mitoxantrone [30mg/m(2) ] administered immediately after the second cytarabine administration. Amifostine was administered three times a week [on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday] until the outcome of therapy was known. This regimen induced complete remissions in 15 of 17 patients less than 70 years of age and in 5 of 8 patients older than 70 years.

Significance of tissue laminin P(1) elastase and fibronectin levels in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

OBJECTIVE

Elastase is a serine protease which hydrolyses connective tissue components. Laminin and fibronectin also play an important role in progression and invasion of cancer. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relation between tissue elastase, laminin P(1) and fibronectin levels and tumor characteristics, and analyze the potential of these as prognostic factors in transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with TCC of the bladder and 11 controls were included in this study. Elastase and fibronectin levels in tissue homogenates were determined using an enzyme immunoassay and laminin P(1) by radioimmunoassay. Mean follow-up was 43 months.

RESULTS

The mean elastase level in bladder carcinoma tissue was 120+/-11.42 ng/homogenate protein, while normal tissue level was 12.36+/-2.70 (p<0.01). The carcinoma and normal tissue mean laminin P(1) levels were 7.02+/-0.37 U and 0.65+/-0.10 U/mg homogenate protein, respectively (p<0.01). The mean fibronectin level was 19.97+/-1.45 ng/mg homogenate protein in the carcinoma tissue and 2.16+/-0.40 in normal tissue (p<0.01). There was no correlation between tumor stage, grade, size, multiplicity and elastase, laminin P(1) and fibronectin levels.

CONCLUSION

These results provide evidence that tissue elastase, laminin P(1) and fibronectin levels increase in TCC of the human bladder. Further studies including serum and urine levels should be performed in order to analyze their value as tumor markers in a larger group of patients.

Poor prognosis acute myelogenous leukemia: 1 - response to treatment with high dose cytarabine/mitoxantrone/ethyol @ (Amifostine)

Twenty patients with poor prognosis AML and four patients in the blastic phase of a myeloproliferative disorder were treated with two 'pulses' of therapy each consisting of two doses of high dose araC (separated by 12 h) followed by a single dose of mitoxantrone. The pulses were separated by 96 h. Amifostine was then administered tiw. The median age of the population was 68 years with 88% of patients having had either a prior MDS, MPD or toxic exposure. The acute leukemia of 58% of patients either entered a CR or reverted to preleukemic state. For patients under 70 years of age, treatment produced 62% CRs with a leukemia free decision marrow in 77%. For patients over 70 years the CR rate was 27% with 36% of patients having a leukemia free decision marrow.

Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes benefit from palliative therapy with amifostine, pentoxifylline, and ciprofloxacin with or without dexamethasone

Thirty-five patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) were registered on protocol MDS 96-02 and were receiving continuous therapy with pentoxifylline 800 mg 3 times a day and ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice a day by mouth; dexamethasone was added to the regimen for the partial responders and the nonresponders after 12 weeks at a dose of 4 mg by mouth every morning for 4 weeks. Amifostine was administered intravenously 3 times a week at 3 dose levels (200 mg/M(2), 300 mg/M(2), and 400 mg/M(2)) to cohorts of 10 patients each. Therapy has been continued for 1 year in responders. Twenty-nine have completed at least 12 weeks of therapy and are available for response evaluation. Of the 21 men and 8 women (median age, 67 years), 20 had refractory anemia (RA), 3 had RA with ringed sideroblasts (RARS), 5 had RA with excess blasts (RAEB), and 1 had chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMMoL). Five had secondary MDS. No differences were noted in response rates among the 3 dose levels. Seven patients did not respond at all, and 22 showed an improvement in cytopenias (76%). Three had a triple lineage response, 10 had a double lineage response, and 9 had a single lineage response (8 of 9 in absolute neutrophil count [ANC] and 1 had more than a 50% reduction in packed red blood cell transfusions). Fifteen patients responded only after the addition of dexamethasone, whereas 7 responded before. When examined by lineage, 19 of 22 showed improved ANC, 11 of 22 demonstrated more than 50% reduction in blood transfusions, improved Hb levels, or both, and 7 of 22 showed improvement in platelet counts. Interestingly, the responses were frequently slow to appear, and continued improvement in counts was seen up to 12 months of therapy and beyond. This study supports the feasibility of treating patients with MDS with the unique approach of cytoprotection and anticytokine therapies as well as the principle that prolonged commitment to treatment is desirable when noncytotoxic agents are administered. (Blood. 2000;95:1580-1587)

Biologic characteristics of patients with hypocellular myelodysplastic syndromes

Rates of proliferation and apoptosis as well as expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and the number of macrophages were measured in bone marrow (BM) biopsies of 33 patients who presented with hypocellular (cellularity < 30%) myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Results showed that 2/3 of the patients had high apoptosis, high cytokine levels and large number of macrophages in their biopsies while 1/3 did not. Apoptosis and TNF-alpha levels were directly related (r = 0.583, P = 0.003, n = 24) as was apoptosis and the degree of anemia (P = 0.033, n = 18). A subgroup of patients with abnormalities of chromosomes 5 or 7 had higher platelets (P = 0.026) and higher apoptosis (P = 0.038) when compared with the rest of the group. Eight patients had no evidence of apoptosis and almost no detectable TNF-alpha in their biopsies. We conclude that within the hypocellular variant of MDS, there may be two distinct sub-groups of patients, one who present with high cytokine-mediated intramedullary apoptosis and the other who may be better characterized as having a stem-cell failure defect since they showed no evidence of apoptosis.

Biological characteristics of myelodysplastic syndrome patients who demonstrated high versus no intramedullary apoptosis

Spontaneous intramedullary apoptosis was measured in bone marrow (BM) biopsies of 175 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) using in situ end-labeling (ISEL) of fragmented DNA. Two groups of high (n=71) versus low (n =43) levels of apoptosis were identified while 61 patients were ISEL-negative. Semiquantitative assessment of 3 cytokines, the number of macrophages and in vivo labeling indices (LI) were also determined from consecutive sections of the biopsy. Patients with high apoptosis levels tended to have a high LI (p=0.013), more macrophages in their BM biopsies (p=0.006) and higher tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) levels (not significant) compared to patients with no apoptosis. In addition, low risk MDS patients had significantly lower rates of apoptosis (p = 0.047) and lower levels of TNF-alpha (p = 0.055) compared to high-risk MDS patients. We conclude that the genesis of cytopenias in MDS is of multifactorial origin and that cytokine-associated apoptosis clearly identifies a distinct biological subgroup of patients who may benefit selectively by use of anti-cytokine therapies.