Hueldine Webb

Enteral nutrition in the early postoperative period : A new semi-elemental formula versus total parenteral nutrition

Several studies have reported that gastrointestinal (GI) intolerance symptoms are the limiting factor to enteral alimentation in the immediate postoperative period and often the reason for resorting to total parenteral nutrition (TPN). We postulated that Reabilan HN (a recently developed small peptide-based formula, in part obtained by enzyme hydrolysis of proteins) might be better absorbed and better tolerated so as to avoid the need for TPN. Accordingly, 19 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were randomly assigned to receive Reabilan HN via jejunostomy or an equicaloric isonitrogenous TPN regimen. Both were begun 6 hr postoperatively at 25 ml/hr and increased by 25 ml/hr at 12-hr intervals up to the rate providing 1.5 times the calculated REE. GI tolerance to enteral feeding was excellent during the first three postoperative days, allowing the progression of the feeding rate to 99% of goal. During the next 3 days (starting on average 1.7 days after the return of bowel sounds), GI intolerance symptoms required a reduction in feeding rate to 52% on average. Subsequently, the symptoms resolved and the feeding rate reached 96% of goal. Although overall mean daily calorie and nitrogen intakes were lower for the enteral than for the TPN group (79.6 +/- 10.2% vs 94.6 +/- 3.8% of goal; p less than 0.01), the enteral group was nevertheless in positive caloric and nitrogen balance, and maintained similar serum albumin, prealbumin, and plasma transferrin levels. Average daily cost of supplies was

The Surgical Management of Empyema Thoracis in Substance Abuse Patients: A 5-Year Experience

44.36 for enteral vs

Effects of plasmapheresis and autotransfusion on complement recovery in dogs

102.10 for parenteral nutrition (p less than 0.001). We conclude that enteral feeding using this formula is well tolerated and cost-effective in the immediate postoperative period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Reappraisal of Empyema Thoracis : Surgical Intervention When the Duration of Illness is Unknown

Postpneumonic empyema (EMP) may develop in substance abuse patients, requiring prolonged hospitalization. An algorithm that provides quality care and a rational basis for timely surgical intervention would be advantageous. We report our five-year experience with EMP in substance abuse patients and present such a treatment plan. Sixty-one substance abuse patients were treated for EMP. Posteroanterior, lateral, and decubitus x-ray studies were obtained before treatment to assess fluid movement. Chest tubes were placed to drain frank pus and to obtain material for positive smears. X-ray studies and computed tomography were done 24 hours later to assess parenchymal pathology and to detect any multiple loculations. Thirty-three substance abuse patients recovered following initial tube thoracostomy and 7 after a second chest tube was introduced. Twenty-one had multiple loculations and underwent thoracotomy. Twenty of the 21 required extensive debridement or decortication, or both; 2 required lobectomy and 1 pneumonectomy. Chest tubes were removed on an average of 6 +/- 1.5 days. Average postoperative stay was 10.7 +/- 2 days. There were 2 early deaths and 1 late death and no recurrent EMP. Bacteriology findings were nonspecific and often polymicrobial. We conclude that early thoracotomy can be lifesaving in the presence of a benign clinical course.

Clinical InvestigationsReappraisal of Empyema Thoracis: Surgical Intervention When the Duration of Illness is Unknown

To study selectively the dilutional aspects of severe blood loss on the serum complement system, we developed an animal model consisting of isovolumic phlebotomy and reinfusion of washed autologous erythrocytes. This model avoided hypoperfusion, ischemia, and transfusion of foreign antigen. We measured total serum protein, C3 antigen, total complement hemolytic activity, and alternative pathway hemolytic activity. Each of the first three parameters dropped to 55% of initial value (P less than 0.005) by the end of the phlebotomy/reinfusion procedure and returned to normal levels by Day 1 or 2. C3 antigen and total complement hemolytic activity then rose to 150% of normal by Day 4 and gradually returned to normal within 2 weeks. Alternative pathway activity, by contrast, fell by more than 80% (P less than 0.005) within the first 6 hr, recovered by Day 4, and gradually rose to about 140% of normal by Day 21. Trauma patients treated for heavy blood loss who suffer depletion of hemolytic complement during the first few hours may be at greater risk of infection due to immune deficiencies. The implication of the results presented here is that the alternative pathway may be particularly weakened during blood loss and transfusion by simple dilution in addition to the effects of processes omitted in this model. Knowledge of the kinetics of complement recovery, independent of other effects usually accompanying trauma, may be helpful in determining whether these patients might benefit from exogenous manipulation of the complement system.