Orkan Ergün

Enzymatic debridement of burn wound with collagenase in children with partial-thickness burns

Seventy-eight pediatric burn patients treated by enzymatic debridement with collagenase clostridiopeptidase A (CCA), were compared to 41 patients those burn wounds were excised surgically. Patients whose burn wounds were initially assessed as partial-thickness at admission were enrolled in the study. Total removal of eschar was achieved in 49 of 78 (62.8%) patients by CCA only (group D). In 29 patients (37.2%), therapy with CCA was ceased because of the development of burn wound infection or a manifest need for grafting of the wound, therefore, these patients underwent tangential wound excision (group DS). The records of 41 patients, treated by early tangential excision, having similar burn wounds by extent and depth with groups D and DS were used as controls (group S). There was no significant difference between the time to achieve a clean wound bed in groups D, DS and S (mean 7.8, 8, and 7 days, respectively, P>0.05). In group D, none of the patients required blood transfusion, except one. Patients in group DS were found to have fewer excisions (mean 1.1) when compared to those in group S (mean 1.5, P<0.05). The shortest hospital stay was found in group D (12.5 days, P<0.01). In conclusion, the use of CCA, provided a short hospital stay, reduced the overall need for surgery and blood transfusions in patients with partial-thickness burns. Thus, CCA should be considered as an initial treatment of choice for removal of eschar in children, having a partial-thickness burn wound without infection.

Aluminum in total parenteral nutrition solutions produces portal inflammation in rats

BACKGROUND Aluminum contaminates parenteral nutrition solutions and accumulates in bone and liver of patients receiving total parenteral nutrition therapy. Although previous reports have shown that parenteral administration of aluminum in pharmacologic doses to rats results in the production of elevated total serum bile acid concentrations alone or in combination with decreased bile flow, they have failed to demonstrate any abnormalities in the histologic appearance of liver tissue. The effects of aluminum in total parenteral nutrition and of aluminum chloride on total serum bile acid concentrations, aluminum contents of the liver, and histopathologic changes in the liver were studied in rats. METHODS The aluminum concentrations in the aluminum chloride solution and total parenteral nutrition formula were equal (300 microg/l). They were given intraperitoneally as follows: control group, 0.9% saline for 14 days; T7 group, total parenteral nutrition for 7 days; A7 group, aluminum chloride for 7 days; A14 group, aluminum chloride for 14 days; T7A7 group, total parenteral nutrition for 7 days and aluminum chloride for the next 7 days; and T7O7 group, total parenteral nutrition for 7 days and 0.9% saline for the next 7 days. Volumes of 0.9% saline, aluminum chloride, and total parenteral nutrition given to rats were equal. During the experiment, rats were maintained on rat chow and water ad libitum. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and bile acid concentrations and aluminum content of the liver were measured. The liver was evaluated histopathologically by light microscope, and a morphologic portal inflammation index was calculated. RESULTS Portal inflammation was present in all groups except the control group. The morphologic portal inflammation correlated with hepatic aluminum accumulation in all groups and was the highest in the T7A7 group. Levels of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase did not correlate with the histopathologic findings, but serum bile acid concentrations correlated with morphologic portal inflammation and hepatic aluminum accumulation in all groups. Hepatic aluminum accumulation also correlated with the duration of exposure to total parenteral nutrition and aluminum chloride concentration. CONCLUSION Aluminum in contaminating doses, not in pharmacologic doses, accumulates in the liver and can produce hepatobiliary dysfunction characterized by portal inflammation detectable in histologic examination of liver tissue.

Unilateral inguinal hernia in girls : is routine contralateral exploration justified ?

To determine the incidence of contralateral hernia development after unilateral inguinal hernia repair in girls, collected case series from two large hospitals were analyzed retrospectively. Among the 294 girls who had analyzed repair of a unilateral inguinal hernia (during a 15-year period), 245 could be traced; the mean follow-up period was 8.4 years. In 25 (10.2%) of the patients, contralateral hernia developed, mostly within one year (4 months to 6.5 years). The incidence of contralateral hernia development with respect to the original side of the inguinal hernia was significantly higher (19%) for the originally left-sided hernias than for the right-sided ones (6%) (P < .01). Although the incidence of contralateral hernia development for girls with a left inguinal hernia decreased as age increased, it was still 14.9% for the girls age 3 and up. Contralateral exploration should not be routine for girls who have a right-sided hernia, at any age. For left-sided hernias, it may be performed routinely for girls up to 2 years of age, and selectively for older patients.

Carnitine as a preventive agent in experimental renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

Abstract Reactive oxygen species generated during the reperfusion of ischemic kidney, as well as any other tissue, cause lipid peroxidation damaging the cell membrane. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of carnitine in reperfusion injury of the kidney. Male albino rabbits were subjected to unilateral renal 1-h warm ischemia followed by 15 min of reperfusion. Group I (n=9): control group received 3 cc of isotonic saline solution and group II (n=9): carnitine group received 100 mg/kg of carnitine. Blood samples were collected at the 15th min of reperfusion from the left renal vein selectively. Preischemic and post-reperfusion serum and renal tissue MDA levels were measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) spectrophotometric analysis. The preischemic serum and tissue MDA values (sham values) for groups I and II were statistically comparable (P > 0.01). Serum and tissue MDA levels were markedly elevated after 15 min of reperfusion in group I (P < 0.01), while the values remained in the baseline levels following reperfusion in group II (P > 0.01). In group I, the major histological differences observed in the reperfused kidneys were marked edema and congestion whereas glomerular and tubular cellular integrity were well preserved in group II. Pre-treatment with carnitine in solid organ transplantations, preschock states, surgical procedures that require temporary vascular clamping etc. may be helpful to minimize the reperfusion injury in the involved tissue, reducing morbidity and mortality.

Management of instrumental perforations of the esophagus occurring during treatment of corrosive strictures

BACKGROUND The initial symptoms of esophageal perforations (EP) may be subtle, but the progression is very rapid, and the outcome may be disastrous unless the diagnosis is made early and proper treatment is started immediately. METHODS Between 1976 and 1996, 1,249 patients with caustic esophageal burns were treated at Ege University. The study group is composed of 52 patients with instrumental ER Perforations occured during dilatation attempts of esophageal strictures. Twelve patients were referred from other institutions after the occurrence of EP. RESULTS In two patients, emergency surgical repair of the perforation was possible. Seventeen patients with unilateral and two patients with bilateral empyema were treated by pleural drainages. Anterior retrosternal mediastinal drainage was needed in one patient, and 11 patients required posterior mediastinal drainages. Three patients were treated by both anterior and posterior mediastinal drainage. Tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEF) developed in eight patients immediately after a dilatation attempt. Seven of these patients required esophageal replacement with colon to bypass the fistulas, and one patient in this group healed spontaneously. EP healed in 42.5 +/- 49.4 days. Twelve (23%) patients died of mediastinitis and sepsis. CONCLUSION When EP is diagnosed and treated with these methods, the mortality rate should approach zero.

Single center experience in single-incision laparoscopic surgery in children in Turkey

PURPOSE Minimally invasive surgery has evolved into single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) in the recent years. Few reports have addressed the practicality of SILS in children. Our current experience with regard to feasibility and effectiveness of SILS in children is presented. METHODS A retrospective review of the operative database for patients operated on using SILS in our department from March 2009 to July 2010 was performed. Data regarding the type of the procedure, age, sex, operative performance, hospital stay, and complications were collected. MAIN RESULTS Among 43 patients, cholecystectomy was performed in 11; appendectomy, in 10; unroofing for ovarian cysts, in 5; unroofing for splenic cysts, in 4; oophorectomy, in 6 (ovarian torsion, 2; teratoma, 4); ovary-preserving teratoma excision, in 1; splenectomy, in 1; gonadectomy, in 3; and varicocelectomy, in 2. There were no conversions to standard laparoscopic or open techniques. The only postoperative complication was a wound infection that occurred after an appendectomy. CONCLUSION Although currently more expensive, SILS can be performed in children in almost every pediatric surgical procedure that can be accomplished with conventional laparoscopic techniques. The most significant contribution of SILS procedure is cosmesis. Postoperative pain and length of hospital stay were not improved.

A single centre experience in circumcision of haemophilia patients: Izmir protocol.

Summary.  Haemophiliacs and their families consider that circumcision is a very important step to become a member of society and it is a social obligation for men in Turkey. Although bleeding risk is high, almost all haemophiliacs would like to be circumcised in Turkish society. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience in circumcision of haemophilia patients and define efficacy, safety and complication rates of our protocol, called ‘Izmir protocol’. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed medical records of 50 patients with haemophilia who underwent circumcision at our hospital according to Izmir protocol between 1996 and 2009. Oral tranexamic acid and fibrin glue were used in all children. One hour before the operation, first dose of factor concentrate was given. After reaching a plasma factor level of around 90–100%, the prepuce was incised circumferentially and excised using Gomco clamp or open technique under general anaesthesia. Intermittent injections of factor concentrate were given every 12 for 48 h. While the first two doses were given at higher amount to achieve or continue plasma factor level at 90–100%, in the last three doses, the aim was to maintain the plasma factor level at 50–60%. Forty‐eight hours after the circumcision, patients were discharged. Three patients (6%) showed bleeding complication and all were resolved easily. All had at least one excuse from the protocol (Lower doses of factor concentrates was used in 2, tranexamic acid was not used in 2). Izmir protocol is safe, cheap and easy to carry out.

Determination of serum bile acids routinely may prevent delay in diagnosis of total parenteral nutrition-induced cholestasis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Early diagnosis of development of cholestasis is a current major problem for patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Conventional tests for hepatic function such as serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase do not often reflect simultaneously histopathologic changes of the liver. The aim of this study is to find out the relationships between conventional hepatic function tests, total serum bile acid concentrations (TSBA), and the histopathologic changes in the liver during TPN administration in rats. METHODS Forty Albino rats were divided into four experimental groups, each consisting of 10 rats, as follows: control group (C), 0.9% saline for 14 days; T7 group, TPN for 7 days; T14 group, TPN for 14 days; T7O7 group, TPN for 7 days and then 0.9% saline for the next 7 days. All solutions were administered by infusion through intraperitoneal catheter in two equal doses. During the experiment, rats also maintained on rat chow and water ad libitum. Levels of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and TSBA were measured. Liver was evaluated histopathologically by light microscope and then Morphological Cholestasis Index (MCI) was calculated. RESULTS Cholestasis was present in all experimental groups except control. Levels of transaminases and alkaline phosphatase were not correlated with the histopathologic changes (P > .05), but TSBA concentrations were correlated with MCI in all groups (P< .01). TSBA concentrations and MCI in all groups also were correlated with the duration of exposure with TPN (P< .01). CONCLUSIONS Measurement of TSBA seems to be more sensitive in early diagnosis of TPN-induced cholestasis. Therefore, periodical determination of TSBA during TPN administration can be done routinely.

Incidence and prognosis of intraabdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in children

PURPOSE Intraabdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are associated with high mortality rates in children (40-60%). However, literature lacks comprehensive series in childhood. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidences of IAH and ACS, to identify high risk disorders for the development of IAH/ACS and to decrease ACS-associated mortality by early diagnosis and timely intervention. METHODS A prospective study was performed between December 2009 and October 2010 in our institution. IAH was defined by a sustained or repeated pathological elevation in IAP≥12mmHg without a new organ failure. ACS was identified as a sustained IAP>15mmHg with a new organ dysfunction/failure. After recognition of IAH or ACS, patients underwent prompt decompressive interventions as medical or surgical procedures. RESULTS 150 patients were enrolled to the study (86 M, 64 F). The incidences of IAH and ACS were 9% and 4%, respectively. High risk disorders were trauma, ileus, necrotizing enterocolitis, abdominal wall defects, diaphragmatic hernia and septic shock with massive fluid resuscitation. 14 patients with IAH were treated and mean IAP was decreased from 13.9±1.9mmHg to 9.2±2.1mmHg (p<0.001). None of them progressed to ACS. Six patients with ACS underwent decompressive laparotomy. Mean IAP decreased significantly from 20±3mmHg to 9±1.4mmHg (p=0.001). Vital signs like mean urine output, abdominal perfusion pressure (APP) and respiratory rate were significantly improved after surgery (p<0.05). ACS-associated mortality rate was determined as 16%. CONCLUSIONS IAH or ACS was occurred in nearly one tenth of patients admitted to neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. High clinical suspect must be drawn on to recognize and treat these clinical complications more efficiently. Regular and frequent IAP measurement in high risk disorders is essential for early diagnosis. Lower mortality rates can be achieved by early recognition and timely intervention in children.

Pseudomonas necrotizing fasciitis following an intramuscular injection in an immunocompetent child

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a deep-seated infection of the subcutaneous tissue that results in progressive destruction of fascia and fat, but may spare the skin. It is classified into two types: Type 1 is polymicrobial, and is caused by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Type 2 is monomicrobial, and is most often caused by Group A Streptococci. Monomicrobial NF caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is extremely rare. Only five such cases have been reported in children: three of whom had acute leukemia and presented with NF involving the vulva; one who developed NF following penetrating trauma; and the last who was an immunocompetent infant. We report the second case of a Type 2 NF caused by P. aeruginosa in a 3-year-old boy without any known immunodeficiency or complicated medical illnesses. To our knowledge, the present case is also the first case in the literature that developed Type 2 NF caused by P. aeruginosa following an i.m. injection.