This article discusses the evolving real-world practice using nitazoxanide,nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)and/or azithromycin(Kelleni’s protocol)to manage the evolving manifestations of severe acute resp...This article discusses the evolving real-world practice using nitazoxanide,nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)and/or azithromycin(Kelleni’s protocol)to manage the evolving manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)Omicron EG.5.1,its descendant HV.1 as well as BA.2.86 and its descendant JN.1 subvariants in Egypt in 2024.These subvariants are well-known for their highly evolved immune-evasive properties and the manifestations include some peculiar manifestations as persistent cough besides high fever in young children as well as high fever,persistent severe cough,change of voice,loss of taste and smell,epigastric pain,nausea,vomiting,diarrhea,generalized malaise and marked bone aches in adults including the high-risk groups.It’s suggested that the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 evolution is continuing to mostly affect the high-risk groups of patients,to some of whom we’ve also successfully prescribed nitazoxanide and/or NSAIDs for post-exposure prophylaxis of all household contacts.We also continue to recommend starting the immune-modulatory antiviral Kelleni’s protocol as soon as possible in the course of infection and adjusting it in a personalized manner to be more aggressive from the beginning for the high risk patients,at least until the currently encountered surge of infections subsides.展开更多
In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the intervention effect of prophylactic antibiotic use in thyroid surgery in a large hospital. From 2004 to 2012, 70 patients who underwent thyroid surgery were randomly sele...In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the intervention effect of prophylactic antibiotic use in thyroid surgery in a large hospital. From 2004 to 2012, 70 patients who underwent thyroid surgery were randomly selected each year. The quality of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis （SAP） was assessed each year in terms of antibiotic ratio, choice, duration, timing, combination, route of administration and so on. The result showed that the SAP ratio was 100% from 2004 to 2010. With our intervention, this SAP ratio was decreased to 45.7% in 2011, and it reached 2.9% in 2012. The AUD was consistently greater than 38 before 2010, while it rapidly declined to 1 in 2012. The number of DDDs per 100 operations was decreased from 431 to 3 after the intervention. The average cost of antibiotic drugs per patient was RMB 350.65 in 2010, whereas it was decreased to RMB 18.51 in 2012. The average duration of hospitalization showed no difference during the intervention. This study indicated that implementation of a multi-disciplinary protocol and clinical pharmacist interventions could improve the rational use of SAP.展开更多
Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage liver diseases and acute liver failure.With advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive regimens,patient survival rates have signi...Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage liver diseases and acute liver failure.With advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive regimens,patient survival rates have significantly improved.While the systemic complications of post-transplantation are well recognized,ophthalmic manifestations remain underreported.Ophthalmic complications can significantly impair visual function and increase morbidity in these patients.Prolonged immunosuppression makes the patients susceptible to the opportunistic pathogens such as Cytomegalovirus,Candida,Aspergillus,etc.Other common findings include dry eye disease,cataracts and retinal vascular complications which further contribute to the long-term morbidity in these patients.Early ophthalmic evaluation and prompt management are essential to prevent irreversible vision loss and improve post-transplant outcomes.High index of suspicion and multidisciplinary approach is essential to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.This review highlights the range of ophthalmic complications observed in liver transplant recipients and underscores the need for future research focused on understanding the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and refining the prophylactic protocols to improve outcomes in this unique patient population.展开更多
BACKGROUND Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis(PEP)is a prevalent and potentially serious complication in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.AIM To comprehe...BACKGROUND Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis(PEP)is a prevalent and potentially serious complication in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.AIM To comprehensively assess the efficacy of indomethacin therapy in reducing PEP risk.METHODS We searched PubMed,EMBASE,Scopus,and Cochrane Library databases to identify randomized controlled trials(RCTs)that compared rectal indomethacin with a control group to prevent PEP.Duplicates were removed,and studies were included based on the established inclusion criteria.We used the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool to assess the risk of bias in the RCTs.A random-effects model was applied to produce pooled risk ratios(RRs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs).RESULTS We included a total of 30 RCTs involving 16977 patients.Compared to the control group,rectal indomethacin showed comparable rates of overall PEP(PEP;RR=0.85,95%CI:0.69-1.04,I2=79%)with no statistically significant difference of RR in mild(RR=0.92,95%CI:0.74-1.14),moderate(RR=0.78,95%CI:0.59-1.02),or severe PEP(RR=1.12,95%CI:0.75-1.67).There was also no difference in cases of adverse events(RR=0.97,95%CI:0.69-1.35),abdominal pain(RR=1.14,95%CI:0.80-1.62),bleeding(RR=1.07,95%CI:0.70-1.63),or mortality(RR=0.86,95%CI:0.56-1.33)between the two groups.Subgroup analyses were also performed.CONCLUSION Rectal indomethacin appears to be safe and may offer benefit in selected high-risk patients,though findings should be interpreted with caution due to high heterogeneity.展开更多
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a very common infection worldwide. Its reactivation in patients receiving immunosuppression has been widely described as being associated with significant morbidity and mortality unless anti...Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a very common infection worldwide. Its reactivation in patients receiving immunosuppression has been widely described as being associated with significant morbidity and mortality unless anti-viral prophylaxis is administered. Treatment in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients has changed in recent years and immunosuppression and biological therapies are now used more frequently than before. Although current studies have reported an incidence of hepatitis B in inflammatory bowel disease patients similar to that in the general population, associated liver damage remains an important concern in this setting. Liver dysfunction may manifest in several ways, from a subtle change in serum aminotransferase levels to fulminant liver failure and death. Patients undergoing double immunosuppression are at a higher risk, and reactivation usually occurs after more than one year of treatment. As preventive measures, all IBD patients should be screened for HBV markers at diagnosis and those who are positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen should receive antiviral prophylaxis before undergoing immunosuppression in order to avoid HBV reactivation. Tenofovir/entecavir are preferred to lamivudine as nucleos(t)ide analogues due to their better resistance profile. In patients with occult or resolved HBV, viral reactivation does not appear to be a relevant issue and regular DNA determination is recommended during immunosuppression therapy. Consensus guidelines on this topic have been published in recent years. The prevention and management of HBV infection in IBD patients is addressed in this review in order to address practical展开更多
AIM:To investigate if antibiotics administered within 8 h of endoscopy reduce mortality or increase the incidence of Clostridium difficile infection(CDI).METHODS:A 2-year retrospective analysis of all patients who pre...AIM:To investigate if antibiotics administered within 8 h of endoscopy reduce mortality or increase the incidence of Clostridium difficile infection(CDI).METHODS:A 2-year retrospective analysis of all patients who presented with first variceal hemorrhage was undertaken.The primary outcome measure was 28-d mortality.Secondary outcome measures were 28-d rebleeding rates and 28-d incidence of CDI.All patients were admitted to a tertiary liver unit with a consultantled,24-h endoscopy service.Patients received standard care including terlipressin therapy.Data collection included:primary and secondary outcome measures,timing of first administration of intravenous antibiotics,eti-ology of liver disease,demographics,endoscopy details and complications.A prospective study was undertaken to determine the incidence of CDI in the study population and general medical inpatients admitted for antibiotic therapy of at least 5 d duration.Statistical analysis was undertaken using univariate,non-parametric tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS:There were 70 first presentations of variceal hemorrhage during the study period.Seventy percent of cases were male and 65.7% were due to chronic alcoholic liver disease.In total,64/70(91.4%) patients received antibiotics as prophylaxis during their admission.Specifically,53/70(75.7%) received antibiotics either before endoscopy or within 8 h of endoscopy [peri-endoscopy(8 h) group],whereas 17/70(24.3%) received antibiotics at > 8 h after endoscopy or not at all(non peri-endoscopy group).Overall mortality and rebleeding rates were 13/70(18.6%) and 14/70(20%),respectively.The periendoscopy(8 h) group was significantly less likely to die compared with the non peri-endoscopy group [13.2% vs 35.3%,P = 0.04,odds ratio(OR) = 0.28(0.078-0.997)] and showed a trend towards reduced rebleeding [17.0% vs 29.4%,P = 0.27,OR = 0.49(0.14-1.74)].On univariate analysis,the non peri-endoscopy group [P = 0.02,OR = 3.58(1.00-12.81)],higher model for end-stage liver disease(MELD) score(P = 0.02),presence of hepatorenal syndrome [P < 0.01,OR = 11.25(2.24-56.42)] and suffering a clinical episode of sepsis [P = 0.03,OR = 4.03(1.11-14.58)] were significant predictors of death at 28 d.On multivariate logistic regression analysis,lower MELD score [P = 0.01,OR = 1.16(1.04-1.28)] and periendoscopy(8 h) group [P = 0.01,OR = 0.15(0.03-0.68)] were independent predictors of survival at 28 d.The CDI incidence(5.7%) was comparable to that in the general medical population(5%).CONCLUSION:Antibiotics administered up to 8 h following endoscopy were associated with improved survival at 28 d.CDI incidence was comparable to that in other patient groups.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effect of prophylaxis withantibiotics on clinical adverse events in patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) or endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR) for colorectal lesions.METH...AIM: To investigate the effect of prophylaxis withantibiotics on clinical adverse events in patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) or endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR) for colorectal lesions.METHODS: From June 2011 to December 2013, a total of 428 patients were enrolled into the study, of which 214 patients admitted to hospital underwent EMR or ESD procedures. These patients were randomized to an antibiotic group, in which patients were given cefuroxime 1.5 g iv half an hour before and 6 h after surgery respectively, and a control group, in which patients were not given any antibiotic. A further 214 outpatients with small polyps treated by polypectomy were compared with controls that were matched by age and gender, and operations were performed as outpatient surgery. Recorded patient parameters were demographics, characteristics of lesions and treatment modality, and the size of the wound area. The primary outcome measures were clinical adverse events, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, hemotachezia, and fever. Secondary outcome measures were white blood cell count, C-reactive protein and blood culture. Additionlly, the relationship between the size of the wound area and clinical adverse events was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 409 patients were enrolled in this study, with 107 patients in the control group, 107 patients in the antibiotic group, and another 195 cases in the follow-up outpatient group. The patients' demographic characteristics, including age, gender, characteristics of lesions, treatment modality, and the size of the wound area were similar between the 2 groups. The rates of adverse events in the antibiotic group were significantly lower than in the control group: abdominal pain(2.8% vs 14.9%, P < 0.01), diarrhea(2.0% vs 9.3%, P < 0.05), and fever(0.9% vs 8.4%, P < 0.05) respectively. The levels of inflammatory markers also decreased significantly in the antibiotic group compared with the control group: leukocytosis(2.0% vs 11.2%, P < 0.01), and C-reactiveprotein(2.0% vs 10.7%, P < 0.05). Additionally, clinica adverse events were related to the size of the surgica wound area. When the surgical wound area was larger than 10 mm × 10 mm, there were more clinica adverse events.CONCLUSION: Clinical adverse events are not uncommon after EMR or ESD procedures. Prophylactic antibiotics can reduce the incidence of clinical adverse events. This should be further explored.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the efficacy of a Chinese medicine, Yi-gan-kang granule (granules for benefiting the liver), in prophylaxis and treatment of liver fibrosis in rats and its possible mechanism. METHODS: One hundred a...AIM:To investigate the efficacy of a Chinese medicine, Yi-gan-kang granule (granules for benefiting the liver), in prophylaxis and treatment of liver fibrosis in rats and its possible mechanism. METHODS: One hundred and forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups (20 each): group 1, blank control group without any interference during the study; group 2, CCI4-induced liver fibrosis group; group 3, pig serum-induced liver fibrosis group; group 4, prophylaxis group of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by Yi-gan-kang; group 5, prophylaxis group of pig serum-induced liver fibrosis by Yi-gan-kang; group 6, treatment group of CCI4-induced liver fibrosis by Yi-gan-kang; group 7, treatment group of CCI4-induced liver fibrosis by Yi-gan-kang. At wk 6,10,14 and 20 (baseline for CCl4., or big serum induction), five rats in each group were anesthetized and their livers were removed for pathological studies including immunohistochemical studies for α-SMA, type I collagen and In situ hybridization of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TTMP-1) mRNA of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Anti-lipid peroxidation in isolated mitochondria and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay for proliferation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-medicated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL), flow cytometry and electron microscopy for apoptosis in isolated HSCs were also studied. RESULTS: The mean number of pseudolobuli at wk 10, 14 and 20 in the prophylaxis group was significantly less than that in the control group (P<0.05 or 0.01). The effect of prophylaxis at wk 14 in CCI4 rats and at wk 10 in pig serum-induced rats was much better than that of treatment group (P<0.01). The thickness (in μm) of fibers both in pig serum-induced prophylaxis and in treatment groups at wk 14 and. 20 was significantly less than that in control group (P<0.05). The number of fibers both in prophylaxis and in treatment groups from wk 10 or 14 to 20 was significantly less than that in control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The tissue HSC positive rates of type I collagen, α-SMA and TIMP-1 mRNA, which represented the active phenotype of HSCs in tissues, remained very high from wk 6 to the end of model making in control group. While in prophylaxis group, they were at a relatively low level. In treatment group, there was a gradual decreasing trend. Time- and dose-dependent effects of anti-lipid peroxidation on isolated mitochondria, cell proliferation and apoptosis in cultured HSCs were also observed during the study. CONCLUSION: Yi-gan-kang can effectively inhibit or inverse the course of liver fibrogenesis in CCI4- and pig serum-induced rat models.展开更多
AIM To summarize and critically examine the role of band ligation in secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS A literature review was performed using the MEDLINE and PubM ed datab...AIM To summarize and critically examine the role of band ligation in secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS A literature review was performed using the MEDLINE and PubM ed databases. The search terms consisted of the words "endoscopic band ligation" OR "variceal band ligation" OR "ligation" AND "secondary prophylaxis" OR "secondary prevention" AND "variceal bleeding" OR "variceal hemorrhage" AND "liver cirrhosis". The data collected from relevant meta-analyses and from the most recent randomized studies that were not included in these meta-analyses were used to evaluate the role of endoscopic band ligation in an effort to demonstrate the most recent advances in the treatment of esophageal varices. RESULTS This study included 11 meta-analyses published from 2002 to 2017 and 10 randomized trials published from 2010 to 2017 that evaluated the efficacy of band ligation in the secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. Overall, the results proved that band ligation was superior to endoscopic sclerotherapy. Moreover, the use of β-blockers in combination with band ligation increased the treatment effectiveness, supporting the current recommendations for secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. The use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was superior to combination therapy regarding rebleeding prophylaxis, with no difference in the survival rates; however, the results concerning the hepatic encephalopathy incidence were conflicting. Recent advances in the management of secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding have targeted a decrease in portal pressure based on the pathophysiological mechanisms of portal hypertension.CONCLUSION This review suggests that future research should be conducted to enhance current interventions and/or to develop innovative treatment options with improved clinical endpoints.展开更多
AIM: To systematically assess the efficacy and safety of β-adrenergic blocker plus 5-isosorbide mononitrate (BB + ISMN) and endoscopic band ligation (EBL) on prophylaxis of esophageal variceal rebleeding. METHODS: Ra...AIM: To systematically assess the efficacy and safety of β-adrenergic blocker plus 5-isosorbide mononitrate (BB + ISMN) and endoscopic band ligation (EBL) on prophylaxis of esophageal variceal rebleeding. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy and safety of BB + ISMN and EBL on prophylaxis of esophageal variceal rebleeding were gathered from Medline, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trial Registry and China Biological Medicine database between January 1980 and August 2007. Data from five trials were extracted and pooled. The analyses of the available data using the Revman 4.2 software were based on the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: Four RCTs met the inclusion criteria. In comparison with BB + ISMN with EBL in prophylaxis of esophageal variceal rebleeding, there was no significant difference in the rate of rebleeding [relative risk (RR), 0.79; 95% CI: 0.62-1.00; P = 0.05], bleeding-related mortality (RR, 0.76; 95% CI: 0.31-1.42; P = 0.40), overall mortality (RR, 0.81; 95% CI: 0.61-1.08; P = 0.15) and complications (RR, 1.26; 95% CI: 0.93-1.70; P = 0.13). CONCLUSION:In the prevention of esophageal variceal rebleeding, BB + ISMN are as effective as EBL. There are few complications with the two treatment modalities. Both BB + ISMN and EBL would be considered as the first-line therapy in the prevention of esophageal variceal rebleeding.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the efficacy of extended antimicrobial prophylaxis (EAP) after gastrectomy by systematic review of literature and meta-analysis. METHODS: Electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochran...AIM: To investigate the efficacy of extended antimicrobial prophylaxis (EAP) after gastrectomy by systematic review of literature and meta-analysis. METHODS: Electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched systematically from January 1980 to October 2012. Strict literature retrieval and data extraction were carried out independently by two reviewers and meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.0.2 with statistics tools risk ratios (RRs) and intention-to-treat analyses to evaluate the items of total complications, surgical site infection, incision infection, organ (or space) infection, remote site infection, anastomotic leakage (or dehiscence) and mortality. Fixed model or random model was selected accordingly and forest plot was conducted to display RR. Likewise, Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was applied to evaluate the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in this meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1095 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled in four RCTs. No statistically significant differences were detected between EAP and intraoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis (IAP) in total complications (RR of 0.86, 95%CI: 0.63-1.16, P = 0.32), surgical site infection (RR of 1.97, 95%CI: 0.86-4.48, P = 0.11), incision infection (RR of 4.92, 95%CI: 0.58-41.66, P = 0.14), organ or space infection (RR of 1.55, 95%CI: 0.61-3.89, P = 0.36), anastomotic leakage or dehiscence (RR of 3.85, 95%CI: 0.64-23.17, P = 0.14) and mortality (RR of 1.14, 95%CI: 0.10-13.12; P = 0.92). Likewise, multiple-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis showed no difference compared with single-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgical site infection (RR of 1.10, 95%CI: 0.62-1.93, P = 0.75). Nevertheless, EAP showed a decreased remote site infection rate compared with IAP alone (RR of 0.54, 95%CI: 0.34-0.86, P = 0.01), which is the only significant finding. Unfortunately, EAP did not decrease the incidence of surgical site infections after gastrectomy; likewise, multipledose antimicrobial prophylaxis failed to decrease the incidence of surgical site infection compared with single-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: We recommend that EAP should not be used routinely after gastrectomy until more high-quality RCTs are available.展开更多
AIM: To assess the safety and effectiveness of prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a large population of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on cirrhosis.METHODS: Two hundred and twenty nine conse...AIM: To assess the safety and effectiveness of prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a large population of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on cirrhosis.METHODS: Two hundred and twenty nine consecutive cirrhotic patients with HCC who underwent hepatic resection were retrospectively evaluated to assess whether there was any difference in the incidence of thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications between those who received and those who did not receive prophylaxis with low-molecular weight heparin.Differences and possible effects of the following parameters were investigated: age,sex,Child-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score,platelet count,presence of esophageal varices,type of hepatic resection,duration of surgery,intraoperative transfusion of blood and fresh frozen plasma (FFP),body mass index,diabetes and previous cardiovascular disease.RESULTS: One hundred and fifty seven of 229 (68.5%) patients received antithromboembolic prophylaxis (group A) while the remaining 72 (31.5%) patients did not (group B).Patients in group B had higher Child-Pugh and MELD scores,lower platelet counts,a higher prevalence of esophageal varices and higher requirements for intraoperative transfusion of FFP.The incidence of VTE and postoperative hemorrhage was 0.63% and 3.18% in group A and 1.38% and 1.38% in group B,respectively;these differences were not significant.None of the variables analyzed including prophylaxis proved to be risk factors for VTE,and only the presence of esophageal varices was associated with an increased risk of bleeding.CONCLUSION: Prophylaxis is safe in cirrhotic patients without esophageal varices;the real need for prophylaxis should be better assessed.展开更多
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) after lumbar decompression surgery. Methods Patients at high or the highest risk of VTE...Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) after lumbar decompression surgery. Methods Patients at high or the highest risk of VTE who underwent lumbar spine surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2004 to April 2011 were included in the present study. All the patients received a half dose of LMWH 6 hours after surgery followed by a full dose LMWH once per day until discharge. We recorded incidences of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), bleeding complications, and medication side effects. Results Seventy-eight consecutive patients were eligible and enrolled in this study. The mean hospital stat was 8.5±4.5 days. No symptomatic DVT, PE, or major bleeding events were observed. One patient developed wound ecchymosis, another developed wound bleeding, four had mild hepatic aminotransferase level elevation, and one developed a suspicious allergic reaction. Conclusion LMWH may be applied as an effective and safe prophylaxis for VTE in high-risk patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery.展开更多
The efficient transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 coronavirus(SARS-CoV-2)from patients to health care workers or family members has been a worrisome and prominent feature of the ongoing outbreak.On the...The efficient transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 coronavirus(SARS-CoV-2)from patients to health care workers or family members has been a worrisome and prominent feature of the ongoing outbreak.On the basis of clinical practice and in-vitro studies,we postulated that post-exposure prophylaxis(PEP)using Arbidol is associated with decreased infection among individuals exposed to confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.We conducted a retrospective cohort study on family members and health care workers who were exposed to patients confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 infection by real-time RT-PCR and chest computed tomography(CT)from January 1 to January 16,2020.The last follow-up date was Feb.26,2020.The emergence of fever and/or respiratory symptoms after exposure to the primary case was collected.The correlations between post-exposure prophylaxis and infection in household contacts and health care workers were respectively analyzed.A total of 66 members in 27 families and 124 health care workers had evidence of close exposure to patients with confirmed COVID-19.The Cox regression based on the data of the family members and health care workers with Arbidol or not showed that Arbidol PEP was a protective factor against the development of COVID-19(HR 0.025,95%CI 0.003-0.209,P=0.0006 for family members and HR 0.056,95%CI 0.005-0.662,P=0.0221 for health care workers).Our findings suggest Arbidol could reduce the infection risk of the novel coronavirus in hospital and family settings.This treatment should be promoted for PEP use and should be the subject of further investigation.展开更多
BACKGROUND: In the 1990s, liver transplantation for hepatitis B virus (HBV) related-liver diseases was a very controversial issue because the graft was inevitably recurrent after liver transplantation. Significant pro...BACKGROUND: In the 1990s, liver transplantation for hepatitis B virus (HBV) related-liver diseases was a very controversial issue because the graft was inevitably recurrent after liver transplantation. Significant progress has been made in the prophylaxis and treatment of recurrent hepatitis B after liver transplantation. This review covers the mechanisms, prophylaxis, and treatment of hepatitis B recurrent after liver transplantation. DATA SOURCES: Searching MEDLINE (1995-2004) for articles on liver transplantation. RESULTS: HBV reinfection after liver transplantation results from HBV particles in circulation or other extrahepatic sites. Hepatitis B immune globulin ( HBIG) was effective in reducing HBV reinfection and improving graft survival after liver transplantation. Lamivudine has also dramatically reduced the recurrence of HBV in the patient undergoing liver transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Combination HBIG and lamivudine is the most effective porphylatic regimen. Lamivudine and adefovir are highly effective in treatment of HBV recurrence. HBV-related liver disease is no longer a contraindication for liver transplantation.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the current practice of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in Lebanese Health care centers.METHODS:A multi-center prospective chart review study was conducted over 8 mo.A questionnaire was distributed to p...AIM:To evaluate the current practice of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in Lebanese Health care centers.METHODS:A multi-center prospective chart review study was conducted over 8 mo.A questionnaire was distributed to pharmacy students who collected data on demographics,SUP medications,dose,route,duration and associated risk factors.The appropriateness of SUP use was determined as per American Society of Health-System Pharmacists guidelines.Institutional review board approval was obtained from each hospital center.RESULTS:A total of 1004 patients were included.67% of the patients who received prophylaxis did not have an indication for SUP.The majority (71.6%) of the patients who were administered parenteral drugs can tolerate oral medications.Overall,the regimen of acid-suppressant drugs was suboptimal in 87.6% of the sample.This misuse was mainly observed in non-teaching hospitals.CONCLUSION:This study highlighted the need,in Lebanese hospitals,to establish clinical practice guidelines for the use of SUP;mainly in non-critical care settings.展开更多
Patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices bleed at a yearly rate of 5%-15%,and,when variceal hemorrhage develops,mortality reaches 20%.Patients are deemed at high risk of bleeding when they present with medium or...Patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices bleed at a yearly rate of 5%-15%,and,when variceal hemorrhage develops,mortality reaches 20%.Patients are deemed at high risk of bleeding when they present with medium or large-sized varices,when they have red signs on varices of any size and when they are classified as Child-Pugh C and have varices of any size.In order to avoid variceal bleeding and death,individuals with cirrhosis at high risk of bleeding must undergo primary prophylaxis,for which currently recommended strategies are the use of traditional non-selective beta-blockers(NSBBs)(i.e.,propranolol or nadolol),carvedilol(a NSBB with additional alpha-adrenergic blocking effect)or endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL).The superiority of one of these alternatives over the others is controversial.While EVL might be superior to pharmacological therapy regarding the prevention of the first bleeding episode,either traditional NSBBs or carvedilol seem to play a more prominent role in mortality reduction,probably due to their capacity of preventing other complications of cirrhosis through the decrease in portal hypertension.A sequential strategy,in which patients unresponsive to pharmacological therapy would be submitted to endoscopic treatment,or the combination of pharmacological and endoscopic strategies might be beneficial and deserve further investigation.展开更多
Currently immunosuppressive and biological agentsare used in a more extensive and earlier way in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatic or dermatologic diseases. Although these drugs have shown a signific...Currently immunosuppressive and biological agentsare used in a more extensive and earlier way in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatic or dermatologic diseases. Although these drugs have shown a significant clinical benefit, the safety of these treatments is a challenge. Hepatitis B virus(HBV) reactivations have been reported widely, even including liver failure and death, and it represents a deep concern in these patients. Current guidelines recommend to preemptive therapy in patients with immunosuppressants in general, but preventive measures focused in patients with corticosteroids and inflammatory diseases are scarce. Screening for HBV infection should be done at diagnosis. The patients who test positive for hepatitis B surface antigen, but do not meet criteria for antiviral treatment must receive prophylaxis before undergoing immunosuppression, including corticosteroids at higher doses than prednisone 20 mg/d during more than two weeks. Tenofovir and entecavir are preferred than lamivudine because of their better resistance profile in long-term immunosuppressant treatments. There is not a strong evidence, to make a general recommendation on the necessity of prophylaxis therapy in patients with inflammatory diseases that are taking low doses of corticosteroids in short term basis or low systemic bioavailability corticosteroids such as budesonide or beclomethasone dipropionate. In these cases regularly HBV DNA monitoring is recommended, starting early antiviral therapy if DNA levels begin to rise. In patients with occult or resolved hepatitis the risk of reactivation is much lower, and excepting for Rituximab treatment, the prophylaxis is not necessary.展开更多
AIM To review current literature of thrombosis prophylaxis in pediatric liver transplantation(PLT) as thrombosis remains a critical complication.METHODS Studies were identified by electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE ...AIM To review current literature of thrombosis prophylaxis in pediatric liver transplantation(PLT) as thrombosis remains a critical complication.METHODS Studies were identified by electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library(CENTRAL) databases until March 2018. The search was supplemented by manually reviewing the references of included studies and the references of the main published systematic reviews on thrombosis and PLT. We excluded from this review case report, small case series, commentaries, conference abstracts, papers which describing less than 10 pediatric liver transplants/year and articles published before 1990. Two reviewers performed study selection independently, with disagreements solved through discussion and by the opinion of a third reviewer when necessary.RESULTS Nine retrospective studies were included in this review. The overall quality of studies was poor. A pooled analysis of results from studies was not possible due to the retrospective design and heterogeneity of included studies. We found an incidence of portal vein thrombosis(PVT) ranging from 2% to 10% in pediatric living donorliver transplantation(LDLT) and from 4% to 33% in pediatric deceased donor liver transplantation(DDLT). Hepatic artery thrombosis(HAT) was observed mostly in mixed LDLT and DDLT pediatric population with an incidence ranging from 0% to 29%. In most of the studies Doppler ultrasonography was used as a first line diagnostic screening for thrombosis. Four different surgical techniques for portal vein anastomosis were reported with similar efficacy in terms of PVT reduction. Reduced size liver transplant was associated with a low risk of both PVT(incidence 4%) and HAT(incidence 0%, P < 0.05). Similarly, aortic arterial anastomosis without graft interposition and microsurgical hepatic arterial reconstruction were associated with a significant reduced HAT incidence(6% and 0%, respectively). According to our inclusion and exclusion criteria, we did not find eligible studies that evaluated pharmacological prevention of thrombosis. CONCLUSION Poor quality retrospective studies show the use of tailored surgical strategies might be useful to reduce HAT and PVT after PLT; prospective studies are urgently needed.展开更多
The use of norfloxacin either as primary or secondary prophylaxis of bacterial infections in advanced cirrhosis has improved patient's survival. This may be explained not only due to a significant decrease in the ...The use of norfloxacin either as primary or secondary prophylaxis of bacterial infections in advanced cirrhosis has improved patient's survival. This may be explained not only due to a significant decrease in the number of infections, but also because of a direct immunomodulatory effect. Selective intestinal decontamination with norfloxacin reduces translocation of either viable bacteria or bacteria-driven products from the intestinal lumen. In addition, norfloxacin directly modulates the systemic inflammatory response. The proinflammatory cytokine profile secreted by neutrophils from these patients shows a close, significant, and inverse correlation with serum norfloxacin levels. Similar effects have been described with other quinolones in different clinical conditions. Although the underlying mechanisms are not well defined for most of the antibiotics, the pathways triggered for norfloxacin to induce such immunomodulatory effects involve the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and NF-κB and the up-regulation of heme-oxygenase 1 and IL-10 expression. The knowledge of these immunomodulatory effects, additional to their bactericidal role, improves our comprehension of the interaction between antibiotics and the cellular host response and offer new possibilities for the development of new therapeutic strategies to manage and prevent bacterial infections in cirrhosis.展开更多
文摘This article discusses the evolving real-world practice using nitazoxanide,nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)and/or azithromycin(Kelleni’s protocol)to manage the evolving manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)Omicron EG.5.1,its descendant HV.1 as well as BA.2.86 and its descendant JN.1 subvariants in Egypt in 2024.These subvariants are well-known for their highly evolved immune-evasive properties and the manifestations include some peculiar manifestations as persistent cough besides high fever in young children as well as high fever,persistent severe cough,change of voice,loss of taste and smell,epigastric pain,nausea,vomiting,diarrhea,generalized malaise and marked bone aches in adults including the high-risk groups.It’s suggested that the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 evolution is continuing to mostly affect the high-risk groups of patients,to some of whom we’ve also successfully prescribed nitazoxanide and/or NSAIDs for post-exposure prophylaxis of all household contacts.We also continue to recommend starting the immune-modulatory antiviral Kelleni’s protocol as soon as possible in the course of infection and adjusting it in a personalized manner to be more aggressive from the beginning for the high risk patients,at least until the currently encountered surge of infections subsides.
文摘In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the intervention effect of prophylactic antibiotic use in thyroid surgery in a large hospital. From 2004 to 2012, 70 patients who underwent thyroid surgery were randomly selected each year. The quality of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis （SAP） was assessed each year in terms of antibiotic ratio, choice, duration, timing, combination, route of administration and so on. The result showed that the SAP ratio was 100% from 2004 to 2010. With our intervention, this SAP ratio was decreased to 45.7% in 2011, and it reached 2.9% in 2012. The AUD was consistently greater than 38 before 2010, while it rapidly declined to 1 in 2012. The number of DDDs per 100 operations was decreased from 431 to 3 after the intervention. The average cost of antibiotic drugs per patient was RMB 350.65 in 2010, whereas it was decreased to RMB 18.51 in 2012. The average duration of hospitalization showed no difference during the intervention. This study indicated that implementation of a multi-disciplinary protocol and clinical pharmacist interventions could improve the rational use of SAP.
文摘Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage liver diseases and acute liver failure.With advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive regimens,patient survival rates have significantly improved.While the systemic complications of post-transplantation are well recognized,ophthalmic manifestations remain underreported.Ophthalmic complications can significantly impair visual function and increase morbidity in these patients.Prolonged immunosuppression makes the patients susceptible to the opportunistic pathogens such as Cytomegalovirus,Candida,Aspergillus,etc.Other common findings include dry eye disease,cataracts and retinal vascular complications which further contribute to the long-term morbidity in these patients.Early ophthalmic evaluation and prompt management are essential to prevent irreversible vision loss and improve post-transplant outcomes.High index of suspicion and multidisciplinary approach is essential to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.This review highlights the range of ophthalmic complications observed in liver transplant recipients and underscores the need for future research focused on understanding the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and refining the prophylactic protocols to improve outcomes in this unique patient population.
文摘BACKGROUND Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis(PEP)is a prevalent and potentially serious complication in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.AIM To comprehensively assess the efficacy of indomethacin therapy in reducing PEP risk.METHODS We searched PubMed,EMBASE,Scopus,and Cochrane Library databases to identify randomized controlled trials(RCTs)that compared rectal indomethacin with a control group to prevent PEP.Duplicates were removed,and studies were included based on the established inclusion criteria.We used the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool to assess the risk of bias in the RCTs.A random-effects model was applied to produce pooled risk ratios(RRs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs).RESULTS We included a total of 30 RCTs involving 16977 patients.Compared to the control group,rectal indomethacin showed comparable rates of overall PEP(PEP;RR=0.85,95%CI:0.69-1.04,I2=79%)with no statistically significant difference of RR in mild(RR=0.92,95%CI:0.74-1.14),moderate(RR=0.78,95%CI:0.59-1.02),or severe PEP(RR=1.12,95%CI:0.75-1.67).There was also no difference in cases of adverse events(RR=0.97,95%CI:0.69-1.35),abdominal pain(RR=1.14,95%CI:0.80-1.62),bleeding(RR=1.07,95%CI:0.70-1.63),or mortality(RR=0.86,95%CI:0.56-1.33)between the two groups.Subgroup analyses were also performed.CONCLUSION Rectal indomethacin appears to be safe and may offer benefit in selected high-risk patients,though findings should be interpreted with caution due to high heterogeneity.
文摘Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a very common infection worldwide. Its reactivation in patients receiving immunosuppression has been widely described as being associated with significant morbidity and mortality unless anti-viral prophylaxis is administered. Treatment in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients has changed in recent years and immunosuppression and biological therapies are now used more frequently than before. Although current studies have reported an incidence of hepatitis B in inflammatory bowel disease patients similar to that in the general population, associated liver damage remains an important concern in this setting. Liver dysfunction may manifest in several ways, from a subtle change in serum aminotransferase levels to fulminant liver failure and death. Patients undergoing double immunosuppression are at a higher risk, and reactivation usually occurs after more than one year of treatment. As preventive measures, all IBD patients should be screened for HBV markers at diagnosis and those who are positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen should receive antiviral prophylaxis before undergoing immunosuppression in order to avoid HBV reactivation. Tenofovir/entecavir are preferred to lamivudine as nucleos(t)ide analogues due to their better resistance profile. In patients with occult or resolved HBV, viral reactivation does not appear to be a relevant issue and regular DNA determination is recommended during immunosuppression therapy. Consensus guidelines on this topic have been published in recent years. The prevention and management of HBV infection in IBD patients is addressed in this review in order to address practical
文摘AIM:To investigate if antibiotics administered within 8 h of endoscopy reduce mortality or increase the incidence of Clostridium difficile infection(CDI).METHODS:A 2-year retrospective analysis of all patients who presented with first variceal hemorrhage was undertaken.The primary outcome measure was 28-d mortality.Secondary outcome measures were 28-d rebleeding rates and 28-d incidence of CDI.All patients were admitted to a tertiary liver unit with a consultantled,24-h endoscopy service.Patients received standard care including terlipressin therapy.Data collection included:primary and secondary outcome measures,timing of first administration of intravenous antibiotics,eti-ology of liver disease,demographics,endoscopy details and complications.A prospective study was undertaken to determine the incidence of CDI in the study population and general medical inpatients admitted for antibiotic therapy of at least 5 d duration.Statistical analysis was undertaken using univariate,non-parametric tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS:There were 70 first presentations of variceal hemorrhage during the study period.Seventy percent of cases were male and 65.7% were due to chronic alcoholic liver disease.In total,64/70(91.4%) patients received antibiotics as prophylaxis during their admission.Specifically,53/70(75.7%) received antibiotics either before endoscopy or within 8 h of endoscopy [peri-endoscopy(8 h) group],whereas 17/70(24.3%) received antibiotics at > 8 h after endoscopy or not at all(non peri-endoscopy group).Overall mortality and rebleeding rates were 13/70(18.6%) and 14/70(20%),respectively.The periendoscopy(8 h) group was significantly less likely to die compared with the non peri-endoscopy group [13.2% vs 35.3%,P = 0.04,odds ratio(OR) = 0.28(0.078-0.997)] and showed a trend towards reduced rebleeding [17.0% vs 29.4%,P = 0.27,OR = 0.49(0.14-1.74)].On univariate analysis,the non peri-endoscopy group [P = 0.02,OR = 3.58(1.00-12.81)],higher model for end-stage liver disease(MELD) score(P = 0.02),presence of hepatorenal syndrome [P < 0.01,OR = 11.25(2.24-56.42)] and suffering a clinical episode of sepsis [P = 0.03,OR = 4.03(1.11-14.58)] were significant predictors of death at 28 d.On multivariate logistic regression analysis,lower MELD score [P = 0.01,OR = 1.16(1.04-1.28)] and periendoscopy(8 h) group [P = 0.01,OR = 0.15(0.03-0.68)] were independent predictors of survival at 28 d.The CDI incidence(5.7%) was comparable to that in the general medical population(5%).CONCLUSION:Antibiotics administered up to 8 h following endoscopy were associated with improved survival at 28 d.CDI incidence was comparable to that in other patient groups.
文摘AIM: To investigate the effect of prophylaxis withantibiotics on clinical adverse events in patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) or endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR) for colorectal lesions.METHODS: From June 2011 to December 2013, a total of 428 patients were enrolled into the study, of which 214 patients admitted to hospital underwent EMR or ESD procedures. These patients were randomized to an antibiotic group, in which patients were given cefuroxime 1.5 g iv half an hour before and 6 h after surgery respectively, and a control group, in which patients were not given any antibiotic. A further 214 outpatients with small polyps treated by polypectomy were compared with controls that were matched by age and gender, and operations were performed as outpatient surgery. Recorded patient parameters were demographics, characteristics of lesions and treatment modality, and the size of the wound area. The primary outcome measures were clinical adverse events, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, hemotachezia, and fever. Secondary outcome measures were white blood cell count, C-reactive protein and blood culture. Additionlly, the relationship between the size of the wound area and clinical adverse events was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 409 patients were enrolled in this study, with 107 patients in the control group, 107 patients in the antibiotic group, and another 195 cases in the follow-up outpatient group. The patients' demographic characteristics, including age, gender, characteristics of lesions, treatment modality, and the size of the wound area were similar between the 2 groups. The rates of adverse events in the antibiotic group were significantly lower than in the control group: abdominal pain(2.8% vs 14.9%, P < 0.01), diarrhea(2.0% vs 9.3%, P < 0.05), and fever(0.9% vs 8.4%, P < 0.05) respectively. The levels of inflammatory markers also decreased significantly in the antibiotic group compared with the control group: leukocytosis(2.0% vs 11.2%, P < 0.01), and C-reactiveprotein(2.0% vs 10.7%, P < 0.05). Additionally, clinica adverse events were related to the size of the surgica wound area. When the surgical wound area was larger than 10 mm × 10 mm, there were more clinica adverse events.CONCLUSION: Clinical adverse events are not uncommon after EMR or ESD procedures. Prophylactic antibiotics can reduce the incidence of clinical adverse events. This should be further explored.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province,No. 300358
文摘AIM:To investigate the efficacy of a Chinese medicine, Yi-gan-kang granule (granules for benefiting the liver), in prophylaxis and treatment of liver fibrosis in rats and its possible mechanism. METHODS: One hundred and forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups (20 each): group 1, blank control group without any interference during the study; group 2, CCI4-induced liver fibrosis group; group 3, pig serum-induced liver fibrosis group; group 4, prophylaxis group of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by Yi-gan-kang; group 5, prophylaxis group of pig serum-induced liver fibrosis by Yi-gan-kang; group 6, treatment group of CCI4-induced liver fibrosis by Yi-gan-kang; group 7, treatment group of CCI4-induced liver fibrosis by Yi-gan-kang. At wk 6,10,14 and 20 (baseline for CCl4., or big serum induction), five rats in each group were anesthetized and their livers were removed for pathological studies including immunohistochemical studies for α-SMA, type I collagen and In situ hybridization of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TTMP-1) mRNA of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Anti-lipid peroxidation in isolated mitochondria and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay for proliferation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-medicated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL), flow cytometry and electron microscopy for apoptosis in isolated HSCs were also studied. RESULTS: The mean number of pseudolobuli at wk 10, 14 and 20 in the prophylaxis group was significantly less than that in the control group (P<0.05 or 0.01). The effect of prophylaxis at wk 14 in CCI4 rats and at wk 10 in pig serum-induced rats was much better than that of treatment group (P<0.01). The thickness (in μm) of fibers both in pig serum-induced prophylaxis and in treatment groups at wk 14 and. 20 was significantly less than that in control group (P<0.05). The number of fibers both in prophylaxis and in treatment groups from wk 10 or 14 to 20 was significantly less than that in control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The tissue HSC positive rates of type I collagen, α-SMA and TIMP-1 mRNA, which represented the active phenotype of HSCs in tissues, remained very high from wk 6 to the end of model making in control group. While in prophylaxis group, they were at a relatively low level. In treatment group, there was a gradual decreasing trend. Time- and dose-dependent effects of anti-lipid peroxidation on isolated mitochondria, cell proliferation and apoptosis in cultured HSCs were also observed during the study. CONCLUSION: Yi-gan-kang can effectively inhibit or inverse the course of liver fibrogenesis in CCI4- and pig serum-induced rat models.
文摘AIM To summarize and critically examine the role of band ligation in secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS A literature review was performed using the MEDLINE and PubM ed databases. The search terms consisted of the words "endoscopic band ligation" OR "variceal band ligation" OR "ligation" AND "secondary prophylaxis" OR "secondary prevention" AND "variceal bleeding" OR "variceal hemorrhage" AND "liver cirrhosis". The data collected from relevant meta-analyses and from the most recent randomized studies that were not included in these meta-analyses were used to evaluate the role of endoscopic band ligation in an effort to demonstrate the most recent advances in the treatment of esophageal varices. RESULTS This study included 11 meta-analyses published from 2002 to 2017 and 10 randomized trials published from 2010 to 2017 that evaluated the efficacy of band ligation in the secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. Overall, the results proved that band ligation was superior to endoscopic sclerotherapy. Moreover, the use of β-blockers in combination with band ligation increased the treatment effectiveness, supporting the current recommendations for secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. The use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was superior to combination therapy regarding rebleeding prophylaxis, with no difference in the survival rates; however, the results concerning the hepatic encephalopathy incidence were conflicting. Recent advances in the management of secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding have targeted a decrease in portal pressure based on the pathophysiological mechanisms of portal hypertension.CONCLUSION This review suggests that future research should be conducted to enhance current interventions and/or to develop innovative treatment options with improved clinical endpoints.
文摘AIM: To systematically assess the efficacy and safety of β-adrenergic blocker plus 5-isosorbide mononitrate (BB + ISMN) and endoscopic band ligation (EBL) on prophylaxis of esophageal variceal rebleeding. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy and safety of BB + ISMN and EBL on prophylaxis of esophageal variceal rebleeding were gathered from Medline, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trial Registry and China Biological Medicine database between January 1980 and August 2007. Data from five trials were extracted and pooled. The analyses of the available data using the Revman 4.2 software were based on the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: Four RCTs met the inclusion criteria. In comparison with BB + ISMN with EBL in prophylaxis of esophageal variceal rebleeding, there was no significant difference in the rate of rebleeding [relative risk (RR), 0.79; 95% CI: 0.62-1.00; P = 0.05], bleeding-related mortality (RR, 0.76; 95% CI: 0.31-1.42; P = 0.40), overall mortality (RR, 0.81; 95% CI: 0.61-1.08; P = 0.15) and complications (RR, 1.26; 95% CI: 0.93-1.70; P = 0.13). CONCLUSION:In the prevention of esophageal variceal rebleeding, BB + ISMN are as effective as EBL. There are few complications with the two treatment modalities. Both BB + ISMN and EBL would be considered as the first-line therapy in the prevention of esophageal variceal rebleeding.
文摘AIM: To investigate the efficacy of extended antimicrobial prophylaxis (EAP) after gastrectomy by systematic review of literature and meta-analysis. METHODS: Electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched systematically from January 1980 to October 2012. Strict literature retrieval and data extraction were carried out independently by two reviewers and meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.0.2 with statistics tools risk ratios (RRs) and intention-to-treat analyses to evaluate the items of total complications, surgical site infection, incision infection, organ (or space) infection, remote site infection, anastomotic leakage (or dehiscence) and mortality. Fixed model or random model was selected accordingly and forest plot was conducted to display RR. Likewise, Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was applied to evaluate the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in this meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1095 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled in four RCTs. No statistically significant differences were detected between EAP and intraoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis (IAP) in total complications (RR of 0.86, 95%CI: 0.63-1.16, P = 0.32), surgical site infection (RR of 1.97, 95%CI: 0.86-4.48, P = 0.11), incision infection (RR of 4.92, 95%CI: 0.58-41.66, P = 0.14), organ or space infection (RR of 1.55, 95%CI: 0.61-3.89, P = 0.36), anastomotic leakage or dehiscence (RR of 3.85, 95%CI: 0.64-23.17, P = 0.14) and mortality (RR of 1.14, 95%CI: 0.10-13.12; P = 0.92). Likewise, multiple-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis showed no difference compared with single-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgical site infection (RR of 1.10, 95%CI: 0.62-1.93, P = 0.75). Nevertheless, EAP showed a decreased remote site infection rate compared with IAP alone (RR of 0.54, 95%CI: 0.34-0.86, P = 0.01), which is the only significant finding. Unfortunately, EAP did not decrease the incidence of surgical site infections after gastrectomy; likewise, multipledose antimicrobial prophylaxis failed to decrease the incidence of surgical site infection compared with single-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: We recommend that EAP should not be used routinely after gastrectomy until more high-quality RCTs are available.
文摘AIM: To assess the safety and effectiveness of prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a large population of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on cirrhosis.METHODS: Two hundred and twenty nine consecutive cirrhotic patients with HCC who underwent hepatic resection were retrospectively evaluated to assess whether there was any difference in the incidence of thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications between those who received and those who did not receive prophylaxis with low-molecular weight heparin.Differences and possible effects of the following parameters were investigated: age,sex,Child-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score,platelet count,presence of esophageal varices,type of hepatic resection,duration of surgery,intraoperative transfusion of blood and fresh frozen plasma (FFP),body mass index,diabetes and previous cardiovascular disease.RESULTS: One hundred and fifty seven of 229 (68.5%) patients received antithromboembolic prophylaxis (group A) while the remaining 72 (31.5%) patients did not (group B).Patients in group B had higher Child-Pugh and MELD scores,lower platelet counts,a higher prevalence of esophageal varices and higher requirements for intraoperative transfusion of FFP.The incidence of VTE and postoperative hemorrhage was 0.63% and 3.18% in group A and 1.38% and 1.38% in group B,respectively;these differences were not significant.None of the variables analyzed including prophylaxis proved to be risk factors for VTE,and only the presence of esophageal varices was associated with an increased risk of bleeding.CONCLUSION: Prophylaxis is safe in cirrhotic patients without esophageal varices;the real need for prophylaxis should be better assessed.
文摘Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) after lumbar decompression surgery. Methods Patients at high or the highest risk of VTE who underwent lumbar spine surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2004 to April 2011 were included in the present study. All the patients received a half dose of LMWH 6 hours after surgery followed by a full dose LMWH once per day until discharge. We recorded incidences of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), bleeding complications, and medication side effects. Results Seventy-eight consecutive patients were eligible and enrolled in this study. The mean hospital stat was 8.5±4.5 days. No symptomatic DVT, PE, or major bleeding events were observed. One patient developed wound ecchymosis, another developed wound bleeding, four had mild hepatic aminotransferase level elevation, and one developed a suspicious allergic reaction. Conclusion LMWH may be applied as an effective and safe prophylaxis for VTE in high-risk patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery.
文摘The efficient transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 coronavirus(SARS-CoV-2)from patients to health care workers or family members has been a worrisome and prominent feature of the ongoing outbreak.On the basis of clinical practice and in-vitro studies,we postulated that post-exposure prophylaxis(PEP)using Arbidol is associated with decreased infection among individuals exposed to confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.We conducted a retrospective cohort study on family members and health care workers who were exposed to patients confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 infection by real-time RT-PCR and chest computed tomography(CT)from January 1 to January 16,2020.The last follow-up date was Feb.26,2020.The emergence of fever and/or respiratory symptoms after exposure to the primary case was collected.The correlations between post-exposure prophylaxis and infection in household contacts and health care workers were respectively analyzed.A total of 66 members in 27 families and 124 health care workers had evidence of close exposure to patients with confirmed COVID-19.The Cox regression based on the data of the family members and health care workers with Arbidol or not showed that Arbidol PEP was a protective factor against the development of COVID-19(HR 0.025,95%CI 0.003-0.209,P=0.0006 for family members and HR 0.056,95%CI 0.005-0.662,P=0.0221 for health care workers).Our findings suggest Arbidol could reduce the infection risk of the novel coronavirus in hospital and family settings.This treatment should be promoted for PEP use and should be the subject of further investigation.
文摘BACKGROUND: In the 1990s, liver transplantation for hepatitis B virus (HBV) related-liver diseases was a very controversial issue because the graft was inevitably recurrent after liver transplantation. Significant progress has been made in the prophylaxis and treatment of recurrent hepatitis B after liver transplantation. This review covers the mechanisms, prophylaxis, and treatment of hepatitis B recurrent after liver transplantation. DATA SOURCES: Searching MEDLINE (1995-2004) for articles on liver transplantation. RESULTS: HBV reinfection after liver transplantation results from HBV particles in circulation or other extrahepatic sites. Hepatitis B immune globulin ( HBIG) was effective in reducing HBV reinfection and improving graft survival after liver transplantation. Lamivudine has also dramatically reduced the recurrence of HBV in the patient undergoing liver transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Combination HBIG and lamivudine is the most effective porphylatic regimen. Lamivudine and adefovir are highly effective in treatment of HBV recurrence. HBV-related liver disease is no longer a contraindication for liver transplantation.
文摘AIM:To evaluate the current practice of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in Lebanese Health care centers.METHODS:A multi-center prospective chart review study was conducted over 8 mo.A questionnaire was distributed to pharmacy students who collected data on demographics,SUP medications,dose,route,duration and associated risk factors.The appropriateness of SUP use was determined as per American Society of Health-System Pharmacists guidelines.Institutional review board approval was obtained from each hospital center.RESULTS:A total of 1004 patients were included.67% of the patients who received prophylaxis did not have an indication for SUP.The majority (71.6%) of the patients who were administered parenteral drugs can tolerate oral medications.Overall,the regimen of acid-suppressant drugs was suboptimal in 87.6% of the sample.This misuse was mainly observed in non-teaching hospitals.CONCLUSION:This study highlighted the need,in Lebanese hospitals,to establish clinical practice guidelines for the use of SUP;mainly in non-critical care settings.
文摘Patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices bleed at a yearly rate of 5%-15%,and,when variceal hemorrhage develops,mortality reaches 20%.Patients are deemed at high risk of bleeding when they present with medium or large-sized varices,when they have red signs on varices of any size and when they are classified as Child-Pugh C and have varices of any size.In order to avoid variceal bleeding and death,individuals with cirrhosis at high risk of bleeding must undergo primary prophylaxis,for which currently recommended strategies are the use of traditional non-selective beta-blockers(NSBBs)(i.e.,propranolol or nadolol),carvedilol(a NSBB with additional alpha-adrenergic blocking effect)or endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL).The superiority of one of these alternatives over the others is controversial.While EVL might be superior to pharmacological therapy regarding the prevention of the first bleeding episode,either traditional NSBBs or carvedilol seem to play a more prominent role in mortality reduction,probably due to their capacity of preventing other complications of cirrhosis through the decrease in portal hypertension.A sequential strategy,in which patients unresponsive to pharmacological therapy would be submitted to endoscopic treatment,or the combination of pharmacological and endoscopic strategies might be beneficial and deserve further investigation.
文摘Currently immunosuppressive and biological agentsare used in a more extensive and earlier way in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatic or dermatologic diseases. Although these drugs have shown a significant clinical benefit, the safety of these treatments is a challenge. Hepatitis B virus(HBV) reactivations have been reported widely, even including liver failure and death, and it represents a deep concern in these patients. Current guidelines recommend to preemptive therapy in patients with immunosuppressants in general, but preventive measures focused in patients with corticosteroids and inflammatory diseases are scarce. Screening for HBV infection should be done at diagnosis. The patients who test positive for hepatitis B surface antigen, but do not meet criteria for antiviral treatment must receive prophylaxis before undergoing immunosuppression, including corticosteroids at higher doses than prednisone 20 mg/d during more than two weeks. Tenofovir and entecavir are preferred than lamivudine because of their better resistance profile in long-term immunosuppressant treatments. There is not a strong evidence, to make a general recommendation on the necessity of prophylaxis therapy in patients with inflammatory diseases that are taking low doses of corticosteroids in short term basis or low systemic bioavailability corticosteroids such as budesonide or beclomethasone dipropionate. In these cases regularly HBV DNA monitoring is recommended, starting early antiviral therapy if DNA levels begin to rise. In patients with occult or resolved hepatitis the risk of reactivation is much lower, and excepting for Rituximab treatment, the prophylaxis is not necessary.
文摘AIM To review current literature of thrombosis prophylaxis in pediatric liver transplantation(PLT) as thrombosis remains a critical complication.METHODS Studies were identified by electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library(CENTRAL) databases until March 2018. The search was supplemented by manually reviewing the references of included studies and the references of the main published systematic reviews on thrombosis and PLT. We excluded from this review case report, small case series, commentaries, conference abstracts, papers which describing less than 10 pediatric liver transplants/year and articles published before 1990. Two reviewers performed study selection independently, with disagreements solved through discussion and by the opinion of a third reviewer when necessary.RESULTS Nine retrospective studies were included in this review. The overall quality of studies was poor. A pooled analysis of results from studies was not possible due to the retrospective design and heterogeneity of included studies. We found an incidence of portal vein thrombosis(PVT) ranging from 2% to 10% in pediatric living donorliver transplantation(LDLT) and from 4% to 33% in pediatric deceased donor liver transplantation(DDLT). Hepatic artery thrombosis(HAT) was observed mostly in mixed LDLT and DDLT pediatric population with an incidence ranging from 0% to 29%. In most of the studies Doppler ultrasonography was used as a first line diagnostic screening for thrombosis. Four different surgical techniques for portal vein anastomosis were reported with similar efficacy in terms of PVT reduction. Reduced size liver transplant was associated with a low risk of both PVT(incidence 4%) and HAT(incidence 0%, P < 0.05). Similarly, aortic arterial anastomosis without graft interposition and microsurgical hepatic arterial reconstruction were associated with a significant reduced HAT incidence(6% and 0%, respectively). According to our inclusion and exclusion criteria, we did not find eligible studies that evaluated pharmacological prevention of thrombosis. CONCLUSION Poor quality retrospective studies show the use of tailored surgical strategies might be useful to reduce HAT and PVT after PLT; prospective studies are urgently needed.
基金Supported by Grants PI13/1443 and PI14/01090 from Instituto de Salud Carlos III,Madrid,Spain,and FEDER funds,EU
文摘The use of norfloxacin either as primary or secondary prophylaxis of bacterial infections in advanced cirrhosis has improved patient's survival. This may be explained not only due to a significant decrease in the number of infections, but also because of a direct immunomodulatory effect. Selective intestinal decontamination with norfloxacin reduces translocation of either viable bacteria or bacteria-driven products from the intestinal lumen. In addition, norfloxacin directly modulates the systemic inflammatory response. The proinflammatory cytokine profile secreted by neutrophils from these patients shows a close, significant, and inverse correlation with serum norfloxacin levels. Similar effects have been described with other quinolones in different clinical conditions. Although the underlying mechanisms are not well defined for most of the antibiotics, the pathways triggered for norfloxacin to induce such immunomodulatory effects involve the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and NF-κB and the up-regulation of heme-oxygenase 1 and IL-10 expression. The knowledge of these immunomodulatory effects, additional to their bactericidal role, improves our comprehension of the interaction between antibiotics and the cellular host response and offer new possibilities for the development of new therapeutic strategies to manage and prevent bacterial infections in cirrhosis.
