Predictive Factors of Pancreatic Fistula After Pancreaticoduodenectomy and External Validation of Predictive Scores

BACKGROUND/AIM

The Fistula Risk Score (FRS), as other risk scores, is a validated model predicting the development of a clinically relevant post-operative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). We evaluated risk factors related with CR-POPF and correlated four predictive scores with the likelihood of developing CR-POPF in our cohort.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The records of 107 patients who underwent PD from 2007 to 2015 were obtained from a prospectively maintained database and reviewed. CR-POPFs were categorized by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) standards. Firstly, a univariate and multivariate analysis of risk factors related to CR-PPOPF was performed, and then the data were correlated with FRS, Wellner's, Robert's and Yamamoto's scores.

RESULTS

In total, 30 patients developed a CR-POPF. On multivariate analysis, abdominal thickness (OR=1.02, p=0.010), Wirsung's duct diameter (OR=0.57, p=0.029), pancreatic consistency (OR=3.18, p=0.011) and histological diagnosis of the lesion (OR=1.65, p=0.012) represented independent predictive factors of CR-POPF. FRS (R²=0.596, p=0.001), Wellner's score (R²=0.285, p=0.005) and Roberts' score (R²=0.385, p=0.002) correlated with the likelihood of developing CR-POPF.

CONCLUSION

Abdominal thickness, Wirsung's duct diameter, pancreatic consistency and histological diagnosis were independent predictive factors of CR-POPF. Predictive scores reflected the likelihood of CR-POPF, FRS being the score with the highest predictive value.

High frequency of colonization and absence of identifiable risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)in intensive care units in Brazil

Colonization of hospitalized patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is of increasing concern. To evaluate this problem in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in Brazil, we studied 100 patients admitted to two ICUs from April to June, 1997. Of the 100 patients, 70 were male, 53 were age 60 years or older, 55 were previously hospitalized, 78 were transferred to the ICU from other hospital units, 49 had received antibiotic therapy, and 66 had undergone recent surgery. Nasal and axillary swab cultures were obtained on admission and every 48 hours thereafter until discharge. MRSA were identified by plating any cultured S. aureus on Mueller-Hinton agar containing 6 microg/ml of oxacillin. At the time of admission, 46 (46%) of the patients were colonized with MRSA. No associated risk factors for acquiring MRSA (age, previous hospitalization, prior surgery) could be identified. Of the 54 patients negative for MRSA on admission, 28 (52%) became colonized while in the ICU. Sixteen (22%) of the 74 colonized patients (colonized either on admission or during ICU stay) had associated respiratory or urinary tract infections due to MRSA, and 9 (56%) died. No correlation with special risk factors (invasive procedures, antibiotic use, age, chronic disease) was identified. MRSA occurred frequently, but there was minimal evidence of associated risk factors. Thus, control of MRSA cannot be accomplished by targeting special factors alone, but requires attention to preventing microbial spread in all areas. Of special concern is the high frequency of acquiring the organism in the ICU (52%). Education concerning the importance of hand washing, environmental surface cleaning, and barrier protection from infected patients is needed.

Aztreonam in the treatment of bacterial meningitis

The monobactam aztreonam was used to treat 22 young patients with meningitis caused by gram-negative bacilli. Haemophilus influenzae was isolated from the CSF of 21 patients and Salmonella heidelberg from the CSF of 1. Dosages ranged from 100 to 200 mg/kg/day in 4 doses at 6-hour intervals. Minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by the broth dilution method for all isolated strains, and values ranged from 0.05 to 2.0 micrograms/ml. Blood and CSF drug levels were determined by a microbiologic plate diffusion method, and mean values for CSF and blood were 1.4 and 14.9 micrograms/ml, respectively. The outcome was good in 21 patients; 1 patient died. Complications were mild; subdural effusion occurred in 6 cases and was managed clinically; asymptomatic hydrocephalus was seen in 4; seizure during the acute phase occurred in 6 cases; hypoacusis was noted in 2, and motor impairment was detected at the follow-up in 1 case. Aztreonam achieved good blood and CSF penetration and performed well in the treatment of 20 cases of H. influenzae meningitis and in the one case of S. heidelberg meningitis.