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Biomedical subjects

A Shun

Publications and source records attributed to A Shun.

32 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Structural and functional adaptation following jejunal resection in rabbits: effect of epidermal growth factor.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Remnant small intestine undergoes adaptation following massive resection. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on ileal adaptation following proximal resection. METHODS: New Zealand white rabbits, aged 8 weeks, underwent 2/3 proximal resection, and ileal mucosal adaptation was assessed 10 and 21 days postsurgery. In a second series of experiments, animals with resection received oral EGF (40 micrograms.kg-1.day-1) for 5 days, and the effect on adaptation was assessed 10 days postsurgery. RESULTS: Transection alone stimulated mucosal hyperplasia, intestinal sucrase specific activity, and glucose transport at 10 days but not at 21 days. Resection resulted in mucosal hyperplasia at both time periods and increased disaccharidase specific activity at 10 days postresection. In contrast, 3 O-methyl-D-glucose transport was significantly decreased compared with both groups at both time periods. EGF treatment in animals with resection did not alter mucosal proliferation but did stimulate maltase specific activity and caused a 3-4-fold increase in glucose transport and phlorizin binding. CONCLUSIONS: Following proximal resection, adaptation of intestinal digestive and absorptive function does not parallel mucosal hyperplasia. Administration of EGF to resected animals enhances glucose absorption and may have a therapeutic role in the management of short gut syndrome.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Temporary wound closure with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in pediatric liver transplantation.

A shortage of donor organs of appropriate size causes lengthy delays for many children awaiting liver transplantation, and results in the death of some children on the active waiting list. A major contribution to overcoming this problem has been the use of reduced livers from adult donors. However, reduced adult livers are frequently too large to be used for small pediatric recipients ( less than 8 kg) because of the serious problems which occur when too tight an abdominal closure is attempted. We report a technique which we have used successfully in 2 children, involving the insertion of a temporary patch graft of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. This allowed comfortable abdominal wound closure, which would not otherwise have been possible. Delayed primary closure of the abdomen 4-5 days later was achieved without difficulty in each case, the liver grafts having decreased markedly in size by this time. The technique allows greater flexibility in the use of donor livers for pediatric recipients, and thus has the potential to reduce waiting times and deaths on the waiting list for small children requiring liver transplantation.

Biliary Atresia↗

Unilateral childhood ovarian loss: an indication for contralateral oophoropexy?

A 35-year retrospective review of all surgically significant pathological lesions of the ovary was conducted. Fifty-one children had 53 ovarian lesions which required surgical intervention. Of the 53 ovarian lesions seen in this series, 21 had presented with torsion. Five of these torted ovaries were microscopically normal. Three children were castrated. One of these castrations could have been prevented if contralateral oophoropexy was done. In addition, one child, who had lost an ovary previously because of torsion, presented with major cystic disease of the remaining ovary. Torsion was aborted by ovarian cystectomy. Contralateral oophoropexy at the time of ipsilateral oophorectomy is recommended to prevent castration.

Acute Disease↗

Liver transplantation: an Australian experience.

During a 4 and a half-year experience, 283 patients were referred to the Australian National Liver Transplant Unit. Sixty (21%) were children. The major causes of liver failure in the adults were chronic active hepatitis (27%), primary biliary cirrhosis (13%), primary sclerosing cholangitis (12%), fulminant hepatic failure (9%), alcoholic cirrhosis (9%), and malignancy (9%). In the children they were biliary atresia (43%) and inborn errors of metabolism (18%). One hundred and ninety-seven (69%) were accepted for liver transplantation. Of 111 (39%) accepted for early transplantation, 18 (16%) died before a donor became available. There were 319 possible organ donors. Ninety patients (24 of them children) received 100 grafts. Sixty-three (70%) patients survived. For all recipients, 1-year survival was 73%. Two-, 3- and 4-year survivals were 67%. One- to 4-year survivals for adults with benign conditions were 76%, contrasting with results for those with hepatic malignancy (20% 1-year survival). Children weighing greater than 8 kg did well whether they received whole grafts (80% 1- to 4-year survival) or reduced grafts (75% 1- to 4-year survival). Infants weighing less than 8 kg who received reduced adult grafts did significantly worse (20% 1- to 4-year survival). All 8 (100%) patients with fulminant hepatic failure who received grafts survived, including 3 who received ABO-incompatible grafts, though 2 of these subsequently required retransplantation. Rehabilitation of survivors was excellent with 91% of adults and 94% of children pursuing normal activities. Only 2 (2%) grafts failed with primary nonfunction, both in infants because of infarction. Graft survival was significantly worse (p less than 0.01) in patients with a positive direct crossmatch test against the donor. We calculate that the need for liver transplantation in Australia is approximately 7 per million of population per year. Increased donor offers are required to avoid deaths of patients on the waiting list. Reduced-size adult livers are successful for children and have alleviated considerably the critical shortage of pediatric donor livers. Liver transplantation is a highly satisfactory treatment for patients with benign liver disorders but not for those with malignant conditions. Patients with fulminant hepatic failure not responding to conservative therapy should be treated by liver transplantation. In this and other urgent circumstances, an ABO-incompatible liver may be lifesaving though retransplantation with an ABO-compatible liver may subsequently be required. The results of liver transplantation for nonmalignant conditions have improved steadily with clinical experience, with 1- and 2-year patient survivals during the past 28 months of 85%.

Adult↗

Vascular complications following orthotopic liver transplantation.

During the first 3 years of the Australian National Liver Transplantation Programme, 51 liver grafts were performed in 46 patients. There were 11 major vascular complications encountered following 10 liver transplants in eight (17%) patients. They caused death in three patients and the need for retransplantation in two others. Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) occurred five (10%) times, producing a spectrum of clinical illness ranging from death to an asymptomatic event. Other vascular complications included hepatic artery stenosis not complicated by thrombosis (two), primary (one) and secondary (one) haemorrhage, thrombosis of a mesoportal venous graft (one) and inferior vena caval stenosis (one). Vascular complications are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following liver transplantation. Predisposing and precipitating factors should be recognized and minimized.

Adult↗

Outcome of surgery for biliary atresia.

Forty-seven infants (26 male, 21 female) with biliary atresia under- went hepatic portoenterostomy during the 16-year period 1971-87. Twenty-six patients (55%) are alive 1-17 years after surgery, with 21 (45%) being jaundice-free. For children who became jaundice-free, the mean age at surgery was 78 days (range: 34-125 days), compared with 97 days (range: 48-224 days) for those who did not. Of 39 patients operated on at less than 120 days of age, 24 (60%) are alive. All four patients operated on after 125 days of life died. Of 31 patients operated on more than 5 years ago, 12 (39%) have survived, the oldest being 17 years. Ten (32%) have normal serum bilirubin concentrations, have non-active cirrhosis on liver biopsy, have had normal growth and development, and lead normal lives. The oldest two patients suffered variceal haemorrhage in their teenage years. In our recent experience, 11 of 16 patients (69%) have had complete clearing of jaundice, lead normal lives and do not currently require assessment for liver transplantation. It is believed that early referral of children with biliary atresia to experienced surgical units for portoenterostomy will lead to long-term survival, without the need for liver transplantation in a majority of cases. Liver transplantation should be offered in infancy only after failed portoenterostomy, except for patients presenting after 120 days in whom transplantation may be considered primary therapy.

Age Factors↗

Human amnion in the treatment of chronic ulceration of the legs.

A prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of human amniotic membrane dressings in the treatment of chronic leg ulcers was conducted on 15 patients. Patients with two ulcers were selected. One ulcer was treated with human amnion and the other, treated with standard dressings, served as a control. The rate of healing of the two ulcers was observed and compared. Chronic ulcers of post-phlebitic, post-irradiation and post-burn origin responded to treatment with human amnion and healed more rapidly than the control ulcer. Ulcers associated with rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis showed no improvement. It was observed that all ulcers treated with human amnion quickly became pain-free.

Aged↗

Nasogastrointestinal intraluminal tube stenting in the prevention of recurrent small bowel obstruction.

Nasogastrointestinal intraluminal tube stenting using a Dennis tube (Sherwood Medical St Louis, Missouri, USA) was performed on 25 patients. Two intubations were for midgut volvulus, 13 for small intestinal obstruction after extensive adhesolysis, and 10 as an adjunct to the operative management of enterocutaneous fistulae following extensive adhesolysis, resection and anastomosis. No patient developed recurrent small bowel obstruction for periods up to three years after operation. Use of an intraluminal tube stent in preventing recurrent small bowel obstruction due to adhesions is safe and effective when used on appropriately selected patients. Its effectiveness should be more widely recognized.

Adult↗

Spontaneous perforation of common bile duct.

A 2-week-old Micronesian infant presented with spontaneous perforation of the common bile duct. Mild jaundice, acholic stools, and heavily bile-stained ascites were the main clinical features. The presentation of this rare disorder is characteristic enough to permit early diagnosis. Surgery is the treatment of choice.

Ascitic Fluid↗