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Biomedical subjects

A Törnqvist

Publications and source records attributed to A Törnqvist.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Biapenem versus imipenem/cilastatin in the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections: report from a Swedish Study Group.

118 patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections participated in an open randomized comparative multicenter trial in order to compare the clinical and microbiological efficacy and safety of biapenem with imipenem/cilastatin (Tienam). 31 men and 27 women (mean age 52.3 years) were enrolled in the biapenem group, and 43 men and 17 women (mean age 52.3 years) in the imipenem/cilastatin group. The patients received either biapenem 500 mg every 8 h or imipenem/cilastatin 500 mg/500 mg every 6 h by intravenous infusion for up to 13 days (mean 6.5 days). 28/43 evaluable patients (65.1%) receiving biapenem and 27/40 evaluable patients (67.5%) in the imipenem/cilastatin group were clinically cured. The microbiological response was satisfactory in 28/43 evaluable patients (65.1%) receiving biapenem and in 27/40 evaluable patients (67.5%) receiving imipenem/cilastatin. No significant differences in clinical or microbiological efficacy between the two treatment groups were found. The present study shows that biapenem may be useful in the treatment of intra-abdominal infections.

APACHE↗

Timing of antibiotic treatment in non-perforated gangrenous appendicitis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether antibiotic treatment with cefuroxime and tinidazole started during the operation was as effective as treatment started before operation in patients with gangrenous non-perforated appendicitis. DESIGN: Prospective randomised study. SETTING: University hospital, Sweden. SUBJECTS: 114 patients with gangrenous, non-perforated appendicitis who had had antibiotics started before operation and 120 whose treatment was started during operation out of a total of 575 who presented with a presumptive diagnosis of appendicitis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: There were no deaths, and the rates of infective complications were 1/114 (0.9%) and 3/120 (3%), respectively. The median hospital stay was four days in both groups. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic treatment started during the operation is not significantly worse at preventing infective complications in non-perforated, gangrenous appendicitis than treatment started before the operation.

Acute Disease↗

Cytogenetic analysis of 52 colorectal carcinomas--non-random aberration pattern and correlation with pathologic parameters.

Cytogenetic analysis of short-term cultures from 52 colorectal carcinomas revealed a normal karyotype in 13 and clonal chromosome aberrations in 39 tumors. In the abnormal group, 13 tumors had simple numerical changes only, whereas 26 had at least one structural rearrangement with or without concomitant numerical changes. The most common numerical abnormalities were, in order of decreasing frequency, +7, -18, -Y, +8, +13 and -14. The most common structural rearrangements affected, again in order of decreasing frequency, chromosomes 8, 1, 6, 7, 17, 3, 11, 13, 14, 16, 2 and 10. The chromosome bands most frequently involved in the structural changes were 8q10, 17p11, 11q13, 8p11, 6q21, 7p15, 7q36, 12q13, 13q10, and 16q13. The most frequent genomic imbalances brought about by the structural rearrangements were losses from chromosome arms 8p, 1p, 6q, 17p, 7p, and 16q, as well as gains of 7q, 8q, 13q, and 11q. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlation between the karyotypic pattern and tumor grade was found, with the poorly differentiated carcinomas generally having more massive chromosomal abnormalities.

Adult↗

Bacterial load and inflammatory reaction in the bowel wall after colonic obstruction. An experimental study in rats.

To quantify the inflammatory reaction to obstruction, alkaline phosphatase and myeloperoxidase activities were measured in specimens of colonic wall from 60 rats. Twenty rats had undergone laparotomy and band obstruction, 20 laparotomy without obstruction and 20 had no operation. The mean activities of both enzymes were increased proximal but not distal to the obstruction, that of alkaline phosphatase significantly so. Despite increase in the number of bacteria, both proximal and distal to the obstruction, no signs of bacterial invasion of the bowel wall were seen either on histological examination or culture. These findings indicate that mechanical factors may be more important than bacteria in causing the increased inflammatory reaction in bowel wall proximal to an obstruction.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Peroperative contamination and anastomotic leakage after resection for left colon stenosis. An experimental study in the rat.

In this experimental study the effect of peroperative faecal soiling on immediate postoperative anastomotic leakage after resection and primary anastomosis of a left colon obstruction was evaluated. Faecal soiling was quantified by a standardized irrigation of the abdominal cavity and then culturing of the fluid. An increased peroperative soiling was found after resection of a stenosis compared to resection of a non-stenotic bowel. Anastomotic complications were correlated to the degree of bacterial contamination and a breakpoint of 10(4) CFU/ml was found. Immediate postoperative leakage, tested with the bacteria Serratia marcescens, was not increased in the stenosis group. Thus, peroperative bacterial contamination seems to be one important factor in developing anastomotic complications after resection of colonic obstruction while an immediate leakage of bacteria through the anastomosis seems to be less important.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

The effect of diverting colostomy on anastomotic healing after resection of left colon obstruction. An experimental study in the rat.

A standardized stenosis of the left colon was created in the rat model. After four days the stenosis was resected and a primary anastomosis made. Half of the animals (n = 21) were randomized to a proximal diverting colostomy and the other half to a non-colostomy control group. On postoperative days two and seven anastomotic complications were recorded and anastomotic strength was determined. Collagen content in the anastomotic area was measured. In the colostomy group no anastomotic complications occurred, while 6/21 (29%) animals in the non-colostomy group had complications. On day two there was no difference between the groups as regards anastomotic strength and collagen content. After a week, however, the control group showed a significant increase in both anastomotic strength and collagen content which was not observed in the colostomy group. The absence of increase in anastomotic strength in the colostomy group had no adverse effect on anastomotic healing, as judged by complications. Thus, a diverting colostomy may be of value in reducing anastomotic complications after resection of a left colon obstruction.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Anastomotic healing after resection of left-colon stenosis: effect on collagen metabolism and anastomotic strength. An experimental study in the rat.

Anastomotic breaking strength and collagen metabolism in the colonic wall were studied after resection of a standardized left-colon stenosis in the rat. An increased complication rate was found in the stenosis group compared with the control group (27 percent vs. 2 percent) and the complications arise soon after surgery. The collagen turnover in the anastomotic area, as well as the changes of breaking strength, were equal between the groups in the early healing course, implying that the stenosis group, as an entity, did not show impairment in the studied parameters predisposing for complications. Other factors such as mechanical strain by the increased fecal bulk and increased bacterial load may contribute to occurrence of the anastomotic complications.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Impact of bacteria on metabolism of collagen in colonic obstruction in rats.

The influence of bacteria on metabolism of collagen in the colonic wall under normal conditions and after obstruction was evaluated by using germ-free and conventionally bred rats. Under normal conditions, no differences in synthesis and content of collagen or tissue dry weight in the colonic wall were found between germ-free and conventionally bred rats. After obstruction, both groups reacted similarly with an equally increased collagen synthesis. The findings imply that bacteria do not play any major role in the regulation of collagen metabolism in the colonic wall, neither under normal conditions nor in the strained situation with colonic obstruction and fecal impaction.

Animals↗

Long-term effects on bacterial sensitivity patterns of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in colorectal surgery.

Since 1973, when doxycycline was introduced as preoperative prophylaxis in elective colorectal surgery at Malmö General Hospital, Sweden, there has been an unchanged and low rate (8% to 12%) of septic complications in colonic surgery. For treatment of postoperative infections, ampicillin and cefuroxime have been used since 1973 and 1980, respectively. The sensitivity of Escherichia coli to these three antibiotics used for prophylaxis and treatment was followed for five years (1981-1985). Only minor changes were observed during the period. A lower frequency of antibiotic resistance was found in bacterial strains isolated peroperatively than in strains isolated postoperatively after colorectal surgery or from infections in other patients. Considering the low frequency of postoperative infectious complications and the low frequency of antibiotic resistance in peroperative isolates, doxycycline still remains an alternative for prophylaxis in bowel surgery.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Antibiotic treatment during surgery for diffuse peritonitis: a prospective randomized study comparing the effects of cefuroxime and of a cefuroxime and metronidazole combination.

In a prospective randomized open study of patients operated upon for diffuse peritonitis, the effects of two different antibiotic regimens were evaluated. Cefuroxime given as a single drug (Group I; n = 59) was compared with a combination of cefuroxime and metronidazole (Group II; n = 63). Bacteriological cultures, both aerobic and anaerobic, were obtained peroperatively and in the event of any complication. The antibiotic sensitivities of isolated bacteria, and the serum and tissue concentrations of cefuroxime were determined. Postoperative infectious complications occurred in 22 per cent of Group I patients (cefuroxime), and in 17.5 per cent of Group II (cefuroxime plus metronidazole). The mortality rates were 5 per cent for Group I and 8 per cent for Group II. Tissue concentrations of cefuroxime were well above the MIC (minimal inhibiting concentration) values for most of the bacteria isolated. From a few patients in Group I, however, cultures were obtained with isolates sensitive to metronidazole but resistant to cefuroxime. Our findings suggest that, in the antibiotic treatment of patients operated for diffuse peritonitis, an agent which is primarily effective against aerobic bacteria (but not entirely without effect on anaerobes) is as effective as combination therapy covering both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

Adolescent↗

Histamine2-receptor antagonists in gastroduodenal ulcer haemorrhage.

This paper reviews randomised trials in which the effects of histamine2-receptor antagonists have been studied in gastroduodenal ulcer haemorrhage. There is a trend in these studies that histamine2-receptor antagonists may reduce the number of rebleedings, especially in elderly patients with gastric ulcers. A randomised trial comparing cimetidine and ranitidine in high risk patients with massive gastroduodenal haemorrhage is also presented. The total mortality in this study was 12%, 15% for gastric ulcer patients and 11% for duodenal ulcer patients. There was no difference in mortality, amount of blood transfusion required, rebleedings or need for emergency surgery between the two treatment models.

Aged↗

The value of intensive follow-up after curative resection for colorectal carcinoma.

A previous study undertaken by this department showed follow-up to be of little value in tracing curable recurrences in patients with colorectal cancer who had curative operations. The aim of the present investigation was to determine if more intensified follow-up would result in earlier diagnosis of recurrences and thus lead to earlier and more effective treatment. Altogether 599 patients with colorectal cancer were treated between 1973 and 1977. The 363 (61 per cent) patients who were operated upon for cure entered the study and were followed up until December 1979. The same incidence of recurrence was seen in both series, but, with the more detailed protocol, they were more frequently detected before symptoms developed. However, the rate of curative reoperation for recurrence was not changed and only few patients survived after such reoperations. The conclusion is that the previous protocol is as efficient as the detailed one while no effective treatment of disseminated disease exists.

Adult↗

Single dose doxycycline prophylaxis and peroperative bacteriological culture in elective colorectal surgery.

A prospective study was performed on 196 consecutive patients undergoing elective colonic surgery to evaluate the prophylactic effect of a single dose of doxycycline. The patients were randomized into four groups: group I 200 mg i.v. preoperatively, group III 600 mg i.v. preoperatively, group III 600 mg i.v. postoperatively, and group IV 200 mg i.v. preoperatively and 200 mg i.v. daily 3 days postoperatively. The rate of septic complications for the different groups were: I 13 per cent, II 7 per cent, III 20 per cent, and IV 19 per cent. There was no statistically significant difference in occurrence of septic complications between the groups. The degree of bacterial contamination during operation was estimated by culture from wound irrigation fluid and from cotton swabs. Bacteria were recovered from the irrigation fluid in 97 per cent, while culture from cotton swabs proved to be much less sensitive. A high number of bacteria in the irrigation fluid was significantly correlated to a high complication rate. It is suggested that direct plating from irrigation fluid can be used for defining a high risk group of patients in colonic surgery.

Aged↗

Early diagnosis of metachronous colorectal carcinoma.

The frequency of metachronous colorectal tumours in a prospective 20-year series of patients with colorectal cancer is reported. Thirty-one patients, that is 2.1% of the patients operated on for cure, had metachronous carcinomas, and 5.4% had metachronous polyps. One-third of the metachronous carcinomas were diagnosed at scheduled postoperative control examinations, and the others because of their symptoms or at autopsy. The reported metachronous carcinomas are considered to represent failures of follow-up only and not to indicate their true incidence, since their natural course has been arrested by removal of adenomas whenever found. Several of the metachronous tumours were judged to be overlooked synchronous ones, and therefore a thorough postoperative examination of the remaining large bowel is advocated. The finding of subsequent tumours in this series indicates that continuous follow-up is worthwhile.

Adult↗