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Biomedical subjects

E Martelli

Publications and source records attributed to E Martelli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Effect of blood transfusions on oxidative stress in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the increase in non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI) after packed red cell (PRC) transfusion and to evaluate the association with increased oxidative stress in preterm infants. METHOD: Twenty healthy preterm infants (gestational age 28.2 (2.2) weeks; birth weight 1047 (230) g), who required blood transfusion for anaemia of prematurity were prospectively studied. Serum concentrations of NTBI, total hydroperoxides (TH), and protein SH groups, and plasma total radical trapping antioxidant capability (TAC) were measured within three hours before and after PRC transfusion. The infants were transfused with 38.6 (23) ml PRCs over 5.8 (1.0) hours, at a mean age of 43.3 (25.1) days. RESULTS: After PRC transfusion, haemoglobin concentration increased from 9.2 (1.1) to 14.6 (1.5) g/l. Mean plasma NTBI concentration after transfusion was significantly higher (0.43 (0.45) v 2.03 (1.31) micromol/l; p = 0.001), while plasma concentrations of TH (212.3 (42.2) v 214.7 (66.3) Carr units/l) and protein SH groups (317.5 (38.8) v 353.8 (57.4) micromol/), and TAC (256.3 (36.1) v 267.1 (42.4) micromol HClO/ml) remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: For three hours after PRC transfusion, plasma NTBI is significantly increased in preterm infants, but this is not associated with significant changes in oxidative stress.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed2004

Popliteal artery aneurysms. Factors associated with thromboembolism and graft failure.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to review our experience with popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAS) and to identify the major factors associated with thromboembolism of PAAS and failure of grafts after surgical repair. METHODS: The medical records of 38 patients with 42 PAA, who presented in a university medical center between March 1985 and September 2000, were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected on clinical presentation, risk factors, type of reconstructions, early and late morbidity, limb loss and mortality. Duplex scan, as well as computed tomography, was performed in 33 (78.6%) cases, and preoperative angiography in 38 (90.5%). Thrombolysis was performed prior to surgical reconstruction (16.07+/-21.97 months) in 4 cases presented with acute ischemia. All patients underwent synthetic (23, 54.8%) or autogenous (19, 45.2%), below-the-knee (39, 92.9%) or above-the-knee (3, 7.1%) femoropopliteal bypass graft. The proximal and distal anastomoses were end-to-end both in both cases in 30 bypasses (71.4%). Thirty-six (86%) aneurysms were surgically treated by one vascular surgeon. Postoperative anticoagulants were given in 8 cases (19%). Long-term follow-up (mean: 57.59+/-37.77 months) was available for 35 patients (92.1%). Multivariate analysis was used to assess association between risk factors and outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were males, 3 were females; mean age was 68.31+/-8.66 years. Risk factors were arterial hypertension (25, 69%), smoking (19, 50%), dyslipidemia (7, 18.4%) and diabetes (5, 13.2%). Thirty PAAS (71.4%) were symptomatic for acute (11, 26.2%) or chronic (7, 16.7%) ischemia, distal embolization (8, 19%), compression of the popliteal fossa (3, 7.1%) and rupture (2, 4.8%, one of which presented with acute ischemia); 12 were asymptomatic. Bilateral PAAS were present in 18 patients (47.4%); 14 (36.8%) also had an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA); associated AAAS were twice as common in patients with bilateral PAAS (9/18, 50%) compared to those with unilateral PAAS (5/20, 25%; p=NS). The mean diameter of the PAAS was 3.4 cm; no significant difference was found in the mean diameter of symptomatic and asymptomatic aneurysms. Complete thrombosis of the aneurysmal sac was found in 15 cases (35.7%), severe atherosclerotic femoro-popliteal lesions in 17 (40.5%), arteriomegaly in 11 (26.2%), occlusion of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) in 7 (16.7%). Three leg arteries were present in 17 limbs (40.5%), 2 in 6 (14.3%), 1 in 7 (16.7%), no leg vessels in 12 (28.6%). Occlusion of the SFA and the absence of major leg arteries were independently associated with thrombosis of the aneurysmal sac (p=0.005). Two-thirds of patients with thrombosed PAA (10, 66.7%) presented with acute ischemia, while 1/3 (5, 33.3%; p=NS) had some degree of claudication. Optimal runoff (score=1) was estimated in 23 limbs, while score was between 2-7 in 19 limbs. Thrombolysis was successful in all 4 cases, with no complications. Primary graft patency was 66.1% at 4 years; the only variables independently associated with loss of bypass patency were smoking (p=0.04) and poor leg runoff (p=0.02). Postoperative bypass occlusion occurred in 2 cases presented respectively with acute and chronic ischemia, and in 2 asymptomatic patients; all 4 bypasses were polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. A total of 8 thrombosed, polytetrafluoroethylene, below-the-knee bypass grafts required secondary reconstructions (2 redo + 6 restorative procedures). The secondary patency rate at 3 years was 77.9%. Lower limb amputation had to be performed 2 months after primary reconstruction in 1 case (2.4%) presented with acute ischemia. The estimated limb salvage rate at 10 years was 96%. Mortality was 4.8%. Survival at 6 years was 82.6%. CONCLUSION: Our experience indicates that SFA occlusion and poor runoff vessels were independent factors associated with PAA thrombosis. The diameter of asymptomatic PAAs was not significantly different than that of asymptomatic ones. Use of tobacco and poor runoff vessels were independent factors associated with primary bypass patency. In PAAs complicated with acute ischemia, thrombolysis allowed us to regain a good runoff and to perform subsequent bypass procedure, with no amputation. The use of autogenous graft material, when possible, is recommended.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Perfluorocarbons attenuate oxidative lung damage.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tidal liquid ventilation (TLV) compared to conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) on oxidative lung damage in the setting of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). After repeated lung lavages, 10 minipigs were treated with CMV or TLV for 4 hr before the animals were sacrificed. Samples for blood gas analysis and bronchial aspirate samples were withdrawn before the induction of lung injury, and at 10 min, 2 hr, and 4 hr after the beginning of ventilatory support. To assess lung oxidative damage, total hydroperoxide (TH) and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) concentrations were measured in bronchial aspirate samples. After 2 and 4 hr of ventilatory support, partial oxygen tension (PaO(2)) and base excess (BE) were significantly higher in the TLV group than in the CMV group, while PaCO(2) was slightly higher, but with no statistical significance. In the CMV group, the AOPP level was significantly higher at 4 hr than at baseline. TH and AOPP bronchial aspirate concentrations were higher in the CMV group than in the TLV group at 2 and 4 hr of ventilation. We conclude that animals treated with TLV showed lower oxidative lung damage compared to animals treated with CMV.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Plasma bilirubin level and oxidative stress in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the hypothesis that changes in plasma total bilirubin levels (Btot) can influence the antioxidant system and oxidative stress in preterm infants. METHODS: Twenty two healthy preterm infants who presented with visible non-haemolytic hyperbilirubinaemia were studied at the mean (SD) age of 3.7 (1.5) days. Btot, plasma total hydroperoxide concentration (TH), plasma protein SH group concentration, and total antioxidant capacity of the plasma (TAC) were measured at study entry and after 24 hours. RESULTS: Btot did not correlate with TH, TAC, or protein SH group concentration, but a significant correlation was found between TH and TAC, TH and protein SH groups, and TAC and protein SH groups, both at study entry and after 24 hours. CONCLUSION: The decrease in plasma bilirubin was contemporary with an increase in plasma antioxidant capacity and decrease in oxidative stress in preterm infants. This may be the result of the pro-oxidant effect of haem oxygenase, mediated by iron release, which may outcompete the antioxidant properties of bilirubin.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed2002

Effect of blood transfusions on cerebral haemodynamics in preterm infants.

AIM: To assess the possible cerebral haemodynamic changes occurring in preterm infants after blood transfusions. METHODS: Preterm infants who had undergone blood transfusions were prospectively studied using both near infrared spectroscopy and cerebral Doppler ultrasonography. RESULTS: Fourteen infants (mean gestational age 29.6 wk, SD 2.6; mean birthweight 1,430g, SD 332) were studied at the mean age of 29 (SD 14) d. A significant increase in oxygenated haemoglobin (O2Hb), deoxygenated haemoglobin (HHb), mixed cerebral oxygen saturation (SmO2) and change in cerebral blood volume occurred after transfusion. Between ultrasound parameters, we found a decrease in diastolic velocity and an increase in resistance index. CONCLUSION: Blood transfusions improve cerebral oxygen supply and induce a decrease in cerebral blood volume, probably due to an increase in cerebral vessel resistance.

Anemia↗
PubMed2002

Haemodynamic changes in the brain after vaginal delivery and caesarean section in healthy term infants.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the mode of delivery may affect neonatal cerebral haemodynamics during the first hour of life. DESIGN: Prospective study. SAMPLE: Healthy infants with gestational age > or =37 weeks and birthweight appropriate for gestational age, born after uncomplicated pregnancy by vaginal delivery or elective caesarean section, two to five hours after the delivery. METHODS: Near infra-red spectroscopy was used to measure changes of oxygenated haemoglobin, deoxygenated haemoglobin, oxidized-reduced cytochrome aa3, and mean cerebral oxygen saturation (mixed cerebral oxygen saturation = oxygenated haemoglobin/total haemoglobin). Changes in cerebral blood volume were calculated. RESULTS: Near infra-red spectroscopy data did not show significant differences between infants born by vaginal delivery or by caesarean section. There was a significant decrease of oxygenated haemoglobin and change of cerebral blood volume values at 120 and 180 minutes in both the groups, while deoxygenated haemoglobin and oxidized-reduced cytochrome aa3 were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: A decrease of cerebral blood volume occurs after birth and this occurs both in infants born by vaginal delivery and by caesarean section.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed2002

Pharmacokinetics of oxatomide in preterm infants.

The pharmacokinetics and tolerability of oxatomide oral suspension were investigated in preterm infants to evaluate the feasibility of planning a further study to assess its antiinflammatory effects and its effectiveness in preventing chronic lung disease (CLD). Following the administration of oxatomide 1 mg/kg, the peak plasma concentration (Cmax), the elimination half-life (t1/2), the volume of distribution (Vd), and the area under the curve (AUC) 0-36 h were measured and the following results were obtained: 42.2 +/- 15 ng/ml at 2 h after oxatomide administration, 41.4 +/- 2.0 h, 37.4 +/- 4.2 l/kg, and 468 +/- 52 ng/ml/h, respectively. Our study, therefore, demonstrated that a dose of 1 mg/kg/day oxatomide was effective in reaching therapeutic plasma levels in preterm infants without inducing adverse effects.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed2001

The role of blood transfusions and iron intake on retinopathy of prematurity.

BACKGROUND: The role of blood transfusions and iron intake in the pathogenesis or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is controversial. AIM: To evaluate the influence of packed red cell (PRC) transfusions and iron intake on ROP incidence. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SUBJECTS: Forty-five preterm infants with birthweight <1250 g were studied. After ophthalmological study, they were divided into group A (n=24) that included newborns without ROP, and group B (n=21) that included newborns with ROP. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that gestational age (OR 0.61; 95% C.I. 0.41-0.90), transfusion volume during the first week (OR 1.16; 95% C.I. 1.03-1.3) and during the first 2 months of life (OR 2.93; 95% C.I. 1.52-5.62), and iron intake during the first week of life (OR 1.15; C.I. 1.01-1.32) and during the first 2 months of life (OR 2.93; 95% C.I. 1.52-5.62) were associated with the development of ROP. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that gestational age, blood transfusion volume and iron load by transfusions are associated with the risk of occurrence of ROP in infants with a birthweight of less than 1250 g.

Erythropoietin↗
PubMed2001

Fiberoptic and conventional phototherapy effects on the skin of premature infants.

To evaluate the effects of conventional phototherapy and fiberoptic phototherapy on trans-epidermal water loss in preterm infants with and without skin ointment application, 20 infants were randomly assigned to receive conventional or fiberoptic phototherapy for non-hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia. After conventional phototherapy, there were no significant differences in trans-epidermal water loss between ointment-treated and untreated areas. After fiberoptic phototherapy, trans-epidermal water loss significantly increased from ointment-treated and untreated areas, but the increase was less in treated areas.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

Carotid endarterectomy in diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to identify the possible short- and long-term effects of diabetes on the outcome of carotid endarterectomy. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for 781 carotid endarterectomies (in 734 patients) performed by the same vascular surgeon in a university medical center between January 1994 and December 1998. Patients were divided two groups: those with diabetes (n = 181 patients; 193 operations) and those without diabetes (n = 553; 588 operations). The two groups were similar with respect to mean age, male-female ratio, and contralateral lesions. The only significant differences were a higher prevalence of peripheral vascular disease and dyslipidemia in the diabetic group and a higher prevalence of hemispheric transient ischemic attacks among the nondiabetic patients. Carotid color duplex ultrasound scan had been performed in all patients, and in 56 patients from the diabetic group and 56 patients from the nondiabetic group (matched for age, sex, and contralateral lesions), the distal extension of the lesion from the carotid bifurcation had also been defined. Both of these subgroups were fully representative of their respective groups of origin. Carotid endarterectomy was performed after the induction of general anesthesia; electroencephalographic monitoring was continuous. RESULTS: Except for the significantly higher prevalence of calcified plaques in the diabetic patients (P <.0001), the characteristics of the carotid disease in the two groups were similar. In the 56-member subgroups, 73.2% of the diabetic and 35.7% of the nondiabetic patients (P <.0001) had lesions extending more than 2 cm beyond the carotid bifurcation. Mean length of plaque beyond the bifurcation was 2.3 +/- 0.09 cm for the diabetic and 1.7 +/- 0.08 cm for the nondiabetic patients (P <.0001). Diabetes was the only factor significantly correlated with plaque length. In the diabetic subgroup, surgery was characterized by significantly longer carotid arteriotomies (P =.03) and clamp times (P <.003). Operative mortality was 1.5% in the diabetic group (2 myocardial infarctions + 1 stroke) and 0.5% in the nondiabetic group (1 myocardial infarction + 2 strokes; P value not significant); stroke rates were 1.5% (3 major strokes) and 0.5% (2 major strokes + 1 minor stroke), respectively (P = not significant). Long-term survival (5 years) was not significantly lower among the diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes mellitus does not seem to significantly increase the surgical risk for carotid endarterectomy. The presence of more extensive plaques has no significant effect on the results of surgery.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Liquid ventilation in an infant with persistent interstitial pulmonary emphysema.

We present the case of a full term infant affected by diffuse persistent interstitial pulmonary emphysema (PIPE), who was treated with partial liquid ventilation (PLV) after the failure of conventional management. PIPE is a lethal chronic lung disease of unclear pathogenesis. Clinical history, radiological and histological findings confirmed the diagnosis in our patient. PLV applied for 48 hours resulted in a significant improvement in the infant's respiratory function and was not associated with adverse effects. We concluded that PLV could be effective in prolonging the survival of infants with PIPE; its application represents an effective form of respiratory support in infants with chronic lung disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Brain hemodynamic changes in preterm infants after maintenance dose caffeine and aminophylline treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the acute effects of low-dose caffeine and aminophylline on cerebral blood flow in preterm infants, using both near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and cerebral Doppler ultrasonography. METHODS: Preterm infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks and birth weight of <1,500 g were randomized to receive either caffeine or aminophylline treatment for apnea of prematurity. The study period went from 30 min before to 60 min after the administration of the maintenance dose of pure caffeine (2.5 mg/kg once a day) or aminophylline (1.25 mg/kg twice a day). NIRS was used to measure changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (O(2)Hb), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb), oxidized-reduced cytochrome aa3 (CtOx), and mean cerebral oxygen saturation (SmO(2) = O(2)Hb/total Hb). Changes in cerebral blood volume (DeltaCBV) after caffeine or aminophylline administration were calculated. Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBV) in the pericallosal artery was evaluated by cerebral Doppler ultrasounds. RESULTS: Data collected by NIRS and cerebral Doppler ultrasounds did not show significant differences before and after caffeine treatment. We observed a significant increase in O(2)Hb and HHb concentration and in CBV at 30 min after the infusion of aminophylline, which tended to return to baseline at the end of the study period. CONCLUSION: Caffeine does not significantly affect brain hemodynamics, while aminophylline induces a significant transient increase in O(2)Hb and HHb concentration and CBV.

Aminophylline↗
PubMed2000

[Prophylaxis of group B beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections].

Group B streptococcus is a possible cause of chorioamnionitis, endometritis and urinary tract infections in pregnant woman. Maternal risk factors and the vertical transmission of GBS and neonatal GBS infection occur through the following fever during labor, the rupturing of membranes more than 18 hours before delivery, prematurity and chorioamnionitis. GBS can induce early-onset neonatal disease (sepsis, meningitis or pneumonia) during the first week of life and late-onset neonatal infection (leptomeningitis) within the first 12 weeks of life. Numerous strategies for preventing neonatal group B streptococcal infection were investigated: 1) the treatment of GBS-colonized women during the third trimester of pregnancy did not prove to be effective because it does not reduce maternal colonizzation rates at delivery; 2) the neonatal universal post-partum prophylaxis with penicillin G was ineffective and increased neonatal mortality due to penicillin-resistant bacterial infection; 3) the intrapartum maternal chemoprophylaxis with penicillin G or ampicillin in GBS-colonized women, in women with risk factors, or in women with both GBS colonization and risk factors. The latter strategy proved to be the most effective because it reduces the risk of early-onset GBS infection by 75% and 95% when associated with post-neonatal prophylaxis. To date, there are no guidelines on the management of the asymptomatic neonate whose mothers have been treated with chemopropylaxis intra-partum.

Humans↗
PubMed1998

Effects of thrombolysis and venous thrombectomy on valvular competence, thrombogenicity, venous wall morphology, and function.

PURPOSE: The experiments were designed to compare the effects of thrombolytic therapy (TL) and balloon-catheter thrombectomy (TX) on valvular competence, thrombogenicity, venous wall morphology, and function after acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in canine veins. METHODS: The femoral veins of male mongrel dogs were ligated proximally and distally for 48 hours to induce DVT. The thrombosed veins were treated with either TL (n = 5) or TX (n = 9), or no treatment was rendered (n = 6). Sham-operated dogs were used as controls. TL was performed with catheter-directed infusion of urokinase at 4000 U/min for 90 minutes. Three hours after the treatment, the valvular competence was determined with duplex scanning, thrombogenicity determined with deposition of radio-labeled platelet and fibrin, and function determined with response to contractile and relaxing agonists in organ chambers. The structural integrity of the endothelial layer was assessed by means of scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The removal or lysis of the thrombus was successful in all cases. The valvular competence did not differ among the groups. The platelet deposition was the highest after TX (P <.05), and the fibrin deposition was not significantly different among the groups. In the organ chamber experiments, relaxations to adenosine diphosphate and nitric oxide were reduced after TX (P <.05). The contractions to serotonin were enhanced after TX. Scanning electron microscopy results showed a comparable (51% to 75%) endothelial loss with either treatment. CONCLUSIONS: After experimental acute DVT, the TL and the TX at 3 hours had similar effects on the valvular competence and the endothelial morphology. However, the TL reduced thrombogenicity, which is consistent with the preserved endothelial responses to platelet products. These data suggest that TL may preserve vein function after DVT and may reduce the long-term potential for recurrent DVT and post-thrombotic syndrome.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Long-term survival and late complications after repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.

PURPOSE: Long-term survival and late vascular complications in patients who survived repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAA) is not well known. The current study compared late outcome after repair of RAAA with those observed in patients who survived elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). METHODS: The records of 116 patients, 102 men and 14 women (mean age: 72.5 (8.3 years), who survived repair of RAAA (group I) between 1980 to 1989 were reviewed. Late vascular complications and survival were compared with an equal number of survivors of elective AAA repair matched for sex, age, surgeon, and date of operation (group II). Survival was also compared with the age and sex-matched white population of west-north central United States. RESULTS: Late vascular complications occurred in 17% (20/116) of patients in group I and in 8% (9/116) in group II. Paraanastomotic aneurysms occurred more frequently in group I than in group II (17 vs. 8, p = 0.004). At follow-up, 32 patients (28%) were alive in group I (median survival: 9.4 years) and 53 patients (46%) were alive in group II (median survival: 8.7 years). Cumulative survival rates after successful RAAA repair at 1, 5, and 10 years were 86%, 64%, and 33%, respectively. These were significantly lower than survival rates at the same intervals after elective repair (97%, 74%, and 43%, respectively, p = 0.02) or survival of the general population (95%, 75%, and 52%, respectively, p < 0.001). Coronary artery disease was the most frequent cause of late death in both groups. Vascular and graft-related complications caused death in 3% (3/116) in group I and 1% (1/116) in group II. Cox proportional hazards modeling identified age (p = 0.0001), cerebrovascular disease (p = 0.009), and number of days on mechanical ventilation (p = 0.01) to be independent prognostic determinants of late survival in group I. CONCLUSIONS: Late vascular complications after repair of RAAA were higher and late survival rates lower than after elective repair. These data support elective repair of AAA. As two-thirds of the patients discharged after repair of RAAA are alive at 5 years, aggressive management of RAAA remains justified.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1998

Effect of long-term growth hormone treatment on carbohydrate metabolism in children with growth hormone deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: Growth hormone (GH) has well known effects on carbohydrate metabolism. We have evaluated the effects of long-term growth hormone (GH) therapy on carbohydrate metabolism in children with classical GH deficiency (GHD) or GH neurosecretory dysfunction (GHND). STUDY DESIGN: Glucose, insulin and C-peptide concentrations at baseline and during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were measured before and after 18 and 36 months of GH therapy (0.6-0.8 IU/Kg/week in 6 evening doses) in 13 GHD and 7 GHND children (15 boys and 5 girls, 15 prepubertal and 5 early pubertal; age at diagnosis 2.11-13.1 y). RESULTS: Mean fasting insulin and C-peptide concentrations after 18 months were similar to the pretreatment values, while after 36 months they were significantly higher than before treatment. Fasting glucose concentrations were similar to pretreatment both after 18 and 36 months. The mean areas under the curve (AUC) during OGTT for glucose, insulin, and C-peptide were significantly increased after 18 and 36 months. There were no differences between GHD and GHND patients. During the treatment period 10 of the 15 prepubertal patients entered puberty. A significant increase of insulin and C-peptide concentrations occurred after 36 months of GH treatment in the patients that remained prepubertal during treatment as well as in those who were pubertal when treatment was started. In three of our patients GH treatment caused glucose intolerance, which resolved after 6-12 months of a normal calorie low-simple carbohydrate diet without requiring discontinuation of treatment. CONCLUSION: Our data show that long-term GH treatment in GH deficient children causes hyperglycaemia and increased insulin secretion. These effects may in some patients induce glucose intolerance, which is reversible with appropriate dietary measures and does not require discontinuation of treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

A hemodynamic approach to clinical results in the TRAM flap after selective delay.

The delay phenomenon in the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap was studied by means of a laser-Doppler flowmeter and an echo color-flow Doppler device. Twenty-eight patients who underwent breast reconstruction with a TRAM flap in our hospitals were analyzed. Eighteen of them underwent selective delay 1 month before the major surgical procedure, and of them, 15 completed the reconstructive procedure. Ten patients were used as a control group and underwent TRAM flap breast reconstruction without selective delay. Cutaneous blood flow in the TRAM flaps was measured in 20 patients with a laser-Doppler flowmeter, and measurements were taken before, during, and after the surgical procedure, following a standardized protocol, as in Tuominen's original scheme. Variations in the cutaneous blood flow in the standard TRAM flap (10 patients) confirmed data obtained from the literature, i.e., an increase when elevating the cutaneous and subcutaneous parts of the flap and a decrease when ligating the deep inferior and superficial epigastric vessels. Compared with the standard TRAM flap, blood flow in the delayed flaps (10 patients) seemed to be more stable, without falling under the baseline. When elevating the cutaneous and subcutaneous parts of the flap (phase 3), blood flow values reached 120.2 percent (SEM 46.8 percent) on the random side and 131.6 percent (p < 0.009, SEM 9.58 percent, standard deviation 30.3 percent) on the axial side. During phase 4 (cutting the rectus muscles), blood flow values reached 115.0 percent (SEM 40.5 percent) on the random side and 102.8 percent (SEM 1.2 percent, standard deviation 3.8 percent, p < 0.049) on the axial side. In order to obtain further hemodynamic data, 10 patients who underwent selective vascular delay 1 month prior to breast reconstruction with a delayed TRAM flap in our hospitals were then studied by means of an echo color-flow Doppler device. Two of these patients also had been studied with the laser-Doppler flowmeter. Superior epigastric artery diameter (in millimeters) and resistivity (expressed as Pourcelot's index) were measured before and after selective delay of the deep and superficial inferior epigastric vessels, following a standardized protocol. Measurements were taken with 7.5- and 10-MHz linear probes at a point located after the origin of the costomarginal artery. In every patient an increase in the superior epigastric artery diameter and a decrease in the resistivity index were observed, and this was statistically significant. In the nonirradiated patients, the increase in the average diameter of the superior epigastric artery was 98.1 percent, and the average resistivity index decrease was 14.1 percent. In the irradiated patients, the increase in the average diameter of the superior epigastric artery was 35.5 percent, and the average resistivity index decrease was 29.8 percent. In conclusion, laser-Doppler flowmeter evaluations show that cutaneous blood flow in the delayed flap is more constant and undergoes fewer variations than that in the standard TRAM flap. In addition, echo color-flow Doppler indicates that the basis for the increase in the vascular territory of the superior epigastric artery caused by the delay maneuver is an increase in the superior epigastric artery diameter, always accompanied by a decrease in the resistivity index. Two different mechanisms seem to us to be related to these modifications in the blood circulation. In the nonirradiated patients, superior epigastric artery dilation prevails, whereas in the irradiated patients, a decrease in the resistivity index is the dominant mechanism of compensation. These hemodynamic findings well support the decrease in flap necrosis reported in our series (standard TRAM: 30 percent; delayed TRAM: 7.1 percent).

Adult↗