Biomedical subjects

Jeffrey B Friedrich

Publications and source records attributed to Jeffrey B Friedrich.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Infantile fibrosarcoma of the hand associated with coagulopathy.

BACKGROUND: Large congenital neoplasms of the extremities may be associated with coagulopathies and significant hemorrhage in the neonatal period. At times, the differences between coagulation derangements can be very subtle, leading to errors in diagnosis. Infants with vascular lesions and coagulopathies are often found to have the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon, which is a platelet-trapping coagulopathy. However, other neoplasms or vascular malformations can be accompanied by disseminated intravascular coagulation. It is important to obtain accurate diagnoses of the neoplasm and the coagulopathy because the treatments of similar-appearing tumors and coagulopathies can be markedly different. METHODS: The authors report the case of a newborn with a congenital tumor of the left hand that was accompanied by a coagulopathy that caused significant bleeding. RESULTS: A presumption was made by the neonatal critical care physicians and hematologists that the infant had a kaposiform hemangioendothelioma along with the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. However, steroid treatment did not reduce the size of the mass or correct the coagulopathy. Only after obtaining consultation with a hand surgeon and a tissue diagnosis was it learned that the patient had an infantile fibrosarcoma that was accompanied by disseminated intravascular coagulation. Limb-sparing resection of the lesion along with chemotherapy markedly improved the patient's condition. CONCLUSIONS: Large congenital neoplasms presenting with attendant bleeding diatheses must be rapidly and accurately diagnosed with both a biopsy-proven tissue diagnosis and a hematologic characterization of the nature of the coagulopathy. The differential diagnosis of a vascular-appearing mass in the extremity can be subtle, and presumptive diagnosis, as occurred in this case, can lead to incorrect or delayed treatment. Specifically, kaposiform hemangioendothelioma must be differentiated from infantile fibrosarcoma. The principles of infantile fibrosarcoma treatment are limb-sparing resection and chemotherapy.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation↗

PubMed2005

Management of facial burns with a collagen/glycosaminoglycan skin substitute-prospective experience with 12 consecutive patients with large, deep facial burns.

Management of deep facial burns remains one of the greatest challenges in burn care. We have developed a protocol over the past 20 years for management of facial burns that includes excision and coverage with thick autograft. However, the results were not perfect. Deformities of the eyelids, nose and mouth as well as the prominence of skin graft junctures demonstrated the need to explore novel approaches. Integra has been used with success in the management of burns of the trunk and extremities. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the aesthetic outcome of the use of Integra for deep facial burns. Twelve consecutive patients underwent excision of large, deep facial burns and placement of Integra. Integra provides excellent color and minimally visible skin graft junctures. The texture is good but not as supple as thick autograft. Integra is not well suited for use in the coverage of eyelid burns due to the need to wait 2 weeks for adequate vascularization. In summary, thick autograft remains the gold standard for deep facial burns. However, for patients with extensive burns and limited donor sites, Integra provides an acceptable alternative.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Posttraumatic thumb reconstruction.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After reading this article, the reader should be able to: 1. Discuss the critical anatomic features of the thumb as they affect on reconstructive decision making. 2. Define the goals of reconstruction. 3. Discuss an algorithm for thumb reconstruction according to the level of amputation. 4. Understand the role of prosthetics in thumb reconstruction. BACKGROUND: The function of the thumb is critical to overall hand function. Uniquely endowed with anatomic features that allow circumduction and opposition, the thumb enables activities of pinch, grasp, and fine manipulation that are essential in daily life. Destruction of the thumb secondary to trauma represents a much more significant loss than would result from loss of any other digit. Therefore, significant effort has been focused on thumb reconstruction. Numerous techniques have been described, ranging from simple osteoplastic techniques to complex microsurgical procedures. With an appreciation of the unique anatomic properties of the thumb, the hand surgeon is better able to understand the goals of thumb reconstruction and to develop an algorithm for thumb reconstruction. With such an understanding, an individualized reconstructive plan can be developed for each patient. METHODS: A great many options are available for posttraumatic thumb reconstruction. Optimal results are obtained by pursuing an organized and logical approach to reconstruction based upon the level of tissue loss. Reconstruction methods depend on the location of the amputation and range from homodigital and heterodigital flaps to partial-toe transfer or a great-toe wrap-around flap to first-web-space deepening using Z-plasties, a dorsal rotation flap, or a distant flap, to distraction osteogenesis, lengthening of the thumb ray, spare parts from another injured digit in the acute setting for pollicization or heterotopic replantation, and microvascular toe transfer. RESULTS: Amputations in the distal third of the thumb are generally well-tolerated. The primary reconstructive issues are the restoration of a padded and sensate soft-tissue cover, as well as aesthetic considerations. First-web-space deepening will generally provide excellent results for amputations at the distal half of the middle third. In the proximal half of the middle third, lengthening of the thumb ray is generally required. Distraction lengthening of the first metacarpal is a useful and reliable technique that provides up to 3 cm of length without requiring complex microsurgical methods. Spare parts from another injured digit may be used in the acute setting for pollicization or heterotopic replantation. Microvascular toe transfer is an excellent option for elective reconstruction. However, other options also are available and may be more appropriate in some cases. Less ideal options include the various types of osteoplastic reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The reconstruction of posttraumatic thumb defects is a challenging and rewarding surgical endeavor. The value of a functioning thumb is immense, and its reconstruction is worthy of considerable effort. Despite the elegant reconstructive options available, the best results are obtained with replantation or revascularization whenever possible. Finally, the treatment plan always must be derived from a careful assessment of each patient's posttraumatic function and specific reconstructive needs.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2004

Is supra-Baxter resuscitation in burn patients a new phenomenon?

Baxter described the use of 4 cm3/kg/%TBSA as a guideline for fluid resuscitation after burns. However, recent studies have shown that, at the present time, patients generally receive greater than the "Baxter" formula. Pruitt has called this phenomenon "fluid creep," and it has the potential for significant consequences including abdominal and extremity compartment syndromes and severe pulmonary insults. The purpose of this paper is to determine if this supra-Baxter resuscitation is a new phenomenon. We performed a retrospective chart review with two cohorts of patients. Group 1 consisted of 11 patients admitted between 1975 and 1978 to our burn center. Group 2 consisted of 11 patients admitted to our burn center in 2000 who were matched for age, sex, and percent total body surface area burned. Group 1 received 3.6 +/- 1.1 cm3/kg/% TBSA of fluid in the first 24 h. Group 2 received 8.0 +/- 2.5 cm3/kg/% TBSA, which is 100% more than the Baxter formula. There was no difference in the median age, weight, or 24-h urine output between the two groups. Our data demonstrate that the "fluid creep" phenomenon is relatively new.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

"Opioid creep" is real and may be the cause of "fluid creep".

Recent studies have shown that burn patients receive larger volumes of fluids than predicted by the Baxter formula and the reason for this is unclear. One potential reason is that increased analgesics are used which could blunt the response to fluid resuscitation. The purpose of this study was to compare the administration of opioid agonists in patients treated at a single burn center in the 1970s and in the year 2000. We performed a retrospective chart review comparing two matched cohorts. Group I consisted of 11 patients admitted between 1975 and 1978. Group II consisted of 11 patients admitted in 2000 matched for age, sex and %TBSA. Patients in Group II received a significantly higher mean opioid equivalent than those in Group I (26.5 +/- 12.3 versus 3.9 +/- 2.2 in the first 24h, P < 0.001). In addition, in Group II, a larger variety and combination of opioid agonists were used. This review demonstrates a significant increase from the 1970s to 2000 in the type, dose prescribed and dose delivered of opioid agonists. Along with "fluid creep", we have also increased our use of opioid agonists or "opioid creep". Higher doses of opioid agonists may have hemodynamic consequences, which may contribute to the increased fluid volumes.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Meshed unexpanded split-thickness skin grafting for reconstruction of penile skin loss.

PURPOSE: Sheets of unmeshed, split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) have been advocated in potent men with penile skin deficiency. Since the survival of sheet grafts is rarely 100% and the appearance of unexpanded 1:1 mesh grafts is quite good, we used this technique. We report our experience with meshed, unexpanded STSGs for all penile resurfacing regardless of erectile function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine consecutive patients with penile skin loss were prospectively treated between March 2001 and January 2003 with meshed STSGs to the penis. The underlying condition was Fournier's gangrene in 4 cases, chronic lymphedema in 2, skin deficiency from prior surgeries in 2 and Crohn's disease in 1. Graft thickness was 0.012 or 0.016 inches and meshing was performed in a 1:1 ratio. Meshed slits were oriented transversely without expansion and the graft juncture was located on the ventral surface in zigzag fashion. Graft take, appearance, and sexual and voiding function were assessed postoperatively. RESULTS: All 9 patients had 100% graft take. At a mean followup of 6 months a satisfactory cosmetic outcome was documented photographically in all except 1 case involving chronic penile manipulation. Erectile function and ejaculation were preserved in potent patients. CONCLUSIONS: Unexpanded meshed STSGs of penile skin loss yielded satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The use of tensor fascia lata interposition grafts for the treatment of posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis.

PURPOSE: There is no agreement on the ideal treatment of traumatic radioulnar synostosis, especially the type of interposition material to be used. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with synostosis resection and interposition of tensor fascia lata grafts. METHODS: A chart review was conducted for all patients treated for posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis between 2000 and 2004. Demographic data, mechanism of injury, length of time to synostosis resection, range-of-motion, patient satisfaction, and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were identified for this study. The mean preoperative pronation was 14 degrees and the mean postoperative pronation was 62 degrees. The mean preoperative supination was 4 degrees and the mean postoperative supination was 62 degrees. The mean follow-up time was 30 months. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that synostosis resection with tensor fascia lata graft interposition is an effective technique for the treatment of posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.

Adult↗