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Biomedical subjects

P Kujath

Publications and source records attributed to P Kujath.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Current perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis].

Perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis (PAP) leads to a reduction in surgical site infections. The aim of PAP is adequate serum and tissue concentrations of the antimicrobial drug in the field of operation. The antibiotic must be effective against the expected pathogens during the operation, safe, and have the fewest possible side effects. The indication for PAP should take into account the risks of the operative procedure and especially the individual risk factors of the patient. Depending on pharmacokinetics, the antibiotic should be administered within 60 min before incision. After closure of the wound, further applications of the antibiotic drug have no influence on the infection rate of the wound but do increase the side effects (resistance, CDT colitis, allergy). Operation-specific recommendations according to guidelines of the Paul Ehrlich Society are given.

Adult↗

[Diagnosis and therapy of sepsis. Guidelines of the German Sepsis Society Inc. and the German Interdisciplinary Society for Intensive and Emergency Medicine].

A recent survey conducted by the publicly funded Competence Network Sepsis (SepNet) reveals that severe sepsis and/or septic shock occurs in 75,000 inhabitants (110 out of 100,000) and sepsis in 79,000 inhabitants (116 out of 100,000) in Germany annually. This illness is responsible for approximately 60,000 deaths and ranges as the third most frequent cause of death after acute myocardial infarction. Direct costs for the intensive care of patients with severe sepsis alone amount to approximately 1.77 billion euros, which means that about 30% of the budget in intensive care is used to treat severe sepsis. However, until now German guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of severe sepsis did not exist. Therefore, the German Sepsis Society initiated the development of guidelines which are based on international recommendations by the International Sepsis Forum (ISF) and the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) and take into account the structure and organization of the German health care system. Priority was given to the following guideline topics: a) diagnosis, b) prevention, c) causative therapy, d) supportive therapy, e) adjunctive therapy. The guidelines development process was carefully planned and strictly adhered to the requirements of the Working Group of Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF).

Delivery of Health Care, Integrated↗

[Diagnosis and therapy of sepsis].

A recent survey conducted by the publicly funded Competence Network Sepsis (Sep- Net) reveals that severe sepsis and/or septic shock occurs in 75,000 inhabitants (110 out of 100,000) and sepsis in 79,000 inhabitants (116 out of 100,000) in Germany annually. This illness is responsible for approx. 60,000 deaths and ranges as the third most frequent cause of death after acute myocardial infarction. Direct costs for the intensive care of patients with severe sepsis alone amount to approx. 1.77 billion euros, which means that about 30% of the budget in intensive care is used to treat severe sepsis. However, until now German guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of severe sepsis did not exist. Therefore, the German Sepsis Society initiated the development of guidelines which are based on international recommendations by the International Sepsis Forum (ISF) and the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) and take into account the structure and organisation of the German health care system. Priority was given to the following guideline topics: a) diagnosis, b) prevention, c) causative therapy, d) supportive therapy, e) adjunctive therapy. The guidelines development process was carefully planned and strictly adhered to according to the requirements of the Working Group of Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF).

Critical Care↗

[Perforated jejunal divertikula - a rare differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain].

UNLABELLED: DIAGNOSTIC FINDINGS: We report about a 83 years old female with persisting abdominal pain for 3 days. Abdominal x-ray, as well as abdominal ultrasound examination were unsuccessful. CT scan revealed a 7 cm tumor, suspicious for abscess. OPERATION: Diagnostic laparotomy showed a 6 cm inflammatory tumor with covered perforation of a jejunal diverticula at the 4th intestinal loop distal the ligament of Treitz. We performed a segmental resection. FOLLOW UP: Clinical follow-up was uneventful, the patient was without any symptoms within the first 6 months. Pre- and intraoperative pathology will be explained and discussed referring to the literature.

Abdominal Pain↗

[Diagnosis and therapy of sepsis: guidelines of the German Sepsis Society Inc. and the German Interdisciplinary Society for Intensive and Emergency Medicine].

A recent survey conducted by the publicly funded Competence Network Sepsis (SepNet) reveals that severe sepsis and/or septic shock occurs in 75,000 inhabitants (110 out of 100,000) and sepsis in 79,000 inhabitants (116 out of 100,000) in Germany annually. This illness is responsible for approximately 60,000 deaths and ranges as the third most frequent cause of death after acute myocardial infarction. Direct costs for the intensive care of patients with severe sepsis alone amount to approximately 1.77 billion euros, which means that about 30% of the budget in intensive care is used to treat severe sepsis. However, until now German guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of severe sepsis did not exist. Therefore, the German Sepsis Society initiated the development of guidelines which are based on international recommendations by the International Sepsis Forum (ISF) and the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) and take into account the structure and organization of the German health care system. Priority was given to the following guideline topics: a) diagnosis, b) prevention, c) causative therapy, d) supportive therapy, e) adjunctive therapy. The guidelines development process was carefully planned and strictly adhered to the requirements of the Working Group of Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF).

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

[Fungi in the mediastinum: rare, but relevant].

Fungal infections of the mediastinum are rare. There are five forms to be differentiated: (i) hematogenous fungal infection of the mediastinum after fungemia; (ii) postoperative fungal infection after cardiosurgical sternotomy; (iii) as special form of a descending necrotizing fasciitis; (iv) infection of the mediastinum per continuitatem; (v) fungal infection of the posterior mediastinum after esophageal perforation. In the surgical department, University of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, five patients with a fungal mediastinitis were treated during a period of 10 years. Three patients suffered from a descending mediastinitis, one patient from a fungal infection after pseudarthrosis of the sternum (postoperatively after cardiosurgery). The section results of one other patient with pulmonary aspergillosis showed a complete invasion of the mediastinum by Aspergillus fumigatus.

Fungi↗

[Intra-abdominal mycoses].

The incidence of invasive mycoses in patients undergoing abdominal surgery amounts to approximately 8% and shows an upward trend in epidemiological studies. The lethality of these systemic mycoses, which are mostly based on Candida infections constitutes up to 60%. The development of a sytemic mycosis is marked by exogenic, endogenic and iatrogenic risk factors and typically displays tissue invasion after an initial fungal contamination or systemic dissemination via fungal sepsis. Fungal peritonitis is generally a monoinfection with Candida spp., where Candida albicans outweighs in 70% of cases. Aspergillus spp. are only detected abdominally in rare cases. The histological verification of a fungal invasion is regarded as proof of the existence of an invasive mycosis, but typical macroscopic findings with corresponding cultural findings can also confirm the diagnosis. Systemic mycosis requires an early initiation of a consistent antimycotic therapy as well as definitive surgical eradication of the focus in order to reduce high lethal rate. Resistances or incorrect dosages can be validated objectively by means of histological monitoring of the antimycotic therapy, thus affording early recognition of the need to change the substance class.

Antifungal Agents↗

[Fungal infections in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis: risk-factors, incidence, therapy].

Haemorraghic necrotizing pancreatitis may lead to a serious disease with multi-organ failure, which is to be treated with intensive care. Patients suffering from infected necrosis are usually operated (necrosectomy). By doing this, it is possible to get a microbiological analysis. The most common virulent species are Enterobacteriaceae. According to the literature, fungal infections appear in 15-30% of the cases. Since 1996, 73 patients were treated surgically in our department. A number of 50 patients (68,5%) developed a fungal infection during the course of the disease. The mortality rate was 62%.

Antifungal Agents↗

[Therapy on mycoses after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation].

Patients suffering from type I diabetes mellitus have a descending expectancy of life, after developing diabetic nephropathy and undergoing haemodialysis. After 3 years of haemodialysis, approximately only 40% of the patients are still alive. The only remedy of this incurable metabolic disease is the simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. After transplantation, fungal colonization and fungal infection is a serious threat for the patient's life. In this context, it is necessary to distinguish between colonization and invasive mycosis. In the case of unsuccessful antimycotic treatment, the removal of the transplanted organ, depending on the patient's condition, may be necessary to save the patient's life.

Antifungal Agents↗

[Complicated course of oesophageal perforations because of fungal infections].

Perforations of the oesophagus are characterized by a high mortality rate, varying between 7 and 49%. In the analyzed group of patients between the years 1986 and 2003, the mortality rate of 28% was caused by septic complications such as mediastinitis and pneumonia. Microbiological examinations of samples from different locations and various secretions, detected mycoses in 28% of the patients (n = 16). Compared with the total of mycoses, a higher mortality of 50% was calculated. The invasive Candida infection of the oesophagus itself can cause a perforation. In perforations of the oesophagus, simultaneous mycoses arise by fungi invading sterile compartments or by haematogenous and lymphogenous dissemination up to sepsis. Uncomplicated courses do not need antimycotic therapy. At the beginning of the treatment, a microbiological monitoring should be provided, particularly with regard to the intraoperative facts. In relation to the course and the risk factors of the patients, an antimycotic therapy is initiated. Surgical clearing and sufficient drainage of the collateral compartments such as pleural and mediastinal compartments is highly significant.

Antifungal Agents↗

[Therapy of intraabdominal fungal infections].

Candida albicans is the fourth most germ that can be identified on surgical intensive care unit (SICU). During the course of severe peritonitis recognition of Candida is crucial for physicians but interpretation of Candida-positive microbiologic samples is difficult. The indication for antimycotic therapy requires differentiation between harmless contamination or severe invasive mycosis associated with high mortality. Therefore, we propose a four-stage classification. Stage I is the initial contamination of the abdominal cavity by Candida spp. Stage IIa is characterized by persistence of fungi in patients without risk factors, IIb with risk factors respectively. Stage III means histological evidence of Candida invasion into the peritoneal layer. Stage IV is a generalized infection with fungemia/fungal sepsis. We recommend antimycotic therapy in stage IIb or higher.

Abdominal Cavity↗

[Severe case of Candida peritonitis in a patient on CAPD--a successful treatment].

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a widespread method of treatment used in approximately 10% of all patients suffering from terminal renal insufficiency. The main problem of this procedure is the increased risk of peritoneal infection. The incidence of such a peritonitis is quoted at one episode per 13-18.4 months of treatment. Candida peritonitis is a particularly severe form of CAPD peritonitis. This is a nosocomial infection with a high lethality rate of about 60%. The incidence of Candida peritonitis in CAPD patients amounts to approximately 5% of all intraabdominal infections and is on the increase. The authors describe a severe case of Candida peritonitis in a patient on CAPD. The therapeutic concept of this severe illness is illustrated.

Adult↗

[Pulmonary zygomycosis--a rare angioinvasive fungal infection].

Zygomycosis caused by Rhizopus species is an aggressive and rapidly progressive opportunistic fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. It comprises mucocutaneous, rhinocerebral, pulmonary, urological and disseminated infections. Predisposing factors are immunosuppression owing to severe diseases, immunological defects or metabolic disturbances like diabetic ketoacidosis. Rhizopus infections are characterized by angioinvasive growth, necroses of infected tissue and perineural invasion. The histopathologic demonstrable invasion of blood vessels is remarkable for a fungal infection. The mortality of zygomycosis is very high, especially for disseminated disease and when immunosuppression cannot be corrected. We report about two cases of pulmonary zygomycosis, caused by Rhizopus spp.: patient 1, female 73 years old: Delayed clinical course according to hip arthroplasty infection and infection of a femoropopliteal bypass of the right leg, eventually exarticulation of the right hip joint, Pseudomonas pneumonia, severe sepsis caused by staphylococci, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDs), acute renal failure and multiple use of antibiotics. Subsequently detection of Rhizopus spp. in the bronchoalveolar lavage and treatment with amphotericin B for this reason. Patient 2, male 68 years old: transplantation of kidney in past medical history, presenting with acute renal failure and with quite a few infections before. In the sequel development of abscessing pneumonia on the right side with a pleural empyema. Rhizopus spp. were detected by microbiological testing in the empyema fluid. These findings required surgical intervention, resection of the lower lobe of the right lung and within the same operation of the renal graft because of rejection. The patient was treated with caspofungin. The further course was delayed by several septic phases. Both patients died later on in spite of all efforts. The very rarely seen pulmonary zygomycosis caused by infection with Rhizopus spp. developed in both patients owing to immunosuppression, in one patient iatrogenically induced by immunosuppressive drugs after organ transplantation, in the other as a result of prolonged severe sepsis. In comparison with other mycoses treatment of Rhizopus infections remains difficult. The affinity to blood vessels, where the fungi multiply, and their feature of vascular invasion with thrombosis and infarction complicate therapeutic efforts.

Aged↗

Anastomotic leakage following low anterior resection: results of a standardized diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study analyzed the results of a standardized approach in anastomotic leakage following low anterior resection for rectal cancer without performance of a protective ileostomy during the primary operation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included all 306 patients with rectal cancer electively undergoing low anterior resection with retroperitonealization of the anastomosis over 9 years. The diagnostic procedure for anastomotic leakage included serum laboratory investigations and abdominal CT together with contrast enema. Minor leakages, i.e., small leakages and pelvic abscess, were treated with rectoscopic lavage and/or CT-guided drainage of the abscess, respectively. Major leakage was defined as broad insufficiency with or without septicemia. Nonseptic patients were treated by ileostomy and rectoscopic treatment. In septic patients a revision of the anastomosis with loop ileostomy was performed. RESULTS: Anastomotic leakage was diagnosed in 30 patients (overall 9.8%; 12 major, 18 minor leakages). Common clinical signs were pelvic pain and fever. No patient developed a peritonitis. The most accurate diagnostic instrument was CT (96.7%). CONCLUSION: Retroperitonealization appears to prevent peritonitis in patients with anastomotic leakage following low anterior resection. A differential treatment leads to good results in terms of mortality and anorectal function.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Diagnosis and treatment of streptococcal myositis].

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: Case 1: Following an influenza a 40-year-old patient was treated by intramuscular injections for backache. 24 hours later he was admitted to a hospital with massive pain in both lower extremities and a markedly reduced general condition. Case 2: Two days after a knee joint arthroscopy a 57-year-old man developed strong pain in the extremity treated by application of diclofenac. On the following day the patient was admitted to a university hospital in a septic state with a swollen, cold and blurry changed extremity. INVESTIGATIONS: The myoglobin concentration was dramatically increased in both cases (> 15 000 mg/l). CRP values were elevated. The progressive septic state with acute renal failure was verified by elevation of creatinine concentration and decrease of leukocyte values in the second case (from 10/nl to 2,5/nl) shortly after admission. DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND COURSE: Both the patients died for septic shock. Case 1 died shortly after admission before surgical intervention. The second patient developed rapid progression of the myositis including the trunk despite radical surgical treatment (hip joint exarticulation). CONCLUSION: In cases of sudden and painful swelling of an extremity of unknown origin or following intramuscular injection streptococcal myositis has to be taken into account. Only an immediate surgical intervention up to amputation of the affected extremity can stop the fatal course.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Morbidity and mortality of perforated peptic gastroduodenal ulcer following emergency surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the surgical concept and prognosis of perforated gastroduodenal ulcers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from 102 patients who underwent emergency surgery for peptic ulcer perforation were recorded prospectively. To evaluate morbidity and mortality ulcer perforation was classified into three types: type A, solitary peripyloric ulcer located anteriorly in which laparoscopic closure by suture with omentoplasty was treatment of choice and postoperative endoscopic biopsy was mandatory; type B, perforated ulcer with large defect in which excision and suture was necessary; type C, complicated perforated ulcer with destruction of proximal duodenum and penetration into adjacent organs in which resectional surgery was indicated. RESULTS: Morbidity and mortality were significantly lower in type A (9%, 4%, respectively) than types B (22%, 20%) and C (34%, 17%). Closure of type A perforation was managed laparoscopically in all cases. Billroth II resection was performed in 75% of type C cases. Age, ASA status, and time of surgery were independent prognostic factors by multivariate analysis, with increased mortality in patients older than 65 years, ASA III and IV, and surgery after 24 h following onset of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Prognosis of perforated ulcer disease is highly correlated with age, comorbid conditions (ASA status), and time of surgery. The proposed classification system helps to determine patients at risk of mortality.

Adult↗

[Anticoagulation in the treatment of sepsis. Correction of microcirculation: a new approach manipulating endothelial cell function].

The correction of coagulation disorders is only one aspect in the treatment of severe sepsis. The metabolic changes caused by sepsis are complex. They include the interactions of hundreds of plasma proteins. The system works in balanced patterns of agonists and antagonists, not allowing a preference for single substances. The endothelial cell plays a key role in multiple defence functions in sepsis. Thus, future research in sepsis has to focus on the manipulation of endothelial cell function.

Animals↗