Lethal Outcome Research Articles

Features of the course of severe acute bronchiolitis of Human Metapneumovirus еtiology in сhildren

Objective. To study the characteristics of severe acute bronchiolitis (AB) caused by hMPV (hMPV-AB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective comparative study included 27 patients aged 2 to 12 months, who were hospitalized from 2021 to 2023 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the «Kommunarka» Moscow Multidisciplinary Clinical Center. The etiology of AB was determined using polymerase chain reaction. Results. Patients with hMPV-AB had a longer stay in the ICU compared to patients with AB of another etiology (9.0 [5.0; 11.0]; 3,0 [2.0; 4.0] days, p = 0.007). Ratio SpO2/FiO2 was lower in patients with hMPV-AB (190.2 [131.0; 203.3]) compared to patients with AB of another etiology (275.0 [253.0; 340.0], p = 0.001). Rating on the Pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (pSOFA) was higher in patients with hMPV-AB (5.0 [3.45; 11.0] vs. 1.0 [0.54; 1.93], p = 0.002). One lethal outcome was recorded in the hMPV-AB group. Conclusions. hMPV-AB in children is characterized by a more severe course and requires more intensive treatment compared to AB of other etiologies.

Features of the diagnostics and surgical treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis

Introduction. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the common causes for abdominal surgery in newborns and infants over he first months of life with a high mortality rate (23.5%), increased in case of surgery to 67%. Materials and methods. We compared premature (n = 25) and full-term (n = 22) newborns operated for NEC complications (laparotomy, resection of necrotized sections of the intestine, intestinal stoma). Also, we evaluated the results of treatment of infants with intestinal stoma after surgical NEC (n = 110, groups 1, 2 and 3). Results. Full-term cases with congenital heart defects are at risk of surgical NEC (p < 0.05). Subtotal and total forms of NEC are associated with lethal outcomes up to 100% in both premature and full-term infants. It is necessary to preserve the ileocecal angle; length measuring of the remaining intestine along the mesenteric edge helps to predict further risks: 60 cm and less leads to 80–100% of post-resection short bowel syndrome. Conclusion. NEC in full-term newborns is due to its hypoxic nature and impaired mesenteric perfusion (congenital heart defects). Surgical NEC can occur without typical symptoms (“covered perforation”), the discrepancy between the clinical and radiographic picture may indicate to subtotal or total intestinal necrosis with up to 100% of lethal outcomes.

Inflammation associated with monocyte/macrophage activation and recruitment corresponds with lethal outcome in a mouse model of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) causes human disease ranging from subclinical to a fatal hemorrhagic syndrome. Determinants of CCHF pathogenesis are largely unknown and animal models that recapitulate human disease are limited. A recently described mouse model uses a monoclonal antibody (mAb 5A3) targeting the interferon (IFN) alpha/beta receptor to suppress type I IFN responses, making animals transiently susceptible to infection. To advance utility of this model, we investigated effects of challenge route, timing of 5A3 delivery, mouse sex and age, and virus strain on clinical course and outcome. C57BL/6J mice received mAb 5A3 -1, 0, or -1/+1 days post-infection (dpi). Subsets were challenged with CCHFV strain Turkey04 or IbAr10200 subcutaneously or intraperitoneally, and serially euthanized 3- and 7-dpi, when meeting euthanasia criteria or at study completion (14 dpi). CCHFV-IbAr10200-infected mice almost uniformly succumbed to infection, whereas CCHFV-Turkey04-infected mice transiently lost weight but survived. These results were consistent regardless of mAb timing or route of challenge. Viral replication and dissemination were comparable between the two strains at 3 dpi. However, in the plasma and livers of non-survivors, expression of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines that correspond with macrophage activation and recruitment were significantly elevated. Lethal disease was also associated with elevated levels of macrophage activation marker CD163 in plasma. Further, mouse macrophages were more permissive to IbAr1200 infection in vitro, suggesting tropism for these cells may influence pathogenesis. Our data suggest that early inflammation may be a critical determinant of CCHF outcome and therapeutics to control inflammation may be worthwhile targets for future investigation.

Survival of Patients with Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Cirrhosis—Usefulness of the New Liver Mortality Inpatients Prognostic Score

Background/Objectives: Alcohol can directly damage the liver, causing steatosis, steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular cancer. The aim of this study was to examine 28-day survival in hospitalized patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) cirrhosis, as well as to develop and validate a new survival prediction model. Methods: A total of 145 patients with ALD cirrhosis were included; 107 were diagnosed with acute decompensation (AD) and 38 with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). The new liver mortality inpatients (LIV-IN) score was calculated using the following variables: hepatic encephalopathy (HE), hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), ascites, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), community-acquired infection (CAI), and fibrinogen. The diagnostic accuracy of the LIV-IN score was tested, along with the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na), albumin-bilirubin (ALBI), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), chronic liver failure consortium-C acute decompensation (CLIF-C AD), and chronic liver failure consortium-acute-on-chronic liver failure (CLIF-C ACLF). Results: Lethal outcome occurred in 46 (31.7%) patients. The mortality rate was higher in the ACLF group (n = 22, 57.9%) compared to the AD group (n = 24, 22.4%) (p < 0.01). The highest predictive power for short-term mortality was observed for the LIV-IN score (AUC 73.4%, p < 0.01). In patients with AD, the diagnostic accuracy of the CLIF-C AD score was better than for the LIV-IN score (AUC 0.699; p = 0.004, AUC 0.686; p = 0.007, respectively). In patients with ACLF, only the LIV-IN score had statistically significant discriminative power in predicting 28-day survival. Conclusions: The liver mortality inpatients prognostic score is a new, reliable prognostic model in predicting 28-day mortality.

Etiology and Characteristics of Pseudotumoral Lesions and Tumefactive Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis

IntroductionCerebral pseudotumoral lesions (CPTL) (>2cm) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may pose a clinical challenge. A majority will occur in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS) – also referred to as tumefactive demyelinating lesions (TDL). The aim of this study was to define and analyze clinical, MRI, and paraclinical data for MS and non-MS patients. MethodsThis prospective study included adult patients with CPTL on brain MRI referred to the Neurology Clinic, Belgrade as a tertiary University Center (2019-2023) for clinical workup and treatment. Demographic, clinical, MRI, and paraclinical data were reviewed. ResultsThis study included 75 patients, of which 58.7% had MS. Fourteen patients had previously been diagnosed with MS, while 30 (68.2%) received the diagnosis of MS in the later course. The concordance of initial and final diagnoses was 52%. Relapsing disease (p<0.001) and brainstem presentation (p=0.039) were significantly more common in MS patients. Headache (p= 0.008) and lethal outcome (p=0.014) were significantly more common in the non-MS group. Lesions were ring-like more frequently in the MS group (p<0.001), while patients in the non-MS group frequently displayed infiltrative (p=0.001) and nonspecific lesions (p=0.002). The presence of headache and megacystic morphology was associated with the presence of pathology other than MS while the relapsing disease was in favor of MS. ConclusionMultiple sclerosis was the most common cause of CPTL. Headache, relapsing course of disease, and megacystic morphology may help discern MS from non-MS pathology. These findings should be challenged in future studies examining larger cohorts.

Ethyl alcohol consumption characteristics of deceased individuals in Lithuania

The number of alcohol-related deaths in Lithuania has fallen by almost one-third in the last decade; however, the number of deaths has been on the rise since 2019. Data on the postmortem investigation of victims between 2018 and 2022 were obtained from the Lithuanian State Forensic Medicine Service database. This study analyzed data from 1,200 autopsies. The deceased victims were categorized based on their cause of death and blood alcohol concentration (sober, legally intoxicated, mild, medium, or heavy). The causes of death were diseases (54.17%, n=650), suicides (12.08%, n=145), homicides (2.5%, n=30), and accidents (31.25%, n=375). Toxicological tests for alcohol were performed in all cases. Alcohol levels in the blood and urine were measured using gas chromatography. A significant correlation was observed between blood alcohol concentration and age (r=-0.13, p=0.007). A statistically significant difference was observed in the proportions of men and women who were intoxicated. Among the causes of death, the group of individuals who died because of accidents exhibited the highest average blood alcohol concentration. Alcohol intoxication is undoubtedly a contributing factor to fatalities resulting from accidents and homicides. These findings assist in determining the intoxication level of victims and in assessing any potential links that may contribute to or predispose victims to lethal outcomes in cases of disease, suicide, homicide, or accident.

Out-of-Hospital Infant Mortality Associated with Herpesviruses

Introduction. Infant mortality is a universally recognized indicator for social well-being of the population. There is a need for an in-depth analysis of the causes and factors leading to the death of infants at home, including determining the etiology of infectious diseases potentially causing death.The purpose of the study — to determine the implication of herpesviruses in infant out-of-hospital death.Materials and methods. Samples from autopsy material of 23 infants (blood, small intestine, heart, lungs, liver, brain), who died at home from various causes, were analyzed by PCR for the presence of viral DNA and RNA from herpesviruses, orthomyxoviruses, paramyxoviruses, picornaviruses, adenoviruses, coronaviruses, parvoviruses, as well as intestinal viruses.Results and discussion. Positive PCR results were found in 11 cases (43.5 %), of which herpesviruses DNA was detected in 10 cases. In these samples, cytomegalovirus predominated, in association with Epstein — Barr virus and human herpesvirus type 6. This association was detected in blood and internal organs samples from four infants diagnosed with generalized viral infection, and from two infants with acute respiratory viral infection. This suggests the presence of a causal relationship between the lethal outcome and the detection of these viruses. Not all infants showed clinical signs characteristic of generalized herpes infection. In one infant with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, coronavirus, enterovirus and rotavirus DNA was found in samples of internal organs.Conclusion. Results showed the dominant role of the herpesviruses in out-of-hospital infant death cases.

Carotid Endarterectomy in the Acute Period of Ischemic Stroke After Thrombolytic Therapy

AIM OF STUDY. To study the outcomes, complications and risk factors of CEA surgery in patients after thrombolytic therapy.MATERIAL AND METHODS. The results of treatment of patients after carotid endarterectomy in the acute period of ischemic acute cerebrovascular accident after thrombolytic therapy were assessed. The group of patients operated on with thrombolytic therapy included 43 patients (29 women and 14 men). The average age of the operated patients was 64±8.9 years. In 24 patients, the stroke was localized in the blood supply of the left middle cerebral artery, in 19 — in the right. A group of patients (n=50) with similar clinical characteristics was selected as a comparison group.RESULTS. Adverse events occurred in only two patients (4.6%) in the thrombolytic therapy group. One complication required active surgical tactics, the formation of a significant hematoma in the area of surgical intervention. No adverse events were noted in the control group. There were no lethal outcomes in both groups. There were no significant differences in long-term survival rates between groups (p&gt;0.05).DISCUSSION. Numerous researchers have come to the conclusion that by observing clear criteria for selecting patients for surgical treatment, it is possible to minimize complications associated with the use of thrombolytic drugs in the preoperative period. Our study confirms these conclusions. Patients with previously performed thrombolytic therapy for stroke are in a group of special attention and require close monitoring in the short and long term.CONCLUSION. Carotid endarterectomy in the acute period of stroke during thrombolytic therapy is not associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications and does not compromise long-term treatment results. Further large studies are needed to clarify the results obtained.

Role of Tumor Microenvironment in the Risk of Thromboembolic Complications in Ovarian Cancer

Introduction. Incidence of ovarian cancer remains high in the overall prevalence of oncological pathology. Adjuvant chemotherapy refers to its treatment options. Patients with oncological pathology are faced with a high risk of thrombosis and thromboembolism, with up to 30% lethal outcome within a month of its development. A number of cancer cells are known to induce platelet aggregation, contributing to thrombosis and metastasis as a result of this interaction. Accordingly, the paper is aimed at presenting a clinical case for demonstrating the role of P-selectin expression in the complications in a patient with ovarian cancer. Materials and methods. The present paper evaluates platelet activation marker in a patient undergoing chemotherapy courses after cytoreductive surgery. Following the case conference and in accordance with the clinical recommendations of the Russian Oncology Association (AOR) and Russian Society of Clinical Oncology (RUSSCO), cytoreduction (CC-0), radical hysterectomy, transverse colectomy, left hemicolectomy with rectum resection were performed. The interventions included ascendostomy, pelvic, lateral right-sided and left-sided peritonectomy, pelvic lymphoadenectomy, total omentectomy, Renape-French HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy), abdominal and pelvic drainage. Expression of P-selectin on the platelet surface was measured as a marker of platelet activation. Results and discussion. At the time of admission, the patient had high CD62 expression activity compared to healthy volunteers (CD62 ADP- — 11.2%, CD62 ADP — 24.7% vs CD62 ADP- — 1.3%, CD62 ADP — 17.2%). During the complex treatment of ovarian cancer, the platelet activation increased (CD62 ADP- — 21.8 %, CD62 ADP+ — 30.1 %). At discharge, CD62 expression values reached the conditional norm, presumably indicating thrombosis development. Conclusion. Tumor microenvironment influences the hemostasis system. Detailed study into this issue obtains a high potential for the prevention of primary and secondary thromboembolic complications in oncologic patients.

Parameters of leukopoiesis and thrombocytopenia in early urosepsis as potential predictors of a lethal outcome in hospitalized patients

Aim. To perform a comparative analysis of leukopoiesis parameters and platelet count in peripheral blood with evaluation of their changes in the first 48 hours from urosepsis (US) verification in hospitalized patients depending on the outcome of the disease.Materials and methods. A retrospective comparative study included 40 patients with US divided into a group of deceased (n = 10) and a group of recovered (n = 30) individuals. Along with a full clinical and paraclinical examination, which is a routine practice in the urology clinic in case of suspected (confirmed) sepsis, we performed a differentiated assessment of leukopoiesis and platelet count in peripheral blood at baseline (at the moment of US verification) and 48 hours after US verification. The assessment included determination of the immature granulocyte count, investigation of neutrophil granularity intensity (NEUT-GI) and neutrophil reactivity intensity (NEUT-RI), and measurement of the mean platelet volume (MPV).Results. The baseline level of organ dysfunction graded by the SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score was significantly higher in deceased patients than in survivors (6 points vs. 3 points, respectively; p = 0.001). The group of the deceased was characterized by lower platelet and monocyte levels. The ROC analysis with the calculation of area under the curve (AUC) identified the following potential predictors of a lethal outcome in US: proportion of monocytes from the total leukocyte count at baseline ≤ 5.5% (AUC 0.732, p = 0.032), proportion of eosinophils from the total leukocyte count at baseline ≤ 0% (AUC 0.756, p = 0.011), absolute eosinophil count at baseline ≤ 0.01 × 109 / l (AUC 0.802, p = 0.009), absolute basophil count at baseline ≤ 0.03 × 109 / l (AUC 0.718, p = 0.028), NEUT-GI at baseline ≤ 153.2 scatter intensity (SI) units (AUC 0.754, p = 0.021), NEUT-RI at baseline ≤ 59.3 SI units (AUC 0.737, p = 0.024) and their increase after 48 hours by &gt; 0.9 SI units (AUC 0.852, p = 0.001) or by &gt; 1.34% (AUC 0.844, p = 0.003), platelet count at baseline ≤ 144 × 109 / l (AUC 0.762, p = 0.007) and after 48 hours ≤ 174 × 109 / l (AUC 0.769, p &lt; 0.007).Conclusion. The assessment of the platelet count and leukopoiesis parameters, including the ones characterizing neutrophil maturation (NEUT-RI, NEUT-GI), in the first 48 hours from US verification, can be effective predictors of a lethal outcome in patients with US.

Sirolimus for kaposiform hemangioendothelioma: Potential mechanisms of action and resistance.

Kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas (KHEs) are vascular tumors that are considered borderline or locally aggressive and may lead to lethal outcomes. Traditional therapies, such as surgery and embolization, may be insufficient or technically impossible for patients with KHE. Sirolimus (or rapamycin), a specific inhibitor of mechanistic target of rapamycin, has recently been demonstrated to be very useful in the treatment of KHEs. Here, we highlight recent substantial progress regarding the effects of sirolimus on KHEs and discuss the potential mechanisms of action of sirolimus in treating this disease. The prevention of platelet activation and inflammation, along with antiangiogenic effects, the inhibition of lymphangiogenesis, the attenuation of fibrosis, or a combination of all these effects, may be responsible for the therapeutic effects of sirolimus. In addition, the mechanism of sirolimus resistance in some KHE patients is discussed. Finally, we review the somatic mutations that have recently been identified in KEH lesions, and discuss the potential of novel therapeutic targets based on these further understandings of the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of KHE.

Comparative Results of Standard Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, Staged Hybrid Myocardial Revascularization and Purely Endovascular Correction in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease in Long-Term Period after Surgery

INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery disease (CAD) currently remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Russia and in the world. In 2022, the overall morbidity with CAD among the adult population of Russia was 6517.9 per 100 thousand populations. The main surgical methods of treatment for CAD are coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and stenting of the coronary arteries. In some cases, a single-step complete revascularization is not possible, and one of solutions is a hybrid approach. AIM: To compare 5-year results of CABG, staged hybrid myocardial revascularization and isolated endovascular intervention in patients with CAD and multi-vessel lesion of the coronary arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective study included 330 patients with CAD and multi-vessel atherosclerotic lesion of the coronary arteries, who underwent planned myocardial revascularization in 2010–2018. Group 1 included 110 patients who underwent CABG, group 2 — 110 patients who underwent staged hybrid myocardial revascularization, group 3 included 110 patients after percutaneous coronary intervention. In 5-year follow-up period, clinical and instrumental data were evaluated, complications, lethal outcomes and re-interventions were considered. RESULTS: In the immediate period after the surgical intervention, frequency of cardiovascular complications and residual myocardial ischemia was expectedly low in all the groups (р 0.05). At 1 year of follow-up, cardiovascular complications were less common in group 2 (17.3%) compared to group 1 (29.1%, p = 0.038), while in group 3, adverse events were also noted in 27.3% of cases, however, the differences were not significant (p = 0.075). At 5 years, the frequency of cardiovascular complications prevailed in patients of group 1 (80.0%) compared to group 2 (57.3%) and group 3 (67.3%, p = 0.001–0.032). At the end of follow-up, the frequency of repeat revascularization was significantly higher in group 1 (41.8%) compared to group 2 (29.1%, p = 0.049). The number of such cases in group 3 (33.6%) was less than in group 1, however, the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.125). CONCLUSION: Isolated CABG demonstrates a higher frequency of repeat endovascular interventions at 5 years after surgery compared to hybrid revascularization that also provides better results in terms of preventing cardiovascular complications.

Specifics and results of liver transplantation in elderly patients

Aim. To determine specific features, frequency, and structure of complications, immediate and long-term results of liver transplantation in elderly patients.Materials and methods. Data on 529 liver transplantations performed consecutively in one medical center from 2010 to 2023 were analyzed. In 386 (73%) cases, the right lobe of the liver of related donors was used for transplantation. At the time of surgery, the patient age ranged from 18 years to 71 years, with 57 (11%) patients being over 60 years old, 215 (40%) patients aged 44–59 years, and 257 (49%) patients aged 18–44 years.Results. Prior to operation, elderly patients were statistically significantly more often diagnosed with arterial hypertension (n = 19; 33%), diabetes mellitus (n = 12; 21%), and on average a reduced glomerular filtration rate (82 ml/min/1.73m2 ). The most frequent indication for transplantation in this group was hepatocellular carcinoma in the setting of cirrhosis (n = 19; 33%). No statistically significant differences in other preoperative characteristics, parameters of donors and operations, peculiarities of the course of the early postoperative period, frequency, structure of complications and lethal outcomes were found. The one-, five-, and ten-year survival rates for recipients over 60 years old were 82%, 72%, and 36%; for recipients aged 44–59 years old – 88%, 79%, and 70%; and for recipients aged 18–44 years old – 86%, 80%, and 74%, respectively.Conclusion. In the studied cohort, older age was not associated with excessive risks of complications and early postoperative mortality. Given the higher prevalence of comorbidities in this group, preoperative examination should be aimed at, among other things, diagnostics of possible (hidden) cardiovascular and oncologic diseases. The development and introduction of new cardio-, nephro-, and oncoprotective regimens of immunosuppressive therapy seems to be an important measure not only for the surgical treatment of elderly patients, but also for recipients living with a transplanted liver for a long time.

Morning conference in the therapeutic clinic: importance in the professional education of young specialists

The article discusses a morning conference in a multidisciplinary therapeutic hospital as one of the effective and concentrated forms of professional education and the formation of clinical thinking among young specialists. The department's staff members' own experience of conducting morning conferences at a multidisciplinary hospital is presented. Among the many functions of the morning conference, emphasis was placed on the educational role in the process of training clinical residents and senior medical students. The role of duty was discussed with the presentation of the results at the morning conference, the possibility of analyzing lethal outcomes, clinical and anatomical comparison, and deontological aspects.

Stenting of the trachea with cicatricial stenosis, immediate and long-term results

The aim of study Evaluation of the results of stenting in the treatment of cicatricial stenosis of the trachea. Materials and methods During the period from 1995 to 2023, 154 patients with cicatricial stenosis of the trachea were treated (men - 109 (70.77%), women - 45 (29.22%). The age of the patients ranged from 15 to 83 years. Patients of working age (from 20 to 50 years old) were 102 (66, 23%). The causes of stenosis were: tracheostomy and / or prolonged mechanical lung ventilation through a tracheostomy tube (106-68.83%), mechanical ventilation through the orotracheal tube (38-24.67%), in 6 (3.89%) after circular resection of the trachea, in 3 (1.94%) recurrence of stenosis after tracheolaryngoplasty, in 1 (0.64%) after radiation therapy for primary tracheal cancer in the area of tumor stenosis. Results. In 69 (44.80%) patients, tracheal stenting was performed. Indications for stenting: the impossibility of performing circular resection of the trachea due to the severity of the condition (64-92.75%), preoperative preparation (2-2.89%), cicatricial narrowing of the tracheal anastomosis after circular resection of the trachea (2-2.89%), stenosis of the trachea after long-term treatment of staged treatment (tracheolaryngoplasty with the introduction of a T-shaped tube) (1-1.44%). In 67 patients silicone stents of the Dumont type were inserted, in 2 - stents made of an endotracheal tube and fixed to the neck tissues with a non-absorbable ligature. Complications in the postoperative period occurred in 22 (31,88%) patients. There were no lethal outcomes. It was possible to form a lumen sufficient for breathing in 46 (66.66%) patients. Conclusions. Tracheal stenting in patients with cicatricial tracheal stenosis is a safe and highly effective method that can be used both independently and for preoperative preparation. Restenosis that occurs after the stent removing can be corrected by stent reinsertion by circular resection of the trachea performing, if the patient’s condition allows it.

Integrative description and histopathological lesions of Cyathostoma americana (Nematoda, Syngamidae) parasitizing a barn owl (Tyto alba) in Chile.

Syngamid worms (Nematoda: Syngamidae) parasitizing birds of prey are considered cosmopolitan, but the efforts to understand their biology and systematics are restricted to the Holarctic region. However, in the Neotropical region there is only one recent record with no data about its molecular characterization or its significance to the health of its hosts. Thus, this study aimed to identify through an integrative approach the Syngamid worms parasitizing a native owl, and to describe its pathological consequences. A total of 14 barn owls (Tyto alba) were dissected between 2015 and 2021, from which one bird was found to be parasitized by a high parasitic burden (i.e. 185 worms). Considering light microscopy and SEM, these nematodes were morphologically identified as Cyathostoma americana, and then supported through molecular analyses of nuclear loci ITS and LSU. The pathological changes were described as severe airsacculitis and pneumonia, which probably were the cause of death of the bird. This study represents the first effort to characterize the parasitism by this nematode in a nocturnal bird of prey from the Neotropics, with a lethal outcome. Additional studies are required from other geographical areas and Neotropical countries to better understand the dynamics of this parasite and their hosts, considering both diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey.

Current Strategies for Atrial Fibrillation Prevention and Management: Taming the Commonest Cardiac Arrhythmia.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest cardiac arrhythmia, constituting a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with an age-dependent incidence and prevalence ranging from 1-2% in the general population to ~10% in persons aged >60 years. The global prevalence of AF is rapidly increasing, mostly due to the aging population. If not properly and timely managed, this arrhythmia adversely affects left ventricular function, increases the risk of stroke five-fold, impairs quality of life, and shortens longevity. There is a genetic, hence non-modifiable, predisposition to the arrhythmia, while several life-style and cardiometabolic inciting factors, such as hypertension, heart failure, coronary disease, metabolic syndrome, alcohol use, and thyroid disorders, can be addressed, attesting to the importance of a holistic approach to its management. Thromboembolism is a serious consequence of AF, which could lead to a disabling stroke or have a lethal outcome. The risk of a thromboembolic complication can be estimated as based on a scoring system that takes into consideration the patient's age, previous thromboembolic events, and clinical comorbidities. In addition, rapid AF could affect cardiac performance, leading to an elusive type of arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy and heart failure with grave consequences if undetected and untreated. Furthermore, AF may cause silent brain infarcts and/or its hemodynamic perturbations can account for a type of dementia that needs to be taken into account, emphasizing the need for AF screening and prevention strategies. All these issues are herein detailed, the causes of the arrhythmia are tabulated, and an algorithm illustrates our current approach to its management.

Combined treatment of wounded with traumatic aneurysm of posterior communicating artery complicated by intraventricular hemorrhage

Cerebral blood vessel trauma (CBVT) is a serious condition of craniocerebral injury. According to literature data, different varieties of CBVT in penetrating gunshot craniocerebral injuries are found in 30–45 % of cases. Traumatic pseudoaneurysms are the most common finding in late evaluation and can lead to life-threatening episodes of intracranial hemorrhage.In addition, CBVT includestraumatic occlusion, dissection of vessels, rupture of cerebral arteries, formation of arteriovenous fistulas (carotid-cavernous anastomoses), venous stasis, etc. Injured persons with traumatic dissection and injury of vertebrobasilar pool have the highest risks of lethal outcome. There are no largerandomised trials and national recommendations for the treatment of CBVT, individual observations and small series of clinical cases have been published. In this connection, there is a need for a detailed analysis of all clinical cases, the development of tactics for early diagnosis and an algorithm for the treatment of wounded with CBVT.The article presents a review of the literature data that characterizes the current understanding of CBVT, and a clinical case of traumatic occlusion of the middle cerebral artery and pseudoaneurysm of the posterior communicating artery in a wounded man with a gunshot penetrating cranioorbital wound, who was treated at the neurosurgical center of the N.N. Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital.In the early period after the injury, the patient underwent endovasal occlusion of a traumatic aneurysm of the posterior connective artery by microspirals followed by local thrombolysis of intraventricular hematomas through a ventricular catheter. The catamnesis was 150 days, the score on the modified Rankin scale was 3, the Glasgow outcome scale extended was 5.

Management of gunshot injury to the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava: a case report of a combat patient wounded in the Russo-Ukrainian war

BackgroundRusso-Ukrainian war is associated with severe traumas, including injuries to the major vessels. Penetrating aortic injury remains one of the most difficult injuries; the mortality rate is 90–100% in case of gunshot wounds, associated with frequent lethal outcomes due to uncontrolled bleeding. Of the three main abdominal veins, the inferior vena cava (IVC) is the most frequently damaged, which is required quick and appropriate surgical decisions to be made. Little is known about the management of gunshot injuries to such major vessels as the aorta and IVC. It is also worth mentioning about the importance to share our practical experience from the ongoing war for better understanding and future considerations by war surgeons of the vascular trauma management. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the specific features of the diagnosis and management of a gunshot shrapnel blind penetrating wound to the abdomen with injury to the aortic bifurcation level and the infrarenal section of the inferior vena cava.Case presentationA 44-year-old male soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine received a gunshot injury to the abdomen from a mortars’ explosive shelling. The patient was evacuated to the Forward Surgical Team (Role 1) and received primary surgical treatment within one hour after the injury according to the “golden hour” principle. Then, evacuated was performed to the Role 3 hospital in Kharkiv. At the Role 3 hospital, the patient underwent second-look surgery as well as damage control surgery. At revision, no active bleeding was observed, and the surgical pads (packed previously by the Forward Surgical Team) were removed. Further revision showed a metal projectile within the aortic wall at the level of aortic bifurcation and wall defects were also detected for inferior vena cava. This metal projectile was removed by using the multifunctional surgical magnetic tool followed by suturing of the aortic wall defect as well as defects of the inferior vena cava.ConclusionsApplication of Damage Control Surgery is a useful approach in the management of severe vascular injury as well as useful to stop abdominal contamination by intestinal contents. The application of a surgical magnetic tool for the searching and removal of ferromagnetic foreign bodies reduces operative trauma and reduces the time for identification of foreign bodies.

227. CAUSES OF IN-HOSPITAL MORTALITY FOLLOWING TRANSTHORACIC ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CANCER

Abstract Background Rates of peri-operative mortality following esophagectomy for cancer have markedly decreased over the last few decades, with a 90-day mortality rate below 5% considered a benchmark for quality of care. Although studies have focused on mortality rates, little is known about the causality. The aim of this study was to perform a multicenter, in-depth analysis of peri-operative mortality following esophagectomy for cancer. Methods Data was obtained multicenter, from prospective databases, between January 2010 – June 2020. All patients with a lethal postoperative course (Clavien-Dindo V) following elective transthoracic esophagectomy were included. Data collection included baseline characteristics, preoperative comorbidities, surgical procedures, postoperative complications and their management. In each participating center, two surgeons independently reassessed patient work-up and the management of intra-operative and postoperative complications to finally classify the management of each section as adequate, non-adequate or undetermined. Statistics encompassed descriptive analysis. Results One-hundred and twenty-one out of 3899 patients died in-hospital following oesophagectomy; a mortality rate of 3.1%. Patients deceased on a median of 32 days after surgery (IQR: 18-60). In preoperative work up: 24 patients (19.7%) had a Charlson-Comorbidity-Index (CCI) of 5 of higher; with cardiac comorbidity reported most often, in 39% of patients. Reassessment revealed work-up was not adequate in two patients (1.4%). During surgery, 6 patients (4.6%) suffered complications, all managed adequately in reassessment. Following surgery, a total of 343 major complications were identified in the 121 patients (mean 2.4 ± 1.2) with anastomotic leakage (AL) reported most often, in 65 patients (53.7%). AL was reported as cause of death in 44 patients (36.5 %). In eight patients (6.6 %) postoperative management was reassessed to be non-adequate, in these cases recognition and initiation of treatment for AL (n=7) or conduit necrosis (n=1) was delayed. Conclustion In contrast to other published series, reassessment of this homogenous patient cohort with a lethal clinical course in expert centers revealed only a low rate of preventable mortality with respect to the preoperative patient selection and postoperative complication management. However, anastomotic leakage was identified to be the leading cause of death following esophagectomy contributing to a significantly prolonged clinical course and lethal outcome. As the development of surgical procedures with complex anastomotic techniques is inevitably associated with an increasing leakage rate expressed by prolonged learning curves, modification of complication management might be considered in order to reduce overall death rates.