Sample records for advanced chronic venous

  1. A multicenter randomized controlled trial evaluating balneotherapy in patients with advanced chronic venous insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Carpentier, Patrick H; Blaise, Sophie; Satger, Bernadette; Genty, Céline; Rolland, Carole; Roques, Christian; Bosson, Jean-Luc

    2014-02-01

    Apart from compression therapy, physical therapy has scarcely been evaluated in the treatment of chronic venous disorders (CVDs). Spa treatment is a popular way to administer physical therapy for CVDs in France, but its efficacy has not yet been assessed in a large trial. The objective was to assess the efficacy of spa therapy for patients with advanced CVD (CEAP clinical classes C4-C5). This was a single-blind (treatment concealed to the investigators) randomized, multicenter, controlled trial (French spa resorts). Inclusion criteria were primary or post-thrombotic CVD with skin changes but no active ulcer (C4a, C4b, or C5). The treated group had the usual 3-week spa treatment course soon after randomization; the control group had spa treatment after the 1-year comparison period. All patients continued their usual medical care including wearing compression stockings. Treatment consisted of four balneotherapy sessions per day for 6 days a week. Follow-up was performed at 6, 12 and 18 months by independent blinded investigators. The main outcome criterion was the incidence of leg ulcers at 12 months. Secondary criteria were a modified version of the Venous Clinical Severity Score, a visual analog scale for leg symptoms, and the Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire 2 and EuroQol 5D quality-of-life autoquestionnaires. Four hundred twenty-five subjects were enrolled: 214 in the treatment group (Spa) and 211 in the control group (Ctr); they were similar at baseline regarding their demographic characteristics, the severity of the CVD, and the outcome variables. At 1 year, the incidence of leg ulcers was not statistically different (Spa: +9.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], +5.6 - +14.3; Ctr: +6.1%; 95% CI, +3.2 - +10.4), whereas the Venous Clinical Severity Score improved significantly in the treatment group (Spa: -1.2; 95% CI, -1.6 - -0.8; Ctr: -0.6; 95% CI, -1.0 - -0.2; P = .04). A significant difference favoring spa treatment was found regarding symptoms after 1

  2. Evaluation of treatment with carboxymethylcellulose on chronic venous ulcers*

    PubMed Central

    Januário, Virginia; de Ávila, Dione Augusto; Penetra, Maria Alice; Sampaio, Ana Luisa Bittencourt; Noronha Neta, Maria Isabel; Cassia, Flavia de Freire; Carneiro, Sueli

    2016-01-01

    BACKGROUND: Among the chronic leg ulcers, venous ulcers are the most common and constitute a major burden to public health. Despite all technology available, some patients do not respond to established treatments. In our study, carboxymethylcellulose was tested in the treatment of refractory chronic venous ulcers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of carboxymethylcellulose 20% on the healing of chronic venous ulcers refractory to conventional treatments. METHODS: This is an analytical, pre-experimental study. Thirty patients were included with refractory venous ulcers, and applied dressings with carboxymethylcellulose 20% for 20 weeks. The analysis was based on measurement of the area of ulcers, performed at the first visit and after the end of the treatment. RESULTS: There was a reduction of 3.9 cm2 of lesion area (p=0.0001), corresponding to 38.8% (p=0.0001). There was no interruption of treatment and no increase in lesion area in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Carboxymethylcellulose 20% represents a low cost and effective therapeutic alternative for the treatment of refractory chronic venous ulcers. However, controlled studies are necessary to prove its efficacy. PMID:26982773

  3. Manual lymphatic drainage in chronic venous disease: a duplex ultrasound study.

    PubMed

    Dos Santos Crisóstomo, Rute Sofia; Candeias, Miguel Sandu; Ribeiro, Ana Margarida Martins; da Luz Belo Martins, Catarina; Armada-da-Silva, Paulo As

    2014-12-01

    To compare the effect of call-up and reabsorption maneuvers of manual lymphatic drainage on blood flow in femoral vein and great saphenous vein in patients with chronic venous disease and healthy controls. Forty-one subjects participated in this study (mean age: 42.68(15.23)), 23 with chronic venous disease (chronic venous disease group) with clinical classification C1-5 of clinical-etiological-anatomical-pathological (CEAP) and 18 healthy subjects (control group). Call-up and reabsorption maneuvers were randomly applied in the medial aspect of the thigh. The cross-sectional areas, as well as the peak and the mean blood flow velocity at femoral vein and great saphenous vein, were assessed by Duplex ultrasound at the baseline and during maneuvers. The venous flow volume changes were calculated. The venous flow volume in femoral vein and great saphenous vein increased during both manual lymphatic drainage maneuvers and in both groups (P < 0.05). The two maneuvers had a similar effect on femoral vein and great saphenous vein hemodynamics, and in both the chronic venous disease and control groups. As a result of the call-up maneuver, the flow volume augmentations, as a result of call-up maneuver, decreased with the severity of chronic venous disease in those patients measured by the clinical classification of CEAP (r = -0.64; P = 0.03). Manual lymphatic drainage increases the venous blood flow in the lower extremity with a magnitude that is independent from the specific maneuver employed or the presence of chronic venous disease. Therefore, manual lymphatic drainage may be an alternative strategy for the treatment and prevention of venous stasis complications in chronic venous disease. © The Author(s) 2013 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

  4. Medical management of venous ulcers.

    PubMed

    Pascarella, Luigi; Shortell, Cynthia K

    2015-03-01

    Venous disease is the most common cause of chronic leg ulceration and represents an advanced clinical manifestation of venous insufficiency. Due to their frequency and chronicity, venous ulcers have a high socioeconomic impact, with treatment costs accounting for 1% of the health care budget in Western countries. The evaluation of patients with venous ulcers should include a thorough medical history for prior deep venous thrombosis, assessment for an hypercoagulable state, and a physical examination. Use of the CEAP (clinical, etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology) Classification System and the revised Venous Clinical Severity Scoring System is strongly recommended to characterize disease severity and assess response to treatment. This venous condition requires lifestyle modification, with affected individuals performing daily intervals of leg elevation to control edema; use of elastic compression garments; and moderate physical activity, such as walking wearing below-knee elastic stockings. Meticulous skin care, treatment of dermatitis, and prompt treatment of cellulitis are important aspects of medical management. The pharmacology of chronic venous insufficiency and venous ulcers include essentially two medications: pentoxifylline and phlebotropic agents. The micronized purified flavonoid fraction is an effective adjunct to compression therapy in patients with large, chronic ulceration. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Prospective evaluation of chronic venous insufficiency based on foot venous pressure measurements and air plethysmography findings.

    PubMed

    Fukuoka, Masato; Sugimoto, Takaki; Okita, Yutaka

    2003-10-01

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate lower extremity venous function in patients with chronic venous insufficiency, with foot venous pressure (FVP) measurements and air plethysmography (APG). Eighty-five limbs of 63 patients with a history of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) from 1995 to 1999 were studied. FVP parameters studied included ambulatory venous pressure (AVP), percent decrease in FVP with manual calf compression (%drop), ratio of increase in FVP over 4 seconds after release of compression (4SR%), and time to 90% recovery of FVP were measured. APG parameters studied included functional venous volume, 90% refilling time (VFT90), venous filling index, ejection fraction, and residual volume fraction. Venous filling index and 90% refilling time were significantly decreased in limbs with stasis syndrome compared with the control group. AVP, %drop, and 4SR% also showed significantly decrease in limbs with stasis syndrome compared with those without it. AVP, %drop, and 4SR% were significantly different for the primary group compared with the secondary group, whereas no differences were found with regard to any APG parameter. APG enables prediction of the presence of CVI, whereas FVP measurements are more useful for evaluation of clinical severity of CVI.

  6. Randomized trial of balneotherapy associated with patient education in patients with advanced chronic venous insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Carpentier, Patrick H; Satger, Bernadette

    2009-01-01

    Except for compression therapy, physical therapy has scarcely been evaluated in the treatment of chronic venous disorders (CVD). Spa treatment is a popular way to administer physical therapy for CVD in France, but its efficacy has not been evaluated yet. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of balneotherapy associated with patient education, as performed in the spa resort of La Léchère, in patients with advanced chronic venous insufficiency (CEAP clinical classes C4/C5). The study was a randomized controlled trial, spa therapy being administered on top of the usual medical care. Evaluation was by a blinded independent investigator. Subjects were patients with primary or post-thrombotic CVD with skin changes but no active ulcer (C4a, C4b, or C5), living in Grenoble area, and willing to undergo a spa treatment course in La Léchère. The treated group had the three week spa treatment course in La Léchère, soon after randomization; the control group also had a spa treatment, but starting at day 365. The treatment consisted of four balneology sessions per day, six days a week during three weeks, and three educational workshops. An independent follow-up was performed in Grenoble hospital every three months for 15 months. The main outcome criterion was the severity of the skin changes, as evaluated by means of malleolar chromametry. Quality of life, as measured by the Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire 2 scale, a visual analog scale (VAS) for leg symptoms, and the occurrence of leg ulcers were used as secondary criteria. The year after spa treatment in the treated group was compared with the year before spa treatment in the control group. Fifty-nine subjects were enrolled (29 in the treatment group and 30 in the control group). No statistically significant difference between groups was found at study onset regarding age, sex, etiology, CEAP "C" class, and the outcome variables. After treatment, chromametry showed significantly decreased pigmentation and

  7. Micronised purified flavonoid fraction: a review of its use in chronic venous insufficiency, venous ulcers and haemorrhoids.

    PubMed

    Lyseng-Williamson, Katherine A; Perry, Caroline M

    2003-01-01

    established and well tolerated treatment option in patients with CVI, venous ulcers, or acute or chronic internal haemorrhoids. MPFF is indicated as a first-line treatment of oedema and the symptoms of CVI in patients in any stage of the disease. In more advanced disease stages, MPFF may be used in conjunction with sclerotherapy, surgery and/or compression therapy, or as an alternative treatment when surgery is not indicated or is unfeasible. The healing of venous ulcers venous ulcer management. MPFF may reduce the frequency, duration and/or intensity of symptoms of grade 1 or 2 acute internal haemorrhoids, and also the severity of the signs and symptoms of chronic haemorrhoids.

  8. To what extent might deep venous thrombosis and chronic venous insufficiency share a common etiology?

    PubMed

    Malone, P Colm; Agutter, P S

    2009-08-01

    According to the valve cusp hypoxia hypothesis (VCHH), deep venous thrombosis is caused by sustained non-pulsatile (streamline) venous blood flow. This leads to hypoxemia in the valve pockets; hypoxic injury to the inner (parietalis) endothelium of the cusp leaflets activates the elk-1/egr-1 pathway, leading to leukocyte and platelet swarming at the site of injury and, potentially, blood coagulation. Here, we propose an extension of the VCHH to account for chronic venous insufficiency. First, should the foregoing events not proceed to frank thrombogenesis, the valves may nevertheless be chronically injured and become incompetent. Serial incompetence in lower limb valves may then generate ''passive'' venous hypertension. Second, should ostial valve thrombosis obstruct venous return from muscles via tributaries draining into the femoral vein, as Virchow illustrated, ''active'' venous hypertension may supervene: muscle contraction would force the blood in the vessels behind the blocked ostial valves to re-route. Passive or active venous hypertension opposes return flow, leading to luminal hypoxemia and vein wall distension, which in turn may impair vasa venarum perfusion; the resulting mural endothelial hypoxia would lead to leukocyte invasion of the wall and remodelling of the media. We propose that varicose veins result if gross active hypertension stretches the valve ''rings'', rendering attached valves incompetent caudad to obstructed sites, replacing normal centripetal flow in perforating veins with centrifugal flow and over-distending those vessels. We also discuss how hypoxemia-related venous/capillary wall lesions may lead to accumulation of leukocytes, progressive blockage of capillary blood flow, lipodermosclerosis and skin ulceration.

  9. The causes of skin damage and leg ulceration in chronic venous disease.

    PubMed

    Smith, Philip Coleridge

    2006-09-01

    Chronic venous disease with skin changes of the leg is a common condition affecting up to 1 in 20 people in westernized countries. The causes of this problem are not fully understood, although research in recent years has revealed a number of important mechanisms that contribute to the disease process. Patients with chronic venous disease suffer persistently raised pressures in their deep and superficial veins in the lower limb. Leucocytes become "trapped" in the circulation of the leg during periods of venous hyper-tension produced by sitting or standing. Studies of the plasma levels of neutrophil granule enzymes shows that these are increased during periods of venous hypertension, suggesting that this causes activation of the neutrophils. Investigation of the leucocyte surface ligands CD11b and CD62L shows that the more activated neutrophils and monocytes are sequestered during venous hypertension. Measurement of plasma levels of the soluble parts of the endothelial adhesion molecules VCAM, ICAM, and ELAM show that these are all elevated in patients with chronic venous disease compared to controls. Following 30 minutes of venous hypertension produced by standing, these levels are further increased. These data suggest that venous hypertension causes neutrophil and monocyte activation, which in turn causes injury to the endothelium. Chronic injury to the endothelium leads to a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin that we know clinically as lipodermatosclerosis. This is mediated by perivascular inflammatory cells, principally macrophages, in the skin microcirculation. These stimulate fibroblasts in the skin leading to tissue remodeling and laying down of fibrous tissue. Vascular endothelial growth factor stimulates proliferation of capillaries within the skin. Skin in this state has the potential to ulcerate in response to minor injury.

  10. Venous compression syndrome of internal jugular veins prevalence in patients with multiple sclerosis and chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Mandolesi, Sandro; Niglio, Tarcisio; Orsini, Augusto; De Sio, Simone; d'Alessandro, Alessandro; Mandolesi, Dimitri; Fedele, Francesco; d'Alessandro, Aldo

    2016-01-01

    Analysis of the incidence of Venous Compression Syndrome (VCS) with full block of the flow of the internal jugular veins (IJVs) in patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency. We included 769 patients with MS and CCSVI (299 males, 470 females) and 210 controls without ms and ccsvi (92 males, 118 females). each subject was investigated by echo-color-doppler (ecd). morphological and hemodynamic ecd data were recorded by a computerized mem-net maps of epidemiological national observatory on ccsvi and they were analyzed by mem-net clinical analysis programs. VCS of IJVs occurs in 240 subjects affected by CCSVI and MS (31% of total) and in 12 controls (6% of total). The differences between the two groups are statistical significant (X² = 36.64, p<0.0001). Up to day there are no longitudinal studies that allow us to identify the WC of jugular and/or vertebral veins as etiology of a chronic neurodegenerative disease, but we note that Venous Compression Syndrome of IJVs is strongly associated with MS and CCSVI. Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency, Multiple Sclerosis, Venous Compression Syndrome.

  11. A study to evaluate patterns of superficial venous reflux in patients with primary chronic venous disease.

    PubMed

    Qureshi, Mahim I; Gohel, Manj; Wing, Louise; MacDonald, Andrew; Lim, Chung S; Ellis, Mary; Franklin, Ian J; Davies, Alun H

    2015-08-01

    This study assessed patterns of superficial reflux in patients with primary chronic venous disease. Retrospective review of all patient venous duplex ultrasonography reports at one institution between 2000 and 2009. Legs with secondary, deep or no superficial reflux were excluded. In total, 8654 limbs were scanned; 2559 legs from 2053 patients (mean age 52.3 years) were included for analysis. Great saphenous vein reflux predominated (68%), followed by combined great saphenous vein/small saphenous vein reflux (20%) and small saphenous vein reflux (7%). The majority of legs with competent saphenofemoral junction had below-knee great saphenous vein reflux (53%); incompetent saphenofemoral junction was associated with combined above and below-knee great saphenous vein reflux (72%). Isolated small saphenous vein reflux was associated with saphenopopliteal junction incompetence (61%), although the majority of all small saphenous vein reflux limbs had a competent saphenopopliteal junction (57%). Superficial venous reflux does not necessarily originate from a saphenous junction. Large prospective studies with interval duplex ultrasonography are required to unravel the natural history of primary chronic venous disease. © The Author(s) 2014.

  12. Ultrasonography of Skin Changes in Legs with Chronic Venous Disease.

    PubMed

    Caggiati, A

    2016-10-01

    In daily practice, ultrasonography (US) is used only to designate the location and pattern of venous lesions. Skin US is not performed between routine venous investigations. Skin morphology is evaluated by the same probes used for routine Duplex evaluation of superficial veins. US findings from evident skin lesions are comparatively evaluated with those from the surrounding apparently normal skin and from the contralateral leg. Inflammation and dermal edema can be found in the apparently normal skin of C2 legs. Swollen legs show thickening of the subcutaneous layer as a result of diffuse soaking or anechoic cavities, with or without dermal edema. Chronic hypodermitis is characterized by inflammatory edema in initial phases, and by liposclerosis in advanced cases. Recrudescence of inflammation provokes focal rarefactions of the subcutaneous layer, possibly related to ulcer opening. In legs with venous disorders, sonography refines clinical evaluation of the skin and may reveal changes not highlighted by inspection. Some of these changes could require further investigation because they have not yet been explained or described. Skin sonography should improve knowledge of the natural history of skin changes, as well as contribute to a better grading of venous diseases severity In particular, US evidence of cutaneous and subcutaneous changes in C2 legs should be considered to stratify the treatment in C2 legs, by identifying those in which varicose veins are not simply a cosmetic problem. Copyright © 2016 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. [Clinical value of ammonia determination in venous blood in chronic cor pulmonale].

    PubMed

    Szulc, E J; Sworzyńska, I

    1978-01-01

    The authors have examined 43 workers of the Warszawa works: 20 healthy persons and 23 with chronic pulmocardiac syndrome. An increased ammonia level in venous blood, above 48 gamma %, was found in those with chronic pulmocardiac syndrome with simultaneous circulatory insufficiency. Ammonia level in the blood of those with chronic pulmocardiac syndrome but without circulatory insufficiency was normal. These studies indicate that the increase of ammonia concentration in venous blood in chronic pulmocardiac syndrome results from disturbance in hepatic cell function, intensified during circulatory insufficiency.

  14. Prevalence, presentation and occupational risk factors of chronic venous disease in nurses.

    PubMed

    Diken, A I; Yalçınkaya, A; Aksoy, E; Yılmaz, S; Özşen, K; Sarak, T; Çağlı, K

    2016-03-01

    In this study involving a group of nurses employed in a number of different medical services with relatively well-defined working conditions, the presence and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency were screened and their association with work burden and physical working conditions was explored. Of the 294 actively employed nurses during the study period, 232 (79%) were recruited on the basis of their willingness for participation and fulfilment of the inclusion criteria. Among the study subjects, 62.9% had at least one symptom of chronic venous insufficiency, and 50.4% were found to have chronic venous insufficiency according to Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology classification criteria. A significant association was found between the diurnal ankle circumference difference in the left-right ankles and the mean duration of hospital stay. Our results have shown that the average duration of hospital stay, which is among the variables used to estimate the work burden of nurses, is associated with an increased frequency of the signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. © The Author(s) 2015.

  15. Effects of isokinetic calf muscle exercise program on muscle strength and venous function in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Ercan, Sabriye; Çetin, Cem; Yavuz, Turhan; Demir, Hilmi M; Atalay, Yurdagül B

    2018-05-01

    Objective The aim of this study was to observe the change of the ankle joint range of motion, the muscle strength values measured with an isokinetic dynamometer, pain scores, quality of life scale, and venous return time in chronic venous insufficiency diagnosed patients by prospective follow-up after 12-week exercise program including isokinetic exercises. Methods The patient group of this study comprised 27 patients (23 female, 4 male) who were diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. An exercise program including isokinetic exercise for the calf muscle was given to patients three days per week for 12 weeks. At the end of 12 weeks, five of the patients left the study due to inadequate compliance with the exercise program. As a result, control data of 22 patients were included. Ankle joint range of active motion, isokinetic muscle strength, pain, quality of life, and photoplethysmography measurements were assessed before starting and after the exercise program. Results Evaluating changes of the starting and control data depending on time showed that all isokinetic muscle strength measurement parameters, range of motion, and overall quality of life values of patients improved. Venous return time values have also increased significantly ( p < 0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, increase in muscle strength has been provided with exercise therapy in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. It has been determined that the increase in muscle strength affected the venous pump and this ensured improvement in venous function and range of motion of the ankle. In addition, it has been detected that pain reduced and quality of life improved after the exercise program.

  16. Chronic leg ulceration in homozygous sickle cell disease: the role of venous incompetence.

    PubMed

    Clare, Andrea; FitzHenley, Michael; Harris, June; Hambleton, Ian; Serjeant, Graham R

    2002-11-01

    Chronic leg ulceration is a common cause of morbidity in Jamaican patients with homozygous sickle cell (SS) disease. Ulcers heal more rapidly on bed rest and deteriorate on prolonged standing, suggesting a role of venous hypertension in their persistence. This hypothesis has been tested by Doppler detection of venous competence in SS patients and in matched controls with a normal haemoglobin (AA) genotype in the Jamaican Cohort Study. Venous incompetence was significantly more frequent in SS disease [137/183 (75%)] than in non-pregnant AA controls [53/137 (39%)]. Past or present ulceration occurred in 78 (43%) SS patients, with a highly significant association between leg ulceration and venous incompetence in the same leg (P < 0.001). Prominence and/or varicosities of the veins and spontaneous leg ulcers were more common among patients with multiple sites of incompetence. The association of venous incompetence with chronic leg ulceration identifies a further pathological mechanism contributing to the morbidity of SS disease. The cause of venous incompetence is unknown but the sluggish circulation associated with dependency, turbidity and impaired linear flow at venous valves, hypoxia-induced sickling, the rheological effects of high white cell counts, and activation of components of the coagulation system may all contribute. Venous hypertension in SS patients with leg ulceration suggests that firm elastic supportive dressings might promote healing of chronic leg ulcers.

  17. Sustained compression and healing of chronic venous ulcers.

    PubMed Central

    Blair, S. D.; Wright, D. D.; Backhouse, C. M.; Riddle, E.; McCollum, C. N.

    1988-01-01

    STUDY OBJECTIVE--Comparison of four layer bandage system with traditional adhesive plaster bandaging in terms of (a) compression achieved and (b) healing of venous ulcers. DESIGN--Part of larger randomised trial of five different dressings. SETTING--Outpatient venous ulcer clinic in university hospital. PATIENTS--(a) Pressure exerted by both bandage systems was measured in the same 20 patients. (b) Healing with the four layer bandage was assessed in 148 legs in 126 consecutive patients (mean age 71 (SE 2); range 30-96) with chronic venous ulcers that had resisted treatment with traditional bandaging for a mean of 27.2 (SE 8) months. INTERVENTIONS--(a) Four layer bandage system or traditional adhesive plaster bandaging for pressure studies; (b) four layer bandaging applied weekly for studies of healing. END POINTS--(a) Comparison of pressures achieved at the ankle for up to one week; (b) complete healing within 12 weeks. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS--(a) Four layer bandage produced higher initial pressures at the ankle of 42.5 (SE 1) mm Hg compared with 29.8 (1.8) for the adhesive plaster (p less than 0.001; 95% confidence interval 18.5 to 6.9). Pressure was maintained for one week with the four layer bandage but fell to 10.4 (3.5) mm Hg at 24 hours with adhesive plaster bandaging. (b) After weekly bandaging with the four layer bandage 110 of 48 venous ulcers had healed completely within 12 (mean 6.3 (0.4)) weeks. CONCLUSION--Sustained compression of over 40 mm Hg achieved with a multilayer bandage results in rapid healing of chronic venous ulcers that have failed to heal in many months of compression at lower pressures with more conventional bandages. PMID:3144330

  18. Estrogen Receptors and Chronic Venous Disease.

    PubMed

    Serra, R; Gallelli, L; Perri, P; De Francesco, E M; Rigiracciolo, D C; Mastroroberto, P; Maggiolini, M; de Franciscis, S

    2016-07-01

    Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common and relevant problem affecting Western people. The role of estrogens and their receptors in the venous wall seems to support the major prevalence of CVD in women. The effects of the estrogens are mediated by three estrogen receptors (ERs): ERα, ERβ, and G protein-coupled ER (GPER). The expression of ERs in the vessel walls of varicose veins is evaluated. In this prospective study, patients of both sexes, with CVD and varicose veins undergoing open venous surgery procedures, were enrolled in order to obtain vein samples. To obtain control samples of healthy veins, patients of both sexes without CVD undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with autologous saphenous vein were recruited (control group). Samples were processed in order to evaluate gene expression. Forty patients with CVD (10 men [25%], 30 women [75%], mean age 54.3 years [median 52 years, range 33-74 years]) were enrolled. Five patients without CVD (three men, two women [aged 61-73 years]) were enrolled as the control group. A significant increase of tissue expression of ERα, ERβ and GPER in patients with CVD was recorded (p < .01), which was also related to the severity of venous disease. ERs seem to play a role in CVD; in this study, the expression of ERs correlated with the severity of the disease, and their expression was correlated with the clinical stage. Copyright © 2016 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. TGF-β1 in Vascular Wall Pathology: Unraveling Chronic Venous Insufficiency Pathophysiology.

    PubMed

    Serralheiro, Pedro; Soares, Andreia; Costa Almeida, Carlos M; Verde, Ignacio

    2017-11-26

    Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins occur commonly in affluent countries and are a socioeconomic burden. However, there remains a relative lack of knowledge about venous pathophysiology. Various theories have been suggested, yet the molecular sequence of events is poorly understood. Transforming growth factor-beta one (TGF-β1) is a highly complex polypeptide with multifunctional properties that has an active role during embryonic development, in adult organ physiology and in the pathophysiology of major diseases, including cancer and various autoimmune, fibrotic and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, an emphasis on understanding its signaling pathways (and possible disruptions) will be an essential requirement for a better comprehension and management of specific diseases. This review aims at shedding more light on venous pathophysiology by describing the TGF-β1 structure, function, activation and signaling, and providing an overview of how this growth factor and disturbances in its signaling pathway may contribute to specific pathological processes concerning the vessel wall which, in turn, may have a role in chronic venous insufficiency.

  20. Endovascular Interventions for Acute and Chronic Lower Extremity Deep Venous Disease: State of the Art.

    PubMed

    Sista, Akhilesh K; Vedantham, Suresh; Kaufman, John A; Madoff, David C

    2015-07-01

    The societal and individual burden caused by acute and chronic lower extremity venous disease is considerable. In the past several decades, minimally invasive endovascular interventions have been developed to reduce thrombus burden in the setting of acute deep venous thrombosis to prevent both short- and long-term morbidity and to recanalize chronically occluded or stenosed postthrombotic or nonthrombotic veins in symptomatic patients. This state-of-the-art review provides an overview of the techniques and challenges, rationale, patient selection criteria, complications, postinterventional care, and outcomes data for endovascular intervention in the setting of acute and chronic lower extremity deep venous disease. Online supplemental material is available for this article.

  1. Symptoms in patients with skin changes due to chronic venous insufficiency often lead to emergency care service: an Italian observational study.

    PubMed

    Ruggiero, Michele; Grande, Raffaele; Naso, Agostino; Butrico, Lucia; Rubino, Paolo; Placida, Girolamo Domenico; Cannistrà, Marco; Serra, Raffaele

    2016-10-01

    Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is the most advanced form of chronic venous disease (CVD), and is often associated with skin changes such as hyperpigmentation, eczema, lipodermatosclerosis and venous skin ulceration that cause discomfort, pain, sleep disturbances, absenteeism in the workplace, disability and deteriorated quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of CVI and skin changes in patients who turn to Continuous Assistance Services due to the presence of disturbing symptoms of their condition. Data were evaluated by consulting the medical records, during a 16-month period, available with three Continuous Assistance Services of the Italian territory. The overall population of the referring centres consisted of 1186 patients [739 females (62·31%) and 447 males (37·69%)]. Seventy-nine patients (6·66%) consulted the emergency unit for venous symptoms related to CVD. Patients with more severe disease (CVI, categories C4-C6) represented the majority accounting for 60·75%, while patients with moderate disease (C3) accounted for 35·44% and patients with mild disease (C1-C2 stages) accounted for 3·79%. The main finding of this study is that despite CVI not being a disease that commonly requires medical emergency/urgency intervention, patients with CVI, especially in advanced stage with skin changes, may turn to Continuous Assistance Service for treating bothersome symptoms related to their condition. © 2015 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  2. A randomized controlled trial of a mixed Kinesio taping-compression technique on venous symptoms, pain, peripheral venous flow, clinical severity and overall health status in postmenopausal women with chronic venous insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Aguilar-Ferrándiz, M Encarnación; Castro-Sánchez, Adelaida María; Matarán-Peñarrocha, Guillermo A; Guisado-Barrilao, Rafael; García-Ríos, M Carmen; Moreno-Lorenzo, Carmen

    2014-01-01

    To investigate the effect of a mixed Kinesio taping treatment in women with chronic venous insufficiency. A double-blinded randomized clinical trial. Clinical setting. One hundred and twenty postmenopausal women with mild-moderate chronic venous insufficiency were randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving standardized Kinesio taping treatment for gastrocnemius muscle enhancement and ankle functional correction, or to a placebo control group for simulated Kinesio taping. MAIN OUTCOMES VARIABLES: Venous symptoms, pain, photoplethysmographic measurements, bioelectrical impedance, temperature, severity and overall health were recorded at baseline and after four weeks of treatment. The 2 × 2 mixed model ANCOVA with repeated measurements showed statistically significant group * time interaction for heaviness (F = 22.99, p = 0.002), claudication (F = 8.57, p = 0.004), swelling (F = 22.58, p = 0.001), muscle cramps (F = 7.14, p = 0.008), venous refill time (right: F = 9.45, p = 0.023; left: F = 14.86, p = 0.001), venous pump function (right: F = 35.55, p = 0.004; left: F = 17.39 p = 0.001), extracellular water (right: F = 35.55, p = 0.004; left: F = 23.84, p = 0.001), severity (F = 18.47, p = 0.001), physical function (F = 9.15, p = 0.003) and body pain (F = 3.36, p = 0.043). Both groups reported significant reduction in pain. Mixed Kinesio taping-compression therapy improves symptoms, peripheral venous flow and severity and slightly increases overall health status in females with mild chronic venous insufficiency. Kinesio taping may have a placebo effect on pain.

  3. Endovascular Interventions for Acute and Chronic Lower Extremity Deep Venous Disease: State of the Art

    PubMed Central

    Sista, Akhilesh K.; Vedantham, Suresh; Kaufman, John A.

    2015-01-01

    The societal and individual burden caused by acute and chronic lower extremity venous disease is considerable. In the past several decades, minimally invasive endovascular interventions have been developed to reduce thrombus burden in the setting of acute deep venous thrombosis to prevent both short- and long-term morbidity and to recanalize chronically occluded or stenosed postthrombotic or nonthrombotic veins in symptomatic patients. This state-of-the-art review provides an overview of the techniques and challenges, rationale, patient selection criteria, complications, postinterventional care, and outcomes data for endovascular intervention in the setting of acute and chronic lower extremity deep venous disease. Online supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2015 PMID:26101920

  4. Ulcer due to chronic venous disease: a sociodemographic study in northeastern Brazil.

    PubMed

    de Souza, Edson Marques; Yoshida, Winston Bonetti; de Melo, Valdinaldo Aragão; Aragão, José Aderval; de Oliveira, Luiz Augusto Bitencurt

    2013-07-01

    Venous ulcers account for 70% of chronic leg ulcers and affect about 2-7% of the population, causing much socioeconomic impact and reducing patients' quality of life. In this study we aimed to describe the clinical features of venous ulcers and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with ulcers due to chronic venous disease (CVD). This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at the Vascular Surgery Service, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, in northeastern Brazil. The study included a consecutive series of 154 patients with active venous ulcers (CEAP C6) in the lower limb due to CVD. Sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, race, monthly income, education, occupation, and caregiver) and clinical data (affected limb, ulcer site, etiopathogenesis, recurrence, and time elapsed since the first episode of ulcer) were collected. A possible correlation of time elapsed since the first episode of ulcer and number of recurrences with primary or secondary etiology was analyzed by Mann-Whitney U-test. Of the 154 patients analyzed, 79% were female, 94% were ethnically black or brown, 90% had a monthly income less than or equal to minimum wage, 47% were illiterate, 35% had not completed elementary school, 50% had informal jobs, 19.5% were retired, and 18.2% received sick pay from the social security system. The mean age was 53.7 years. Both limbs were affected similarly, and venous ulcers were located predominantly on the medial aspect of the leg (84%). The median time elapsed since the first episode of ulcer was 36 months, being significantly higher in patients with venous ulcers of secondary etiology (P < 0.0003). The prevalence of recurrence was also significantly higher in patients with venous ulcers of secondary etiology (P < 0.001). According to CEAP classification, 65% of ulcers were primary (Ep), 94.1% demonstrated reflux involving the superficial system (As), 92% had incompetent perforators (Ap), 35% demonstrated reflux involving the deep system

  5. Surveillance and medical therapy following endovascular treatment of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Forbes, Thomas L; Harris, Jeremy R; Kribs, Stewart W

    2012-06-01

    The debate regarding the possible link between chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency and multiple sclerosis (MS) is continuously becoming more and more contentious due to the current lack of level 1 evidence from randomized trials. Regardless of this continued uncertainty surrounding the safety and efficacy of this therapy, MS patients from Canada, and other jurisdictions, are traveling abroad to receive central venous angioplasty and, unfortunately, some also receive venous stents. They often return home with few instructions regarding follow-up or medical therapy. In response we propose some interim, practical recommendations for post-procedural surveillance and medical therapy, until further information is available.

  6. Influence of aspirin therapy in the ulcer associated with chronic venous insufficiency.

    PubMed

    del Río Solá, Ma Lourdes; Antonio, Jose; Fajardo, González; Vaquero Puerta, Carlos

    2012-07-01

    To determine the effect of aspirin on ulcer healing rate in patients with chronic venous insufficiency, and to establish prognostic factors that influence ulcer evolution. Between 2001 and 2005, 78 patients with ulcerated lesions of diameter >2 cm and associated with chronic venous insufficiency were evaluated in our hospital. Of these, 51 patients (22 men, 29 women) with mean age of 60 years (range: 36-86) were included in a prospective randomized trial with a parallel control group. The treatment group received 300 mg of aspirin and the control group received no drug treatment; in both groups, healing was associated with standard compression therapy. During follow-up, held weekly in a blinded fashion, there was ulcer healing as well as cases of recurrence. Results were analyzed by intention-to-treat approach. Cure rate was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and the influence of prognostic factors was analyzed by applying the Cox proportional hazards model. In the presence of gradual compression therapy, healing occurred more rapidly in patients receiving aspirin versus the control subjects (12 weeks in the treated group vs. 22 weeks in the control group), with a 46% reduction in healing time. The main prognostic factor was estimated initial area of injury (P = 0.032). Age, sex, systemic therapy, and infection showed little relevance to evolution. The administration of aspirin daily dose of 300 mg shortens the healing time of ulcerated lesions in the chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The main prognostic factor for healing of venous ulcerated lesions is the initial surface area of the ulcer. Copyright © 2012 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Controlled trial of Iodosorb in chronic venous ulcers.

    PubMed Central

    Ormiston, M C; Seymour, M T; Venn, G E; Cohen, R I; Fox, J A

    1985-01-01

    Cadexomer iodine (Iodosorb) is a hydrophilic starch powder containing iodine, which is a suitable dressing for granulating wounds such as venous ulcers. A total of 61 outpatients with chronic venous ulcers participated in a randomised optional crossover trial using cadexomer iodine or a standard dressing for their ulcers. The trial lasted for 24 weeks or until the ulcer had healed. Two patients withdrew during the course of the trial. Both treatments were highly effective, but the epithelium of ulcers dressed with cadexomer iodine grew again significantly faster (p less than 0.001). At the midpoint of the trial (12th week) 13 of 30 patients receiving standard treatment were changed to cadexomer iodine, while only three of 29 receiving cadexomer iodine changed to the standard dressing (p less than 0.02). In most cases ulcers were dressed and rebandaged daily by the patients themselves after instruction and supervision. This may be better than having dressings and bandages applied by professionals less regularly. PMID:3926169

  8. [Port device central venous access in children with chronic renal disease--personal experience].

    PubMed

    Szczepańska, Maria; Szprynger, Krystyna; Stoksik, Piotr; Morawiec-Knysak, Aurelia; Adamczyk, Piotr; Ziora, Katarzyna; Oswiecimska, Joanna

    2006-01-01

    The application of central venous lines in children has been widely accepted in the case of pediatric cancer treatment. This is of particular importance when the treatment must be continued during the long period of time. The indication to long-term application of central venous lines became significantly frequent within last years. They are necessary in the treatment of chronic pediatric patients, in whom the central venous line allows continuous access for medication, parenteral rehydration, nutrition and frequent blood sampling. In the current study authors present their experience in subcutaneous port devices application in children with kidney disease. The case history data obtained from 8 children were retrospectively analysed. In these children subcutaneous port devices were applied for mean 26.7 months (totally 9 port devices). The mean age at the time of implantation was 2.2 years, and the mean body weight--10.6 kg. Peripheral venous access in all children was bad. In one child during the time of implantation the hematoma of coli and chest was present. Infectious complications connected with implanted port device were not detected. Thrombotic complications were present in 6 children with chronic renal failure--in 5 the lumen of port device has been successfully recanalysed, in 3 cases even several times. In 1 child the thrombus on the tip of central venous line was detected. In 2 children the removal of port device was necessary because of breakage of venous line and in the second case because of port device thrombosis. Two children died with functioning port device. The cause of death was not connected with implanted port device. The application of subcutaneous port devices definitely improved the comfort of treatment but was significantly associated with thrombotic complications. Infectious complications were not detected as compared to hematological group of patients.

  9. Morphometric assessment of the dermal microcirculation in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Pappas, P J; DeFouw, D O; Venezio, L M; Gorti, R; Padberg, F T; Silva, M B; Goldberg, M C; Durán, W N; Hobson, R W

    1997-11-01

    Ultrastructural assessments of the dermal microcirculation in patients with chronic venous insufficiency have been limited to qualitative morphologic descriptions of venous ulcer edges or venous stasis dermatitis. The purpose of this investigation was to quantify differences in endothelial cell structure and local cell type with emphasis on leukocytes and their relationship to arterioles, capillaries, and postcapillary venules (PCVs). Two 4.0 mm punch biopsies were obtained from areas of dermal stasis skin changes in the gaiter region of the leg, as well as from noninvolved areas of skin in the ipsilateral thigh, from 35 patients: CEAP class 4 (11 patients), class 5 (9 patients), class 6 (10 patients), and five normal skin biopsies from patients without chronic venous insufficiency. Electron microscopy was performed on sections at 6700x and 23,800x magnification. At 6700x endothelial cell thickness was determined, and the number of fibroblasts, leukocytes, and mast cells were recorded relative to their proximity to arterioles, capillaries, and PCVs. Similarly, at 23,800x endothelial cell vesicle density, interendothelial junctional widths, and basal lamina thickness (cuff width) were measured. Preliminary evaluation for the presence of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) was performed on three patients using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Quantitative measurements demonstrated increased mast cell content for class 4 and 5 patients around arterioles and PCVs and increased macrophage numbers for class 6 patients around PCVs (p < 0.05). Fibroblasts were the most common cells observed; however, no differences were demonstrated between groups. No differences were observed in interendothelial junctional widths or vesicle densities in arterioles, capillaries, or PCVs. Basal lamina thickness was increased only at the capillary level (p < 0.05). The results of RT-PCR for TGF-beta 1 messenger RNA were positive in the three patients

  10. Non-HIV-related Kaposi sarcoma in 2 Hispanic patients arising in the setting of chronic venous insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Que, Syril Kt; DeFelice, Taylor; Abdulla, Farah R; Cassarino, David; Patel, Rishi R

    2015-06-01

    Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a vascular neoplasm associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection that can be confused with the clinical and histological findings of chronic venous insufficiency. Definitive diagnosis of KS can only be achieved by performing a polymerase chain reaction for HHV-8 or by immunostaining for the HHV-8 antigen. We describe 2 unusual clinical presentations of KS in the setting of chronic venous insufficiency with clinical and histologic features consistent with stasis dermatitis but positive HHV-8 immunostaining. Both patients had no known risk factors for KS. We propose the possibility that these cases may represent a new clinical variant of KS that may become more prevalent over time. Further studies are needed to identify the risk factors involved. Meanwhile, skin biopsy with HHV-8 testing may be warranted for violaceous patches and plaques arising on the legs in the setting of chronic venous insufficiency, especially in patients who are unresponsive to treatment.

  11. Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Chronic Venous Disease and Implications for Venoactive Drug Therapy.

    PubMed

    Mansilha, Armando; Sousa, Joel

    2018-06-05

    Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common pathology, with significant physical and psychological impacts for patients and high economic costs for national healthcare systems. Throughout the last decades, several risk factors for this condition have been identified, but only recently, have the roles of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction been properly assessed. Although still incompletely understood, current knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms of CVD reveals several potential targets and strategies for therapeutic intervention, some of which are addressable by currently available venoactive drugs. The roles of these drugs in the clinical improvement of venous tone and contractility, reduction of edema and inflammation, as well as in improved microcirculation and venous ulcer healing have been studied extensively, with favorable results reported in the literature. Here, we aim to review these pathophysiological mechanisms and their implications regarding currently available venoactive drug therapies.

  12. Chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and multiple sclerosis.

    PubMed

    Ghezzi, A; Comi, G; Federico, A

    2011-02-01

    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS caused by the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. In the last years, it has been suggested that an abnormal venous drainage due to stenosis or malformation of the internal jugular and/or azygous veins may play a major pathogenetic role in MS. This abnormality called chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) could result in increased permeability of blood brain barrier, local iron deposition and secondary multifocal inflammation. In the present paper, literature data in favour and against this hypothesis are reported. A great variability of CCSVI has been found in both MS patients (ranging from 0 to 100%) and in control subjects (from 0 to 23%). This large variability is explained by methodological aspects, problems in assessing CCSVI, and differences among clinical series. It is urgent to perform appropriate epidemiological studies to define the possible relationship between CCSVI and MS.

  13. Principles of chronic venous access: recommendations based on the Roswell Park experience.

    PubMed

    Sabel, M S; Smith, J L

    1997-11-01

    At Roswell Park Cancer Institute, we have seen a dramatic increase in the need for long-term venous access. Chronic venous catheters are an indispensible part of the treatment provided to oncology patients. Cancer patients are often at higher risk for complications secondary to their underlying disease and treatments. These risks may be minimized by paying close attention to several important aspects of central line placement. These include matching individual patient needs with the access device most suited to those needs, a thorough preoperative assessment, and the safest and most appropriate operative approach for placement. Likewise, the prompt recognition and treatment of complications when they do occur is crucial to the care of these patients. In order to optimize the care of patients with long-term venous access devices, we have reviewed our experience of over 700 vascular access consultations and offer the following recommendations.

  14. [The daily life of men who lives with chronic venous ulcer: phenomenological study].

    PubMed

    da Silva, Marcelo Henrique; de Jesus, Maria Cristina Pinto; Merighi, Miriam Aparecida Barbosa; de Oliveira, Deise Moura; Biscotto, Priscilla Ribeiro; Silva, Greyce Pollyne Santos

    2013-09-01

    The chronic venous leg ulcer is the major therapeutic problem of lower limb injuries, which can trigger changes in the daily life of the person affected by it. This study aimed to understand the daily life of men who lives with chronic venous ulcers. A phenomenological study was conducted with eight men, who were interviewed during June and July of 2001. The study asked questions related to: "Restrictions in social life" and "Recovering the skin integrity and restart the activities affected by the wound". The answers revealed that men with these ulcers have social implications in the areas of productivity and sexuality. This leads to restrictions in everyday life with loss in performance of socially established roles for men, leading to anxiety for his return at full performance of his social role. The findings suggest significant experiential aspects that may guide professionals in the planning and implementation of health actions aimed to treat these patients.

  15. Impact of optimal anticoagulation therapy on chronic venous ulcer healing in thrombophilic patients with post-thrombotic syndrome.

    PubMed

    Hinojosa, C A; Olivares-Cruz, S; Laparra-Escareno, H; Sanchez-Castro, S; Tamayo-Garcia, B; Anaya-Ayala, J E

    2016-12-02

    Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is the long-term sequelae of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). PTS clinical manifestations include chronic leg pain, oedema, lipodermatosclerosis and ulcers. The objective of this study is to determine in patients with documented history of thrombophilias and DVT whether the number of previous thrombotic events and optimal anticoagulation therapy are associated with the time to venous ulcer healing following the start of compression therapy. Retrospective analysis performed in thrombophilic patients under the age of 50 years old with chronic venous ulcers secondary to DVT at the wound clinic in the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition 'Salvador Zubirán ' in Mexico City. Variables such as the number or episodes of thrombotic events, type of hypercoagulable disorder, optimal anticoagulation therapy with Warfarin monitored by therapeutic International Normalised Ratio (INR) (2-3) and compliance to compression therapy were examined. Patients that underwent superficial or perforator vein interruption or endovascular recanalisation of deep veins were excluded from the study. From a database of 29 patients with chronic venous ulcers followed in our clinic from January 1992 to September 2012, only 13 patients (61% female) met the inclusion criteria. Mean age±standard deviation (SD) was 32±12 years old. Of these, seven (54%) patients with suboptimal INR presented with an average of two previous thrombotic events and the remaining six (46%) patients with optimal INR only one event (p=0.28), the mean time to the clinical manifestation of a venous ulcer after the first episode of DVT was 39 months (range: 12-72) for patients with suboptimal INR and 82 months (range: 12-216) for those with optimal anticoagulation therapy (p=0.11). During the mean follow-up period of 52 months, all patients in optimal anticoagulation healed their ulcer; their mean time for wound healing was 44 months (range: 4-102). In the suboptimal INR group, only

  16. Obesity and worsening of chronic venous disease and joint mobility.

    PubMed

    Belczak, Cleusa Ema Quilici; de Godoy, José Maria Pereira; Belzack, Sergio Quilici; Ramos, Rubiana Neves; Caffaro, Roberto Augusto

    2014-09-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate a possible relationship between obesity and decreased mobility of the talocrural joint and in turn chronic venous disease. One hundred obese patients recruited at Hospital Santa Casa de Maringa, Parana were enrolled by order of arrival at the hospital in a randomized quantitative cross-sectional study. Inclusion criteria were patients with a body mass index above 30 kg/m(2) and the exclusion criteria were infectious conditions that would interfere with the assessment. Patients were graded according to the clinical, etiological, anatomical and pathophysiological classification. Talocrural goniometry was performed to assess the degree of mobility of the legs. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Dunn's Multiple comparison test and analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis tests with an alpha error of 5% being considered acceptable. The increase in body mass index is correlated to the reduction in joint mobility (Kruskal-Wallis test: p-value <0.0001) and increase in clinical, etiological, anatomical and pathophysiological classification is correlated to a decrease in joint mobility and the increase in age is associated with an increase in clinical, etiological, anatomical and pathophysiological classification (Kruskal-Wallis test: p-value <0.0001). Obesity is associated with deterioration in joint mobility and worsening of chronic venous disease. © The Author(s) 2013 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

  17. Management of venous thromboembolism in patients with advanced cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Noble, Simon I R; Shelley, Mike D; Coles, Bernadette; Williams, Susan M; Wilcock, Andrew; Johnson, Miriam J

    2008-06-01

    Venous thromboembolism is common in patients with cancer. However, no management guidelines exist for venous thromboembolism specific to patients with advanced progressive cancer. To help develop recommendations for practice, we have done a comprehensive review of anticoagulation treatment in patients with cancer, with particular focus on studies that included patients with advanced disease. Data from 19 publications, including randomised, prospective, and retrospective studies suggest that: long-term full-dose low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is more effective than warfarin in the secondary prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer of any stage, performance status, or prognosis; warfarin should not be used in patients with advancing progressive disease; and in patients at high risk of bleeding, full-dose LMWH for 7 days followed by a long-term decreased fixed dose long term can be considered. The optimum treatment duration is unclear, but because the prothrombotic tendency will persist in patients with advanced cancer, indefinite treatment is generally recommended. For patients with contraindications to anticoagulation, inferior-vena-caval filters can be considered, but their use needs careful patient selection. Ultimately, the decision to initiate, continue, and stop anticoagulation will need to be made on an individual basis, guided by the available evidence, the patient's circumstances, and their informed preferences.

  18. Decreased brain venous vasculature visibility on susceptibility-weighted imaging venography in patients with multiple sclerosis is related to chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background The potential pathogenesis between the presence and severity of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and its relation to clinical and imaging outcomes in brain parenchyma of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients has not yet been elucidated. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between CCSVI, and altered brain parenchyma venous vasculature visibility (VVV) on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) in patients with MS and in sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HC). Methods 59 MS patients, 41 relapsing-remitting and 18 secondary-progressive, and 33 HC were imaged on a 3T GE scanner using pre- and post-contrast SWI venography. The presence and severity of CCSVI was determined using extra-cranial and trans-cranial Doppler criteria. Apparent total venous volume (ATVV), venous intracranial fraction (VIF) and average distance-from-vein (DFV) were calculated for various vein mean diameter categories: < .3 mm, .3-.6 mm, .6-.9 mm and > .9 mm. Results CCSVI criteria were fulfilled in 79.7% of MS patients and 18.2% of HC (p < .0001). Patients with MS showed decreased overall ATVV, ATVV of veins with a diameter < .3 mm, and increased DFV compared to HC (all p < .0001). Subjects diagnosed with CCSVI had significantly increased DFV (p < .0001), decreased overall ATVV and ATVV of veins with a diameter < .3 mm (p < .003) compared to subjects without CCSVI. The severity of CCSVI was significantly related to decreased VVV in MS (p < .0001) on pre- and post-contrast SWI, but not in HC. Conclusions MS patients with higher number of venous stenoses, indicative of CCSVI severity, showed significantly decreased venous vasculature in the brain parenchyma. The pathogenesis of these findings has to be further investigated, but they suggest that reduced metabolism and morphological changes of venous vasculature may be taking place in patients with MS. PMID:22011402

  19. The effect of a cryotherapy gel wrap on the microcirculation of skin affected by chronic venous disorders.

    PubMed

    Kelechi, Teresa J; Mueller, Martina; Zapka, Jane G; King, Dana E

    2011-11-01

    The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to investigate a cryotherapy (cooling) gel wrap applied to lower leg skin affected by chronic venous disorders to determine whether therapeutic cooling improves skin microcirculation. Chronic venous disorders are under-recognized vascular health problems that result in severe skin damage and ulcerations of the lower legs. Impaired skin microcirculation contributes to venous leg ulcer development, thus new prevention therapies should address the microcirculation to prevent venous leg ulcers. Sixty participants (n = 30 per group) were randomized to receive one of two daily 30-minute interventions for four weeks. The treatment group applied the cryotherapy gel wrap around the affected lower leg skin, or compression and elevated the legs on a special pillow each evening at bedtime. The standard care group wore compression and elevated the legs only. Laboratory pre- and post-measures included microcirculation measures of skin temperature with a thermistor, blood flow with a laser Doppler flowmeter, and venous refill time with a photoplethysmograph. Data were collected between 2008 2009 and analysed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed ranks tests, logistic regression analyses, and mixed model analyses. Fifty-seven participants (treatment = 28; standard care = 29) completed the study. The mean age was 62 years, 70% female, 50% African American. In the final adjusted model, there was a statistically significant decrease in blood flow between the two groups (-6.2[-11.8; -0.6], P = 0.03). No statistically significant differences were noted in temperature or venous refill time. Study findings suggest that cryotherapy improves blood flow by slowing movement within the microcirculation and thus might potentially provide a therapeutic benefit to prevent leg ulcers. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  20. Deep venous thrombosis and postthrombotic syndrome: invasive management.

    PubMed

    Comerota, A J

    2015-03-01

    Invasive management of postthrombotic syndrome encompasses the two ends of the deep vein thrombosis spectrum, patients with acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis and those with chronic postthrombotic iliofemoral venous obstruction. Of all patients with acute deep vein thrombosis, those with involvement of the iliofemoral segments have the most severe chronic postthrombotic morbidity. Catheter-based techniques now permit percutaneous treatment to eliminate thrombus, restore patency, potentially maintain valvular function, and improve quality of life. Randomized trial data support an initial treatment strategy of thrombus removal. Failure to eliminate acute thrombus from the iliofemoral system leads to chronic postthrombotic obstruction of venous outflow. Debilitating chronic postthrombotic symptoms of the long-standing obstruction of venous outflow can be reduced by restoring unobstructed venous drainage from the profunda femoris vein to the vena cava. © The Author(s) 2015 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

  1. Advanced imaging in acute and chronic deep vein thrombosis

    PubMed Central

    Karande, Gita Yashwantrao; Sanchez, Yadiel; Baliyan, Vinit; Mishra, Vishala; Ganguli, Suvranu; Prabhakar, Anand M.

    2016-01-01

    Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) affecting the extremities is a common clinical problem. Prompt imaging aids in rapid diagnosis and adequate treatment. While ultrasound (US) remains the workhorse of detection of extremity venous thrombosis, CT and MRI are commonly used as the problem-solving tools either to visualize the thrombosis in central veins like superior or inferior vena cava (IVC) or to test for the presence of complications like pulmonary embolism (PE). The cross-sectional modalities also offer improved visualization of venous collaterals. The purpose of this article is to review the established modalities used for characterization and diagnosis of DVT, and further explore promising innovations and recent advances in this field. PMID:28123971

  2. Iliocaval Confluence Stenting for Chronic Venous Obstructions

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Graaf, Rick de, E-mail: r.de.graaf@mumc.nl; Wolf, Mark de, E-mail: markthewolf@gmail.com; Sailer, Anna M., E-mail: anni.sailer@mumc.nl

    PurposeDifferent techniques have been described for stenting of venous obstructions. We report our experience with two different confluence stenting techniques to treat chronic bi-iliocaval obstructions.Materials and MethodsBetween 11/2009 and 08/2014 we treated 40 patients for chronic total bi-iliocaval obstructions. Pre-operative magnetic resonance venography showed bilateral extensive post-thrombotic scarring in common and external iliac veins as well as obstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC). Stenting of the IVC was performed with large self-expandable stents down to the level of the iliocaval confluence. To bridge the confluence, either self-expandable stents were placed inside the IVC stent (24 patients, SECS group) ormore » high radial force balloon-expandable stents were placed at the same level (16 patients, BECS group). In both cases, bilateral iliac extensions were performed using nitinol stents.ResultsRecanalization was achieved for all patients. In 15 (38 %) patients, a hybrid procedure with endophlebectomy and arteriovenous fistula creation needed to be performed because of significant involvement of inflow vessels below the inguinal ligament. Mean follow-up was 443 ± 438 days (range 7–1683 days). For all patients, primary, assisted-primary, and secondary patency rate at 36 months were 70, 73, and 78 %, respectively. Twelve-month patency rates in the SECS group were 85, 85, and 95 % for primary, assisted-primary, and secondary patency. In the BECS group, primary patency was 100 % during a mean follow-up period of 134 ± 118 (range 29–337) days.ConclusionStenting of chronic bi-iliocaval obstruction shows relatively high patency rates at medium follow-up. Short-term patency seems to favor confluence stenting with balloon-expandable stents.« less

  3. Is total abolishment of great saphenous reflux in the invasive treatment of superficial chronic venous insufficiency always necessary?

    PubMed

    Navarro, T P; Nunes, T A; Ribeiro, A L; Castro-Silva, M

    2009-02-01

    Chronic venous insufficiency ranges from mild telangiectasias to skin ulceration with poor prognosis regarding healing and quality of life. Varicose veins are the most frequent clinical presentation, affecting 75% of such patients and 71% are due to primary reflux of great saphenous vein, which is the most compromised vein in chronic venous insufficiency. However, about 75% of these veins are not dilated. The standard treatment has been stripping of the saphenous vein, because it has 85% of good results at long term. However, saphenous vein is the main arterial substitute and should be spared whenever possible. The development of non-invasive diagnostic methods showed that hemodynamic worsening correlates with clinical severity and that the majority of patients did not have a dilated saphenous vein. Thus, several selective operations proposed to spare the saphenous vein have reported good results. Minimally invasive techniques (eco-guided foam, radiofrequency and laser) have also emerged aiming to obliterate the vein and abolishing reflux and have also reported good results, but they do not spare the vessel. Measurement of saphenous diameter has been shown to correlate with clinical and hemodynamic worsening, thus allowing planning the invasive treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. Dilated diameters (>7.2 mm) correlate with severe disease and poor prognosis, being an indication for total abolishment of saphenous vein reflux. All other presentations must be individualized, sparing saphenous vein whenever possible and and a standardized approach is not indicated for all patients.

  4. Blunted postprandial reaction of portal venous flow in chronic liver disease, assessed with duplex Doppler: significance for prognosis.

    PubMed

    de Vries, P J; de Hooge, P; Hoekstra, J B; van Hattum, J

    1994-12-01

    To establish the effects of a meal on portal venous flow and the prognostic value of this parameter, 46 patients with chronic liver disease and 28 healthy subjects were examined with duplex Doppler before and after a meal. The measurements were completed in 40 patients and 21 healthy subjects. Postprandial portal venous diameter, blood velocity and quantitative flow were measured for 60 min. Mean baseline values were: 11.4 mm versus 10.2 mm (p = 0.019), 10.8 cm.s-1 versus 13.4 cm.s-1 (p = 0.015) and 668 ml.min-1 versus 646 ml.min-1 (p = 0.7) respectively. Spleen size was 15.0 cm versus 10.6 cm (p = 0.0001) respectively. Postprandial diameter, velocity and flow increased significantly in patients and controls (p = 0.0001 for all). Mean postprandial flow could best be described by a polynomial equation with a parabolic curve. Patients' curves were more blunted than controls', with significantly different regression constants (p = 0.025 and p = 0.029). All subjects were followed up for survival and variceal haemorrhage. The mean follow-up time was 47 months. Early maximum postprandial velocity (p = 0.041) and large spleen size (p = 0.002) were significantly related to an unfavourable prognosis for survival. Early maximum velocity was also related to increased variceal haemorrhage. This study shows that postprandial portal venous flow is blunted in patients with chronic liver disease. Postprandial portal venous flow may have prognostic significance.

  5. Asymptomatic hepatic portal venous gas with gastric emphysema as a chronic complication of gastrostomy tube placement: a case report.

    PubMed

    Sawano, Toyoaki; Nemoto, Tsuyoshi; Tsubokura, Masaharu; Leppold, Claire; Ozaki, Akihiko; Kato, Shigeaki; Kanazawa, Yukio

    2016-08-24

    Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding is widely used as a route for enteral feeding for patients with impaired swallowing ability, particularly in older patients. Hepatic portal venous gas is a condition that may arise from several causes. Hepatic portal venous gas that develops after an endoscopic procedure is generally reported to be nonfatal, yet there is little information available concerning the characteristics of hepatic portal venous gas as a chronic complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding. We experienced a case of hepatic portal venous gas that happened to be detected in an 81-year-old Japanese man with long-term percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy use who was admitted to our hospital with aspiration pneumonia. While aspiration pneumonia was treated with antibiotics and suspension of tube feedings, he recovered from hepatic portal venous gas without any treatment. The presence of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube may have induced hepatic portal venous gas through a mechanism in which vomiting led to increased abdominal pressure and eventually gastric emphysema. This case suggests that hepatic portal venous gas without any signs of bowel ischemia or emphysematous gastritis can resolve without treatment, which is a finding that could be helpful for clinicians who deal with those supported by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding.

  6. Maggots as a wound debridement agent for chronic venous leg ulcers under graduated compression bandages: A randomised controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Davies, C E; Woolfrey, G; Hogg, N; Dyer, J; Cooper, A; Waldron, J; Bulbulia, R; Whyman, M R; Poskitt, K R

    2015-12-01

    Slough in chronic venous leg ulcers may be associated with delayed healing. The purpose of this study was to assess larval debridement in chronic venous leg ulcers and to assess subsequent effect on healing. All patients with chronic leg ulcers presenting to the leg ulcer service were evaluated for the study. Exclusion criteria were: ankle brachial pressure indices <0.85 or >1.25, no venous reflux on duplex and <20% of ulcer surface covered with slough. Participants were randomly allocated to either 4-layer compression bandaging alone or 4-layer compression bandaging + larvae. Surface areas of ulcer and slough were assessed on day 4; 4-layer compression bandaging was then continued and ulcer size was measured every 2 weeks for up to 12 weeks. A total of 601 patients with chronic leg ulcers were screened between November 2008 and July 2012. Of these, 20 were randomised to 4-layer compression bandaging and 20 to 4-layer compression bandaging + larvae. Median (range) ulcer size was 10.8 (3-21.3) cm(2) and 8.1 (4.3-13.5) cm(2) in the 4-layer compression bandaging and 4-layer compression bandaging + larvae groups, respectively (Mann-Whitney U test, P = 0.184). On day 4, median reduction in slough area was 3.7 cm(2) in the 4-layer compression bandaging group (P < 0.05) and 4.2 cm(2) (P < 0.001) in the 4-layer compression bandaging + larvae group. Median percentage area reduction of slough was 50% in the 4-layer compression bandaging group and 84% in the 4-layer compression bandaging + larvae group (Mann-Whitney U test, P < 0.05). The 12-week healing rate was 73% and 68% in the 4-layer compression bandaging and 4-layer compression bandaging + larvae groups, respectively (Kaplan-Meier analysis, P = 0.664). Larval debridement therapy improves wound debridement in chronic venous leg ulcers treated with multilayer compression bandages. However, no subsequent improvement in ulcer healing was demonstrated. © The Author(s) 2014.

  7. Variability of MMP/TIMP and TGF-β1 Receptors throughout the Clinical Progression of Chronic Venous Disease.

    PubMed

    Serralheiro, Pedro; Novais, António; Cairrão, Elisa; Maia, Cláudio; Costa Almeida, Carlos M; Verde, Ignacio

    2017-12-21

    Chronic venous disease (CVeD) is a prevalent condition with a significant socioeconomic burden, yet the pathophysiology is only just beginning to be understood. Previous studies concerning the dysregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)) within the varicose vein wall are inconsistent and disregard clinical progression. Moreover, it is highly plausible that MMP and TIMP expression/activity is affected by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and its signaling receptors (TGFβRs) expression/activity in the vein wall. A case-control study was undertaken to analyze genetic and immunohistochemical differences between healthy ( n = 13) and CVeD (early stages: n = 19; advanced stages: n = 12) great saphenous vein samples. Samples were grouped based on anatomic harvest site and subjected to quantitative polymerase chain reaction for MMP1 , MMP2 , MMP8 , MMP9 , MMP12 , MMP13 , TIMP1 , TIMP2 , TIMP3 , TIMP4 , TGFβR1 , TGFβR2 , and TGFβR3 gene expression analysis, and then to immunohistochemistry for immunolocalization of MMP2, TIMP2, and TGFβR2. Decreased gene expression of MMP12 , TIMP2 , TIMP3 , TIMP4 , and TGFβR2 was found in varicose veins when compared to controls. Regarding CVeD clinical progression, two facts arose: results across anatomical regions were uneven; decreased gene expression of MMP9 and TGFβR3 and increased gene expression of MMP2 and TIMP3 were found in advanced clinical stages. Most immunohistochemistry results for tunica intima were coherent with qPCR results. In conclusion, decreased expression of TGFβRs might suggest a reduction in TGF-β1 participation in the MMP/TIMP imbalance throughout CVeD progression. Further studies about molecular events in the varicose vein wall are required and should take into consideration the venous anatomical region and CVeD clinical progression.

  8. Investigation of chronic venous insufficiency: A consensus statement (France, March 5-9, 1997).

    PubMed

    Nicolaides, A N

    2000-11-14

    This consensus document provides an up-to-date account of the various methods available for the investigation of chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs (CVI), with an outline of their history, usefulness, and limitations. CVI is characterized by symptoms or signs produced by venous hypertension as a result of structural or functional abnormalities of veins. The most frequent causes of CVI are primary abnormalities of the venous wall and the valves and secondary changes due to previous venous thrombosis that can lead to reflux, obstruction, or both. Because the history and clinical examination will not always indicate the nature and extent of the underlying abnormality (anatomic extent, pathology, and cause), a number of diagnostic investigations have been developed that can elucidate whether there is calf muscle pump dysfunction and determine the anatomic extent and severity of obstruction or reflux. The difficulty in deciding which investigations to use and how to interpret the results has stimulated the development of this consensus document. The aim of this document was to provide an account of these tests, with an outline of their usefulness and limitations and indications of which patients should be subjected to the tests and when and of what clinical decisions can be made. This document was written primarily for the clinician who would like to learn the latest approaches to the investigation of patients with CVI and the new applications that have emerged from recent research, as well as for the novice who is embarking on venous research. Care has been taken to indicate which methods have entered the clinical arena and which are mainly used for research. The foundation for this consensus document was laid by the faculty at a meeting held under the auspices of the American Venous Forum, the Cardiovascular Disease Educational and Research Trust, the European Society of Vascular Surgery, the International Angiology Scientific Activity Congress

  9. Cardiac veins: collateral venous drainage pathways in chronic hemodialysis patients.

    PubMed

    Ozmen, Evrim; Algin, Oktay

    2016-07-12

    Venous anomalies are diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Subclavian or superior vena cava stenosis can be developed and venous return can be achieved via cardiac veins and coronary sinus in patients with central venous catheter for long-term hemodialysis. These types of abnormalities are not extremely rare especially in patients with a history of central venous catheter placement. Detection of these anomalies and subclavian vein stenosis before the surgical creation of hemodialysis fistulae or tunneled central venous catheter placement may prevent unnecessary interventions in those patients. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) technique can give further information when compared with fluoroscopy or digital subtraction angiography in the management of these patients. This case report describes interesting aspects of central vein complications in hemodialysis patients. As a conclusion, there are limited data about thoracic venous return, and further prospective studies with large patient number are required. MDCT with 3D reconstruction is particularly useful for the accurate evaluation of venous patency, variations, and collateral circulation. Also it is an excellent tool for choosing and planning treatment.

  10. Matrix Metalloproteinases as Regulators of Vein Structure and Function: Implications in Chronic Venous Disease.

    PubMed

    MacColl, Elisabeth; Khalil, Raouf A

    2015-12-01

    Lower-extremity veins have efficient wall structure and function and competent valves that permit upward movement of deoxygenated blood toward the heart against hydrostatic venous pressure. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in maintaining vein wall structure and function. MMPs are zinc-binding endopeptidases secreted as inactive pro-MMPs by fibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle (VSM), and leukocytes. Pro-MMPs are activated by various activators including other MMPs and proteinases. MMPs cause degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as collagen and elastin, and could have additional effects on the endothelium, as well as VSM cell migration, proliferation, Ca(2+) signaling, and contraction. Increased lower-extremity hydrostatic venous pressure is thought to induce hypoxia-inducible factors and other MMP inducers/activators such as extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, prostanoids, chymase, and hormones, leading to increased MMP expression/activity, ECM degradation, VSM relaxation, and venous dilation. Leukocyte infiltration and inflammation of the vein wall cause further increases in MMPs, vein wall dilation, valve degradation, and different clinical stages of chronic venous disease (CVD), including varicose veins (VVs). VVs are characterized by ECM imbalance, incompetent valves, venous reflux, wall dilation, and tortuosity. VVs often show increased MMP levels, but may show no change or decreased levels, depending on the VV region (atrophic regions with little ECM versus hypertrophic regions with abundant ECM) and MMP form (inactive pro-MMP versus active MMP). Management of VVs includes compression stockings, venotonics, and surgical obliteration or removal. Because these approaches do not treat the causes of VVs, alternative methods are being developed. In addition to endogenous tissue inhibitors of MMPs, synthetic MMP inhibitors have been developed, and their effects in the treatment of VVs need to be examined

  11. Advances in the management of venous thromboembolism.

    PubMed

    Schulman, Sam

    2012-09-01

    The past decade has witnessed important advances in the diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism with excellent opportunities to apply evidence-based medicine for many of the steps in the management of the disease. This review discusses the clinical prediction rules that should be used to reduce utilization of imaging diagnosis for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism and the risk stratification for thrombolytic therapy or outpatient management of pulmonary embolism. The treatment options have increased and include low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), intravenous or subcutaneous unfractionated heparin - the latter either monitored or not monitored, fondaparinux and rivaroxaban for the initial phase. Thereafter, vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), LMWH, oral factor Xa or thrombin inhibitors are or will soon become available. The VKAs have been subjected to many randomised trial addressing the initiation, intensity, monitoring and self-management. Extended anticoagulation and the selection for that is finally reviewed. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  12. Vitamin K antagonists in children with central venous catheter on chronic haemodialysis: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Paglialonga, Fabio; Artoni, Andrea; Braham, Simon; Consolo, Silvia; Giannini, Alberto; Chidini, Giovanna; Napolitano, Luisa; Martinelli, Ida; Montini, Giovanni; Edefonti, Alberto

    2016-05-01

    To date, no study has investigated the use of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in children undergoing chronic haemodialysis (HD) with a central venous catheter (CVC). Consecutive patients aged <18 years with a newly placed tunnelled CVC for chronic HD were enrolled over a 3-year period. Children with active nephrotic syndrome or a history of venous thrombosis received warfarin (VKA group) with therapeutic target international normalised ratios of between 2.0 and 3.0. Patients at standard risk of CVC malfunction were not treated with VKA (standard group). The primary end-point was overall CVC survival. The VKA group consisted of nine patients (median age 10.6 years; range 1.2-15.3 years) with 11 CVC, and the standard group comprised eight patients (11.8 years; 6.1-17.3 years) with ten CVC. The 6- and 12-month CVC survival was significantly longer in the VKA group than in the standard group (100 vs. 60 % and 83.3 vs. 16.7 %, respectively; p < 0.05), with a median survival of 369 and 195 days, respectively (p < 0.05). None of the CVC in the VKA group required removal due to malfunction, as compared to four in the standard group. No major bleeding episodes occurred in either group. Therapy with VKA would appear to be safe in children on chronic HD and may improve CVC survival in patients at increased risk of CVC thrombosis.

  13. Venous flow during manual lymphatic drainage applied to different regions of the lower extremity in people with and without chronic venous insufficiency: a cross-sectional study.

    PubMed

    Crisóstomo, R S S; Candeias, M S; Armada-da-Silva, P A S

    2017-03-01

    To evaluate the effect of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on venous flow when applied to the medial and lateral aspects of the thigh and leg in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and healthy subjects. Cross-sectional study. Participants were assessed in a school-based health community attendant service. Fifty-seven subjects participated in this study {mean age: 43 [standard deviation (SD) 14] years, 38 women and 19 men}. Of these, 28 subjects had CVI [mean age 47 (SD 12) years] and 29 subjects did not have CVI [mean age 39 (14) years]. MLD was applied by a certificated physical therapist to the medial and lateral aspects of the thigh and leg. Cross-sectional area; blood flow velocities in the femoral vein, great saphenous vein, popliteal vein and small saphenous vein at baseline and during MLD, measured by duplex ultrasound. Flow volume in the femoral vein increased from baseline [5.19 (SD 3.25)cm 3 /second] when MLD was applied to the medial [7.03 (SD 3.65)cm 3 /second; P≤0.001; mean difference -1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.42 to -0.97] and lateral [6.16 (SD 3.35)cm 3 /second; P≤0.001; mean difference -1.04; 95% CI -1.70 to -0.39] aspects of the thigh. Venous flow augmentation in the femoral vein and great saphenous vein was higher when MLD was applied to the medial aspect of the thigh (P<0.001), while MLD had a similar effect on venous blood flow regardless of whether it was applied to the medial or the lateral aspect of the leg (P=0.731). MLD increases blood flow in deep and superficial veins. MLD should be applied along the route of the venous vessels for improved venous return. Copyright © 2016 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Use of microcirculatory parameters to evaluate clinical treatments of chronic venous disorder (CVD).

    PubMed

    Lascasas-Porto, Carmen Lucia; Milhomens, Ana Letícia M; Virgini-Magalhães, Carlos Eduardo; Fernandes, Fabiano F A; Sicuro, Fernando L; Bouskela, Eliete

    2008-05-01

    To evaluate changes on cutaneous microangiopathy in chronic venous disorder (CVD) after use of Cirkan [venotonic drug containing Ruscus aculeatus (plant extract), hesperidine methylchalcone (flavonoid) and vitamin C], elastic compression stockings (ECS) or no treatment for four weeks. Fifty-five female patients (85 legs), 25 to 57 years, with at least one limb classified as C2,s or C2,3,s (CEAP classification), were allocated consecutively, according to entrance order, in these three groups. Ten healthy women age-matched were also investigated. Using orthogonal polarization spectral technique (noninvasive method), measurements of functional capillary density (FCD, number of capillaries with flowing red blood cells/mm(2)), capillary morphology (CM, % of abnormal capillaries/mm(2)) and diameters (mum) of dermal papilla (DDP), capillary bulk (DCB) and capillary limb (CD) were obtained on the medial perimalleolar region and later analyzed using CapImage software. CVD patients showed significant changes on CD and CM compared to healthy subjects in agreement with our previous findings (J Vasc Surg 43:1037-1044, 2006). On Cirkan-treated patients, after 4 weeks, CD decreased on both limbs and CM improved on the left one, suggesting an amelioration of the chronic venous hypertension. No significant changes could be detected on other patient groups. These results confirm the existence of microcirculatory dysfunction in early stages of CVD, probably due to post-capillary hypertension, and further support the venotonic action of Cirkan.

  15. Evaluation of Flexible Force Sensors for Pressure Monitoring in Treatment of Chronic Venous Disorders.

    PubMed

    Parmar, Suresh; Khodasevych, Iryna; Troynikov, Olga

    2017-08-21

    The recent use of graduated compression therapy for treatment of chronic venous disorders such as leg ulcers and oedema has led to considerable research interest in flexible and low-cost force sensors. Properly applied low pressure during compression therapy can substantially improve the treatment of chronic venous disorders. However, achievement of the recommended low pressure levels and its accurate determination in real-life conditions is still a challenge. Several thin and flexible force sensors, which can also function as pressure sensors, are commercially available, but their real-life sensing performance has not been evaluated. Moreover, no researchers have reported information on sensor performance during static and dynamic loading within the realistic test conditions required for compression therapy. This research investigated the sensing performance of five low-cost commercial pressure sensors on a human-leg-like test apparatus and presents quantitative results on the accuracy and drift behaviour of these sensors in both static and dynamic conditions required for compression therapy. Extensive experimental work on this new human-leg-like test setup demonstrated its utility for evaluating the sensors. Results showed variation in static and dynamic sensing performance, including accuracy and drift characteristics. Only one commercially available pressure sensor was found to reliably deliver accuracy of 95% and above for all three test pressure points of 30, 50 and 70 mmHg.

  16. Evaluation of Flexible Force Sensors for Pressure Monitoring in Treatment of Chronic Venous Disorders

    PubMed Central

    Parmar, Suresh; Khodasevych, Iryna; Troynikov, Olga

    2017-01-01

    The recent use of graduated compression therapy for treatment of chronic venous disorders such as leg ulcers and oedema has led to considerable research interest in flexible and low-cost force sensors. Properly applied low pressure during compression therapy can substantially improve the treatment of chronic venous disorders. However, achievement of the recommended low pressure levels and its accurate determination in real-life conditions is still a challenge. Several thin and flexible force sensors, which can also function as pressure sensors, are commercially available, but their real-life sensing performance has not been evaluated. Moreover, no researchers have reported information on sensor performance during static and dynamic loading within the realistic test conditions required for compression therapy. This research investigated the sensing performance of five low-cost commercial pressure sensors on a human-leg-like test apparatus and presents quantitative results on the accuracy and drift behaviour of these sensors in both static and dynamic conditions required for compression therapy. Extensive experimental work on this new human-leg-like test setup demonstrated its utility for evaluating the sensors. Results showed variation in static and dynamic sensing performance, including accuracy and drift characteristics. Only one commercially available pressure sensor was found to reliably deliver accuracy of 95% and above for all three test pressure points of 30, 50 and 70 mmHg. PMID:28825672

  17. Physical Properties of Venous Stents: An Experimental Comparison.

    PubMed

    Dabir, Darius; Feisst, Andreas; Thomas, Daniel; Luetkens, Julian A; Meyer, Carsten; Kardulovic, Ana; Menne, Matthias; Steinseifer, Ulrich; Schild, Hans H; Kuetting, Daniel L R

    2018-06-01

    Iliocaval obstruction is a substantial contributor to chronic venous insufficiency and is increasingly being treated endovascularly with angioplasty and stent placement. Utilization of an appropriate stent for treatment is pivotal; however, until today, mechanical properties of venous stents remain unknown. We analyzed the radial resistive force, the chronic outward force, as well as the crush resistance of seven stent models [Zilver Vena (Cook, Bjaeverskov, Denmark), Sinus Venous, Sinus Obliquus and Sinus XL Flex (Optimed, Ettlingen, Germany), Vici (Veniti; St. Louis, USA), Wallstent (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, USA), and Venovo (Bard, Tempe, USA)] in vitro using a radial force testing machine (RX-650, Machine Solutions Inc., Flagstaff, AZ, USA) and a hardness testing machine (zwickiLine, Zwick Roell, Ulm, Germany). The Sinus Obliquus revealed the highest radial resistive force (19.41 N/cm) and the highest chronic outward force at 50 and 30% nominal diameter (7.93 N/cm at 50%, 16.97 N/cm at 30%) while the Venovo revealed the highest chronic outward force at 90 and 80% nominal diameter (4.83 N/cm at 90%, 5.37 N/cm at 80%). The radial resistive force and the chronic outward force of the Wallstent greatly depended on whether the stent ends were fixated. The Wallstent revealed the highest crush resistance at nominal diameters of 90% (0.46 N/cm) to 60% (1.16 N/cm). The Sinus Obliquus revealed the highest crush resistance at a nominal diameter of 50% (1.41 N/cm). Venous stents greatly differ regarding their mechanical properties. These results should be considered when choosing an appropriate stent for the treatment of venous obstruction.

  18. Abnormalities of vascular histology and collagen fiber configuration in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Allon, Michael; Litovsky, Silvio H; Tey, Jason Chieh Sheng; Sundberg, Chad A; Zhang, Yingying; Chen, Zhen; Fang, Yun; Cheung, Alfred K; Shiu, Yan-Ting

    2018-05-01

    Several histologic features have been identified in the upper-extremity arteries and veins of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, which may affect arteriovenous fistula maturation. However, it is unclear whether these chronic kidney disease vascular features are abnormal. We obtained upper-extremity arterial and venous specimens from 125 advanced chronic kidney disease patients undergoing arteriovenous fistula creation and from 15 control subjects. We quantified medial fibrosis, micro-calcification, and intimal hyperplasia with appropriate histology stains. We characterized medial collagen fiber configuration in second-harmonic-generation microscopy images for the fiber anisotropy index and the dominant fiber direction. The advanced chronic kidney disease patients were significantly younger than control subjects (53 ± 14 years vs 76 ± 11 years, p < 0.001). After controlling for age, the chronic kidney disease patients had greater arterial medial fibrosis (69% ± 14% vs 51% ± 10%, p < 0.001) and greater arterial micro-calcification (3.03% ± 5.17% vs 0.01% ± 0.03%, p = 0.02), but less arterial intimal thickness (30 ± 25 µm vs 63 ± 25 µm, p < 0.001), as compared to control subjects. The anisotropy index of medial collagen fibers was lower in both arteries (0.24 ± 0.10 vs 0.44 ± 0.04, p < 0.001) and veins (0.28 ± 0.09 vs 0.53 ± 0.10, p < 0.001) in chronic kidney disease patients, indicating that orientation of the fibers was more disordered. The dominant direction of medial collagen fibers in chronic kidney disease patients was greater in the arteries (49.3° ± 23.6° vs 4.0° ± 2.0°, p < 0.001) and the veins (30.0° ± 19.6° vs 3.9° ± 2.1°, p < 0.001), indicating that the fibers in general were aligned more perpendicular to the lumen. Advanced chronic kidney disease is associated with several abnormalities in vascular histology and

  19. Combined therapy of Ulmo honey (Eucryphia cordifolia) and ascorbic acid to treat venous ulcers1

    PubMed Central

    Calderon, Mariano del Sol; Figueroa, Carolina Schencke; Arias, Jessica Salvo; Sandoval, Alejandra Hidalgo; Torre, Felipe Ocharan

    2015-01-01

    OBJECTIVE: to assess the clinical effect of topical treatment using Ulmo honey associated with oral ascorbic acid in patients with venous ulcers. METHOD: longitudinal and descriptive quantitative study. During one year, 18 patients were assessed who were clinically diagnosed with venous ulcer in different stages, male and female, adult, with a mean injury time of 13 months. Ulmo honey was topically applied daily. The dressing was applied in accordance with the technical standard for advanced dressings, combined with the daily oral consumptions of 500 mg of ascorbic acid. The monitoring instrument is the assessment table of venous ulcers. RESULTS: full healing was achieved in 100% of the venous ulcers. No signs of complications were observed, such as allergies or infection. CONCLUSION: the proposed treatment showed excellent clinical results for the healing of venous ulcers. The honey demonstrated debriding and non-adherent properties, was easy to apply and remove and was well accepted by the users. The described results generated a research line on chronic wound treatment. PMID:26039296

  20. Current concepts in repair of extremity venous injury.

    PubMed

    Williams, Timothy K; Clouse, W Darrin

    2016-04-01

    Extremity venous injury management remains controversial. The purpose of this communication is to offer perspective as well as experiential and technical insight into extremity venous injury repair. Available literature is reviewed and discussed. Historical context is provided. Indication, the decision process for repair, including technical conduct, is delineated. In particular, the authors' experiences in both civilian and wartime injury are used for perspective. Extremity venous injury repair was championed within data from the Vietnam Vascular Registry. However, patterns of extremity venous injury differ between combat and civilian settings. Since Vietnam, civilian descriptive series opine the benefits and potential complications associated with both venous injury repair and ligation. These surround extremity edema, chronic venous insufficiency, thromboembolism, and limb loss. Whereas no clear superiority in either approach has been identified to date, there appears to be no increased risk of pulmonary embolism or chronic venous changes with repair. Newer data from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and meta-analysis have reinforced this and also have suggested limb salvage benefit for extremity venous repair in combined arterial and venous injuries in modern settings. The patient's physiologic state and associated injury drive five triage categories suggesting vein injury management. Vein repair thrombosis occurs in a significant proportion, yet many recanalize and possibly have a positive impact on limb venous return. Further, early decompression favors reduced blood loss, acute edema, and inflammation, supporting collateral development. Large soft tissue injury minimizing collateral capacity increases the importance of repair. Constructs of repair are varied with modest differences in patency. Venous shunting is feasible, but specific roles remain nebulous. An aggressive posture toward extremity venous injury repair seems justified today because of the likely

  1. Comparison of disease-specific quality of life tools in patients with chronic venous disease.

    PubMed

    Kuet, Mong-Loon; Lane, Tristan Ra; Anwar, Muzaffar A; Davies, Alun H

    2014-12-01

    This work was presented as a poster in the American Venous Forum 25th Annual Meeting; 28 February 2013; Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome measure in the treatment for chronic venous disease. The Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) and the ChronIc Venous Insufficiency quality of life Questionnaire (CIVIQ-14) are two validated disease-specific QoL questionnaires in current use. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the AVVQ and the CIVIQ-14 to enable better comparison between studies and to compare these disease-specific QoL tools with generic QoL and clinician-driven tools. Adults attending our institution for management of their varicose veins completed the AVVQ, CIVIQ-14 and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D). Clinical data, CEAP classification and the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) were collected. The relationship between the AVVQ and CIVIQ-14 scores was analysed using Spearman's correlation. The AVVQ and CIVIQ-14 scores were also analysed with a generic QoL tool (EQ-5D) and a clinician-driven tool, the VCSS. One hundred patients, mean age 57.5 (44 males; 56 females), participated in the study. The median AVVQ score was 21.9 (range 0-74) and the median CIVIQ-14 score was 30 (range 0-89). A strong correlation was demonstrated between the AVVQ and CIVIQ-14 scores (r = 0.8; p < 0.0001). Strong correlation was maintained for patients with C1-3 disease (r = 0.7; p < 0.0001) and C4-6 disease (r = 0.8; p < 0.0001). The VCSS correlated strongly with the AVVQ and CIVIQ-14 scores (r = 0.7; p < 0.0001 and r = 0.7; p < 0.0001, respectively). Both the AVVQ and CIVIQ-14 scores correlated well with the EQ-5D score (r = -0.5; p < 0.0001 and r = -0.7; p < 0.0001, respectively). This study demonstrates that there is good correlation between two widely used varicose vein specific QoL tools (AVVQ and CIVIQ-14) across the whole spectrum of disease severity. Strong

  2. Arterial stiffness and cardiac functions in patients with chronic venous disease.

    PubMed

    Ozpelit, E; Ozpelit, M E; Albayrak, G; Karabay, O; Nesli Sahin, B; Gonencer, J Z; Badak, O

    2015-12-01

    Although the venous system is in direct continuity with the heart and the arterial system, it is not known whether chronic venous disease (CVD) has any impact on either of these. The aims of this study were to investigate the global functions of the left and right heart, and also arterial stiffness parameters in patients with CVD. Forty-eight patients with primary stage C4-C6 CVD were enrolled into the study. The control group consisted of 39 age/sex and Body Mass Index matched healthy volunteers. All of the patients underwent detailed echocardiographic examination with further focus on Doppler and tissue Doppler (TD) parameters of the left and right ventricle. Arterial stiffness was evaluated via applanation tonometry in each patient. The left atrial area (LAA) and interventricular septum thickness were slightly increased in patients with CVD. Regarding Doppler and tissue Doppler measurements of the LV, all of the parameters were similar among the groups, while RV tissue Doppler systolic velocity and TAPSE were higher in patients with CVD. Among the arterial stiffness parameters, central aortic pressure, augmentation index, and pulse wave velocity were slightly higher in patients with CVD. The results of this study indicated that CVD may be associated with a subclinical disease state in the arterial system and also in the heart. Further studies are needed to confirm this association and to describe the possible mechanisms.

  3. Chronic venous disease treated with sulodexide: a survey among primary care physicians in Mexico.

    PubMed

    Flota Cervera, Luis F; Frati Munari, Alberto C; Velázquez Herrera, Ángel E; Carbajal Contreras, Annabella

    2017-12-01

    Sulodexide is a glycosaminoglycan approved for the treatment of chronic venous disease (CVD). It has been available in Mexico since 2012. The aim of the study was to understand the clinical experience of primary care physicians in the treatment of CVD with sulodexide. Clinical data collection forms were distributed among general practitioners. Data was collected for up to four follow-up consultations. All signs and symptoms were rated with the Likert Scale at each examination: 0 to 5 (where 0 means none, and 5 very severe). Both the patient's and the physician's opinions of the effects of the treatment were recorded. Data were collected from 1599 patients at different clinical stages of CVD, 52% of which were at advanced stages (C4-C6). A total of 434 cases were followed up with four examinations (median of thirty days between each examination). In these cases, the overall sign and symptom score decreased significantly at each examination (P<0.01). At the fourth examination, 98.9% of the patients felt better or much better than at the first examination, and 99.7% were better or much better in the physician's opinion (P<0.01). The only adverse effect was nausea, reported in two cases. Sulodexide was effective and well tolerated in the treatment of CVD.

  4. Impact of daily cooling treatment on skin inflammation in patients with chronic venous disease.

    PubMed

    Kelechi, Teresa J; Mueller, Martina; King, Dana E; Madisetti, Mohan; Prentice, Margie

    2015-05-01

    People with chronic venous disease are at high risk for developing venous leg ulcers. Inflammation is posited as a pathological factor for this chronic condition as evidenced by persistently elevated skin temperature. As part of a larger trial to test the effects of a cooling regimen on leg ulcer prevention, the objective of this preliminary study was to evaluate the first 30 days of intense daily cooling. Compared to a placebo control cuff, a gel cuff applied to the most severely affected lower leg skin for 30 min daily showed no statistically significant differences between temperatures taken in the home at baseline compared to those measured at the 1 month follow up visit. There were also no differences in temperatures noted between the two groups, although the temperatures in the treatment group were lower 30 min after treatment, an indication of adherence. There was no discernable decrease or increase in temperature at a given time point during the 30 day treatment period compared to the control group. It may be better to have patients monitor skin temperature on a daily basis and then apply the cuff as necessary, rather than requiring daily cooling based on baseline measurement. This "prn" approach may provide a sufficient cooling milieu to prevent escalation of inflammation and thwart ulcer occurrence or recurrence. Clinical trials registration #NCT01509599. Copyright © 2015 Tissue Viability Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. PPG, APG, duplex: which noninvasive tests are most appropriate for the management of patients with chronic venous insufficiency?

    PubMed

    Marston, William A

    2002-03-01

    Numerous noninvasive tests have been described for assistance in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). These tests include venous duplex ultrasound examination in the supine and standing positions, photoplethysmography (PPG), and air plethysmography (APG). The goal of these studies is to provide accurate information describing the anatomic or the hemodynamic characteristics of the patient with CVI, precluding the need for invasive studies. These tests will be reviewed including the typical information obtained, the usefulness of this information, and the relevance for clinical management of patients with CVI. Based on the clinical class, recommendations for a noninvasive testing protocol are outlined. Copyright 2002 by W.B. Saunders Company

  6. Latest advances in chronic pancreatitis.

    PubMed

    Enrique Domínguez-Muñoz, J

    2016-09-01

    This article summarizes some of the recent and clinically relevant advances in chronic pancreatitis. These advances mainly concern the definition of the disease, the etiological diagnosis of idiopathic disease, the correlation between fibrosis degree and pancreatic secretion in the early stages of chronic pancreatitis, the treatment of the disease and of pain, the clinical relevance of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis. A new mechanistic definition of chronic pancreatitis has been proposed. Genetic testing is mainly of help in patients with relapsing idiopathic pancreatitis. A significant correlation has been shown between the degree of pancreatic fibrosis as evaluated by elastography and pancreatic secretion of bicarbonate. New data supports the efficacy of antioxidants and simvastatin for the therapy of chronic pancreatitis. The pancreatoscopy-guided intraductal lithotripsy is an effective alternative to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in patients with chronic calcifying pancreatitis. The presence of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in patients with chronic pancreatitis is associated with a significant risk of cardiovascular events. Fine needle biopsy and contrast enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography are of help for the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis and its differential diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  7. [Correlation between arterial and venous blood gas analysis parameters in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

    PubMed

    Novović, Miloš; Topić, Vesna

    2012-01-01

    Arterial blood gas (ABG) analyses have an important role in the assessment and monitoring of the metabolic and oxygen status of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Arterial puncture could have a lot of adverse effects, while sampling of venous blood is simpler and is not so invasive. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether venous blood gas (VBG) values of pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), partial oxygen pressure (PO2), bicarbonate (HCO3), and venous and arterial blood oxygen saturation (SO2) can reliably predict ABG levels in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. Forty-seven patients with a prior diagnosis of COPD were included in this prospective study. The patients with acute exacerbation of this disease were examined at the General Hospital EMS Department in Prijepolje. ABG samples were taken immediately after venous sampling, and both were analyzed. The Pearson correlation coefficients between arterial and venous parameters were 0.828, 0.877, 0.599, 0.896 and 0.312 for pH, PCO2, PO2, HCO3 and SO2, respectively. The statistically significant correlation between arterial and venous pH, PCO2 and HCO3, values was found in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (p<0.001). When we cannot provide arterial blood for analysis, venous values of the pH, Pv,CO2 and HCO3 parameters can be an alternative to their arterial equivalents in the interpretation of the metabolic status in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, while the values of venous Pv,O, and Sv,O2 cannot be used as predictors in the assessment of oxygen status of such patients.

  8. Multilayered Polysaccharide Nanofilms for Controlled Delivery of Pentoxifylline and Possible Treatment of Chronic Venous Ulceration.

    PubMed

    Stana, Jan; Stergar, Janja; Gradišnik, Lidija; Flis, Vojko; Kargl, Rupert; Fröhlich, Eleonore; Stana Kleinschek, Karin; Mohan, Tamilselvan; Maver, Uroš

    2017-09-11

    Local drug delivery systems made from nontoxic polysaccharide nanofilms have an enormous potential in wound care. A detailed understanding of the structural, surface, physicochemical, and cytotoxic properties of such systems is crucial to design clinically efficacious materials. Herein, we fabricated polysaccharide-based nanofilms onto either a 2D model (SiO 2 and Au sensors) or on nonwoven alginate 3D substrates using an alternating assembly of N,N,N-trimethylchitosan (TMC) and alginic acid (ALG) by a spin-assisted layer-by-layer (LbL) technique. These TMC/ALG multilayered nanofilms are used for a uniform encapsulation and controlled release of pentoxifylline (PTX), a potent anti-inflammatory drug for treatment of the chronic venous ulceration. We show a tailorable film growth and mass, morphology, as well as surface properties (charge, hydrophilicity, porosity) of the assembled nanofilms through control of the coating during the spin-assisted assembly. The uniform distribution of the encapsulated PTX in the TMC/ALG nanofilms is preserved even with when the amount of the incorporated PTX increases. The PTX release mechanism from the model and real systems is studied in detail and is very comparable for both systems. Finally, different cell-based assays illustrated the potential of the TMC/ALG multilayer system in wound care (e.g., treatment chronic venous ulceration) applications, including a decrease of TNF-α secretion, a common indicator of inflammation.

  9. The effect of a cryotherapy gel wrap on the microcirculation of skin affected by Chronic Venous Disorders

    PubMed Central

    Mueller, Martina; Zapka, Jane G.; King, Dana E.

    2011-01-01

    Aim This randomized clinical trial was conducted 2008 – 2009 to investigate a cryotherapy (cooling) gel wrap applied to lower leg skin affected by chronic venous disorders to determine whether therapeutic cooling improves skin microcirculation. Impaired skin microcirculation contributes to venous leg ulcer development, thus new prevention therapies should address the microcirculation to prevent venous leg ulcers. Data Sources Sixty participants (n = 30 per group) were randomized to receive one of two daily 30-minute interventions for four weeks. The treatment group applied the cryotherapy gel wrap around the affected lower leg skin, or compression and elevated the legs on a special pillow each evening at bedtime. The standard care group wore compression and elevated the legs only. Laboratory pre- and post-measures included microcirculation measures of skin temperature with a thermistor, blood flow with a laser Doppler flowmeter, and venous refill time with a photoplethysmograph. Review methods Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed ranks tests, logistic regression analyses, and mixed model analyses. Results Fifty-seven participants (treatment = 28; standard care = 29) completed the study. The mean age was 62 years, 70% female, 50% African American. In the final adjusted model, there was a statistically significant decrease in blood flow between the two groups (−6.2[−11.8; −0.6], P = 0.03). No statistically significant differences were noted in temperature or venous refill time. Conclusion Study findings suggest that cryotherapy improves blood flow by slowing movement within the microcirculation and thus might potentially provide a therapeutic benefit to prevent leg ulcers. PMID:21592186

  10. Recent advances in the neurophysiology of chronic pain.

    PubMed

    Baker, Kylie

    2005-02-01

    The chronic pain syndrome patient has become the 'leper' of emergency medicine. There are no emergency medicine guidelines and minimal research into managing this challenging group of patients. To summarize the recent advances in laboratory research into the development of chronic pain that have relevance to emergency management. When the level of supporting evidence is low, it is imperative that emergency physicians understand the physiology that underpins those expert opinions upon which they base their treatment strategies. Literature was searched via Medline, Cochrane, Cinahl, and PsycINFO from 1996 to 2004, under 'chronic pain and emergency management'. Medline from 1996 was searched for 'chronic pain and prevention', 'chronic pain and emergency' and 'chronic pain'. Bibliographies were manually searched for older keynote articles. Advances in understanding the biochemical changes of chronic pain are paralleled by lesser known advances in delineation of the corticol processing. Drug manipulation causes complex action and reaction in chronic pain. Emergency physicians must also optimize cognitive and behavioural aspects of treatment to successfully manage this systemic disease.

  11. A failure of preoperative duplex imaging to diagnose a lower extremity venous aneurysm in a patient with severe chronic venous insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Jones, Roy Wesley; Parkerson, Godfrey Ross; Ottinger, Mary; Rodriguez, Eduardo; Park, Brian

    2017-01-01

    We present a case of recurrent bilateral lower extremity venous stasis ulcers in association with a superficial venous aneurysm at the right saphenofemoral junction that was misdiagnosed on preoperative duplex scanning. A 53-year-old female presented to our clinic with 6-year history of bilateral lower extremity venous stasis ulcers. Her past medical history was significant for refractory venous stasis ulcers of the bilateral lower extremities present for 6 years and morbid obesity. Preoperative venous duplex demonstrated severe venous insufficiency of the superficial and deep systems, but a venous aneurysm was not appreciated. During the high ligation of the right saphenofemoral junction, a 3 × 4 × 5 cm aneurysm was encountered. Repair consisted of aneurysm resection, high ligation of the greater saphenous vein, dissociation of the great saphenous and anterior saphenous veins, and stab phlebectomy of large varicose veins of the thigh and lower leg. The patient recovered uneventfully and experienced complete healing of the venous stasis ulcer in several weeks. Superficial venous aneurysms of the lower extremity are rare and can be often missed on preoperative duplex ultrasound imaging. Large diameter measurements of the proximal greater saphenous vein and obesity increase the risk of misdiagnosing venous aneurysms with duplex imaging; therefore, clinical suspicion must remain high. These aneurysms can be associated with significant symptoms for which repair is indicated.

  12. Which plant for which skin disease? Part 2: Dermatophytes, chronic venous insufficiency, photoprotection, actinic keratoses, vitiligo, hair loss, cosmetic indications.

    PubMed

    Reuter, Juliane; Wölfle, Ute; Korting, Hans Christian; Schempp, Christoph

    2010-11-01

    This paper continues our review of scientifically evaluated plant extracts in dermatology. After plants effective against dermatophytes, botanicals with anti-edema effects in chronic venous insufficiency are discussed. There is good evidence from randomized clinical studies that plant extracts from grape vine leaves (Vitis vinifera), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), sea pine (Pinus maritima) and butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) can reduce edema in chronic venous insufficiency. Plant extracts from witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), green tea (Camellia sinensis), the fern Polypodium leucotomos and others contain antioxidant polyphenolic compounds that may protect the skin from sunburn and photoaging when administered topically or systemically. Extracts from the garden spurge (Euphorbia peplus) and from birch bark (Betula alba) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of actinic keratoses in phase II studies. Some plant extracts have also been investigated in the treatment of vitiligo, various forms of hair loss and pigmentation disorders, and in aesthetic dermatology. © The Authors • Journal compilation © Blackwell Verlag GmbH, Berlin.

  13. [Latest advances in chronic pancreatitis].

    PubMed

    Domínguez-Muñoz, J Enrique

    2014-09-01

    This article summarizes some of the recent and clinically relevant advances in chronic pancreatitis. These advances mainly concern the early diagnosis of the disease, the prediction of the fibrosis degree of the gland, the evaluation of patients with asymptomatic hyperenzimemia, the medical and surgical treatment of abdominal pain and the knowledge of the natural history of the autoimmune pancreatitis. In patients with indetermined EUS findings of chronic pancreatitis, a new endoscopic ultrasound examination in the follow-up is of help to confirm or to exclude the disease. Smoking, number of relapses, results of pancreatic function tests and EUS findings allow predicting the degree of pancreatic fibrosis in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Antioxidant therapy has shown to be effective in reducing pain secondary to chronic pancreatitis, although the type and optimal dose of antioxidants remains to be elucidated. Development of intestinal bacterial overgrowth is frequent in patients with chronic pancreatitis, but its impact on symptoms is unknown and deserves further investigations. Finally, autoimmune pancreatitis relapses in about half of the patients with either type 1 or type 2 disease; relapses frequently occur within the first two years of follow-up. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  14. Cerebral venous circulatory system evaluation by ultrasonography.

    PubMed

    Zavoreo, Iris; Basić-Kes, Vanja; Zadro-Matovina, Lucija; Lisak, Marijana; Corić, Lejla; Cvjeticanin, Timon; Ciliga, Dubravka; Bobić, Tatjana Trost

    2013-06-01

    Venous system can be classified as pulmonary veins, systemic veins and venous sinuses that are present only within the skull. Cerebral venous system is divided into two main parts, the superficial and the deep system. The main assignment of veins is to carry away deoxygenated blood and other maleficient materials from the tissues towards the heart. Veins have thinner walls and larger lumina than arteries. Between 60% and 70% of the total blood volume is found in veins. The major factors that influence venous function are the respiratory cycle, venous tone, the function of the right heart, gravity, and the muscle pump. Venous system, in general, can be presented by selective venography, Doppler sonography, computed tomography (CT) venography and magnetic resonance (MR) venography, and cerebral venous system can be displayed by selective venography, cerebral CT venography, cerebral MR venography, and specialized extracranial and transcranial Doppler sonography. The aim of this paper is to show the possibilities of intracranial and extracranial ultrasound evaluation of the head and neck venous circulation and chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency as one of the most common pathologies evaluated as part of neurodegenerative processes in the central nervous system.

  15. Quantification of early cutaneous manifestations of chronic venous insufficiency by automated analysis of photographic images: Feasibility and technical considerations.

    PubMed

    Becker, François; Fourgeau, Patrice; Carpentier, Patrick H; Ouchène, Amina

    2018-06-01

    We postulate that blue telangiectasia and brownish pigmentation at ankle level, early markers of chronic venous insufficiency, can be quantified for longitudinal studies of chronic venous disease in Caucasian people. Objectives and methods To describe a photographic technique specially developed for this purpose. The pictures were acquired using a dedicated photo stand to position the foot in a reproducible way, with a normalized lighting and acquisition protocol. The image analysis was performed with a tool developed using algorithms optimized to detect and quantify blue telangiectasia and brownish pigmentation and their relative surface in the region of interest. To test the short-term reproducibility of the measures. Results The quantification of the blue telangiectasia and of the brownish pigmentation using an automated digital photo analysis is feasible. The short-term reproducibility is good for blue telangiectasia quantification. It is a less accurate for the brownish pigmentation. Conclusion The blue telangiectasia of the corona phlebectatica and the ankle flare can be assessed using a clinimetric approach based on the automated digital photo analysis.

  16. Normal venous anatomy and physiology of the lower extremity.

    PubMed

    Notowitz, L B

    1993-06-01

    Venous disease of the lower extremities is common but is often misunderstood. It seems that the focus is on the exciting world of arterial anatomy and pathology, while the topic of venous anatomy and pathology comes in second place. However, venous diseases such as chronic venous insufficiency, leg ulcers, and varicose veins affect much of the population and may lead to disability and death. Nurses are often required to answer complex questions from the patients and his or her family about the patient's disease. Patients depend on nurses to provide accurate information in terms they can understand. Therefore it is important to have an understanding of the normal venous system of the legs before one can understand the complexities of venous diseases and treatments. This presents an overview of normal venous anatomy and physiology.

  17. [Latest advances in chronic pancreatitis].

    PubMed

    Domínguez Muñoz, J Enrique

    2015-09-01

    This article summarizes some of the recent and clinically relevant advances in chronic pancreatitis. These advances mainly concern the early diagnosis of the disease, the treatment of symptoms and complications, mainly pain and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and the diagnosis and therapy of autoimmune pancreatitis. The multimodal dynamic endoscopic ultrasound-guided secretin-stimulated evaluation of the pancreas provides relevant morphological and functional information for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis at early stages. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in patients with calcifying pancreatitis and endoscopic pancreatic stent placement are effective alternatives for pain therapy in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Presence of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in patients with chronic pancreatitis is associated with a significantly increase of mortality rate. Despite that, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is not prescribed in the majority of patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, or it is prescribed at a low dose. The newly developed and commercialized needles for endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic biopsy are effective in retrieving appropriate tissue samples for the histological diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis. Maintenance therapy with azathioprine is effective and safe to prevent relapses in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  18. Is there a link between the structural impact of thoracic outlet and the development of central venous stenosis?

    PubMed

    Kotoda, Atsushi; Akimoto, Tetsu; Sugase, Taro; Yamamoto, Hisashi; Kusano, Eiji

    2013-01-01

    Central venous stenosis (CVS) is a serious complication for chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Previous reports of CVS have focused on prior central venous catheterization, because of the higher prevalence and potential for prevention of such an event. However, recent studies have demonstrated that CVS may also develop without a history of central venous catheterization. Although information about the etiological backgrounds regarding the development of CVS without previous central venous catheterization have gradually accumulated, the clinical impact of the chronic compression of the central venous system by the surrounding structures, which may likely determine the central venous susceptibility to CVS, remains poorly understood. This study proposes the hypothesis that the combination of chronic venous compression at the level of thoracic outlet characterized by the natural physique and elevated venous flow induced by the creation of vascular access should be evaluated as a potential factor for the development of CVS, since they may accelerate the development of venous stenosis, presumably through the stimulation of intimal hyperplasia, and thereby the subclavian venous susceptibility to CVS should be determined. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Management of venous leg ulcers in general practice - a practical guideline.

    PubMed

    Sinha, Sankar; Sreedharan, Sadhishaan

    2014-09-01

    Chronic venous leg ulcers are the most common wounds seen in general practice. Their management can be both challenging and time-consuming. To produce a short practical guideline incorporating the TIME concept and A2BC2D approach to help general practitioners and their practice nurses in delivering evidence-based initial care to patients with chronic venous leg ulcers. Most chronic venous leg ulcers can be managed effectively in the general practice setting by following the simple, evidence-based approach described in this article. Figure 1 provides a flow chart to aid in this process. Figure 2 illustrates the principles of management in general practice. Effective management of chronic ulcers involves the assessment of both the ulcer and the patient. The essential requirements of management are to debride the ulcer with appropriate precautions, choose dressings that maintain adequate moisture balance, apply graduated compression bandage after evaluation of the arterial circulation and address the patient's concerns, such as pain and offensive wound discharge.

  20. Success Rate of Split-Thickness Skin Grafting of Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers Depends on the Presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A Retrospective Study

    PubMed Central

    Høgsberg, Trine; Bjarnsholt, Thomas; Thomsen, Jens Schiersing; Kirketerp-Møller, Klaus

    2011-01-01

    The last years of research have proposed that bacteria might be involved in and contribute to the lack of healing of chronic wounds. Especially it seems that Pseudomonas aeruginosa play a crucial role in the healing. At Copenhagen Wound Healing Centre it was for many years clinical suspected that once chronic venous leg ulcers were colonized (weeks or months preoperatively) by P. aeruginosa, the success rate of skin grafting deteriorated despite aggressive treatment. To investigate this, a retrospective study was performed on the clinical outcome of 82 consecutive patients with chronic venous leg ulcers on 91 extremities, from the 1st of March 2005 until the 31st of August 2006. This was achieved by analysing the microbiology, demographic data, smoking and drinking habits, diabetes, renal impairment, co-morbidities, approximated size and age of the wounds, immunosuppressive treatment and complicating factors on the clinical outcome of each patient. The results were evaluated using a Student T-test for continuous parameters, chi-square test for categorical parameters and a logistic regression analysis to predict healing after 12 weeks. The analysis revealed that only 33,3% of ulcers with P. aeruginosa, isolated at least once from 12 weeks prior, to or during surgery, were healed (98% or more) by week 12 follow-up, while 73,1% of ulcers without P. aeruginosa were so by the same time (p = 0,001). Smoking also significantly suppressed the outcome at the 12-week follow-up. Subsequently, a logistic regression analysis was carried out leaving P. aeruginosa as the only predictor left in the model (p = 0,001). This study supports our hypothesis that P. aeruginosa in chronic venous leg ulcers, despite treatment, has considerable impact on partial take or rejection of split-thickness skin grafts. PMID:21655269

  1. Success rate of split-thickness skin grafting of chronic venous leg ulcers depends on the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a retrospective study.

    PubMed

    Høgsberg, Trine; Bjarnsholt, Thomas; Thomsen, Jens Schiersing; Kirketerp-Møller, Klaus

    2011-01-01

    The last years of research have proposed that bacteria might be involved in and contribute to the lack of healing of chronic wounds. Especially it seems that Pseudomonas aeruginosa play a crucial role in the healing. At Copenhagen Wound Healing Centre it was for many years clinical suspected that once chronic venous leg ulcers were colonized (weeks or months preoperatively) by P. aeruginosa, the success rate of skin grafting deteriorated despite aggressive treatment. To investigate this, a retrospective study was performed on the clinical outcome of 82 consecutive patients with chronic venous leg ulcers on 91 extremities, from the 1(st) of March 2005 until the 31(st) of August 2006. This was achieved by analysing the microbiology, demographic data, smoking and drinking habits, diabetes, renal impairment, co-morbidities, approximated size and age of the wounds, immunosuppressive treatment and complicating factors on the clinical outcome of each patient. The results were evaluated using a Student T-test for continuous parameters, chi-square test for categorical parameters and a logistic regression analysis to predict healing after 12 weeks. The analysis revealed that only 33,3% of ulcers with P. aeruginosa, isolated at least once from 12 weeks prior, to or during surgery, were healed (98% or more) by week 12 follow-up, while 73,1% of ulcers without P. aeruginosa were so by the same time (p = 0.001). Smoking also significantly suppressed the outcome at the 12-week follow-up. Subsequently, a logistic regression analysis was carried out leaving P. aeruginosa as the only predictor left in the model (p = 0.001). This study supports our hypothesis that P. aeruginosa in chronic venous leg ulcers, despite treatment, has considerable impact on partial take or rejection of split-thickness skin grafts.

  2. Relationship between biochemical factors and skin symptoms in chronic venous disease.

    PubMed

    Takai, Yasushi; Hiramoto, Keiichi; Nishimura, Yoshiyuki; Ooi, Kazuya

    2017-05-01

    Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common venous disease of the lower extremities and patients often develop symptoms of itching and skin roughness. An easy to use and objective skin examination was recently developed that allows measurement of the level of stratum corneum content and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which can indicate the status of the barrier function of the stratum corneum. Previous studies demonstrated that histamine production from mast cells, and tryptase and matrix metalloprotease-9 levels were associated with skin inflammation. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between dry skin and inflammatory mediators that mediate the skin symptoms of CVD subjects. The study enrolled 27 subjects with CVD and a control group consisting of 9 volunteers. The itching onset frequency was higher in women (70.4%) compared with men (50.0%). To analyze the mechanisms involved in itching we measured blood inflammatory mediators pre- and post-sclerotherapy. There was a significant decrease in Substance P, histamine, IgE, and tryptase levels post-sclerotherapy compared with those at pre-sclerotherapy. These levels were associated with the severity of itching. In addition, compared with the control subjects, there was a significant increase in the stratum corneum water content and a decrease in the TEWL in the 27 patients with CVD. This was associated with a decrease in the itching symptoms. Our findings indicate that sclerotherapy decreased levels of inflammatory mediators, increased stratum corneum water content and decreased TEWL, which coincided with reduced itching in CVD patients, indicating they might be therapeutic targets.

  3. Management of Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis in Women.

    PubMed

    Hardman, Rulon L

    2018-03-01

    Chronic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects hundreds of thousands of women in the United States. Chronic DVT can lead to pain, edema, venous ulcers, and varicosities. While there are limited data regarding the management of chronic DVT, several interventional radiology groups aggressively treat chronic DVT to aid patient symptom resolution. Recanalization of occluded veins and venous stenting re-establishes deep vein flow and decreases venous hypertension.

  4. Low level laser therapy (GaAlInP 660 nm) in healing of a chronic venous ulcer: a case study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Botaro, C. A.; Faria, L. A.; Oliveira, R. G.; Bruno, R. X.; Rocha, C. A. Q. C.; Paiva-Oliveira, E. L.

    2015-07-01

    The venous ulcer represents approximately 70% to 90% of inferior member ulcers, and the most common etiological factor is venous insufficiency, triggered by venous hypertension. Currently in Brazil there are several types of lasers used in physiotherapy, which benefit biological potential, emitting low power radiation, with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, healing and circulatory effects. This study aimed at the analysis of low level laser therapy effects (LLLT) on the process of tissue repair in chronic venous ulcers. We conducted a case study of a patient with a venous ulcer in the lateral region of the right inferior member. The patient underwent LLLT, which used a GaAlInP diode laser, with a wavelength of 660 nm and energy density of 4 J cm-2 applied punctually at the edges of the wound, with an average distance of 1 cm between the points with a pen-laser perpendicular wrapped in paper and a plastic wrap, keeping contact with the tissue. After four months of therapy and a total of 21 sessions, an improvement was noticeable in the gross appearance of the wound, but after a month and a half without therapy, the dimensions of the wound increased in length and width. Analyzing the results of this case study allows us to conclude that the LLLT GaAlInP (660 nm) with an energy density of 4 J cm-2, was not successful in the healing of venous ulcers.

  5. Central venous catheters: incidence and predictive factors of venous thrombosis.

    PubMed

    Hammes, Mary; Desai, Amishi; Pasupneti, Shravani; Kress, John; Funaki, Brian; Watson, Sydeaka; Herlitz, Jean; Hines, Jane

    2015-07-01

    Central venous catheter access in an acute setting can be a challenge given underlying disease and risk for venous thrombosis. Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) are commonly placed but limit sites for fistula creation in patients with chronic renal failure (CKD). The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of venous thrombosis from small bore internal jugular (SBIJ) and PICC line placement. This investigation identifies populations of patients who may not be ideal candidates for a PICC and highlights the importance of peripheral vein preservation in patients with renal failure. A venous Doppler ultrasound was performed at the time of SBIJ insertion and removal to evaluate for thrombosis in the internal jugular vein. Data was collected pre- and post-intervention to ascertain if increased vein preservation knowledge amongst the healthcare team led to less use of PICCs. Demographic factors were collected in the SBIJ and PICC groups and risk factor analysis was completed. 1,122 subjects had PICC placement and 23 had SBIJ placement. The incidence of thrombosis in the PICC group was 10%. One patient with an SBIJ had evidence of central vein thrombosis when the catheter was removed. Univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated a history of transplant, and the indication of total parenteral nutrition was associated with thrombosis (p<0.001). The decrease in PICCs placed in patients with CKD 6 months before and after intervention was significant (p<0.05). There are subsets of patients ith high risk for thrombosis who may not be ideal candidates for a PICC.

  6. [Butcher's Broom, in the treatment of venous insufficiency].

    PubMed

    Bylka, Wiesława; Kornobis, Joanna

    2005-08-01

    Numerous extracts of the plants, natural compounds and their derivatives, acting on the venous system, including horse-chestnut seed extracts aescin, rutin, troxerutin, diosmin and hesperidine. They have a long tradition in herbal medicine for their venotonic and anti-oedematous properties. This review is concerning Rusci aculeati rhizoma, which recently taken in Poland on the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids.

  7. Fecal Impaction Causing Pelvic Venous Compression and Edema.

    PubMed

    Naramore, Sara; Aziz, Faisal; Alexander, Chandran Paul; Methratta, Sosamma; Cilley, Robert; Rocourt, Dorothy

    2015-09-28

    Chronic constipation is a common condition which may result in fecal impaction. A 13-year-old male with chronic constipation and encopresis presented with fecal impaction for three weeks. The impaction caused abdominal pain, distension, encopresis, and decreased oral intake. He was found in severe distress with non-pitting edema of his feet and ankles along with perineal edema. The pedal edema worsened after receiving a fluid bolus, so concern arose for venous compression or a thrombus. A Duplex Ultrasound demonstrated changes in the venous waveforms of the bilateral external iliac and common femoral veins without thrombosis. Manual disimpaction and polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes resolved the pedal and perineal edema. Four months later, he had soft bowel movements without recurrence of the edema. A repeat Duplex Ultrasound was normal. We present a child in whom severe fecal impaction caused pelvic venous compression resulting in bilateral pedal and perineal edema.

  8. Duplex investigations in children: Are clinical signs in children with venous disorders relevant?

    PubMed

    Birgitte Maessen-Visch, M; Smeets, L; van Vleuten, C

    2015-12-01

    Ultra sound colored duplex sonography is the preferred method in diagnosing chronic venous disease. Data in children on incidence, indications, and results are lacking. From the total of 9180 duplex investigations performed in our hospital from 2009 to 2012, data on indication and results of the investigation as well as patient characteristics were evaluated retrospectively for the proportion of pediatric patients. Duplex investigations were performed 49 times in 38 children (6-18 years), with an average of 1.3 times (1-6 times) per child. Forty percent showed abnormalities: 17 times deep venous thrombosis was suspected; deep venous thrombosis was objectified in 18%. In the 21 investigations performed for varicosis-related complaints, varicose veins or venous malformations were objectified in 57%. Edema was never a symptom of chronic venous disease. Duplex investigation is not often performed in children. In children with established deep venous thrombosis, a family history with deep venous thrombosis is common. In general, edema was not seen in children with varicose veins and, therefore, does not seem a reliable clinical sign at young age. © The Author(s) 2014.

  9. Central Venous Occlusion in the Hemodialysis Patient.

    PubMed

    Krishna, Vinay Narasimha; Eason, Joseph B; Allon, Michael

    2016-11-01

    Central venous stenosis (CVS) is encountered frequently among hemodialysis patients. Prior ipsilateral central venous catheterization and cardiac rhythm device insertions are common risk factors, but CVS can also occur in the absence of this history. Chronic CVS can cause thrombosis with partial or complete occlusion of the central vein at the site of stenosis. CVS is frequently asymptomatic and identified as an incidental finding during imaging studies. Symptomatic CVS presents most commonly as an upper- or lower-extremity edema ipsilateral to the CVS. Previously unsuspected CVS may become symptomatic after placement of an ipsilateral vascular access. The likelihood of symptomatic CVS may be affected by the central venous catheter (CVC) location; CVC side; duration of CVC dependence; type, location, and blood flow of the ipsilateral access; and extent of collateral veins. Venous angiography is the gold standard for diagnosis. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent placement can improve the stenosis and alleviate symptoms, but CVS typically recurs frequently, requiring repeated interventions. Refractory symptomatic CVS may require ligation of the ipsilateral vascular access. Because no available treatment option is curative, the goal should be to prevent CVS by minimizing catheters and central vein instrumentation in patients with chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients. Copyright © 2016 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. The surgical treatment of ilio-femoral venous obstruction.

    PubMed

    Illuminati, G; Caliò, F G; D'Urso, A; Mancini, P; Papaspyropoulos, V; Ceccanei, G; Lorusso, R; Vietri, F

    2004-01-01

    A series of 9 patients of a mean age of 48 years, operated on for compression of the ilio-femoral venous axis is reported. The cause of obstruction was external compression in 3 cases, a retroperitoneal sarcoma in 1 case, and an infrarenal aortic aneurysm in 2. Two patients presented with a Cockett's syndrome, 3 with a chronic ilio-femoral thrombosis, and one with a post-traumatic segmentary stenosis. Treatment consisted in a resection/Dacron grafting of 2 infrarenal aortic aneurysms, one femoro-caval bypass graft, 2 transpositions of the right common iliac artery in the left hypogastric artery for Cockett's syndrome, 3 Palma's operations for chronic thrombosis, and one internal jugular vein interposition for segmentary stenosis. There were no postoperative deaths and no early thromboses of venous reconstructions performed. All the patients were relieved of symptoms during the follow-up period, whose mean length was 38 months. The cause of venous obstruction and the presence of symptoms which are resistant to medical treatment are the main indications to ilio-femoral venous revascularization. The choice of the optimal treatment in each single case yields satisfactory results.

  11. Opportunities for improving management of advanced chronic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Patwardhan, Meenal B; Matchar, David B; Samsa, Gregory P; Haley, William E

    2008-01-01

    Evidence suggests that management of advanced chronic kidney disease affects patient outcomes. To identify clinical areas that demand attention from a quality improvement perspective, we sought to examine the extent of conformance to an advanced chronic kidney disease guideline in a range of practices. A total of 237 patient medical records were abstracted from 4 primary care providers and 4 nephrology private practices across the country. In the practices studied, management of advanced chronic kidney disease patients was suboptimal for patients managed by primary care providers as well as those managed by nephrologists (overall conformance 27% and 42%, respectively), specifically for anemia, bone disease, and timing for renal replacement therapy. The current exercise (in conjunction with a literature search and focused and individual interviews with providers and patients) offered valuable information that was used to develop a toolkit for optimizing management of advanced chronic kidney disease.

  12. Central venous stenosis among hemodialysis patients is often not associated with previous central venous catheters.

    PubMed

    Kotoda, Atsushi; Akimoto, Tetsu; Kato, Maki; Kanazawa, Hidenori; Nakata, Manabu; Sugase, Taro; Ogura, Manabu; Ito, Chiharu; Sugimoto, Hideharu; Muto, Shigeaki; Kusano, Eiji

    2011-01-01

    It is widely assumed that central venous stenosis (CVS) is most commonly associated with previous central venous catheterization among the chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. We evaluated the validity of this assumption in this retrospective study. The clinical records from 2,856 consecutive HD patients with vascular access failure during a 5-year period were reviewed, and a total of 26 patients with symptomatic CVS were identified. Combined with radiological findings, their clinical characteristics were examined. Only seven patients had a history of internal jugular dialysis catheterization. Diagnostic multidetector row computed tomography angiography showed that 7 of the 19 patients with no history of catheterization had left innominate vein stenosis due to extrinsic compression between the sternum and arch vessels. These patients had a shorter period from the time of creation of the vascular access to the initial referral (9.2 ± 7.6 months) than the rest of the patients (35.5 ± 18.6 months, p = 0.0017). Our findings suggest that cases without a history of central venous catheterization may not be rare among the HD patients with symptomatic CVS. However, those still need to be confirm by larger prospective studies of overall chronic HD patients with symptomatic CVS.

  13. Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in multiple sclerosis: clinical correlates from a multicentre study

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) has recently been reported to be associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, its actual prevalence, possible association with specific MS phenotypes, and potential pathophysiological role are debated. Method We analysed the clinical data of 710 MS patients attending six centres (five Italian and one Canadian). All were submitted to venous Doppler sonography and diagnosed as having or not having CCSVI according to the criteria of Zamboni et al. Results Overall, CCSVI was diagnosed in 86% of the patients, but the frequency varied greatly between the centres. Even greater differences were found when considering singly the five diagnostic criteria proposed by Zamboni et al. Despite these differences, significant associations with clinical data were found, the most striking being age at disease onset (about five years greater in CCSVI-positive patients) and clinical severity (mean EDSS score about one point higher in CCSVI-positive patients). Patients with progressive MS were more likely to have CCSVI than those with relapsing-remitting MS. Conclusion The methods for diagnosing CCSVI need to be refined, as the between-centre differences, particularly in single criteria, were excessively high. Despite these discrepancies, the strong associations between CCSVI and MS phenotype suggest that the presence of CCSVI may favour a later development of MS in patients with a lower susceptibility to autoimmune diseases and may increase its severity. PMID:22029656

  14. Venous thromboembolism: epidemiology and magnitude of the problem.

    PubMed

    Goldhaber, Samuel Z

    2012-09-01

    Pulmonary embolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease after myocardial infarction and stroke. The death rate from pulmonary embolism exceeds the death rate from myocardial infarction, because myocardial infarction is much easier to detect and to treat. Among survivors of pulmonary embolism, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension occurs in 2-4 of every 100 patients. Post-thrombotic syndrome of the legs, characterized by chronic venous insufficiency, occurs in up to half of patients who suffer deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. We have effective pharmacological regimens using fixed low dose unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin to prevent venous thromboembolism among hospitalized patients. There remains the problem of low rates of utilization of pharmacological prophylaxis. The biggest change in our understanding of the epidemiology of venous thromboembolism is that we now believe that deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism share similar risk factors and pathophysiology with atherothrombosis and coronary artery disease. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Fecal Impaction Causing Pelvic Venous Compression and Edema

    PubMed Central

    Naramore, Sara; Aziz, Faisal; Alexander, Chandran Paul; Methratta, Sosamma; Cilley, Robert; Rocourt, Dorothy

    2015-01-01

    Chronic constipation is a common condition which may result in fecal impaction. A 13-year-old male with chronic constipation and encopresis presented with fecal impaction for three weeks. The impaction caused abdominal pain, distension, encopresis, and decreased oral intake. He was found in severe distress with non-pitting edema of his feet and ankles along with perineal edema. The pedal edema worsened after receiving a fluid bolus, so concern arose for venous compression or a thrombus. A Duplex Ultrasound demonstrated changes in the venous waveforms of the bilateral external iliac and common femoral veins without thrombosis. Manual disimpaction and polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes resolved the pedal and perineal edema. Four months later, he had soft bowel movements without recurrence of the edema. A repeat Duplex Ultrasound was normal. We present a child in whom severe fecal impaction caused pelvic venous compression resulting in bilateral pedal and perineal edema. PMID:26500749

  16. Systemic venous drainage: can we help Newton?

    PubMed

    Corno, Antonio F

    2007-06-01

    In recent years substantial progress occurred in the techniques of cardiopulmonary bypass, but the factor potentially limiting the flexibility of cardiopulmonary bypass remains the drainage of the systemic venous return. In the daily clinical practice of cardiac surgery, the amount of systemic venous return on cardiopulmonary bypass is directly correlated with the amount of the pump flow. As a consequence, the pump flow is limited by the amount of venous return that the pump is receiving. On cardiopulmonary bypass the amount of venous drainage depends upon the central venous pressure, the height differential between patient and inlet of the venous line into the venous reservoir, and the resistance in the venous cannula(s) and circuit. The factors determining the venous return to be taken into consideration in cardiac surgery are the following: (a) characteristics of the individual patient; (b) type of planned surgical procedure; (c) type of venous cannula(s); (d) type of circuit for cardiopulmonary bypass; (e) strategy of cardiopulmonary bypass; (f) use of accessory mechanical systems to increased the systemic venous return. The careful pre-operative evaluation of all the elements affecting the systemic venous drainage, including the characteristics of the individual patient and the type of required surgical procedure, the choice of the best strategy of cardiopulmonary bypass, and the use of the most advanced materials and tools, can provide a systemic venous drainage substantially better than what it would be allowed by the simple "Law of universal gravitation" by Isaac Newton.

  17. Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return in Turner syndrome.

    PubMed

    van den Hoven, Allard T; Chelu, Raluca G; Duijnhouwer, Anthonie L; Demulier, Laurent; Devos, Daniel; Nieman, Koen; Witsenburg, Maarten; van den Bosch, Annemien E; Loeys, Bart L; van Hagen, Iris M; Roos-Hesselink, Jolien W

    2017-10-01

    The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence, anatomy, associations and clinical impact of partial anomalous pulmonary venous return in patients with Turner syndrome. All Turner patients who presented at our Turner clinic, between January 2007 and October 2015 were included in this study and underwent ECG, echocardiography and advanced imaging such as cardiac magnetic resonance or computed tomography as part of their regular clinical workup. All imaging was re-evaluated and detailed anatomy was described. Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return was diagnosed in 24 (25%) out of 96 Turner patients included and 14 (58%) of these 24 partial anomalous pulmonary venous return had not been reported previously. Right atrial or ventricular dilatation was present in 11 (46%) of 24 partial anomalous pulmonary venous return patients. When studied with advanced imaging modalities and looked for with specific attention, PAPVR is found in 1 out of 4 Turner patients. Half of these patients had right atrial and/or ventricular dilatation. Evaluation of pulmonary venous return should be included in the standard protocol in all Turner patients. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  18. The place of Ruscus extract, hesperidin methyl chalcone, and vitamin C in the management of chronic venous disease.

    PubMed

    Jawien, Arkadiusz; Bouskela, Eliete; Allaert, François A; Nicolaïdes, Andrew N

    2017-02-01

    Despite continuous improvement in our knowledge and management of chronic venous disease (CVD), certain areas, such as the role of muscarinic receptors in the pathology and treatment of CVD, remain unexplored. The symposium "The place of Ruscus extract, hesperidin methyl chalcone, and vitamin C in the management of CVD", held at the Annual Meeting of the European Venous Forum on 7-9 July 2016 in London, presented an update on the pathophysiology of CVD and highlighted how the combination of Ruscus extract, hesperidin methyl chalcone, and vitamin C (Ruscus/HMC/VitC; Cyclo 3® Fort), may counteract the deleterious processes underlying CVD. The data presented during this symposium are reported here. The pathophysiology of CVD is driven by a complex process involving numerous factors, with the two key players being venous hypertension and the inflammatory response. The cascade of reactions induced by disturbed venous flow, inflammation, and tissue alterations results in the early appearance of symptoms and progressive development of clinical signs of disease. Previous studies have shown that Ruscus extract acts at three levels: on the veins, capillaries and lymphatics, and has anti-inflammatory properties. A series of recent experiments has shed new light on the mechanism of action of the combination of Ruscus/HMC/VitC. The efficacy of Ruscus/HMC/VitC in CVD is supported by clinical studies, while two meta-analyses have confirmed a significant decrease of several symptoms and ankle circumference in response to treatment with this agent, leading to the conclusion that Ruscus/HMC/VitC deserves a Grade A rating.

  19. Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe Commentary on the Treatment of Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Reekers, J. A., E-mail: j.a.reekers@amc.uva.nl; Lee, M. J.; Belli, A. M.

    2011-02-15

    Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is a putative new theory that has been suggested by some to have a direct causative relation with the symptomatology associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). The core foundation of this theory is that there is abnormal venous drainage from the brain due to outflow obstruction in the draining jugular vein and/or azygos veins. This abnormal venous drainage, which is characterised by special ultrasound criteria, called the 'venous hemodynamic insufficiency severity score' (VHISS), is said to cause intracerebral flow disturbance or outflow problems that lead to periventricular deposits. In the CCSVI theory, these deposits have amore » great similarity to the iron deposits seen around the veins in the legs in patients with chronic deep vein thrombosis. Zamboni, who first described this new theory, has promoted balloon dilatation to treat the outflow problems, thereby curing CCSVI and by the same token alleviating MS complaints. However, this theory does not fit into the existing bulk of scientific data concerning the pathophysiology of MS. In contrast, there is increasing worldwide acceptance of CCSVI and the associated balloon dilatation treatment, even though there is no supporting scientific evidence. Furthermore, most of the information we have comes from one source only. The treatment is called 'liberation treatment,' and the results of the treatment can be watched on YouTube. There are well-documented testimonies by MS patients who have gained improvement in their personal quality of life (QOL) after treatment. However, there are no data available from patients who underwent unsuccessful treatments with which to obtain a more balanced view. The current forum for the reporting of success in treating CCSVI and thus MS seems to be the Internet. At the CIRCE office and the MS Centre in Amsterdam, we receive approximately 10 to 20 inquiries a month about this treatment. In addition, many interventional radiologists

  20. Local treatment of chronic wounds: in patients with peripheral vascular disease, chronic venous insufficiency, and diabetes.

    PubMed

    Rüttermann, Mike; Maier-Hasselmann, Andreas; Nink-Grebe, Brigitte; Burckhardt, Marion

    2013-01-01

    A chronic wound is defined as an area where the skin is not intact that fails to heal within eight weeks. Such wounds usually develop on the lower limbs as a complication of diabetes, venous insufficiency, or inadequate arterial perfusion. Most of the roughly 45,000 limb amputations performed in Germany each year are necessitated by non-healing chronic wounds. In the development of this S3 guideline, a systematic search was performed that yielded 4998 references including 38 randomized, controlled trials and 26 systematic reviews, which were used as the basis for the recommendations and statements made in the guideline. Twelve member societies of the umbrella Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften, AWMF), as well as the German Association of Nursing Science (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pflegewissenschaft, and patient representatives participated in the consensus rounds in which the guideline's recommendations and statements were agreed upon. This guideline contains seven evidence-based recommendations and 30 good clinical practice (GCP) recommendations. Evidence-based recommendations are given in favor of hydrogel, hyperbaric oxygenation, and integrated care, and against the use of medicinal honey and growth factors. Terms are defined precisely in order to ease communication and to specify what is meant by "wound debridement" (a procedure performed by a physician) as opposed to cleansing a wound. Under the premise of preventing pain, exudation, and maceration, local therapeutic agents can be chosen on the basis of the scientific evidence, the patient's preference, the physician's experience, and the wound situation. Costs should also be considered. Scant evidence is available to answer many of the relevant questions about chronic wounds. There are valid data in support of hyperbaric oxygen and integrated care. More research is needed.

  1. Core content for training in venous and lymphatic medicine.

    PubMed

    Zimmet, Steven E; Min, Robert J; Comerota, Anthony J; Meissner, Mark H; Carman, Teresa L; Rathbun, Suman W; Jaff, Michael R; Wakefield, Thomas W; Feied, Craig F

    2014-10-01

    The major venous societies in the United States share a common mission to improve the standards of medical practitioners, the educational goals for teaching and training programs in venous disease, and the quality of patient care related to the treatment of venous disorders. With these important goals in mind, a task force made up of experts from the specialties of dermatology, interventional radiology, phlebology, vascular medicine, and vascular surgery was formed to develop a consensus document describing the Core Content for venous and lymphatic medicine and to develop a core educational content outline for training. This outline describes the areas of knowledge considered essential for practice in the field, which encompasses the study, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with acute and chronic venous and lymphatic disorders. The American Venous Forum and the American College of Phlebology have endorsed the Core Content. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

  2. Protective Effects of Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction (MPFF) on a Novel Experimental Model of Chronic Venous Hypertension.

    PubMed

    das Graças C de Souza, Maria; Cyrino, Fatima Zga; de Carvalho, Jorge J; Blanc-Guillemaud, Vanessa; Bouskela, Eliete

    2018-05-01

    To assess protective effects of micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) on microcirculation in an original chronic model of hind limb venous hypertension with low blood flow in small animals. Vein ligatures were performed on male hamsters, as follows: A-right femoral vein; A + B-right femoral vein and its right branch; A + C-right femoral vein and its left branch; A + B + C-right femoral and its right and left branches; D-external right iliac vein. In sham operated groups, similar vascular dissections were performed without ligatures. Superficial (epigastric) and central (jugular) venous pressure evaluations were made during a 10 week period. Hamsters subjected to A + B + C and D ligatures were selected for leukocyte rolling and sticking, functional capillary density (FCD), and venular and arteriolar diameter observations. D ligature was selected to evaluate pharmacological treatment efficacy. MPFF (100 mg/kg), concomitant active flavonoids of MPFF (diosmetin, hesperidin, linarin, and isorhoifolin) (10 mg/kg), diosmin (100 mg/kg) or drug vehicle were administered orally during 2 weeks before vein ligature and 6 weeks thereafter. A, A + B and A + C models maintained venous return through collaterals. From the 2 nd to the 10 th weeks after vein ligatures, A + B + C and D models elicited a progressive increase of superficial venous pressure (3.83 ± 0.65 vs. 8.56 ± 0.72 mmHg, p < .001 and 4.13 ± 0.65 vs. 9.35 ± 0.65 mmHg, p < .001, respectively) with significant changes to the microcirculation. As D model significantly increased superficial venous pressure without affecting central venous pressure, it was used to evaluate the long-term effects of treatment. Compared with vehicle, MPFF, concomitant active flavonoids of MPFF, and diosmin, significantly decreased leukocyte-endothelium interaction and prevented FCD reduction. Only MPFF significantly prevented venular enlargement as observed in the vehicle treated group. MPFF

  3. Cryotherapy and ankle motion in chronic venous disorders

    PubMed Central

    Kelechi, Teresa J.; Mueller, Martina; Zapka, Jane G.; King, Dana E.

    2013-01-01

    This study compared ankle range of motion (AROM) including dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion and eversion, and venous refill time (VRT) in leg skin inflamed by venous disorders, before and after a new cryotherapy ulcer prevention treatment. Fifty-seven-individuals participated in the randomized clinical trial; 28 in the experimental group and 29 received usual care only. Results revealed no statistically significant differences between the experimental and usual care groups although AROM measures in the experimental group showed a consistent, non-clinically relevant decrease compared to the usual care group except for dorsiflexion. Within treatment group comparisons of VRT results showed a statistically significant increase in both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion for patients with severe VRT in the experimental group (6.9 ± 6.8; p = 0.002 and 5.8 ± 12.6; p = 0.02, respectively). Cryotherapy did not further restrict already compromised AROM, and in some cases, there were minor improvements. PMID:23516043

  4. Unilateral Loss of Spontaneous Venous Pulsations in an Astronaut

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mader, Thomas H.; Gibson, C. Robert; Lee, Andrew G.; Patel, Nimesh; Hart, Steven; Pettit, Donald R.

    2014-01-01

    Spontaneous venous pulsations seen on the optic nerve head (optic disc) are presumed to be caused by fluctuations in the pressure gradient between the intraocular and retrolaminar venous systems. The disappearance of previously documented spontaneous venous pulsations is a well-recognized clinical sign usually associated with a rise in intracranial pressure and a concomitant bilateral elevation of pressure in the subarachnoid space surrounding the optic nerves. In this correspondence we report the unilateral loss of spontaneous venous pulsations in an astronaut 5 months into a long duration space flight. We documented a normal lumbar puncture opening pressure 8 days post mission. The spontaneous venous pulsations were also documented to be absent 21 months following return to Earth.. We hypothesize that these changes may have resulted from a chronic unilateral rise in optic nerve sheath pressure caused by a microgravity-induced optic nerve sheath compartment syndrome.

  5. The Center for Vein Restoration Study on presenting symptoms, treatment modalities, and outcomes in Medicare-eligible patients with chronic venous disorders.

    PubMed

    Pappas, Peter J; Lakhanpal, Sanjiv; Nguyen, Khanh Q; Vanjara, Rohan

    2018-01-01

    Chronic venous disorders (CVDs) have been estimated to affect up to 20 million Americans. Despite this huge prevalence, the signs, symptoms, and treatment outcomes in patients 65 years of age and older are not well defined. Our goal was to determine the presentation and treatment outcomes in elderly patients compared with a cohort of patients younger than 65 years. From January 2015 to December 2016, we retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data from 38,750 patients with CVD from the Center for Vein Restoration's electronic medical record (NextGen Healthcare Information Systems, Irvine, Calif). We divided patients into two groups; group A patients were younger than 65 years, and group B patients were 65 years of age or older. Medical and surgical history, presenting symptoms, treatment modalities, and revised Venous Clinical Severity Score before and after intervention were evaluated. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive value of presenting and associated symptoms. Groups A and B were subdivided by Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology class for subgroup analysis. Data were analyzed with GraphPad Prism (GraphPad Software Inc, La Jolla, Calif) or SAS version 9.4 statistical software package (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). There were 27,536 patients in group A and 11,214 in group B. Women constituted 78% of all patients. Group B demonstrated a higher incidence of chronic diseases compared with group A (P ≤ .003). As initial presenting symptoms, pain, heaviness, fatigue, and aching were more common in group A than in group B (61% vs 55%, 30% vs 27%, 27% vs 24%, and 17% vs 12%, respectively; P ≤ .001). Swelling, skin discoloration, and venous ulceration were more common in group B than in group A (29% vs 23%, 12% vs 6%, and 5% vs 2%; P ≤ .001). Ablations were more commonly performed in group B patients with C4 to C6 disease (P ≤ .004). The revised Venous Clinical Severity Scores before and 1

  6. Influence of manual lymphatic drainage on health-related quality of life and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency: a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    dos Santos Crisóstomo, Rute Sofia; Costa, Daniela Sofia Albino; de Luz Belo Martins, Catarina; Fernandes, Tânia Isabel Russo; Armada-da-Silva, Paulo A

    2015-02-01

    To evaluate the efficacy of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL), symptomatology, and physical status in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Health community attendant service. Subjects with CVI (N=41) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=20; mean age, 54.6±11.3y) or control group (n=21; mean age, 46.8±11.1y). The experimental group completed 10 lower extremity MLD sessions over 4 weeks and 1 educational session. The control group only attended the educational session. Outcome measures were taken at baseline (t0), at the end of 4 weeks (t1), and after 2 months for follow-up (t2). HRQOL was assessed with the Chronic Venous Insufficiency Quality of Life Questionnaire-20, symptoms (fatigue, heaviness) were assessed with a visual analog scale, severity of the disease was assessed with the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) (total score, score for each item), leg volumetry was assessed with perimeters, and plantar/dorsiflexion strength and ankle range of motion (ROM) were assessed with dynamometry. A significant interaction group×time effect was found for pain on HRQOL (F2,78=3.507; P=.035; partial η2=.087), clinical severity (F2,78=5.231; P=.007; partial η2=.118), especially for venous edema (assessed with the VCSS), fatigue (F1.67,65.21=4.690; P=.012; partial η2=.107), and heaviness (F1.57,61.32=9.702; P=.001; partial η2=.199), with the experimental group improving from t0 to t1 and t0 to t2 in all of these outcomes. No effect of MLD treatment could be found for ankle muscle strength, ankle ROM, and leg volume. Short-term MLD treatment ameliorates CVI severity and related edema, symptoms, and pain HRQOL in patients with CVI. Copyright © 2015 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. The value of hemodynamic measurements by air plethysmography in diagnosing venous obstruction of the lower limb.

    PubMed

    Kurstjens, Ralph L M; de Wolf, Mark A F; Alsadah, Sarah A; Arnoldussen, Carsten W K P; Strijkers, Rob H W; Toonder, Irwin M; Wittens, Cees H A

    2016-07-01

    Air plethysmography (APG) is a functional, noninvasive test that can assess volumetric changes in the lower limb and might therefore be used as a diagnostic tool in chronic deep venous disease. However, use of APG in chronic deep venous obstructive disease remains debatable. This study assessed the clinical value of APG in identifying chronic deep venous obstruction. All patients referred to our tertiary, outpatient clinic between January 2011 and August 2013 with chronic venous complaints and suspected outflow obstruction underwent an outflow fraction (OF), ejection fraction (EF), and residual volume fraction (RVF) test using APG. Duplex ultrasound and magnetic resonance venography were used to establish whether and where obstruction was present. Diagnostic values of these tests were assessed for obstructions at different levels of the deep venous system. A total of 312 limbs in 248 patients were tested. Mean age was 45.5 ± 14.0 years, and 62.5% were female. In post-thrombotic disease, specificity and positive predictive value for OF were as high as 98.4% and 95.0%, respectively; however, sensitivity was 34.8% and negative predictive value was 29.6%, with no clinically relevant positive or negative likelihood ratios. No clinically relevant differences were observed in stratifying for level of obstruction. EF and RVF were as inconclusive. Neither could these parameters be used in diagnosing nonthrombotic iliac vein compression. We found a poor correlation between OF, EF, or RVF, determined by APG, and the presence of chronic deep venous obstruction. Therefore, use of its relative parameters is unwarranted in daily clinical practice. Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Changes on venous diameter and leg perimeter with different clinical treatments for moderate chronic venous disease: evaluation using Duplex scanning and perimeter measurements.

    PubMed

    Porto, C L Lascasas; Milhomens, A L M; Pires, C E; Xavier, S Salles; Sicuro, F; Bottino, D A; Bouskela, E

    2009-06-01

    To evaluate changes on venous diameter and perimeter of lower limbs in chronic venous disorder (CVD) patients after different clinical treatments for four weeks. Fifty-two female patients classified as C2,s or C2,3,s (CEAP classification) were allocated consecutively in three groups: Cirkan (40 mg of the root extract of Ruscus aculeatus + 100 mg of flavonoid hesperidine methylchalcone + 200 mg of vitamin C per pill); elastic compression stockings (ECS) and no treatment (NT). Diameters were determined by duplex ultrasound and perimeter with Leg-O-Meter. After treatment, Cirkan significantly decreased popliteal vein and great saphenous vein (GSV) diameters bilaterally and ECS decreased popliteal vein diameter bilaterally and GSV and varices only on the left limb. Perimeters changed only with ECS. Clinical scores changed between Cirkan x NT and ECS x Cirkan. Disability score varied for ECS x NT and Cirkan x NT. chi2 test detected different distribution frequency for C3 and C2 classes according to treatment: ECS (both limbs) and Cirkan (only left limb). Varices and anatomical scores did not change. ECS emerges as the most effective clinical treatment tested but improvements with Cirkan on vein diameter and CEAP class were also observed. Clinical scores improved due to pain relief and edema reduction (ECS). These findings point to a positive effect of Cirkan, suggesting that venotonic drugs should be taken into account in the treatment of CVD.

  9. [Medical treatment of chronic venous disease: evolution or involution?].

    PubMed

    Agus, G B

    2011-06-01

    Chronic venous disease (CVD) is an important clinical condition with substantial epidemiological implications and socio-economic repercussions. In the Western world the consequences of its high prevalence, the costs of diagnosis and therapy, the significant loss of working hours and the repercussions on patients'quality of life are well known. Pharmacotherapy for CVD has greatly developed over the last 40 years and largely used in the symptomatic treatment of CVD together with compression therapy and to make patients more comfortable. The clinical efficacy on the symptoms (feeling of heaviness, pain, paresthesia, heat and burning sensations, night cramps, etc.) has long been confirmed by Level III, IV and V evidence, but there are now Level I and II trials on specific drugs. For the bioflavonoids double-blind, randomised trials have used micronized purified flavonoid fraction; rutosides; escin; anthocyanosides; and synthetic calcium dobesilate. It was therefore surprising some recent difficulties in the use of this important treatment in health national system in Italy. In this up-date we use the method on evidence-based medicine from the medical literature. We have started a governance and economic analysis of the problem in Italy. Particular consideration was given to the evidence set out in review, meta-analysis, guidelines and Consensus Statements in this field. The evidence for pharmacological agents in the treatment of CVD suggests today a wide use in all CEAP classes.

  10. Splanchnic venous thrombosis and pancreatitis.

    PubMed

    Nadkarni, Nikhil A; Khanna, Sahil; Vege, Santhi Swaroop

    2013-08-01

    Pancreatitis is an inflammatory process with local and systemic manifestations. One such local manifestation is thrombosis in splanchnic venous circulation, predominantly of the splenic vein. The literature on this important complication is very sparse. This review offers an overview of mechanism of thrombosis, its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management in the setting of acute as well as chronic pancreatitis.

  11. [Biomechanical air-vibration stimulation in the medical rehabilitation of patients with chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities].

    PubMed

    Zhukov, B N; Katorkin, S E

    1993-01-01

    Biomechanical pneumo-vibration stimulation of lower extremities was used in 146 patients with different forms and stages of chronic venous insufficiency of lower extremities during conservative treatment in preoperative preparation and the following early rehabilitation, in 106 patients with consequences of the trauma and diseases of the spinal cord as well as in 35 healthy people. The biomechanical pneumo-vibration stimulation is thought by the authors to be a promising noninvasive conservative method of medical rehabilitation. It can be recommended for clinical use with due regard for contraindications.

  12. [The possible uses of balneotherapy in treating chronic venous insufficiency of lower limbs].

    PubMed

    Petraccia, L; Mennuni, G; Fontana, M; Nocchi, S; Libri, F; Conte, S; Alhadeff, A; Romano, B; Messini, F; Grassi, M; Fraioli, A

    2013-01-01

    The Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) of inferior limbs is a widespread disease, with an increasing incidence as a consequence of longer life expectance, life-style, obesity, smoking, use of drugs as oestrogens and progestins and working conditions. Medical therapy is still lacking for evidence of efficacy, and compression therapy is useful only in preventing a worsening of this condition. Surgical treatment is the only radical therapy effective for the advanced phases of the disease. In this context spa balneotherapy can be considered as a possible chance to improve some subjective and objective symptoms of CVI of inferior limbs, and to prevent worsening of this condition. The authors performed a review of the relevant scientific literature concerning the treatment of CVI of inferior limbs with mineral water balneotherapy, in order to evaluate its effects on objective and subjective symptoms and its effectiveness to prevent further worsening. We searched the PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science databases for articles published between 1990 and 2011 on this topic. To this end, the authors selected few clinical-controlled and case-controlled studies; patients affected from CVI of inferior limbs were treated with balneotherapy at health spas with sulphureous, sulphate, salsojodic or salsobromojodic mineral waters. Baths in mineral waters were often associated with idromassotherapy and vascular pathway. Effects of spa balneotherapy are related to some aspecific properties, like hydrostatic pressure, osmotic pressure and water temperature, partly related with specific chemico-physical properties of the adopted mineral water. The controlled clinical studies on spa therapy showed significant improvement of subjective (such as itch, paresthesias, pain, heaviness) and objective symptoms (namely edema and skin discromias). These studies suggest that spa balneotherapy may give a good chance of secondary prevention and effective therapy of CVI of inferior

  13. High satisfaction and low decisional conflict with advance care planning among chronically ill patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart failure using an online decision aid: A pilot study.

    PubMed

    Van Scoy, Lauren J; Green, Michael J; Dimmock, Anne Ef; Bascom, Rebecca; Boehmer, John P; Hensel, Jessica K; Hozella, Joshua B; Lehman, Erik B; Schubart, Jane R; Farace, Elana; Stewart, Renee R; Levi, Benjamin H

    2016-09-01

    Many patients with chronic illnesses report a desire for increased involvement in medical decision-making. This pilot study aimed to explore how patients with exacerbation-prone disease trajectories such as advanced heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experience advance care planning using an online decision aid and to compare whether patients with different types of exacerbation-prone illnesses had varied experiences using the tool. Pre-intervention questionnaires measured advance care planning knowledge. Post-intervention questionnaires measured: (1) advance care planning knowledge; (2) satisfaction with tool; (3) decisional conflict; and (4) accuracy of the resultant advance directive. Comparisons were made between patients with heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Over 90% of the patients with heart failure (n = 24) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 25) reported being "satisfied" or "highly satisfied" with the tool across all satisfaction domains; over 90% of participants rated the resultant advance directive as "very accurate." Participants reported low decisional conflict. Advance care planning knowledge scores rose by 18% (p < 0.001) post-intervention. There were no significant differences between participants with heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients with advanced heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were highly satisfied after using an online advance care planning decision aid and had increased knowledge of advance care planning. This tool can be a useful resource for time-constrained clinicians whose patients wish to engage in advance care planning. © The Author(s) 2016.

  14. Advanced MRI Methods for Assessment of Chronic Liver Disease

    PubMed Central

    Taouli, Bachir; Ehman, Richard L.; Reeder, Scott B.

    2010-01-01

    MRI plays an increasingly important role for assessment of patients with chronic liver disease. MRI has numerous advantages, including lack of ionizing radiation and the possibility of performing multiparametric imaging. With recent advances in technology, advanced MRI methods such as diffusion-, perfusion-weighted MRI, MR elastography, chemical shift based fat-water separation and MR spectroscopy can now be applied to liver imaging. We will review the respective roles of these techniques for assessment of chronic liver disease. PMID:19542391

  15. Higher complication risk of totally implantable venous access port systems in patients with advanced cancer - a single institution retrospective analysis.

    PubMed

    Chang, Yi-Fang; Lo, An-Chi; Tsai, Chung-Hsin; Lee, Pei-Yi; Sun, Shen; Chang, Te-Hsin; Chen, Chien-Chuan; Chang, Yuan-Shin; Chen, Jen-Ruei

    2013-02-01

    Totally implantable port systems are generally recommended for prolonged central venous access in diverse settings, but their risk of complications remains unclear for patients with advanced cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of port system failure in patients with advanced cancer. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a comprehensive cancer centre. A detailed chart review was conducted among 566 patients with 573 ports inserted during January-June, 2009 (average 345.3 catheter-days). Cox regression analysis was applied to evaluate factors during insertion and early maintenance that could lead to premature removal of the port systems due to infection or occlusion. Port system-related infection was significantly associated with receiving palliative care immediately after implantation (hazard ratio, HR = 7.3, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI = 1.2-46.0), after adjusting for probable confounders. Primary cancer site also impacted the occurrence of device-related infection. Receiving oncologic/palliative care (HR = 3.0, P = 0.064), advanced cancer stage (HR = 6.5, P = 0.077) and body surface area above 1.71 m(2) (HR = 3.4, P = 0.029) increased the risk of port system occlusion. Our study indicates that totally implantable port systems yield a higher risk of complications in terminally ill patients. Further investigation should be carefully conducted to compare outcomes of various central venous access devices in patients with advanced cancer and to develop preventive strategies against catheter failure.

  16. Management of Advanced-Phase Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia.

    PubMed

    Radich, Jerald P

    2016-05-01

    Chronic myelogenous leukemia represents the poster child of successful precision medicine in cancer, with amazing survival results achieved with targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in many patients with chronic-phase disease. Unfortunately, however, this good news has not extended to patients in blast crisis, for whom survival has not clearly been improved with TKIs. During his presentation at the NCCN 21st Annual Conference, Jerald P. Radich, MD, briefly explored the biology behind advanced-stage disease and several of the molecular findings in disease progression. He also reviewed some of the therapeutic options in advanced disease, emphasizing that transplantation, although fraught with some difficulties, offers the best long-term prognosis for patients in blast crisis. Copyright © 2016 by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

  17. Percutaneous transfemoral repositioning of malpositioned central venous catheters.

    PubMed

    Hartnell, G G; Roizental, M

    1995-04-01

    Central venous catheters inserted by blind surgical placement may not advance into a satisfactory position and may require repositioning. Malpositioning via surgical insertion is common in patients in whom central venous catheters have previously been placed, as these patients are more likely to have central venous thrombosis and distortion of central venous anatomy. This is less of a problem when catheter placement is guided by imaging; however, even when insertion is satisfactory, central venous catheters may become displaced spontaneously after insertion (Fig. 1). Repositioning can be effected by direct manipulation using guidewires or tip-deflecting wires [1, 2], by manipulation via a transfemoral venous approach [3-5], and by injection of contrast material or saline [6]. Limitations of the direct approach include (1) the number and type of maneuvers that can be performed to effect repositioning when anatomy is distorted, (2) difficulty in accessing the catheter, and (3) the risk of introducing infection. Moreover, these patients are often immunosuppressed, and there is a risk of introducing infection by exposing and directly manipulating the venous catheter. Vigorous injection of contrast material or saline may be unsuccessful for the same reasons: It seldom exerts sufficient force to reposition large-caliber central venous catheters and may cause vessel damage or rupture if injection is made into a small or thrombosed vessel. We illustrate several alternative methods for catheter repositioning via a transfemoral venous approach.

  18. The Effect of a Connexin43-Based Peptide on the Healing of Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers: A Multicenter, Randomized Trial

    PubMed Central

    Ghatnekar, Gautam S; Grek, Christina L; Armstrong, David G; Desai, Sanjay C; Gourdie, Robert G

    2015-01-01

    The gap junction protein, connexin43 (Cx43), has critical roles in the inflammatory, edematous, and fibrotic processes following dermal injury and during wound healing, and is abnormally upregulated at the epidermal wound margins of venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Targeting Cx43 with ACT1, a peptide mimetic of the carboxyl-terminus of Cx43, accelerates fibroblast migration and proliferation, and wound reepithelialization. In a prospective, multicenter clinical trial conducted in India, adults with chronic VLUs were randomized to treatment with an ACT1 gel formulation plus conventional standard-of-care (SOC) protocols, involving maintaining wound moisture and four-layer compression bandage therapy, or SOC protocols alone. The primary end point was mean percent ulcer reepithelialization from baseline to 12 weeks. A significantly greater reduction in mean percent ulcer area from baseline to 12 weeks was associated with the incorporation of ACT1 therapy (79% (SD 50.4)) as compared with compression bandage therapy alone (36% (SD 179.8); P=0.02). Evaluation of secondary efficacy end points indicated a reduced median time to 50 and 100% ulcer reepithelialization for ACT1-treated ulcers. Incorporation of ACT1 in SOC protocols may represent a well-tolerated, highly effective therapeutic strategy that expedites chronic venous ulcer healing by treating the underlying ulcer pathophysiology through Cx43-mediated pathways. PMID:25072595

  19. Infection in Venous Leg Ulcers: Considerations for Optimal Management in the Elderly.

    PubMed

    Pugliese, Douglas J

    2016-02-01

    Venous leg ulcers are the most common cause of chronic leg wounds, accounting for up to 70 % of all chronic leg ulcers and carrying with them a significant morbidity, especially for elderly patients. Among people aged 65 years and older, the annual prevalence is 1.7 %. Billions of dollars per year are spent caring for patients with these often difficult-to-heal and sometimes recurrent chronic wounds. Chronic non-healing wounds of the lower extremities are susceptible to microbial invasion and can lead to serious complications, such as delayed healing, cellulitis, enlargement of wound size, debilitating pain, and deeper wound infections causing systemic illness. Recognition and treatment of the infected venous leg ulcer is an essential skill set for any physician caring for geriatric patients. Most physicians rely on subjective clinical signs and patient-reported symptoms in the evaluation of infected chronic wounds. The conventional bacterial culture is a widely available tool for the diagnosis of bacterial infection but can have limitations. Systemic antibiotics, as well as topical antiseptics and antibiotics, can be employed to treat and control infection and critical colonization. Better understanding of microbial biofilms in the wound environment have caused them to emerge as an important reason for non-healing and infection due to their increased resistance to antimicrobial, immunological, and chemical attack. A sound understanding of the microbial-host environment and its complexities, as well as the pathophysiology of venous hypertension, must be appreciated to understand the need for a multimodality approach to treating an infected venous leg ulcer. Other treatment measures are often required, in addition to systemic and topical antibiotics, such as the application of wound bandages, compression therapy, and wound debridement, which can hasten clearance of the infection and help to promote healing.

  20. Adverse events after endovascular treatment of chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) in patients with multiple sclerosis.

    PubMed

    Ghezzi, A; Annovazzi, P; Amato, M P; Capello, E; Cavalla, P; Cocco, E; Falcini, M; Gallo, A; Patti, F; Perini, P; Rodegher, M E; Rovaris, M; Rottoli, M R; Comi, G

    2013-06-01

    Although it is debated whether chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) plays a role in multiple sclerosis (MS) development, many patients undergo endovascular treatment (ET) of CCSVI. A study is ongoing in Italy to evaluate the clinical outcome of ET. Severe adverse events (AEs) occurred in 15/462 subjects at a variable interval after ET: jugular thrombosis in seven patients, tetraventricular hydrocephalus, stroke, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, status epilepticus, aspiration pneumonia, hypertension with tachicardia, or bleeding of bedsore in the remaining seven cases. One patient died because of myocardial infarction 10 weeks after ET. The risk of severe AEs related to ET for CCSVI must be carefully considered.

  1. A survey of the European Venous Forum on education and training in venous surgery and phlebology in Europe.

    PubMed

    Spanos, K; De Maeseneer, M; Nicolaides, A; Giannoukas, A D

    2015-04-01

    Venous training in Europe is lacking a formal curriculum among various specialties related to management of venous diseases. We conducted a survey in order to have a snapshot on the actual education and training level among physicians practicing currently venous surgery and phlebology in Europe. From April 7, 2014 to June 11, 2014 a survey was carried out using the Survey Monkey system, including 11 main questions covering all the domains of training and education in venous surgery and phlebology. The questionnaire was sent to all physicians included in the current mailing list of the European Venous Forum (EVF) and the Mediterranean League of Angiology and Vascular Surgery. Two questions were particularly addressed to those physicians who had attended the EVF hands-on workshop (HOW) at least once. The response rate was 24% (97/400) and 51.5% of them were practicing in a hospital service. Most responders were vascular surgeons (67.7%), followed by angiologists (19.4%). Only half of the responders felt as being competent to manage the whole spectrum of venous diseases successfully after completion of their training, while a few were able to perform endovenous ablations and even less more advanced venous interventions. Formal training in Duplex ultrasound was undertaken only in 55.2%. The majority suggested that a venous training program should be a separate part of their specialty rotation and should be organized at a national or European level, or even by a specific scientific society. Over 95% of those physicians who already participated in the EVF HOW considered the knowledge they acquired there as useful for their practice. There is currently an important need for more specialized venous training for all physicians involved in the diagnosis and management of venous diseases. Therefore all local, national and international initiatives should be encouraged to improve education in this field.

  2. Substantial harm associated with failure of chronic paediatric central venous access devices.

    PubMed

    Ullman, Amanda J; Kleidon, Tricia; Cooke, Marie; Rickard, Claire M

    2017-07-06

    Central venous access devices (CVADs) form an important component of modern paediatric healthcare, especially for children with chronic health conditions such as cancer or gastrointestinal disorders. However device failure and complications rates are high.Over 2½ years, a child requiring parenteral nutrition and associated vascular access dependency due to 'short gut syndrome' (intestinal failure secondary to gastroschisis and resultant significant bowel resection) had ten CVADs inserted, with ninesubsequently failing. This resulted in multiple anaesthetics, invasive procedures, injuries, vascular depletion, interrupted nutrition, delayed treatment and substantial healthcare costs. A conservative estimate of the institutional costs for each insertion, or rewiring, of her tunnelled CVAD was $A10 253 (2016 Australian dollars).These complications and device failures had significant negative impact on the child and her family. Considering the commonality of conditions requiring prolonged vascular access, these failures also have a significant impact on international health service costs. © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  3. Effectiveness and tissue compatibility of a 12-week treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers with an octenidine based antiseptic--a randomized, double-blind controlled study.

    PubMed

    Vanscheidt, Wolfgang; Harding, Keith; Téot, Luc; Siebert, Jörg

    2012-06-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of octenidine dihydrochloride/phenoxyethanol (OHP) found in vitro by conducting a randomized, double-blind controlled clinical study focusing on its safe and effective use in chronic venous leg ulcers. In total, 126 male and female patients were treated with either OHP (n = 60) or Ringer solution (n = 66). The treatment lasted over a period of maximum 12 weeks. For the assessment of the wound-healing process, clinical outcome parameters were employed, that is, time span until 100% epithelization, wound status and the wound surface area were analysed. Side effects were recorded during the study period. The median time to complete ulcer healing was comparable between the OHP and Ringer solution groups (92 versus 87 days; P = 0·952), without being influenced by wound size or duration of the target ulcer (P-values: 0·947/0·978). In patients treated with OHP, fewer adverse events (AEs) were observed compared with the Ringer group (17% versus 29% of patients reported 20 versus 38 AEs). OHP is well suitable for the treatment of chronic wounds without cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, OHP does not impair the wound healing in chronic venous ulcers. © 2011 The Authors. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and Medicalhelplines.com Inc.

  4. Advantages and disadvantages of graduated and inverse graduated compression hosiery in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and healthy volunteers: A prospective, mono-centric, blinded, open randomised, controlled and cross-over trial.

    PubMed

    Riebe, Helene; Konschake, Wolfgang; Haase, Hermann; Jünger, Michael

    2018-02-01

    Background The therapeutic effectiveness of compression therapy depends on the selection of compression hosiery. Objectives To assess efficacy and tolerability of graduated elastic compression stockings (GECS) and inverse graduated elastic compression stockings (PECS). Methods Thirty-two healthy volunteers and thirty-two patients with chronic venous insufficiency were analysed; wear period: one week for each stocking type (randomised, blinded). volume reduction of 'Lower leg' (Image3D®) and 'Distal leg and foot' (water plethysmography). clinical symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency assessed by the Venous Clinical Severity Score, side effects and wear comfort in both groups. Results Volume of 'Lower leg': significant reduction in healthy volunteers (mean GECS: -37.5 mL, mean PECS: -37.2 mL) and in patients (mean GECS: -55.6 mL, mean PECS: -41.6 mL). Volume of 'Distal lower leg and foot': significant reduction in healthy volunteers (mean GECS: -27 mL, mean PECS: -16.7 mL), significant reduction in patients by GECS (mean: -43.4 mL), but non-significant reduction by PECS (mean: -22.6 mL). Clinical symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency were improved significantly better with GECS than with PECS, p < 0.001. GECS led to more painful constrictions, p = 0.047, PECS slipped down more often, p < 0.001. Conclusion GECS and PECS reduce volume of the segment 'Lower leg' in patients and healthy volunteers. Patients' volume of the 'Distal lower leg and foot', however, were diminished significantly only by GECS ( p = 0.0001). Patients' complaints were improved by both GECS and PECS, and GECS were superior to PECS.

  5. Iliac Vein Interrogation Augments Venous Ulcer Healing in Patients Who Have Failed Standard Compression Therapy along with Pathological Venous Closure.

    PubMed

    Mousa, Albeir Y; Broce, Mike; Yacoub, Michael; AbuRahma, Ali F

    2016-07-01

    Treatment of venous ulcers is demanding for patients, as well as clinicians, and the investigation of underlying venous hypertension is the cornerstone of therapy. We propose that occult iliac vein stenosis should be ruled out by iliac vein interrogation (IVI) in patients with advanced venous stasis. We conducted a systematic retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of patients who presented with CEAP (clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathophysiological) 6 venous disease. All patients had great saphenous vein ablation, compressive treatment, wound care (including Unna boot compression), and perforator closure using ablation therapy. Iliac vein stenosis was defined as ≥50% stenosis in cross-sectional surface area on intravascular ultrasound. Primary outcomes include time of venous ulcer healing and/or measurable change in the Venous Clinical Severity Score. Twenty-two patients with CEAP 6 venous disease met the inclusion criteria (active ulcers >1.5 cm in diameter). The average age and body mass index were 62.2 ± 9.2 years and 41.7 ± 16.7, respectively. The majority were female (72.7%) with common comorbidities, such as hyperlipidemia (54.5%), hypertension (36.4%), and diabetes mellitus (27.3%). Twenty-nine ulcers with an average diameter of 3.4 ± 1.9 cm and a depth of 2.2 ± 0.5 mm were treated. The majority of the ulcers occurred on the left limb (n = 17, 58.6%). Average perforator venous reflux was 3.6 ± 0.8 sec, while common femoral reflux was 1.8 ± 1.6. The majority (n = 19, 64.5%) of the perforator veins were located at the base of the ulcer, while the remainder (n = 10, 34.5%) were within 2 cm from the base. Of the 13 patients who underwent IVI, 8 patients (61.5%) had stenosis >50% that was corrected with iliac vein angioplasty and stenting (IVAS). There was a strong trend toward shorter healing time in the IVI group (7.9 ± 9.5 weeks) than for patients in the no iliac vein interrogation (NIVI) group (20.2 ± 15

  6. Venous sinus occlusive disease: MR findings

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yuh, W.T.C.; Simonson, T.M.; Tali, E.T.

    1994-02-01

    To study MR patterns of venous sinus occlusive disease and to relate them to the underlying pathophysiology by comparing the appearance and pathophysiologic features of venous sinus occlusive disease with those of arterial ischemic disease. The clinical data and MR examinations of 26 patients with venous sinus occlusive disease were retrospectively reviewed with special attention to mass effect, hemorrhage, and T2-weighted image abnormalities as well as to abnormal parenchymal, venous, or arterial enhancement after intravenous gadopentetate dimeglumine administration. Follow-up studies when available were evaluated for atrophy, infraction, chronic mass effect, and hemorrhage. Mass effect was present in 25 of 26more » patients. Eleven of the 26 had mass effect without abnormal signal on T2-weighted images. Fifteen patients had abnormal signal on T2-weighted images, but this was much less extensive than the degree of brain swelling in all cases. No patient showed abnormal parenchymal or arterial enhancement. Abnormal venous enhancement was seen in 10 of 13 patients who had contrast-enhanced studies. Intraparenchymal hemorrhage was seen in nine patients with high signal on T2-weighted images predominantly peripheral to the hematoma in eight. Three overall MR patterns were observed in acute sinus thrombosis: (1) mass effect without associated abnormal signal on T2-weighted images, (2) mass effect with associated abnormal signal on T2-weighted images and/or ventricular dilatation that may be reversible, and (3) intraparenchymal hematoma with surrounding edema. MR findings of venus sinus occlusive disease are different from those of arterial ischemia and may reflect different underlying pathophysiology. In venous sinus occlusive disease, the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (vasogenic edema and abnormal parenchymal enhancement) does not always occur, and brain swelling can persist up to 2 years with or without abnormal signal on T2-weighted images. 34 refs., 5 figs.« less

  7. Preliminary results after upper cervical chiropractic care in patients with chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency and multiple sclerosis.

    PubMed

    Mandolesi, Sandro; Marceca, Giuseppe; Moser, Jon; Niglio, Tarcisio; d'Alessandro, Aldo; Ciccone, Matteo Marco; Zito, Annapaola; Mandolesi, Dimitri; d'Alessandro, Alessandro; Fedele, Francesco

    2015-01-01

    The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical and X-ray results of the Upper Cervical Chiropractic care through the specific adjustments (corrections) of C1-C2 on patients with chronic venous cerebral-spinal insufficiency (CCSVI) and multiple sclerosis (MS). We studied a sample of 77 patients before and after the Upper Cervical Chiropractic care, and we analyzed: A) The change of the X-ray parameters; B) The clinical results using a new set of questions. The protocol of the C1- C2 upper Cervical Chiropractic treatment, specific for these patients, lasts four months. From a haemodynamic point of view we divided the patients in 3 types: Type 1 - purely vascular with intravenous alterations; Type 2 - "mechanical" with of external venous compressions; Type 3 - mixed. We found an improvement in all kinds of subluxations after the treatment with respect to the pre-treatment X-ray evaluation, with a significant statistical difference. The differences between the clinical symptoms before and after the specific treatment of C1-C2 are statistically significant with p<0.001 according to the CHI-Square test revised by Yates. The preliminary X-ray and clinical improvements of the Upper Cervical Chiropractic corrections on C1- C2 on these patients with CCSVI and MS encourage us to continue with our studies. We believe that the Upper Cervical correction on C1-C2 could be the main non-invasive treatment of the CCSVI mechanical type in patients with MS. Further studies are required to evaluate the correlation between the Upper Cervical Chiropractic correction on C1-C2 on the cerebral venous drainage and the cerebro-spinal fluid.

  8. Mid-term outcome of endovascular treatment for acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Kun; Li, Xiao-Qiang; Sang, Hong-Fei; Qian, Ai-Min; Rong, Jian-Jie; Li, Cheng-Long

    2017-04-01

    Purposes of the study To evaluate the benefit of stenting the iliac vein in patients with residual iliac vein stenosis treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis. Procedures In this randomized prospective study, patients with a first-time acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis that had persisted <14 days were treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis. After catheter-directed thrombolysis, patients with >50% residual iliac vein stenosis were randomly divided into two groups: catheter-directed thrombolysis + Stent Group and catheter-directed thrombolysis Alone Group. Patients received urokinase thrombolysis and low-molecular-weight heparin/oral warfarin during the hospitalization period and were administrated oral warfarin after discharge. Cumulative deep vein patency, the Clinical Etiology Anatomic Pathophysiologic classification system, the Venous Clinical Severity Score and the Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire score were evaluated. Findings The cumulative deep vein patency rate was 74.07% in the catheter-directed thrombolysis + Stent Group and 46.59% in the catheter-directed thrombolysis Alone Group. The mean postoperative Clinical Etiology Anatomic Pathophysiologic classification and Venous Clinical Severity Score was significantly lower in the catheter-directed thrombolysis + Stent Group than in the catheter-directed thrombolysis Alone Group. The mean postoperative Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire score was significantly higher in the catheter-directed thrombolysis + Stent Group than the catheter-directed thrombolysis Alone Group. Conclusions Placement of an iliac vein stent in patients with residual iliac vein stenosis after catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis increases iliac vein patency and improves clinical symptoms and health-related quality of life at mid-term follow-up compared to patients treated with catheter

  9. Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of octenidine wound gel in the treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers in comparison to modern wound dressings.

    PubMed

    Hämmerle, Gilbert; Strohal, Robert

    2016-04-01

    The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of an octenidine-based wound gel in the treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers. For this purpose, 49 wounds were treated with either modern wound-phase-adapted dressings alone (treatment arm 1; n = 17), octenidine wound gel plus modern wound-phase-adapted dressings (treatment arm 2; n = 17) or octenidine wound gel alone (treatment arm 3; n = 15). During the study period of 42 days with dressing changes every 3-5 days, wound healing characteristics and treatment costs of different dressings were analysed. Wound size reduction was significantly better (P = 0·028) in both octenidine wound gel treatment arms compared to modern dressings alone with total reductions of 14·6%, 64·1% and 96·2% in treatment arms 1-3. Early wound healing was merely observed under octenidine wound gel treatment (n = 9), whereby lowest treatment costs were generated by octenidine wound gel alone (€20·34/dressing change). As a result, the octenidine wound gel is cost-effective and well suitable for the treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers, considering both safety and promotion of wound healing. © 2014 The Authors. International Wound Journal © 2014 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  10. [Advance care planning and severe chronic diseases].

    PubMed

    Diestre Ortín, Germán; González Sequero, Vanessa; Collell Domènech, Núria; Pérez López, Francisca; Hernando Robles, Pablo

    2013-01-01

    Advanced care planning (ACP) helps in make decisions on the health problems of people who have lost the capacity for informed consent. It has proven particularly useful in addressing the end of life. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ACP in patients with severe chronic diseases. Review of medical records of patients with dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or interstitial lung disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease on dialysis and cancer, all in advanced stages. We collected data on living wills or registered prior decisions by the physician according to clinical planned. A total of 135 patients were studied. There was a record of ACP in 22 patients (16.3%). In most of them it was planned not to start any vital treatment in the event of high risk of imminent death and lacking the ability to make decisions. Only two patients were had a legal living will. The registration of ACP is relatively low, and this can affect decision-making in accordance with the personal values of patients when they do not have the capacity to exercise informed consent. Copyright © 2012 SEGG. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

  11. Clinical unity and community empowerment: the use of smartphone technology to empower community management of chronic venous ulcers through the support of a tertiary unit.

    PubMed

    Quinn, Edel Marie; Corrigan, Mark A; O'Mullane, John; Murphy, David; Lehane, Elaine A; Leahy-Warren, Patricia; Coffey, Alice; McCluskey, Patricia; Redmond, Henry Paul; Fulton, Greg J

    2013-01-01

    Chronic ulcers affect roughly 60,000 Irish people, at a total cost of €600,000,000, or €10,000 per patient annually. By virtue of their chronicity, these ulcers also contribute a significant burden to tertiary outpatient vascular clinics. We propose utilizing mobile phone technology to decentralise care from tertiary centres to the community, improving efficiency and patient satisfaction, while maintaining patient safety. Bespoke mobile software was developed for Apples iPhone 4 platform. This allowed for the remote collection of patient images prospectively and their transmission with clinical queries, from the primary healthcare team to the tertiary centre. Training and iPhones were provided to five public health nurses in geographically remote areas of the region. Data were uploaded securely and user end software was developed allowing the review and manipulation of images, along with two way communication between the teams. Establishing reliability, patients were reviewed clinically as well as remotely, and concordance analysed. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussion. From October to December 2011 eight patients (61-83 yrs, mean 75.3 yrs) with chronic venous ulceration and their five public health nurses were recruited. Data were transmitted using 3 G, Edge, GPRS and WiFi, at a mean speed of 69.03 kps. Concordance was 100% for wound bed assessment, 80% for skin integrity/colour and 60% for exudate assessment. Focus group analysis explored the concept, practicalities and future applications of the system. With an evolving national data network, the secure transmission of clinical images is a safe alternative to regular clinic appointments for patients with chronic venous ulceration. With further development, and packaged as a freely downloadable application, this has the potential to support the community care of chronic wounds.

  12. Central venous recanalization in patients with short gut syndrome: restoration of candidacy for intestinal and multivisceral transplantation.

    PubMed

    Lang, Elvira V; Reyes, Jorge; Faintuch, Salomao; Smith, Amy; Abu-Elmagd, Kareem

    2005-09-01

    To assess feasibility and success of venous recanalization in patients with short gut syndrome who have lost their traditional central venous access and required intestinal or multivisceral transplantation. Twelve patients between the ages of 7 and 55 years with short gut syndrome and long-standing total parenteral nutrition (TPN) dependency and/or hypercoagulability were treated. All had extensive chronic central venous occlusions and survival was dependent on restoration of access and planned transplantation. Central venous recanalizations were obtained via sharp needle recanalization techniques, venous reconstructions with stents, and/or extraanatomic access to the central venous system for placement of central venous tunneled catheters. Central venous access was restored in all patients without operative-related mortality. Three major hemodynamic perioperative technical complications were recorded and successfully treated. There were three self-limited early infectious complications. With a mean follow-up of 22 months, eight of the 12 patients were alive with successful small bowel or multivisceral transplantation; six of those became independent of TPN. The remaining four patients died of complications related to TPN (n = 3) or transplantation (n = 1). With a mean follow-up of 20 months, all but two of the recanalized venous accesses were maintained, for a success rate of 83%. Recanalizations of extensive chronic vein occlusions are feasible but associated with high risk. The technique is life-saving for TPN-dependent patients and can restore candidacy for intestinal and multivisceral transplantation. This approach is likely to be increasingly requested because of the current clinical availability of the transplant procedure.

  13. ECAMulticapa: Effectiveness of double-layered compression therapy for healing venous ulcers in primary care: a Study Protocol.

    PubMed

    Folguera-Álvarez, Carmen; Garrido-Elustondo, Sofia; Verdú-Soriano, José; García-García-Alcalá, Diana; Sánchez-Hernández, Mónica; Torres-de Castro, Oscar German; Barceló-Fidalgo, Maria Luisa; Martínez-González, Olga; Ardiaca-Burgués, Lidia; Solano-Villarrubia, Carmen; Lebracón-Cortés, Pilar Raquel; Molins-Santos, Carmen; Fresno-Flores, Mar; Cánovas-Lago, Maria Carmen; Benito-Herranz, Luisa Fernanda; García-Sánchez, Maria Teresa; Castillo-Pla, Olga; Morcillo-San Juan, María Sol; Ayuso-de la Torre, Maria Begoña; Burgos-Quintana, Pilar; López-Torres-Escudero, Ana; Ballesteros-García, Gema; García-Cabeza, Piedad; de Francisco-Casado, Maria Ángeles; Rico-Blázquez, Milagros

    2016-01-01

    Chronic venous insufficiency, in its final stage can cause venous ulcers. Venous ulcers have a prevalence of 0.5 % to 0.8 % in the general population, and increases starting at 60 years of age. This condition often causes increased dependency in affected individuals, as well as a perceived reduced quality of life and family overload. Local Treating chronic venous ulcers has 2 components: topically healing the ulcer and controlling the venous insufficiency. There is evidence that compressive therapy favours the healing process of venous ulcers. The studies we have found suggest that the use of multilayer bandage systems is more effective than the use of bandages with a single component, these are mostly using in Spain. Multilayer compression bandages with 2 layers are equally effective in the healing process of chronic venous ulcers as 4-layer bandages and are better tolerated and preferenced by patients. More studies are needed to specifically compare the 2-layer bandages systems in the settings where these patients are usually treated. Randomised, controlled, parallel, multicentre clinical trial, with 12 weeks of follow-up and blind evaluation of the response variable. The objective is to assess the efficacy of multilayer compression bandages (2 layers) compared with crepe bandages, based on the incidence of healed venous ulcers in individuals treated in primary care nursing consultations, at 12 weeks of follow-up. The study will include 216 individuals (108 per branch) with venous ulcers treated in primary care nursing consultations. The primary endpoint is complete healing at 12 weeks of follow-up. The secondary endpoints are the degree of healing (Resvech.2), quality of life (CCVUQ-e), adverse reactions related to the healing process. Prognosis and demographic variables are also recorder. Effectiveness analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves, a log-rank test and a Cox regression analysis. The analysis was performed by intention to treat. The study results can

  14. Investigating the Causes of Chronic Itch: New Advances Could Bring Relief

    MedlinePlus

    ... on Research Investigating the Causes of Chronic Itch: New Advances Could Bring Relief By Kirstie Saltsman, Ph. ... touch, we could have the beginnings of a new treatment for chronic itch that would not impact ...

  15. Effect of TGF-beta1 on MMP/TIMP and TGF-beta1 receptors in great saphenous veins and its significance on chronic venous insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Serralheiro, Pedro; Cairrão, Elisa; Maia, Cláudio J; João, Marina; Almeida, Carlos M Costa; Verde, Ignacio

    2017-06-01

    Objectives Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) may participate in local chronic inflammatory processes in varicose veins and in venous wall structure modifications through regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their inhibitors (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)). The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of TGF-β1 in the vein wall, namely on the gene expression of selected MMP, TIMP and TGF-β1 receptors. Methods Healthy vein samples were harvested from eight subjects who underwent coronary bypass graft surgery with great saphenous vein. Each vein sample was divided into two segments, which were cultivated separately in vitro (one of the segments had TGF-β1 added) and then submitted to gene expression analysis. Results In the TGF-β1 supplemented group, there was a general increase in the mean gene expression. Specifically, expression of MMP9, MMP12, TIMP1 and TIMP2 were statistically significant. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that the gene expression of MMP9, MMP12, TIMP1 and TIMP2 was influenced by the addition of TGF-β1. These results may be translated to chronic venous insufficiency framework and suggest involvement of TGF-β1 in the vein wall pathology.

  16. Challenges in the Treatment of Chronic Wounds

    PubMed Central

    Frykberg, Robert G.; Banks, Jaminelli

    2015-01-01

    Significance: Chronic wounds include, but are not limited, to diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure ulcers. They are a challenge to wound care professionals and consume a great deal of healthcare resources around the globe. This review discusses the pathophysiology of complex chronic wounds and the means and modalities currently available to achieve healing in such patients. Recent Advances: Although often difficult to treat, an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and specific attention toward managing these perturbations can often lead to successful healing. Critical Issues: Overcoming the factors that contribute to delayed healing are key components of a comprehensive approach to wound care and present the primary challenges to the treatment of chronic wounds. When wounds fail to achieve sufficient healing after 4 weeks of standard care, reassessment of underlying pathology and consideration of the need for advanced therapeutic agents should be undertaken. However, selection of an appropriate therapy is often not evidence based. Future Directions: Basic tenets of care need to be routinely followed, and a systematic evaluation of patients and their wounds will also facilitate appropriate care. Underlying pathologies, which result in the failure of these wounds to heal, differ among various types of chronic wounds. A better understanding of the differences between various types of chronic wounds at the molecular and cellular levels should improve our treatment approaches, leading to better healing rates, and facilitate the development of new more effective therapies. More evidence for the efficacy of current and future advanced wound therapies is required for their appropriate use. PMID:26339534

  17. Indications for medical compression stockings in venous and lymphatic disorders: An evidence-based consensus statement

    PubMed Central

    Rabe, Eberhard; Partsch, Hugo; Hafner, Juerg; Lattimer, Christopher; Mosti, Giovanni; Neumann, Martino; Urbanek, Tomasz; Huebner, Monika; Gaillard, Sylvain; Carpentier, Patrick

    2017-01-01

    Objective Medical compression stockings are a standard, non-invasive treatment option for all venous and lymphatic diseases. The aim of this consensus document is to provide up-to-date recommendations and evidence grading on the indications for treatment, based on evidence accumulated during the past decade, under the auspices of the International Compression Club. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted and, using PRISMA guidelines, 51 relevant publications were selected for an evidence-based analysis of an initial 2407 unrefined results. Key search terms included: ‘acute', CEAP', ‘chronic', ‘compression stockings', ‘compression therapy', ‘lymph', ‘lymphatic disease', ‘vein' and ‘venous disease'. Evidence extracted from the publications was graded initially by the panel members individually and then refined at the consensus meeting. Results Based on the current evidence, 25 recommendations for chronic and acute venous disorders were made. Of these, 24 recommendations were graded as: Grade 1A (n = 4), 1B (n = 13), 1C (n = 2), 2B (n = 4) and 2C (n = 1). The panel members found moderately robust evidence for medical compression stockings in patients with venous symptoms and prevention and treatment of venous oedema. Robust evidence was found for prevention and treatment of venous leg ulcers. Recommendations for stocking-use after great saphenous vein interventions were limited to the first post-interventional week. No randomised clinical trials are available that document a prophylactic effect of medical compression stockings on the progression of chronic venous disease (CVD). In acute deep vein thrombosis, immediate compression is recommended to reduce pain and swelling. Despite conflicting results from a recent study to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome, medical compression stockings are still recommended. In thromboprophylaxis, the role of stockings in addition to anticoagulation is limited. For the maintenance phase

  18. Comparison of arterial and venous blood gases and the effects of analysis delay and air contamination on arterial samples in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and healthy controls.

    PubMed

    O'Connor, T M; Barry, P J; Jahangir, A; Finn, C; Buckley, B M; El-Gammal, A

    2011-01-01

    Arterial blood gases (ABGs) are often sampled incorrectly, leading to a 'mixed' or venous sample. Delays in analysis and air contamination are common. We measured the effects of these errors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations and controls. Arterial and venous samples were analyzed from 30 patients with COPD exacerbation and 30 controls. Venous samples were analysed immediately and arterial samples separated into non-air-contaminated and air-contaminated specimens and analysed at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 180 min. Mean venous pH was 7.371 and arterial pH was 7.407 (p < 0.0001). There was a correlation between venous and arterial pH (r = 0.5347, p < 0.0001). The regression equation to predict arterial pH was: arterial pH = 4.2289 + 0.43113 · venous pH. There were no clinically significant differences in arterial PO₂ associated with analysis delay. A statistically significant decline in pH was detected at 30 min in patients with COPD exacerbation (p = 0.0042) and 90 min in controls (p < 0.0001). A clinically significant decline in pH emerged at 73 min in patients with COPD exacerbation and 87 min in controls. Air contamination was associated with a clinically significant increase in PO₂ in all samples, including those that were immediately analyzed. Arterial and venous pH differ significantly. Venous pH cannot accurately replace arterial pH. Temporal delays in ABG analysis result in a significant decline in measured pH. ABGs should be analysed within 30 min. Air contamination leads to an immediate increase in measured PO₂, indicating that air-contaminated ABGs should be discarded. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  19. Randomized trial of four-layer and two-layer bandage systems in the management of chronic venous ulceration.

    PubMed

    Moffatt, Christine J; McCullagh, Lynn; O'Connor, Theresa; Doherty, Debra C; Hourican, Catherine; Stevens, Julie; Mole, Trevor; Franks, Peter J

    2003-01-01

    To compare a four-layer bandage system with a two-layer system in the management of chronic venous leg ulceration, a prospective randomized open parallel groups trial was undertaken. In total, 112 patients newly presenting to leg ulcer services with chronic leg ulceration, screened to exclude the presence of arterial disease (ankle brachial pressure index <0.8) and causes of ulceration other than venous disease, were entered into the trial. Patients were randomized to receive either four-layer (Profore) or two-layer (Surepress) high-compression elastic bandage systems. In all, 109 out of 112 patients had at least one follow-up. After 24 weeks, 50 out of 57 (88%) patients randomized to the four-layer bandage system with follow-up had ulcer closure (full epithelialization) compared with 40 out of 52 (77%) on the two-layer bandage, hazard ratio = 1.18 (95% confidence interval 0.69-2.02), p = 0.55. After 12 weeks, 40 out of 57 (70%) patients randomized to the four-layer bandage system with follow-up had ulcer closure compared with 30 out of 52 (58%) on the two-layer bandage, odds ratio = 4.23 (95% confidence interval 1.29-13.86), p = 0.02. Withdrawal rates were significantly greater on the two-layer bandage (30 out of 54; 56%) compared with the four-layer bandage system (8 out of 58; 14%), p < 0.001, and the number of patients with at least one device-related adverse incident was significantly greater on the two-layer bandaging system (15 out of 54; 28%) compared with four-layer bandaging (5 out of 54; 9%), p = 0.01. The higher mean cost of treatment in the two-layer bandaging system arm over 24 weeks ($1374 [ pound 916] vs. $1314 [ pound 876]) was explained by the increased mean number of bandage changes (1.5 vs. 1.1 per week) with the two-layer system. In conclusion, the four-layer bandage offers advantages over the two-layer bandage in terms of reduced withdrawal from treatment, fewer adverse incidents, and lower treatment cost.

  20. Impact of Advanced (Open) Access Scheduling on Patients With Chronic Diseases

    PubMed Central

    Degani, N

    2013-01-01

    Background The goal of advanced access scheduling is to eliminate wait times for physician visits by ensuring access to same-day appointments, regardless of urgency or health care need. The intent is to reduce delays in access, leading to improvements in clinical care and patient satisfaction, and reductions in the use of urgent care. Objective To evaluate whether implementation of an advanced access scheduling system reduced other types of health service utilization and/or improved clinical measures and patient satisfaction among adults with chronic diseases. Data Sources and Review Methods A literature search was performed on January 29, 2012, for studies published from 1946 (OVID) or 1980 (EMBASE) to January 29, 2012. Systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies were eligible if they evaluated advanced access implementation in adults with chronic diseases and reported health resource utilization, patient outcomes, or patient satisfaction. Results were summarized descriptively. Results One systematic review in a primary care population and 4 observational studies (5 papers) in chronic disease and/or geriatric populations were identified. The systematic review concluded that advanced access did not improve clinical outcomes, but there was no evidence of harm. Findings from the observational studies in chronic disease populations were consistent with those of the systematic review. Advanced access implementation was not consistently associated with changes in clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, or health service utilization. Limitations All studies were retrospective: 3 studies (4 papers) included historical controls only, and 1 included contemporaneous controls. Findings were inconsistent across studies for a number of outcomes. Conclusions Based on low to very low quality evidence, advanced access did not have a statistically (or clinically) significant impact on health service utilization among patients with diabetes and

  1. Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Victor; Goel, Nishant; Gangar, Jinal; Zhao, Huaqing; Ciccolella, David E.; Silverman, Edwin K.; Crapo, James D.; Criner, Gerard J.

    2014-01-01

    Background: COPD patients are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTE however remains under-diagnosed in this population and the clinical profile of VTE in COPD is unclear. Methods: Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages II-IV participants in the COPD Genetic Epidemiology (COPDGene) study were divided into 2 groups: VTE+, those who reported a history of VTE by questionnaire, and VTE-, those who did not. We compared variables in these 2 groups with either t-test or chi-squared test for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. We performed a univariate logistic regression for VTE, and then a multivariate logistic regression using the significant predictors of interest in the univariate analysis to ascertain the determinants of VTE. Results: The VTE+ group was older, more likely to be Caucasian, had a higher body mass index (BMI), smoking history, used oxygen, had a lower 6-minute walk distance, worse quality of life scores, and more dyspnea and respiratory exacerbations than the VTE- group. Lung function was not different between groups. A greater percentage of the VTE+ group described multiple medical comorbidities. On multivariate analysis, BMI, 6-minute walk distance, pneumothorax, peripheral vascular disease, and congestive heart failure significantly increased the odds for VTE by history. Conclusions: BMI, exercise capacity, and medical comorbidities were significantly associated with VTE in moderate to severe COPD. Clinicians should suspect VTE in patients who present with dyspnea and should consider possibilities other than infection as causes of COPD exacerbation. PMID:25844397

  2. Lack of association between venous hemodynamics, venous morphology and the postthrombotic syndrome after upper extremity deep venous thrombosis.

    PubMed

    Czihal, M; Paul, S; Rademacher, A; Bernau, C; Hoffmann, U

    2015-03-01

    To explore the association of the postthrombotic syndrome with venous hemodynamics and morphological abnormalities after upper extremity deep venous thrombosis. Thirty-seven patients with a history of upper extremity deep venous thrombosis treated with anticoagulation alone underwent a single study visit (mean time after diagnosis: 44.4 ± 28.1 months). Presence and severity postthrombotic syndrome were classified according to the modified Villalta score. Venous volume and venous emptying were determined by strain-gauge plethysmography. The arm veins were assessed for postthrombotic abnormalities by ultrasonography. The relationship between postthrombotic syndrome and hemodynamic and morphological sequelae was evaluated using univariate significance tests and Spearman's correlation analysis. Fifteen of 37 patients (40.5%) developed postthrombotic syndrome. Venous volume and venous emptying of the arm affected by upper extremity deep venous thrombosis did not correlate with the Villalta score (rho = 0.17 and 0.19; p = 0.31 and 0.25, respectively). Residual morphological abnormalities, as assessed by ultrasonography, did not differ significantly between patients with and without postthrombotic syndrome (77.3% vs. 86.7%, p = 0.68). Postthrombotic syndrome after upper extremity deep venous thrombosis is not associated with venous hemodynamics or residual morphological abnormalities. © The Author(s) 2013 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

  3. Upper Body Venous Compliance Exceeds Lower Body Venous Compliance in Humans

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Watenpaugh, Donald E.

    1996-01-01

    Human venous compliance hypothetically decreases from upper to lower body as a mechanism for maintenance of the hydrostatic indifference level 'headward' in the body, near the heart. This maintains cardiac filling pressure, and thus cardiac output and cerebral perfusion, during orthostasis. This project entailed four steps. First, acute whole-body tilting was employed to alter human calf and neck venous volumes. Subjects were tilted on a tilt table equipped with a footplate as follows: 90 deg, 53 deg, 30 deg, 12 deg, O deg, -6 deg, -12 deg, -6 deg, O deg, 12 deg, 30 deg, 53 deg, and 90 deg. Tilt angles were held for 30 sec each, with 10 sec transitions between angles. Neck volume increased and calf volume decreased during head-down tilting, and the opposite occurred during head-up tilt. Second, I sought to cross-validate Katkov and Chestukhin's (1980) measurements of human leg and neck venous pressures during whole-body tilting, so that those data could be used with volume data from the present study to calculate calf and neck venous compliance (compliance = (Delta)volume/(Delta)pressure). Direct measurements of venous pressures during postural chances and whole-body tilting confirmed that the local changes in venous pressures seen by Katkov and Chestukhin (1980) are valid. The present data also confirmed that gravitational changes in calf venous pressure substantially exceed those changes in upper body venous pressure. Third, the volume and pressure data above were used to find that human neck venous compliance exceeds calf venous compliance by a factor of 6, thereby upholding the primary hypothesis. Also, calf and neck venous compliance correlated significantly with each other (r(exp 2) = 0.56). Fourth, I wished to determine whether human calf muscle activation during head-up tilt reduces calf venous compliance. Findings from tilting and from supine assessments of relaxed calf venous compliance were similar, indicating that tilt-induced muscle activation is

  4. Is prolonged immobilization a risk factor for symptomatic venous thromboembolism in elderly bedridden patients? Results of a historical-cohort study.

    PubMed

    Gatt, Moshe E; Paltiel, Ora; Bursztyn, Michael

    2004-03-01

    Prolonged immobilization and advanced age are considered to be important risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Nevertheless, the need for VTE prophylaxis in long-term bedridden patients is not known. To assess whether very prolonged immobilization (i.e. over three months) carries an increased risk for clinically apparent VTE, we performed a historical-cohort study of nursing home residents during a ten-year period. Data concerning patient's mobility and incidence of overt deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism were registered. The mean resident age was 85+/-8.4 years. Eighteen mobile and eight immobile patients were diagnosed with clinically significant thromboembolic events, during 1137 and 573 patient-years of follow up, respectively. The incidence of venous thromboembolic events was similar in both chronically immobilized and mobile patient groups, 13.9 and 15.8 per thousand patient years, respectively (p=0.77). The rate ratio for having a VTE event in the immobilized patient group as compared with the mobile group was 0.88 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.33 to 2.13). When taking into account baseline characteristics, risk factors and death rates by various causes, no differences were found between the two groups. In conclusion, chronically immobile bedridden patients are no more prone to clinically overt venous thromboembolic events than institutionalized mobile patients. Until further studies are performed concerning the impact of very prolonged immobilization on the risk of VTE, there is no evidence to support primary prevention after the first three months of immobilization. Evidence for efficacy or cost effectiveness beyond this early period is not available.

  5. Laser Recanalization of Central Venous Occlusion to Salvage a Threatened Arteriovenous Fistula.

    PubMed

    Rambhia, Sagar; Janko, Matthew; Hacker, Robert I

    2018-07-01

    Central venous occlusion is conventionally managed with balloon angioplasty, stent extension, or sharp recanalization. Here, we describe recanalization of a chronically occluded innominate vein using excimer laser after conventional techniques were unsuccessful. Patient clinical improvement and fistula patency have been sustained 2 years postintervention. This technique may provide new hemodialysis access options for patients who would not otherwise be candidates for hemodialysis access on the ipsilateral side of a central venous occlusion. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. New single-layer compression bandage system for chronic venous leg ulcers.

    PubMed

    Lee, Gillian; Rajendran, Subbiyan; Anand, Subhash

    A new single-layer bandage system for the treatment of venous leg ulcers has been designed and developed at the University of Bolton. This three-dimensional (3D) knitted spacer fabric structure has been designed by making use of mathematical modelling and Laplace's law. The sustained graduated compression of the developed 3D knitted spacer bandages were tested and characterized, and compared with that of commercially available compression bandages. It was observed that the developed 3D single-layer bandage meets the ideal criteria stipulated for compression therapy. The laboratory results were verified by carrying out a pilot user study incorporating volunteers from different age groups. This article examines the insight into the design and development of the new 3D knitted spacer bandage, along with briefly discussing the issues of compression therapy systems intended for the treatment of venous leg ulcers.

  7. [An update on the treatment of venous insufficiency in pregnancy].

    PubMed

    Rodríguez-Nora, B; Álvarez-Silvares, E

    Chronic venous insufficiency is a long-term pathological condition resulting from anatomical or functional alterations of the venous system. This leads to the appearance of symptoms and physical signs that affect a large part of the population and particularly pregnant women, due to the physiology of pregnancy. The few published studies on the use of pharmacological treatments of venous insufficiency in this group of the population, often makes the management of this condition difficult in routine clinical practice. A review is presented in this article, with all the latest updates in the treatment of this condition during pregnancy. There are numerous general, and some pharmacological, recommendations, that we can safely offer the pregnant patient. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN). Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  8. A systematic review of the efficacy and limitations of venous intervention in stasis ulceration.

    PubMed

    Montminy, Myriam L; Jayaraj, Arjun; Raju, Seshadri

    2018-05-01

    Surgical techniques to address various components of chronic venous disease are rapidly evolving. Their efficacy and generally good results in treating superficial venous reflux (SVR) have been documented and compared in patients presenting with pain and swelling. A growing amount of literature is now available suggesting their efficacy in patients with venous leg ulcer (VLU). This review attempts to summarize the efficacy and limitations of commonly used venous interventions in the treatment of SVR and incompetent perforator veins (IPVs) in patients with VLU. A systematic review of the published literature was performed. Two different searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and EBSCOhost to identify studies that examined the efficacy of SVR ablation and IPV ablation on healing rate and recurrence rate of VLU. In the whole review, 1940 articles were screened. Of those, 45 were included in the SVR ablation review and 4 in the IPV ablation review. Data were too heterogeneous to perform an adequate meta-analysis. The quality of evidence assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation for the two outcomes varied from very low to moderate. Ulcer healing rate and recurrence rate were between 70% and 100% and 0% and 49% in the SVR ablation review and between 59% and 93% and 4% and 33% in the IPV ablation review, respectively. To explain those variable results, limitations such as inadequate diagnostic techniques, saphenous size, concomitant calf pump dysfunction, and associated deep venous reflux are discussed. Currently available minimally invasive techniques correct most venous pathologic processes in chronic venous disease with a good sustainable healing rate. There are still specific diagnostic and efficacy limitations that mandate proper match of individual patients with the planned approach. Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Enhancement of venous drainage with vein stripper for reversed pedicled neurocutaneous flaps.

    PubMed

    Sonmez, Erhan; Silistireli, Özlem Karataş; Karaaslan, Önder; Kamburoğlu, Haldun Onuralp; Safak, Tunc

    2013-05-01

    The flaps based on the vascular axis of superficial sensitive cutaneous nerves had gained increased popularity in reconstructive surgery because of such major advantages as preservation of major extremity arteries and avoidance of microsurgical procedures. However, postoperative venous congestion resulting in partial or total necrosis is still a common problem for these flaps. The aim of the current study is to introduce a new method for reducing the postoperative venous congestion of neural island flap with the results of reconstruction of the soft tissue defects of foot and ankle. This method was used to treat 19 patients with various chronic soft tissue defects of the foot and ankle between 2011 and 2012. We observed that the novel method presented in this report enables effective venous drainage, solving the postoperative venous congestion problem of these flaps. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

  10. Risk factors of postthrombotic syndrome before and after deep venous thrombosis treatment.

    PubMed

    Strijkers, Rob Hw; de Wolf, Mark Af; Wittens, Cees Ha

    2017-07-01

    Postthrombotic syndrome is the most common complication after deep venous thrombosis. Postthrombotic syndrome is a debilitating disease and associated with decreased quality of life and high healthcare costs. Postthrombotic syndrome is a chronic disease, and causative treatment options are limited. Prevention of postthrombotic syndrome is therefore very important. Not all patients develop postthrombotic syndrome. Risk factors have been identified to try to predict the risk of developing postthrombotic syndrome. Age, gender, and recurrent deep venous thrombosis are factors that cannot be changed. Deep venous thrombosis location and extent seem to predict severity of postthrombotic syndrome and are potentially suitable as patient selection criteria. Residual thrombosis and reflux are known to increase the incidence of postthrombotic syndrome, but are of limited use. More recently developed treatment options for deep venous thrombosis, such as new oral factor X inhibitors and catheter-directed thrombolysis, are available at the moment. Catheter-directed thrombolysis shows promising results in reducing the incidence of postthrombotic syndrome after deep venous thrombosis. The role of new oral factor X inhibitors in preventing postthrombotic syndrome is still to be determined.

  11. 77 FR 24718 - Scientific Information Request on Chronic Venous Ulcers Treatments

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-25

    ... Venous Ulcers: A Comparative Effectiveness Review of Treatment Modalities report, which is currently... improve the quality of this comparative effectiveness review. AHRQ is requesting this scientific information and conducting this comparative effectiveness review pursuant to Section 1013 of the Medicare...

  12. Ultrasound-guided venous access for pacemakers and defibrillators.

    PubMed

    Seto, Arnold H; Jolly, Aaron; Salcedo, Jonathan

    2013-03-01

    Ultrasound guidance is widely recommended to reduce the risk of complications during central venous catheter placement. However, ultrasound guidance is not commonly utilized for implanting leads for cardiac rhythm management devices. We describe our technique of ultrasound-guided pacemaker implantation, including a novel pull-through technique that allows percutaneous guidewire insertion prior to the first incision. We review the literature and recent advances in ultrasound imaging technology that may facilitate the adoption of ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound guidance provides a safe and rapid technique for extrathoracic subclavian or axillary venous lead placement. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  13. The Role of Interventional Radiology in the Management of Deep Venous Thrombosis: Advanced Therapy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    O'Sullivan, Gerard J., E-mail: gerard.osullivan2@hse.ie

    2011-06-15

    Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is often managed with a health care pathway that funnels patients to anticoagulation therapy alone. This 'usual treatment' is designed to stop propagation and embolisation of venous thrombus but not remove it. Surgical thrombectomy was once the only option in severe cases in which limbs were threatened, but thrombus removal is no longer restricted to emergency cases. Interventional radiologists are now using advanced endovascular techniques to achieve thrombus removal in a minimally invasive manner in a very short treatment time, thereby quickly restoring patency, relieving acute symptoms, and potentially limiting the subsequent development of postthrombotic syndromemore » when followed with anticoagulation and compression regimens. This article provides an overview of the interventions available for treating DVT. One of the newer 'single-session' techniques is isolated pharmacomechanical thrombolysis, which is described here in detail with supporting cases.« less

  14. Magnolol inhibits venous remodeling in mice.

    PubMed

    Kuk, Hanna; Arnold, Caroline; Meyer, Ralph; Hecker, Markus; Korff, Thomas

    2017-12-19

    Due to gravity the venous vasculature in the lower extremities is exposed to elevated pressure levels which may be amplified by obesity or pregnancy. As a consequence, venules dilate and may be slowly transformed into varicose or spider veins. In fact, chronically elevated venous pressure was sufficient to cause the corkscrew-like enlargement of superficial veins in mice. We hypothesized that biomechanical activation of endothelial cells contributes to this process and investigated the inhibitory capacity of Magnolol in this context - a natural compound that features multiple properties counteracting cellular stress. While Magnolol did not influence endothelial capillary sprout formation, it interfered with proliferation, ERK1/2 activity, gelatinase activity as well as baseline production of reactive oxygen species in these cells or murine veins. The anti-oxidative and anti-proliferative capacity of Magnolol was mediated through stimulation of heme oxygenase-1 expression. Finally, local transdermal application of Magnolol attenuated pressure-mediated development of varicose/spider veins in mice and was accompanied by the absence of proliferating and MMP-2 positive endothelial cells. Collectively, our data identified Magnolol as a potent inhibitor of biomechanically evoked endothelial cell activity during pressure-mediated venous remodeling processes which contribute to the development of varicose and spider veins.

  15. Injection drug use: an understudied cause of venous disease.

    PubMed

    Pieper, Barbara; Kirsner, Robert S; Templin, Thomas N; Birk, Thomas J

    2007-10-01

    Injection drug use has devastating effects on the veins, skin, muscles, and joints of the lower extremities, thus increasing the risk of chronic venous disease (CVD). We examined the following risk factors for CVD in persons who injected drugs: health and drug use history, ankle mobility, pain, and skin and wound assessment. Because of deep venous thrombosis and injury and immobility to the calf muscle pump from injected drugs, CVD occurs at a young age. Decreased ankle joint movement, decreased walking, and increased pain are associated with worsening CVD clinical classification. Associated venous ulcers tend to be multiple and large by the time wound care is sought. Cellulitis and abscesses may also be present. Injection drug users serve as a model for the multifactorial nature of CVD including vein damage, diminished ankle range of motion, and decreased calf muscle strength. Persons who inject drugs need to have their lower extremities assessed for CVD on a routine basis.

  16. Management of venous ulcers: State of the art.

    PubMed

    Marola, Silvia; Ferrarese, Alessia; Solej, Mario; Enrico, Stefano; Nano, Mario; Martino, Valter

    2016-09-01

    Venous ulceration is a complex and serious problem that affects 1-2% of the global elderly population (>65 years), and its incidence is constantly increasing. The population group with higher risk of development of venous ulceration is the elderly. These lesions have a significant negative impact on patients' quality of life. Our aim was to analyze the state of the art, starting with the medical literature review. The evidence supports that managing chronic wounds with a multidisciplinary wound care team significantly increases wound healing and reduces the severity of wound-associated pain and the required daily wound treatments compared with persons who are not managed by such a team. Copyright © 2016 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. [Superior vena cava syndrome unrelated to central venous catheter in a patient on chronic hemodialysis].

    PubMed

    Veronesi, Marco; Mancini, Elena; Salvati, Filippo; Santoro, Antonio

    2011-01-01

    A 67-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease (polycystic kidney disease) who had been on dialysis for 10 years came to our department for a second opinion about upper left arm edema homolateral to the arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Because of the suspicion of venous stenosis she had already been submitted to angiographic examination of the AVF which, however, did not show any occlusive process. In addition to the kidney problem, the clinical history included dilated cardiomyopathy, and 2 years earlier a biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) had been placed. The patient had never had a central venous catheter (CVC). She presented a typical superior vena cava syndrome picture with arm, neck and hemifacial edema and superficial cutaneous venous reticulum. The venous pressure during extracoroporeal circulation was high and blood recirculation was documented. Angio-CT was performed to look for a compressive process in the chest, but this was excluded. We then performed a new trans-AVF angiography to study extensively the axillary-subclavian-superior vena cava district. At first, no stenosis or thrombosis was observed, but the presence of ICD and its leads (left-sided implanted) in the anonymous vein created obstacles to diagnosis. Repeated injections of contrast medium and focusing imaging on the leads route allowed us to highlight a venous stenosis in the anonymous vein. Transluminal angioplasty was successfully carried out during the same procedure. 1) In hemodialysis patients the appearance of signs of intrathoracic vein drainage obstacles is not always associated with previous CVC implantation; 2) in the hemodialysis patient, any device (PM, ICD) should be implanted contralaterally to the fistula arm in order to avoid the risk that a venous stenosis may cause AVF dysfunction.

  18. Management of Cavoatrial Deep Venous Thrombosis: Incorporating New Strategies

    PubMed Central

    Zayed, Mohamed A.; De Silva, Gayan S.; Ramaswamy, Raja S.; Sanchez, Luis A.

    2017-01-01

    Cavoatrial deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is diagnosed with increasing prevalence. It can be managed medically with anticoagulation or with directed interventions aimed to efficiently reduce the thrombus burden within the target venous segment. The type of management chosen depends greatly on the etiology and chronicity of the thrombosis, existing patient comorbidities, and the patient's tolerance to anticoagulants and thrombolytic agents. In addition to traditional percutaneous catheter-based pharmacomechanical thrombolysis, other catheter-based suction thrombectomy techniques have emerged in recent years. Each therapeutic modality requires operator expertise and a coordinated care paradigm to facilitate successful outcomes. Open surgical thrombectomy is alternatively reserved for specific patient conditions, including intolerance of anticoagulation, failed catheter-based interventions, or acute emergencies. PMID:28265127

  19. Caregiver Experience During Patients’ Advanced Chronic Illness and Last Year of Life

    PubMed Central

    Sautter, Jessica M.; Tulsky, James A.; Johnson, Kimberly S.; Olsen, Maren K.; Burton-Chase, Allison M.; Lindquist, Jennifer Hoff; Zimmerman, Sheryl; Steinhauser, Karen E.

    2014-01-01

    Background/Objectives Caregivers of patients with serious illness endure significant burden, yet it is not clear at what stage of advanced illness patient and caregiver needs are greatest. This study compared prevalence and predictors of caregiver esteem and burden during two different stages of patients’ illnesses – advanced chronic illness and the last year of life. Design Longitudinal, observational cohort study. Setting Community sample recruited from outpatient clinics at Duke University and Durham VA Medical Centers. Participants Patients living with advanced cancer, congestive heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their primary caregiver, retrospectively coded as chronic-illness (n=62) or end-of-life (n=62) patient-caregiver dyads. Measurements We measured caregiver experience monthly with the Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA), which includes caregiver esteem and 4 domains of burden: schedule, health, family, and finances. Results During both chronic-illness and end-of-life, high caregiver esteem was almost universal (95%); health, family, and financial burden were endorsed by <25% of the sample. Schedule burden was the most prevalent form of burden and was experienced more frequently by end-of-life caregivers (58%) than the chronic-illness caregivers (32%). Caregiver esteem and all dimensions of burden were relatively stable over one year. Few factors were associated with burden. Conclusion Caregiver experience is relatively stable over one year and similar among caregivers of patients in the last year of life and those further upstream in advanced illness. Schedule burden stands out as most prevalent and variable among dimensions of experience. Because prevalence of burden is not specific to stage of illness and is relatively stable over time, multidisciplinary healthcare teams should assess caregiver burden and refer burdened caregivers to supportive resources early in the course of chronic illness. PMID:24803020

  20. Potential involvement of the extracranial venous system in central nervous system disorders and aging

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background The role of the extracranial venous system in the pathology of central nervous system (CNS) disorders and aging is largely unknown. It is acknowledged that the development of the venous system is subject to many variations and that these variations do not necessarily represent pathological findings. The idea has been changing with regards to the extracranial venous system. Discussion A range of extracranial venous abnormalities have recently been reported, which could be classified as structural/morphological, hemodynamic/functional and those determined only by the composite criteria and use of multimodal imaging. The presence of these abnormalities usually disrupts normal blood flow and is associated with the development of prominent collateral circulation. The etiology of these abnormalities may be related to embryologic developmental arrest, aging or other comorbidities. Several CNS disorders have been linked to the presence and severity of jugular venous reflux. Another composite criteria-based vascular condition named chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) was recently introduced. CCSVI is characterized by abnormalities of the main extracranial cerebrospinal venous outflow routes that may interfere with normal venous outflow. Summary Additional research is needed to better define the role of the extracranial venous system in relation to CNS disorders and aging. The use of endovascular treatment for the correction of these extracranial venous abnormalities should be discouraged, until potential benefit is demonstrated in properly-designed, blinded, randomized and controlled clinical trials. Please see related editorial: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/11/259. PMID:24344742

  1. Autologous cultured keratinocytes on porcine gelatin microbeads effectively heal chronic venous leg ulcers.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jin Yu; Hafner, Jürg; Dragieva, Galya; Seifert, Burkhardt; Burg, Günter

    2004-01-01

    We have established a specific bioreactor microcarrier cell culture system using porcine gelatin microbeads as carriers to produce autologous keratinocytes on a large scale. Moreover, we have shown that autologous keratinocytes can be cultured on porcine collagen pads, thereby forming a single cell layer. The objective of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of autologous cultured keratinocytes on microbeads and collagen pads in the treatment of chronic wounds. Fifteen patients with recalcitrant venous leg ulcers were assigned to three groups in a single-center, prospective, uncontrolled study: five underwent a single treatment with keratinocyte monolayers on collagen pads (group 1); another five received a single grafting with keratinocyte-microbeads (group 2); and the last five received multiple, consecutive applications of keratinocyte-microbeads 3 days apart (group 3). All patients were followed for up to 12 weeks. By 12 weeks, there was a mean reduction in the initial wound area of 50, 83, and 97 percent in the three groups, respectively. The changes in wound size were statistically significant between the first and third groups (p= 0.0003). Keratinocyte-microbeads proved to be more effective than keratinocyte monolayers on collagen pads when the former were applied every 3 days. Rapid availability within 10-13 days after skin biopsy and easy handling represent particular advantages.

  2. Venous thromboembolism after major venous injuries: Competing priorities.

    PubMed

    Frank, Brian; Maher, Zoё; Hazelton, Joshua P; Resnick, Shelby; Dauer, Elizabeth; Goldenberg, Anna; Lubitz, Andrea L; Smith, Brian P; Saillant, Noelle N; Reilly, Patrick M; Seamon, Mark J

    2017-12-01

    Venous thromboembolism (VTE) after major vascular injury (MVI) is particularly challenging because the competing risk of thrombosis and embolization after direct vessel injury must be balanced with risk of bleeding after surgical repair. We hypothesized that venous injuries, repair type, and intraoperative anticoagulation would influence VTE formation after MVI. A multi-institution, retrospective cohort study of consecutive MVI patients was conducted at three urban, Level I centers (2005-2013). Patients with MVI of the neck, torso, or proximal extremities (to elbows/knees) were included. Our primary study endpoint was the development of VTE (DVT or pulmonary embolism [PE]). The 435 major vascular injury patients were primarily young (27 years) men (89%) with penetrating (84%) injuries. When patients with (n = 108) and without (n = 327) VTE were compared, we observed no difference in age, mechanism, extremity injury, tourniquet use, orthopedic and spine injuries, damage control, local heparinized saline, or vascular surgery consultation (all p > 0.05). VTE patients had greater Injury Severity Score (ISS) (17 vs. 12), shock indices (1 vs. 0.9), and more torso (58% vs. 35%) and venous (73% vs. 48%) injuries, but less often received systemic intraoperative anticoagulation (39% vs. 53%) or postoperative enoxaparin (47% vs. 61%) prophylaxis (all p < 0.05). After controlling for ISS, hemodynamics, injured vessel, intraoperative anticoagulation, and postoperative prophylaxis, multivariable analysis revealed venous injury was independently predictive of VTE (odds ratio, 2.7; p = 0.002). Multivariable analysis of the venous injuries subset (n = 237) then determined that only delay in starting VTE chemoprophylaxis (odds ratio, 1.3/day; p = 0.013) independently predicted VTE after controlling for ISS, hemodynamics, injured vessel, surgical subspecialty, intraoperative anticoagulation, and postoperative prophylaxis. Overall, 3.4% of venous injury patients developed PE, but PE

  3. Comparison of Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Warfarin in the Treatment of Deep Venous Thrombosis in the Chronic Phase.

    PubMed

    Wakakura, Shingo; Hara, Fumihiko; Fujino, Tadashi; Hamai, Asami; Ohara, Hiroshi; Kabuki, Takayuki; Harada, Masahiko; Ikeda, Takanori

    2018-01-27

    We assessed the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for the treatment of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the chronic phase through comparison with conventional warfarin therapy.A total of 807 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with having DVT in the chronic phase were included (484 patients to warfarin therapy and 323 patients to DOAC therapy). The condition of leg veins was assessed 3 to 6 months after starting the therapies by ultrasound examination. Major bleeding and mortality during the therapies were followed-up.There was no significant difference between the two groups in the thrombosis improvement rate (DOAC group: 91.2% versus warfarin group: 88.9%). There was no significant difference between the two groups in major bleeding (DOAC group: 1.8% versus warfarin group: 1.8%). In patients with active cancer, the DOAC group had a borderline higher thrombosis improvement rate than the warfarin group (92.1% versus 80.0%, P = 0.05). The proportion of major bleeding in the patients with active cancer was slightly higher in the warfarin group than in the DOAC group (4.3% versus 2.8%; P = 0.71). Active cancer was not an independent risk factor for major bleeding and recurrence in the DOAC group (OR 2.68, 95% CI 0.51-14.1; P = 0.24 and OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.20-2.07; P = 0.47).In treatment using oral anticoagulants for DVT in the chronic phase, DOACs exhibited equal efficacy and safety as warfarin did. Particularly DOACs appear to be an attractive therapeutic option for cancer-associated DVT in chronic phase, with relatively low anticipated rates of recurrence and major bleeding.

  4. A survey of current practice of vascular surgeons in venous disease management.

    PubMed

    Bush, Ruth L; Gloviczki, Peter

    2013-01-01

    Acute venous thromboembolism and chronic venous diseases are common conditions that affect a large proportion of the United States population. The diagnosis of venous disease has improved, and the treatment options have rapidly evolved over the past decade. To date, it is unclear to what extent vascular surgeons have become involved in the modern management of venous disorders. This survey was undertaken to explore the current interest and practice of vascular surgeons in the contemporary care of venous disease. A survey was administered via a web-based platform to active and candidate members of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS). The survey included 30 questions investigating the characteristics of venous surgeons and scope of venous practice. Open-ended questions were also included for commentary. A total of 1879 surveys were sent to SVS members nationwide, and 385 members participated (response rate of 20.5%). The participants were mostly men (89.6%) with 37.7% practicing in an academic setting and 59.2% in private practice. The respondents treated superficial veins (92.9%) and deep veins (85.8%) in clinical practice, with 89.9% having their own vascular laboratory. A wide spectrum of interventions for superficial (91.9%), deep (85.8%), and perforator veins (52.7% endovenous, 19.4% subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery) are being performed by respondents. Only 26.2% had learned endovenous thermal ablation in their training program; however, over 96% of those performing venous interventions utilized this technique. Overall, the majority (85.5%) devoted 50% or less of practice to venous disorders. Respondents indicated that limitations to expansion of vein practices mainly involved challenges with third party payers, local competition, and existing large volumes of arterial interventions needing to be performed. Despite the widespread incorporation of venous disease into current vascular practices, 66.1% are not members of the American Venous Forum (AVF

  5. Chronic phase advance alters circadian physiological rhythms and peripheral molecular clocks

    PubMed Central

    Wolff, Gretchen; Duncan, Marilyn J.

    2013-01-01

    Shifting the onset of light, acutely or chronically, can profoundly affect responses to infection, tumor progression, development of metabolic disease, and mortality in mammals. To date, the majority of phase-shifting studies have focused on acute exposure to a shift in the timing of the light cycle, whereas the consequences of chronic phase shifts alone on molecular rhythms in peripheral tissues such as skeletal muscle have not been studied. In this study, we tested the effect of chronic phase advance on the molecular clock mechanism in two phenotypically different skeletal muscles. The phase advance protocol (CPA) involved 6-h phase advances (earlier light onset) every 4 days for 8 wk. Analysis of the molecular clock, via bioluminescence recording, in the soleus and flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscles and lung demonstrated that CPA advanced the phase of the rhythm when studied immediately after CPA. However, if the mice were placed into free-running conditions (DD) for 2 wk after CPA, the molecular clock was not phase shifted in the two muscles but was still shifted in the lung. Wheel running behavior remained rhythmic in CPA mice; however, the endogenous period length of the free-running rhythm was significantly shorter than that of control mice. Core body temperature, cage activity, and heart rate remained rhythmic throughout the experiment, although the onset of the rhythms was significantly delayed with CPA. These results provide clues that lifestyles associated with chronic environmental desynchrony, such as shift work, can have disruptive effects on the molecular clock mechanism in peripheral tissues, including both types of skeletal muscle. Whether this can contribute, long term, to increased incidence of insulin resistance/metabolic disease requires further study. PMID:23703115

  6. Advance directives lessen the decisional burden of surrogate decision-making for the chronically critically ill.

    PubMed

    Hickman, Ronald L; Pinto, Melissa D

    2014-03-01

    To identify the relationships between advance directive status, demographic characteristics and decisional burden (role stress and depressive symptoms) of surrogate decision-makers (SDMs) of patients with chronic critical illness. Although the prevalence of advance directives among Americans has increased, SDMs are ultimately responsible for complex medical decisions of the chronically critically ill patient. Decisional burden has lasting psychological effects on SDMs. There is insufficient evidence on the influence of advance directives on the decisional burden of surrogate decision-makers of patients with chronic critical illness. The study was a secondary data analysis of cross-sectional data. Data were obtained from 489 surrogate decision-makers of chronically critically ill patients at two academic medical centres in Northeast Ohio, United States, between September 2005-May 2008. Data were collected using demographic forms and questionnaires. A single-item measure of role stress and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CESD) scale were used to capture the SDM's decisional burden. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square and path analyses were performed. Surrogate decision-makers who were nonwhite, with low socioeconomic status and low education level were less likely to have advance directive documentation for their chronically critically ill patient. The presence of an advance directive mitigates the decisional burden by directly reducing the SDM's role stress and indirectly lessening the severity of depressive symptoms. Most SDMs of chronically critically ill patients will not have the benefit of knowing the patient's preferences for life-sustaining therapies and consequently be at risk of increased decisional burden. Study results are clinically useful for patient education on the influence of advance directives. Patients may be informed that SDMs without advance directives are at risk of increased decisional burden and will require

  7. Relationships between duplex findings and quality of life in long-term follow-up of patients treated for chronic venous disease.

    PubMed

    Huang, Ying; Gloviczki, Peter

    2016-03-01

    Relationships between duplex findings and data on health-related quality of life (QoL) to assess long-term results of treatment of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) are not well known. The goal of this review was to correlate duplex findings and QoL assessments in clinical studies with long-term follow-up. A review of the English language literature on PUBMED revealed 17 clinical studies, including 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 6 prospective, and 2 retrospective studies that included patients with at least 5-year follow-up after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS), and traditional superficial venous surgery. At 5 years, great saphenous vein (GSV) occlusion rate on duplex ultrasound ranged from 66% to 82% for EVLA, from 62% to 92% for RFA, from 41% to 58% for UGFS and from 54% to 85% for surgery. Freedom from GSV reflux rates were 82% and 84%, respectively for EVLA and surgery, and ranged between 84% and 95% for RFA. Significant improvements were observed in several domains of generic QoL and in most domains of venous disease-specific QoL, irrespective of the treatment. In at least one RCT, CIVIQ scores correlated well with abnormal duplex findings in patients who underwent treatment with UGFS. In another RCT, long-term AVVQ was significantly better after surgery as compared with UGFS similar to results of duplex findings. Analysis of the available literature confirmed that all four techniques were effective in the abolishment of reflux or obliteration of the GSV. Moreover, well-designed RCTs with large sample size are needed to produce robust long-term data on clinical outcome after treatment of varicose veins and CVI and to better understand the relationships between duplex-derived data and QoL assessments. © The Author(s) 2016.

  8. Pulmonary venous flow determinants of left atrial pressure under different loading conditions in a chronic animal model with mitral regurgitation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yang, Hua; Jones, Michael; Shiota, Takahiro; Qin, Jian Xin; Kim, Yong Jin; Popovic, Zoran B.; Pu, Min; Greenberg, Neil L.; Cardon, Lisa A.; Eto, Yoko; hide

    2002-01-01

    BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to quantitatively compare the changes and correlations between pulmonary venous flow variables and mean left atrial pressure (mLAP) under different loading conditions in animals with chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) and without MR. METHODS: A total of 85 hemodynamic conditions were studied in 22 sheep, 12 without MR as control (NO-MR group) and 10 with MR (MR group). We obtained pulmonary venous flow systolic velocity (Sv) and diastolic velocity (Dv), Sv and Dv time integrals, their ratios (Sv/Dv and Sv/Dv time integral), mLAP, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and MR stroke volume. We also measured left atrial a, x, v, and y pressures and calculated the difference between v and y pressures. RESULTS: Average MR stroke volume was 10.6 +/- 4.3 mL/beat. There were good correlations between Sv (r = -0.64 and r = -0.59, P <.01), Sv/Dv (r = -0.62 and r = -0.74, P <.01), and mLAP in the MR and NO-MR groups, respectively. Correlations were also observed between Dv time integral (r = 0.61 and r = 0.57, P <.01) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in the MR and NO-MR groups. In velocity variables, Sv (r = -0.79, P <.001) was the best predictor of mLAP in both groups. The sensitivity and specificity of Sv = 0 in predicting mLAP 15 mm Hg or greater were 86% and 85%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary venous flow variables correlated well with mLAP under altered loading conditions in the MR and NO-MR groups. They may be applied clinically as substitutes for invasively acquired indexes of mLAP to assess left atrial and left ventricular functional status.

  9. The Biopsychosocial Approach to Chronic Pain: Scientific Advances and Future Directions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gatchel, Robert J.; Peng, Yuan Bo; Peters, Madelon L.; Fuchs, Perry N.; Turk, Dennis C.

    2007-01-01

    The prevalence and cost of chronic pain is a major physical and mental health care problem in the United States today. As a result, there has been a recent explosion of research on chronic pain, with significant advances in better understanding its etiology, assessment, and treatment. The purpose of the present article is to provide a review of…

  10. Placement of a Port Catheter Through Collateral Veins in a Patient with Central Venous Occlusion

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Teichgraeber, Ulf Karl-Martin, E-mail: ulf.teichgraeber@charite.de; Streitparth, Florian, E-mail: florian.streitparth@charite.d; Gebauer, Bernhard, E-mail: bernhard.gebauer@charite.d

    Long-term utilization of central venous catheters (CVCs) for parenteral nutrition has a high incidence of central venous complications including infections, occlusions, and stenosis. We report the case of a 31-year-old woman presenting with a malabsorption caused by short gut syndrome due to congenital aganglionic megacolon. The patient developed a chronic occlusion of all central neck and femoral veins due to long-term use of multiple CVCs over more than 20 years. In patients with central venous occlusion and venous transformation, the implantation of a totally implanted port system by accessing collateral veins is an option to continue long-term parenteral nutrition whenmore » required. A 0.014-in. Whisper guidewire (Terumo, Tokyo) with high flexibility and steerability was chosen to maneuver and pass through the collateral veins. We suggest this approach to avoid unfavorable translumbar or transhepatic central venous access and to conserve the anatomically limited number of percutaneous access sites.« less

  11. Social Media Representation of Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency Intervention for Multiple Sclerosis.

    PubMed

    Ghahari, Setareh; Forwell, Susan J

    2016-01-01

    We conducted a rigorous review of videos related to multiple sclerosis (MS) and chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) treatment posted by people with MS on one social media website (YouTube) that describe symptoms before and after the surgical procedure, as well as videos presented by health-care professionals (HCPs). All relevant videos posted from December 2009 to July 2011 were downloaded, viewed, and systematically organized. Categorical data were classified, and dominant messages were gleaned. A total of 1789 videos were extracted. A total of 621 videos by people with MS and 238 by HCPs were included. Eighty-six percent of people with MS anecdotally reported experiencing some improvement in at least one symptom. The most common message was that "CCSVI is not a miracle but worth trying." Most HCPs posting videos recommended the procedure but called for continued research. Social media are conveying an anecdotal favorable message about CCSVI treatment for MS. The relative absence of videos offering a negative or more balanced perspective is a concern. Social persuasion through these videos creates a strong positive impression of CCSVI treatment, but the videos do not acknowledge the lack of supporting scientific evidence and the possible role of the placebo effect. Given the strong influence of social media on health-care decision making, researchers and clinicians should actively use social media to reach out to people with MS and describe the state of the evidence for MS treatments, both positive and negative.

  12. In Situ Venous Bypass for Chronic Hand Ischemia: A Review of 25 Cases in 23 Patients.

    PubMed

    Cornejo, Agustin; Neaman, Keith C; Srinivasan, Ramesh C; Mithani, Suhail K; Pederson, William C

    2016-06-01

    Chronic ischemia of the hand in the setting of atherosclerotic disease is a challenging problem that leads to serial amputations and significant morbidity. Salvage using an in situ venous bypass has been described. In selected cases, leaving the vein in situ for bypass allows a good size match for anastomosis at the wrist or palmar arch. Due to the rarity of the condition, there is a paucity of data regarding the efficacy of this technique. Outcomes in 23 consecutive patients that underwent a total of 25 in situ vein grafts over a 16-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Eighteen were men and 5 were women with a mean age of 61 years. Target vessels at the wrist or palmar arch were identified on preoperative vascular imaging. The cephalic vein (n = 19, 76%) was most commonly used followed by the basilic vein (n = 6, 24%). Overall patency rate at a mean follow-up period of 12.1 months was 92%. Success as determined by both symptomatic improvement and resolution of the ischemic changes or toleration of revision amputation was achieved in 16 (64%) cases. Postoperative complications occurred in ten cases (40 %). Progression of ischemia occurred in 7 cases (28 %) and 3 (12 %) of these cases required a hand amputation. In situ vein grafts in the upper extremity offer good short-term patency rates and can be used for salvage of chronic hand ischemia.

  13. Compression therapy in patients with venous leg ulcers.

    PubMed

    Dissemond, Joachim; Assenheimer, Bernd; Bültemann, Anke; Gerber, Veronika; Gretener, Silvia; Kohler-von Siebenthal, Elisabeth; Koller, Sonja; Kröger, Knut; Kurz, Peter; Läuchli, Severin; Münter, Christian; Panfil, Eva-Maria; Probst, Sebastian; Protz, Kerstin; Riepe, Gunnar; Strohal, Robert; Traber, Jürg; Partsch, Hugo

    2016-11-01

    Wund-D.A.CH. is the umbrella organization of the various wound care societies in German-speaking countries. The present consensus paper on practical aspects pertinent to compression therapy in patients with venous leg ulcers was developed by experts from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In Europe, venous leg ulcers rank among the most common causes of chronic wounds. Apart from conservative and interventional wound and vein treatment, compression therapy represents the basis of all other therapeutic strategies. To that end, there are currently a wide variety of materials and systems available. While especially short-stretch bandages or multicomponent systems should be used in the initial decongestion phase, ulcer stocking systems are recommended for the subsequent maintenance phase. Another - to date, far less common - alternative are adaptive Velcro bandage systems. Medical compression stockings have proven particularly beneficial in the prevention of ulcer recurrence. The large number of treatment options currently available enables therapists to develop therapeutic concepts geared towards their patients' individual needs and abilities, thus resulting in good acceptance and adherence. Compression therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers. In recent years, a number of different treatment options have become available, their use and application differing among German-speaking countries. The present expert consensus is therefore meant to outline concrete recommendations for routine implementation of compression therapy in patients with venous leg ulcers. © 2016 Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  14. Mesenteric venous thrombosis.

    PubMed

    Harnik, Ian G; Brandt, Lawrence J

    2010-10-01

    First differentiated from arterial causes of acute mesenteric ischemia 75 years ago, acute mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is an uncommon disorder with non-specific signs and symptoms, the diagnosis of which requires a high index of suspicion. The location, extent, and rapidity of thrombus formation determine whether intestinal infarction ensues. Etiologies, when identified, usually can be separated into local intra-abdominal factors and inherited or acquired hypercoagulable states. The diagnosis is most often made by contrast-enhanced computed tomography, though angiography and exploratory surgery still have important diagnostic as well as therapeutic roles. Anticoagulation prevents clot propagation and is associated with decreased recurrence and mortality. Thrombectomy and thrombolysis may preserve questionably viable bowel and should be considered under certain circumstances. Evidence of infarction mandates surgery and resection whenever feasible. Although its mortality rate has fallen over time, acute MVT remains a life-threatening condition requiring rapid diagnosis and aggressive management. Chronic MVT may manifest with complications of portal hypertension or may be diagnosed incidentally by noninvasive imaging. Management of chronic MVT is directed against variceal hemorrhage and includes anticoagulation when appropriate; mortality is largely dependent on the underlying risk factor.

  15. Symptomatic iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis treated with hybrid operative thrombectomy.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez, Limael E; Aponte-Rivera, Francisco; Figueroa-Vicente, Ricardo; Bolanos-Avila, Guillermo E; Martínez-Trabal, Jorge L

    2015-10-01

    During the past 15 years, strategies that promote immediate and complete thrombus removal have gained popularity for the treatment of acute-onset iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis. In this case report, we describe a novel operative approach to venous thrombus removal known as hybrid operative thrombectomy. The technique employs a direct inguinal approach with concomitant retrograde advancement of a balloon catheter by femoral venotomy. Moreover, it provides effective thrombus removal through a single incision, with or without stent placement, and has the advantage of a completion venogram. Copyright © 2015 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Pancreas Transplant Venous Thrombosis: Role of Endovascular Interventions for Graft Salvage

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Stockland, Andrew H.; Willingham, Darrin L.; Paz-Fumagalli, Ricardo

    2009-03-15

    Venous thrombosis of pancreas transplant allografts often leads to graft loss. We evaluated the efficacy of emergent endovascular techniques to salvage thrombosed pancreatic allografts in a series of six patients. Of the 76 pancreas transplants performed between 2002 and 2006, six patients were diagnosed with venous thrombosis on MRI between 2 and 28 days posttransplant (mean, 9 days). Five patients were systemic-enteric (donor portal vein anastomosis to recipient iliac vein) and one patient was portal-enteric (donor portal vein anastomosis to recipient superior mesenteric vein). Conventional venography confirmed the diagnosis of venous thrombosis in all patients. One patient was treated withmore » catheter-directed venous thrombolysis and balloon thrombectomy. Another patient was treated with rheolytic thrombectomy alone. The remaining four patients were treated with a combination of these mechanical and thrombolytic techniques. Completion venography revealed >50% clot reduction and resumption of venous drainage in all patients. One patient required additional intervention 16 days later for recurrent thrombosis. Two patients required metal stent placement for anastomotic stenoses or kinks. One patient required pancreatectomy 36 h after attempted salvage secondary to a major hemorrhage and graft necrosis. Two patients recovered pancreatic function initially but lost graft function at 8 and 14 months, respectively, from severe chronic rejection. Patient survival was 100%, long-term graft survival was 50%, rethrombosis rate was 16.6%, and graft loss from rejection was 33%. In conclusion, early recognition and treatment of venous thrombosis after pancreas transplantation has acceptable morbidity and no mortality using short-term endovascular pharmacomechanical therapy.« less

  17. New Advances in Chronic Total Occlusions

    PubMed Central

    Konstantinidis, Nikolaos; Pighi, Michele; Dogu Kilic, Ismail; Serdoz, Roberta; Sianos, Georgios

    2014-01-01

    Coronary chronic total occlusions (CTOs) still represent the greatest technical challenge that interventional cardiologists face. CTOs remain seriously undertreated with percutaneous techniques, far below their prevalence. One reason for the low uptake was the suboptimal CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) success rates over a long period of time. During the last years, dedicated groups of experts in Japan, Europe and United States fostered the development and standardisation of modern CTO recanalisation techniques, along with providing focused training and proctorship worldwide. As a result, dedicated operators achieved success rates far beyond 90 %, while coping with lesions of increasing complexity. A series of studies, mainly retrospective and observational in nature, explored the prognostic impact of CTO PCI, revealing that successful lesion recanalisation is related to improved patient outcome and anginal status; further evidence from randomised trials is on the way. The following review reports on the most recent advances in the field of CTO recanalisation, in an attempt to promote a more balanced approach in patients with chronically occluded coronary arteries and encourage more operators to cope with these inherently complex lesions. PMID:29588804

  18. Refusal of Medical and Surgical Interventions by Older Persons with Advanced Chronic Disease

    PubMed Central

    Van Ness, Peter H.; O’Leary, John R.; Fried, Terri R.

    2007-01-01

    BACKGROUND Patients with advanced chronic disease are frequently offered medical and surgical interventions with potentially large trade-offs between benefits and burdens. Little is known about the frequency or outcomes of treatment refusal among these patients. OBJECTIVE To assess the frequency of, reasons for, factors associated with, and outcomes of treatment refusal among older persons with advanced chronic disease. DESIGN Observational cohort study. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred twenty-six community-dwelling persons with advanced cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or congestive heart failure, interviewed at least every 4 months for up to 2 years. MEASUREMENTS Participants were asked if they had refused any treatments recommended by their physicians, and why. RESULTS Thirty-six of 226 patients (16%) reported refusing 1 or more medical or surgical treatments recommended by their physician. The most frequently refused interventions were cardiac catheterization and surgery. The most common reason for refusal was fear of side effects (41%). Treatment refusal was more frequent among patients who wanted prognostic information (10% vs 2%, p = .02) or estimated their own longevity at 2 years or less (18% vs 5%, p = .02). There was an increased risk of mortality among refusers compared with non-refusers (HR 1.98, 95% CI 1.02–3.86). CONCLUSIONS Refusal of medical and surgical interventions other than medications is common among persons with advanced chronic disease, and is associated with a greater desire for, and understanding of, prognostic information. PMID:17483977

  19. Venous thrombosis and stenosis after peripherally inserted central catheter placement in children.

    PubMed

    Shin, H Stella; Towbin, Alexander J; Zhang, Bin; Johnson, Neil D; Goldstein, Stuart L

    2017-11-01

    Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) can lead to development of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis. The presence of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis may preclude children with chronic medical conditions from receiving lifesaving therapies, from hemodialysis in end-stage renal disease to total parenteral nutrition in short bowel syndrome. Several adult studies have found an association between PICCs and venous thrombosis and/or stenosis, but none has evaluated for this association in children. To determine the incidence of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis after PICC placement and identify factors that increase the risk of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis after PICC placement in children. We conducted a retrospective review of children ages 1-18 years with a PICC placed between January 2010 and July 2013 at our center, and included those who had at least one vascular imaging study of the ipsilateral extremity (Doppler ultrasound, venogram or MR angiogram) after PICC placement. Logistic regression was applied to determine risk factors for development of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis. One thousand, one hundred and ten upper extremity PICCs were placed, with 703 PICCs in the right and 407 PICCs in the left. Eight hundred fifty-one imaging studies (609 Doppler ultrasounds, 193 contrast venograms and 49 MR angiograms) were performed in 376 patients. The incidence of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis in the imaged cohort was 26.3%. PICC laterality, insertion site, duration, patient height to PICC diameter ratio, and number of PICCs per patient were not associated with development of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis. Additionally, primary diagnosis and symptoms at the time of imaging did not predict findings of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis. However, patients exposed to non-PICC central venous catheters (CVC) were more likely to develop venous thrombosis and/or stenosis (odds ratio 1.95, 1.10-3.45). More than a quarter of the vascular imaging studies

  20. Prevalence of difficult venous access and associated risk factors in highly complex hospitalised patients.

    PubMed

    Armenteros-Yeguas, Victoria; Gárate-Echenique, Lucía; Tomás-López, Maria Aranzazu; Cristóbal-Domínguez, Estíbaliz; Moreno-de Gusmão, Breno; Miranda-Serrano, Erika; Moraza-Dulanto, Maria Inmaculada

    2017-12-01

    To estimate the prevalence of difficult venous access in complex patients with multimorbidity and to identify associated risk factors. In highly complex patients, factors like ageing, the need for frequent use of irritant medication and multiple venous catheterisations to complete treatment could contribute to exhaustion of venous access. A cross-sectional study was conducted. 'Highly complex' patients (n = 135) were recruited from March 2013-November 2013. The main study variable was the prevalence of difficult venous access, assessed using one of the following criteria: (1) a history of difficulties obtaining venous access based on more than two attempts to insert an intravenous line and (2) no visible or palpable veins. Other factors potentially associated with the risk of difficult access were also measured (age, gender and chronic illnesses). Univariate analysis was performed for each potential risk factor. Factors with p < 0·2 were then included in multivariable logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios were also calculated. The prevalence of difficult venous access was 59·3%. The univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that gender, a history of vascular access complications and osteoarticular disease were significantly associated with difficult venous access. The multivariable logistic regression showed that only gender was an independent risk factor and the odds ratios was 2·85. The prevalence of difficult venous access is high in this population. Gender (female) is the only independent risk factor associated with this. Previous history of several attempts at catheter insertion is an important criterion in the assessment of difficult venous access. The prevalence of difficult venous access in complex patients is 59·3%. Significant risk factors include being female and a history of complications related to vascular access. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  1. Venous Ulcers

    PubMed Central

    Caprini, J.A.; Partsch, H.; Simman, R.

    2013-01-01

    Venous leg ulcers are the most frequent form of wounds seen in patients. This article presents an overview on some practical aspects concerning diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment. Duplex ultrasound investigations are essential to ascertain the diagnosis of the underlying venous pathology and to treat venous refluxes. Differential diagnosis includes mainly other vascular lesions (arterial, microcirculatory causes), hematologic and metabolic diseases, trauma, infection, malignancies. Patients with superficial venous incompetence may benefit from endovenous or surgical reflux abolition diagnosed by Duplex ultrasound. The most important basic component of the management is compression therapy, for which we prefer materials with low elasticity applied with high initial pressure (short-stretch bandages and Velcro-strap devices). Local treatment should be simple, absorbing and not sticky dressings keeping adequate moisture balance after debridement of necrotic tissue and biofilms are preferred. After the ulcer is healed compression therapy should be continued in order to prevent recurrence. PMID:26236636

  2. Cardiovascular Deconditioning and Venous Air Embolism in Simulated Microgravity in the Rat

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Robinson, R. R.; Doursout, M.-F.; Chelly, J. E.; Powell, M. R.; Little, T. M.; Butler,B. D.

    1996-01-01

    Astronauts conducting extravehicular activities undergo decompression to a lower ambient pressure, potentially resulting in gas bubble formation within the tissues and venous circulation. Additionally, exposure to microgravity produces fluid shifts within the body leading to cardiovascular deconditioning. A lower incidence of decompression illness in actual spaceflight compared with that in ground-based altitude chamber flights suggests that there is a possible interaction between microgravity exposure and decompression illness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cardiovascular and pulmonary effects of simulated hypobaric decompression stress using a tail suspension (head-down tilt) model of microgravity to produce the fluid shifts associated with weightlessness in conscious, chronically instrumented rats. Venous bubble formation resulting from altitude decompression illness was simulated by a 3-h intravenous air infusion. Cardiovascular deconditioning was simulated by 96 h of head-down tilt. Heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, left ventricular wall thickening and cardiac output were continuously recorded. Lung studies were performed to evaluate edema formation and compliance measurement. Blood and pleural fluid were examined for changes in white cell counts and protein concentration. Our data demonstrated that in tail-suspended rats subjected to venous air infusions, there was a reduction in pulmonary edema formation and less of a decrease in cardiac output than occurred following venous air infusion alone. Mean arterial blood pressure and myocardial wall thickening fractions were unchanged with either tail-suspension or venous air infusion. Heart rate decreased in both conditions while systemic vascular resistance increased. These differences may be due in part to a change or redistribution of pulmonary blood flow or to a diminished cellular response to the microvascular insult of the venous air embolization.

  3. Social Media Representation of Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency Intervention for Multiple Sclerosis

    PubMed Central

    Forwell, Susan J.

    2016-01-01

    Background: We conducted a rigorous review of videos related to multiple sclerosis (MS) and chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) treatment posted by people with MS on one social media website (YouTube) that describe symptoms before and after the surgical procedure, as well as videos presented by health-care professionals (HCPs). Methods: All relevant videos posted from December 2009 to July 2011 were downloaded, viewed, and systematically organized. Categorical data were classified, and dominant messages were gleaned. Results: A total of 1789 videos were extracted. A total of 621 videos by people with MS and 238 by HCPs were included. Eighty-six percent of people with MS anecdotally reported experiencing some improvement in at least one symptom. The most common message was that “CCSVI is not a miracle but worth trying.” Most HCPs posting videos recommended the procedure but called for continued research. Conclusions: Social media are conveying an anecdotal favorable message about CCSVI treatment for MS. The relative absence of videos offering a negative or more balanced perspective is a concern. Social persuasion through these videos creates a strong positive impression of CCSVI treatment, but the videos do not acknowledge the lack of supporting scientific evidence and the possible role of the placebo effect. Given the strong influence of social media on health-care decision making, researchers and clinicians should actively use social media to reach out to people with MS and describe the state of the evidence for MS treatments, both positive and negative. PMID:27134577

  4. The complicated role of venous drainage on the survival of arterialized venous flaps

    PubMed Central

    Weng, Weidong; Zhang, Feng; Zhao, Bin; Wu, Zhipeng; Gao, Weiyang; Li, Zhijie; Yan, Hede

    2017-01-01

    The arterialized venous flap (AVF) has been gradually popularized in clinical settings; however, its survival is still inconsistent and the role of venous drainage remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of venous drainage on the flap survival of arterialized venous flaps. An arterialized venous flap was outlined symmetrically in the rabbit abdomen. The arterial perfusion flap with a unilateral vascular pedicle was taken as the control group and three other experimental groups (I, II and III) were designed based on the number of drainage veins (n = 1, 2 and 3 in the three groups, respectively). Compared with the control group, significant venous congestion was noted in all the experimental groups and the most severe one was seen in group I; while no statistical difference was observed between groups II and III. Similar results regarding blood perfusion state, epidermal metabolite levels and flap survival status were obtained among the three groups. These findings suggested that venous drainage is vital in the survival of the flap, but unlike in the arterial perfusion flaps, the problem of venous congestion can only be partially solved by increasing the number of draining veins. Further studies are warranted to gain insight into this complicated issue. PMID:28145882

  5. Role of Catheter-directed Thrombolysis in Management of Iliofemoral Deep Venous Thrombosis.

    PubMed

    Chen, James X; Sudheendra, Deepak; Stavropoulos, S William; Nadolski, Gregory J

    2016-01-01

    The treatment for iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is challenging, as the use of anticoagulation alone can be insufficient for restoring venous patency and thus lead to prolongation of acute symptoms and an increased risk of chronic complications, including venous insufficiency and postthrombotic syndrome (PTS). In these cases, earlier and more complete thrombus removal can ameliorate acute symptoms and reduce long-term sequelae. Endovascular therapies involving the use of pharmacologic, mechanical, and combined pharmacomechanical modalities have been developed to achieve these goals. The most frequently used of these techniques, catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), involves the infusion of a thrombolytic agent through a multiple-side-hole catheter placed within the thrombosed vein to achieve high local doses and thereby break down the clot while minimizing systemic thrombolytic agent exposure. Randomized controlled trial results have indicated decreased PTS rates and improved venous patency rates in patients treated with CDT compared with these rates in patients treated with anticoagulation. The use of newer pharmacomechanical techniques, as compared with conventional CDT, reduces procedural times and thrombolytic agent doses and is the subject of ongoing investigations. Endovascular thrombus removal techniques offer a means to improve venous valvular function and decrease the risk of debilitating long-term complications such as PTS and are a promising option for treating patients with iliofemoral DVT. (©)RSNA, 2016.

  6. Venous interruption for pulmonary embolism: the illustrative case of Richard M. Nixon.

    PubMed

    Barker, W F; Hickman, E B; Harper, J A; Lungren, J

    1997-07-01

    This politically prominent patient was seen in consultation on October 26, 1974 because of chronic venous thrombosis and a recent pulmonary embolism. His problems had begun in 1965 when he developed venous thrombosis in the left leg after a length trip by air. His treatment had been sporadic and his compliance with treatment less than satisfactory. Because of detailed phlebography demonstrating (1) no clots in the veins of the right leg, (2) extensive loose lying clot filling the superficial, deep, and external iliac veins on the left, and (3) because of prior difficulties with patient compliance unilateral interruption of the left external iliac vein above the top of the clot was proposed. Despite some postoperative complications, the patient made a full recovery and lived 19 years on warfarin therapy before death from unrelated causes. He suffered no significant edema or other postphlebitic symptoms in the affected leg. The history of the use of venous interruption under these circumstances is reviewed to justify the operation that was performed.

  7. Potential mechanisms of disease progression and management of advanced-phase chronic myeloid leukemia

    PubMed Central

    Jabbour, Elias J.; Hughes, Timothy P.; Cortés, Jorge E.; Kantarjian, Hagop M.; Hochhaus, Andreas

    2014-01-01

    Despite vast improvements in treatment of Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP), advanced stages of CML, accelerated phase or blast crisis, remain notoriously difficult to treat. Treatments that are highly effective against CML-CP produce disappointing results against advanced disease. Therefore, a primary goal of therapy should be to maintain patients in CP for as long as possible, by (1) striving for deep, early molecular response to treatment; (2) using tyrosine kinase inhibitors that lower risk of disease progression; and (3) more closely observing patients who demonstrate cytogenetic risk factors at diagnosis or during treatment. PMID:24050507

  8. Potential mechanisms of disease progression and management of advanced-phase chronic myeloid leukemia.

    PubMed

    Jabbour, Elias J; Hughes, Timothy P; Cortés, Jorge E; Kantarjian, Hagop M; Hochhaus, Andreas

    2014-07-01

    Despite vast improvements in the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP), advanced stages of CML, accelerated phase or blast crisis, remain notoriously difficult to treat. Treatments that are highly effective against CML-CP produce disappointing results against advanced disease. Therefore, a primary goal of therapy should be to maintain patients in CP for as long as possible, by (1) striving for deep, early molecular response to treatment; (2) using tyrosine kinase inhibitors that lower risk of disease progression; and (3) more closely observing patients who demonstrate cytogenetic risk factors at diagnosis or during treatment.

  9. Primary venous insufficiency increases risk of deep vein thrombosis.

    PubMed

    Shaydakov, Maxim E; Comerota, Anthony J; Lurie, Fedor

    2016-04-01

    Varicose veins have been recognized as a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, venous reflux has not carried the same correlation. This study evaluated the association between primary valvular reflux and DVT. We performed a nested case-control study with enrollment of outpatients presenting to the vascular laboratory with signs and symptoms of DVT. All patients had a complete bilateral venous duplex examination evaluating for DVT and superficial and deep venous valvular reflux. Eighty-seven patients with confirmed DVT on venous duplex were selected for the study group. The control group was randomly selected from the same cohort in a 4:1 ratio matched by age and gender (n = 348). Groups were compared for the prevalence of deep and superficial reflux. DVT outpatients were 4.7-times more likely to have primary valvular reflux than symptomatic controls (65.5% vs 29.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8-7.7; P < .000001). Deep reflux was 2.1-times more prevalent (36.8% vs 21.6%; odds ratio, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.28-3.51; P = .005) and superficial reflux was 4.6-times more prevalent (43.7% vs 14.4%; odds ratio, 4.62; 95% CI, 2.75-7.77; P < .0000001) in DVT patients than in controls. DVT patients were also 2.1-times more likely to have combined deep and superficial reflux than non-DVT patients (13.8% vs 6.6%, 95% CI, 1.08-4.75; P = .044). The prevalence of primary valvular reflux in patients with DVT is significantly higher than expected. Reflux may be considered as a novel risk factor for DVT. Two-thirds of patients with DVT have pre-existent primary chronic venous disease, which is likely to contribute to post-thrombotic morbidity. Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Novel Biomarkers of Arterial and Venous Ischemia in Microvascular Flaps

    PubMed Central

    Nguyen, Gerard K.; Monahan, John F. W.; Davis, Gabrielle B.; Lee, Yong Suk; Ragina, Neli P.; Wang, Charles; Zhou, Zhao Y.; Hong, Young Kwon; Spivak, Ryan M.; Wong, Alex K.

    2013-01-01

    The field of reconstructive microsurgery is experiencing tremendous growth, as evidenced by recent advances in face and hand transplantation, lower limb salvage after trauma, and breast reconstruction. Common to all of these procedures is the creation of a nutrient vascular supply by microsurgical anastomosis between a single artery and vein. Complications related to occluded arterial inflow and obstructed venous outflow are not uncommon, and can result in irreversible tissue injury, necrosis, and flap loss. At times, these complications are challenging to clinically determine. Since early intervention with return to the operating room to re-establish arterial inflow or venous outflow is key to flap salvage, the accurate diagnosis of early stage complications is essential. To date, there are no biochemical markers or serum assays that can predict these complications. In this study, we utilized a rat model of flap ischemia in order to identify the transcriptional signatures of venous congestion and arterial ischemia. We found that the critical ischemia time for the superficial inferior epigastric fasciocutaneus flap was four hours and therefore performed detailed analyses at this time point. Histolgical analysis confirmed significant differences between arterial and venous ischemia. The transcriptome of ischemic, congested, and control flap tissues was deciphered by performing Affymetrix microarray analysis and verified by qRT-PCR. Principal component analysis revealed that arterial ischemia and venous congestion were characterized by distinct transcriptomes. Arterial ischemia and venous congestion was characterized by 408 and 1536>2-fold differentially expressed genes, respectively. qRT-PCR was used to identify five candidate genes Prol1, Muc1, Fcnb, Il1b, and Vcsa1 to serve as biomarkers for flap failure in both arterial ischemia and venous congestion. Our data suggests that Prol1 and Vcsa1 may be specific indicators of venous congestion and allow clinicians to

  11. The role of noninvasive and invasive diagnostic imaging techniques for detection of extra-cranial venous system anomalies and developmental variants

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    The extra-cranial venous system is complex and not well studied in comparison to the peripheral venous system. A newly proposed vascular condition, named chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI), described initially in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has triggered intense interest in better understanding of the role of extra-cranial venous anomalies and developmental variants. So far, there is no established diagnostic imaging modality, non-invasive or invasive, that can serve as the “gold standard” for detection of these venous anomalies. However, consensus guidelines and standardized imaging protocols are emerging. Most likely, a multimodal imaging approach will ultimately be the most comprehensive means for screening, diagnostic and monitoring purposes. Further research is needed to determine the spectrum of extra-cranial venous pathology and to compare the imaging findings with pathological examinations. The ability to define and reliably detect noninvasively these anomalies is an essential step toward establishing their incidence and prevalence. The role for these anomalies in causing significant hemodynamic consequences for the intra-cranial venous drainage in MS patients and other neurologic disorders, and in aging, remains unproven. PMID:23806142

  12. [Proportion and prevention of venous thromboembolism among hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Beijing].

    PubMed

    Liang, Li-rong; Zhang, Zhu; Wang, Hong; Xu, Zhen-yang; Qian, Xiao-sen; Zhang, Zuo-qing; Chen, Jin; Zhang, Feng-zhen; Yang, Yuan-hua

    2013-08-13

    To explore the proportion and prevention status of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in Beijing. Based on a multi-center retrospective study, a total of 636 hospitalized AECOPD patients from 17 class 2/3 hospitals in Beijing were examined from September 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012. They fulfilled one of the following criteria: respiratory failure type II, on invasive or non-invasive mechanical ventilation, hospitalization for pulmonary infection, bedridden duration ≥ 3 days and congestive heart failure. All investigators received standardized training and used a standardized questionnaire to collect data on VTE risk factors, the diagnosis of VTE and the utilization of VTE prophylaxis. According to Caprini score, they were categorized into 3 groups of lower risk (Caprini score ≤ 3), moderate risk (Caprini score 4-6) and high risk ( ≥ 7) to compare the intergroup differences in the VTE proportion and the utilization of VTE prophylaxis. A total of 636 patients were assessed. There were 416 males and 220 females with a mean (SD) age of 74.9 ± 9.3 years. Among them, 133 patients received lower extremity venous ultrasonic examination and 92 were diagnosed with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) including 2 patients with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). Thus the overall incidence of VTE was 14.5% (92/636) and increased with age (Ptrend = 0.044). The proportion of VTE in asymptomatic patients was higher in those symptomatic ones (21.1% vs 8.0%, P = 0.000). And it was the highest in high risk group, followed by lower risk and moderate risk groups at 17.9% (14/78), 16.0% (26/163) and 13.2% (52/395) respectively, There was no statistical significance (P = 0.450 for group difference, Ptrend = 0.946). Among 544 patients without VTE, only 19.1% (104/544) employed the pharmacologic and/or mechanical methods for preventing VTE. The prevention proportion gradually increased with rising

  13. A New Technique for Femoral Venous Access in Infants Using Arterial Injection Venous Return Guidance

    PubMed Central

    Ebishima, Hironori; Kitano, Masataka; Kurosaki, Kenichi; Shiraishi, Isao

    2017-01-01

    Objectives: Although venography guidance is helpful for central venous catheter placement, it is sometimes difficult to place a peripheral intravenous cannula for enhancement. We designed a new technique for establishing femoral venous access using venography guidance in the return phase of peripheral arteriography. This new technique was named arterial injection venous return guidance. Here we assessed the efficacy and safety of arterial injection venous return guidance. Methods: We reviewed data of 29 infants less than 6 months old undergoing catheter intervention at our institute in 2014. Of the 29 patients, femoral venous cannulation was performed using arterial injection venous return guidance in 5 patients, venography in 20 patients, and the landmark method in 4 patients. The technical success rates and incidence of complications were compared. Results: The overall success rates were 100% in the arterial injection venous return-guided and venography-guided groups. The mean procedure duration and mean contrast material injection time were similar between the groups. The contrast effect on the femoral vein in the arterial injection venous return-guided group was lower than that in the venography-guided group, but adequate for surgery. The overall complication rate was 17%, and obstruction of previously placed intravenous catheters was the most common complication. Conclusions: Therefore, the arterial injection venous return guidance technique was as safe and efficient as venography for establishing venous access. PMID:29034015

  14. Expected outcomes from topical haemoglobin spray in non-healing and worsening venous leg ulcers.

    PubMed

    Arenberger, P; Elg, F; Petyt, J; Cutting, K

    2015-05-01

    To evaluate the effect of topical haemoglobin spray on treatment response and wound-closure rates in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers. A linear regression model was used to forecast healing outcomes over a 12-month period. Simulated data were taken from normal distributions based on post-hoc analysis of a 72-patient study in non-healing and worsening wounds (36 patients receiving standard care and 36 receiving standard care plus topical haemoglobin spray). Using a simulated 25,000 'patients' from each group, the proportion of wound closure over time was projected. Simulation results predicted a 55% wound closure rate at six months in the haemoglobin group, compared with 4% in the standard care group. Over a 12-month simulation period, a 43% overall reduction in wound burden was predicted. With the haemoglobin spray, 85% of wounds were expected to heal in 12 months, compared with 13% in the standard care group. Topical haemoglobin spray promises a more effective treatment for chronic venous leg ulcers than standard care alone in wounds that are non-healing or worsening. Further research is required to validate these predictions and to identify achievable outcomes in other chronic wound types.

  15. Proximally pedicled medial plantar flap based on superficial venous system alone for venous drainage.

    PubMed

    Wright, Thomas C; Mossaad, Bassem M; Chummun, Shaheel; Khan, Umraz; Chapman, Thomas W L

    2013-07-01

    The proximally pedicled medial plantar flap is well described for coverage of wounds around the ankle and heel. This flap is usually based on the deep venae comitantes for venous drainage, with the superficial veins divided during dissection. Usually any disruption of the deep venous system of the flap would result in abandoning this choice of flap. Venous congestion is a recognised complication of medial plantar flaps. The patient described in this case report had a medial ankle defect with exposed bone, for which a proximally pedicled medial plantar flap was used. As we raised the flap, both venae comitantes of the medial planter artery were found to be disrupted. The flap was raised based on the superficial veins draining into the great saphenous, as the only system for venous drainage, with no evidence of venous congestion. The flap was successfully transposed into the defect and healed with no complications. The proximally pedicled medial plantar flap can safely rely on the superficial venous system alone for drainage. In addition, preserving the superficial veins minimise the risk of venous congestion in this flap. We recommend preservation of superficial venous system when possible. Copyright © 2013 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Depiction of lower limb venous anatomy in patients undergoing interventional deep venous reconstruction-the role of balanced steady state free precession MRI.

    PubMed

    Helyar, Vincent G; Gupta, Yuri; Blakeway, Lyndall; Charles-Edwards, Geoff; Katsanos, Konstantinos; Karunanithy, Narayan

    2018-02-01

    This study evaluates the use of balanced steady-state free precession MRI (bSSFP-MRI) in the diagnostic work-up of patients undergoing interventional deep venous reconstruction (I-DVR). Intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IVDSA) was used as the gold-standard for comparison to assess disease extent and severity. A retrospective comparison of bSSFP-MRI to IVDSA was performed in all patients undergoing both examinations for treatment planning prior to I-DVR. The severity of disease in each venous segment was graded by two board-certified radiologists working independently, according to a predetermined classification system. In total, 44 patients (225 venous segments) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A total of 156 abnormal venous segments were diagnosed using bSSFP-MRI compared with 151 using IVDSA. The prevalence of disease was higher in the iliac and femoral segments (range, 79.6-88.6%). Overall sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and the diagnostic ratio for bSSFP-MRI were 99.3%, 91.9%, 12.3, 0.007 and 1700, respectively. This study supports the use of non-contrast balanced SSFP-MRI in the assessment of the deep veins of the lower limb prior to I-DVR. The technique offers an accurate, fast and non-invasive alternative to IVDSA. Advances in Knowledge: Although balanced SSFP-MRI is commonly used in cardiac imaging, its use elsewhere is limited and its use in evaluating the deep veins prior to interventional reconstruction is not described. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of this technique in the work-up of patients awaiting interventional venous reconstruction compared with the current gold standard.

  17. The effect of chronic liver disease on venous thromboembolism among medically managed patients in Singapore General Hospital.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yong; Zhang, Xiao Zhu; Ng, Han Seong; Fong, Jeffrey Chern Hui; Lee, Lai Heng

    2015-09-01

    Chronic liver disease (CLD) has been suggested to be associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) in western populations. However, little is known about the risk effects of CLD on VTE among Asians. To compute the prevalence of VTE among hospitalised Asian patients, and to evaluate the pattern and scale of risk effects of CLD on VTE occurrence. Retrospective study of hospital discharge database from 2004 to 2011 to identify patients with VTE and CLD using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 9th Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-9-AM) codes. Of 199904 medically managed inpatients during the 8years, 1744 (0.9%) patients had VTE. Patients with CLD had significant higher prevalence of VTE (non-cirrhosis CLD 1.5%, cirrhosis 2.0%) than patients without CLD (0.8%, p<0.001). In the logistic regression analyses, non-cirrhosis CLD (odds ratio, OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.7, p<0.001) and cirrhosis (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-2.0, p=0.002) were significant predictors of VTE after adjustment for age, gender, ethnicity, hospital long stayer, cancer, infectious disease, and other comorbid conditions such as diabetic mellitus, anaemia, and cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, renal and pulmonary diseases. CLD, particular liver cirrhosis, increases the risks of VTE in hospitalised Asian patients. As CLD patients are perceived to be at risks of bleeding due to the prolonged clotting times and thrombocytopenia, the results of this study brings attention to opposite end of the haemostatic pendulum in patients with chronic liver disease. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Risk factors for venous thrombosis associated with peripherally inserted central venous catheters

    PubMed Central

    Pan, Longfang; Zhao, Qianru; Yang, Xiangmei

    2014-01-01

    To evaluate the risk factors associated with an increased risk of symptomatic peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC)-related venous thrombosis. Retrospective analyses identified 2313 patients who received PICCs from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2013. All 11 patients with symptomatic PICC-related venous thrombosis (thrombosis group) and 148 who did not have thromboses (non-thrombosis group) were selected randomly. The medical information of 159 patients (age, body mass index (BMI), diagnosis, smoking history, nutritional risk score, platelet count, leucocyte count as well as levels of D-dimer, fibrinogen, and degradation products of fibrin) were collected. Logistic regression analysis was undertaken to determine the risk factors for thrombosis. Of 2313 patients, 11 (0.47%) were found to have symptomatic PICC-related venous thrombosis by color Doppler ultrasound. Being bedridden for a long time (odds ratio [(OR]), 17.774; P=0.0017), D-dimer >5 mg/L (36.651; 0.0025) and suffering from one comorbidity (8.39; 0.0265) or more comorbidities (13.705; 0.0083) were the major risk factors for PICC-catheter related venous thrombosis by stepwise logistic regression analysis. Among 159 patients, the prevalence of PICC-associated venous thrombosis in those with ≥1 risk factor was 10.34% (12/116), in those with ≥2 risk factors was 20.41% (10/49), and in those with >3 risk factors was 26.67% (4/15). Being bedridden >72 h, having increased levels of D-dimer (>5 mg/L) and suffering from comorbidities were independent risk factors of PICC-related venous thrombosis. PMID:25664112

  19. Estimating the Clinical Outcomes and Cost Differences Between Standard Care With and Without Cadexomer Iodine in the Management of Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers Using a Markov Model.

    PubMed

    Nherera, Leo M; Woodmansey, Emma; Trueman, Paul; Gibbons, Garry W

    2016-06-01

    Chronic venous leg ulcers (VLUs) affect up to 1% of the adult population in the developed world and present a significant financial and resource burden to health care systems. Cadexomer iodine (CI) is an antimicrobial dressing indicated for use in chronic exuding wounds. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost utility of using CI + standard care (SC) - ie, high compression multicomponent bandaging including debridement - compared with SC alone in the management of chronic (>6 months' duration) VLUs from a payer's perspective. A Markov model was constructed to evaluate the cost and clinical benefits (healing and decreased infection rates) of the 2 treatment modalities over a 1-year period using data from 4 randomized, controlled clinical studies (RCTs) included in a recent Cochrane review and cost data from a recently published economic evaluation of VLUs. Costs were calculated using 2014 United States dollars; wound outcomes in- cluded complete healing in 212 patients reported in the Cochrane meta-analysis and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), with utility values obtained from 200 patients with VLUs calculated using standard gamble. Treatment with CI over 1 year was $7,259 compared to $7,901 for SC. This resulted in a cost savings of $643/patient in favor of CI compared with SC. More patients treated with CI (61%) had their wounds healed compared to 54% treated with SC. Furthermore, patients treated with CI+SC experienced 6 additional ulcer-free weeks compared to persons treated with SC alone (ie, 25 ulcer- free weeks compared to 19 ulcer-free weeks, respectively). Overall, CI resulted in 0.03 more QALYs (ie, 0.86 QALYs compared to 0.83 for SC). The use of CI in addition to SC compared to SC alone over 52 weeks resulted in more wounds healed and more QALYs along with a decrease of overall costs The results of this study suggest CI is cost effective com- pared to SC alone in the management of patients with chronic VLUs. Prospective, controlled clinical

  20. Advances in Evaluation of Chronic Diarrhea in Infants.

    PubMed

    Thiagarajah, Jay R; Kamin, Daniel S; Acra, Sari; Goldsmith, Jeffrey D; Roland, Joseph T; Lencer, Wayne I; Muise, Aleixo M; Goldenring, James R; Avitzur, Yaron; Martín, Martín G

    2018-06-01

    Diarrhea is common in infants (children less than 2 years of age), usually acute, and, if chronic, commonly caused by allergies and occasionally by infectious agents. Congenital diarrheas and enteropathies (CODEs) are rare causes of devastating chronic diarrhea in infants. Evaluation of CODEs is a lengthy process and infrequently leads to a clear diagnosis. However, genomic analyses and the development of model systems have increased our understanding of CODE pathogenesis. With these advances, a new diagnostic approach is needed. We propose a revised approach to determine causes of diarrhea in infants, including CODEs, based on stool analysis, histologic features, responses to dietary modifications, and genetic tests. After exclusion of common causes of diarrhea in infants, the evaluation proceeds through analyses of stool characteristics (watery, fatty, or bloody) and histologic features, such as the villus to crypt ratio in intestinal biopsies. Infants with CODEs resulting from defects in digestion, absorption, transport of nutrients and electrolytes, or enteroendocrine cell development or function have normal villi to crypt ratios; defects in enterocyte structure or immune-mediated conditions result in an abnormal villus to crypt ratios and morphology. Whole-exome and genome sequencing in the early stages of evaluation can reduce the time required for a definitive diagnosis of CODEs, or lead to identification of new variants associated with these enteropathies. The functional effects of gene mutations can be analyzed in model systems such as enteroids or induced pluripotent stem cells and are facilitated by recent advances in gene editing procedures. Characterization and investigation of new CODE disorders will improve management of patients and advance our understanding of epithelial cells and other cells in the intestinal mucosa. Copyright © 2018 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Effect of Vacuum on Venous Drainage: an Experimental Evaluation on Pediatric Venous Cannulas and Tubing Systems.

    PubMed

    Vida, V L; Bhattarai, A; Speggiorin, S; Zanella, F; Stellin, G

    2014-01-01

    To observe how vacuum assisted venous drainage (VAVD) may influence the flow in a cardiopulmonary bypass circuit with different size of venous lines and cannulas. The experimental circuit was assembled to represent the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit routinely used during cardiac surgery. Wall suction was applied directly, modulated and measured into the venous reservoir. The blood flow was measured with a flow-meter positioned on the venous line. The circuit prime volume was replaced with group O date expired re-suspended red cells and Plasmalyte 148 to a hematocrit of 28% to 30%. In an open circuit with gravity siphon venous drain, angled cannulae drain more than straight ones regardless the amount of suction applied to the venous line (16 Fr straight cannula (S) drains 90 ml/min less than a 16 Fr angled (A) with a siphon gravity). The same flow can be obtained with lower cannula size and higher suction (i.e. 12 A with and -30 mmHg). Tables have been created to list how the flow varies according to the size of the cannulas, the size of the venous tubes, and the amount of suction applied to the system. Vacuum assisted venous drainage allows the use of smaller cannulae and venous lines to maintain a good venous return, which is very useful during minimally invasive approaches. The present study should be considered as a preliminary attempt to create a scientific-based starting point for a uniform the use of VAVD.

  2. A new cyclodextrin-grafted viscose loaded with aescin formulations for a cosmeto-textile approach to chronic venous insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Cravotto, G; Beltramo, L; Sapino, S; Binello, A; Carlotti, M E

    2011-10-01

    Cosmeto-textile applications can be used in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency in legs by means of elastic bandages loaded with natural products which possess flebotonic properties. We have developed an efficient synthetic procedure for the preparation of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)-grafted viscose by means of a 2-step ultrasound-assisted reaction. The highly grafted fabric bearing bis-urethane bridged β-CD has been characterized by ATR-FTIR and CP-MAS spectra and by an empiric colorimetric method which used phenolphthalein as the CD guest. We have also developed a suitable cosmetic preparation containing natural substances and extracts (aescin, menthol, Centella asiatica and Ginkgo biloba) to recharge the CD-grafted textile. The efficacy of the new cosmeto-textile has been corroborated by in vitro studies of diffusion through membranes, cutaneous permeation and accumulation in porcine skin. Aescin was taken as a reference compound and its concentration in the different compartments was monitored by HPLC analysis. This cost effective cosmeto-textile shows excellent application compliance and is easily recharged and so has the strong base characteristics needed for possible industrial production.

  3. Radiofrequency Wire Recanalization of Chronically Thrombosed TIPS

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Majdalany, Bill S., E-mail: bmajdala@med.umich.edu; Elliott, Eric D., E-mail: eric.elliott@osumc.edu; Michaels, Anthony J., E-mail: Anthony.michaels@osumc.edu

    Radiofrequency (RF) guide wires have been applied to cardiac interventions, recanalization of central venous thromboses, and to cross biliary occlusions. Herein, the use of a RF wire technique to revise chronically occluded transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) is described. In both cases, conventional TIPS revision techniques failed to revise the chronically thrombosed TIPS. RF wire recanalization was successfully performed through each of the chronically thrombosed TIPS, demonstrating initial safety and feasibility in this application.

  4. Use of ultraportable vacuum therapy systems in the treatment of venous leg ulcer.

    PubMed

    Cuomo, Roberto; Nisi, Giuseppe; Grimaldi, Luca; Brandi, Cesare; D'Aniello, Carlo

    2017-10-23

    The high incidence of venous leg ulcers and the difficult to give a complete healing involves in an increase of costs for National Health System. Main therapies to obtain a fast healing are compressive bandages, treatment of abnormal venous flow and in-situ-strategies of wound care. Negative pressure therapy does not conventionally used, because these systems not allow the use of compression bandages. Recently the development of ultraportable devices has improved the compliance and the results. Ten patients with venous chronic ulcer on the lower extremities were recruited for this study: all patients had venous leg ulcers from at least one year. We treated the patients with autologous partial thickness skin graft and subsequently we applied NANOVA device included in compressive bandage. We used NANOVA for fourteen days and after we made traditional medications. We submitted a questionnaire to evaluate the impact of dressing and NANOVA device in the quality of life of patients. The device contributed to the formation of granulation tissue and increased the success rate of autologous skin graft without limiting mobility of patient. In addition to this, we have been able to perform compression bandages thanks to small size of this device. Eight ulcers healed within 90 days of medication. We believe that ultraportable negative pressure systems are useful devices for treatment of venous leg ulcers because them allows to realize a compressive bandage without mobility limitations.

  5. Cost-effectiveness of wound management in France: pressure ulcers and venous leg ulcers.

    PubMed

    Meaume, S; Gemmen, E

    2002-06-01

    This study set out to define realistic protocols of care for the treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers and pressure ulcers in France and, by developing cost-effectiveness models, to compare the different protocols of care for the two ulcer groups, enabling a calculation of direct medical costs per ulcer healed in a typical French health insurance plan. Clinical outcomes and some treatment patterns were obtained from published literature. Validations of different treatment patterns were developed using an expert consensus panel similar to the Delphi approach. Costs were calculated based on national averages and estimates from the UK and Germany. The models were used to measure costs per healed ulcer over a 12-week period. For both the pressure ulcer and venous leg ulcer models, three protocols of care were identified. For pressure ulcers and venous leg ulcers, the hydrocolloid DuoDERM (ConvaTec, also known as Granuflex in the UK and Varihesive in Germany) was most cost-effective in France. The combination of published data and expert consensus opinion is a valid technique, and in this case suggests that treating pressure ulcers and venous leg ulcers with hydrocolloid dressings is more cost-effective than treating them with saline gauze, in spite of the lower unit cost of the latter.

  6. Chronic morbidities after traumatic brain injury: an update for the advanced practice nurse.

    PubMed

    Bay, Esther H; Chartier, Kattlynn S

    2014-06-01

    Emerging data suggest that traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disease process with considerable long-range morbidities requiring lifelong monitoring and treatment. Multiple chronic morbidities develop across the life span after TBI, including mental health disorders, headaches, seizures, and neuroendocrine imbalances as well as chronic diseases. Still, there has been limited focus on effective guides and strategies for helping persons with TBI meet their chronic health needs as they live with the consequences of TBI. The advanced practice nurse is well positioned to participate collaboratively in practices that promote health screening and chronic disease management after TBI to ameliorate distress and enhance quality of life as persons with TBI live with lifelong consequences.

  7. Warfarin-induced Venous Limb Gangrene

    PubMed Central

    Grim Hostetler, Sarah; Sopkovich, Jennifer; Dean, Steven

    2012-01-01

    Warfarin is a commonly used anticoagulant that has been associated with several significant cutaneous side effects, most notably warfarin-induced skin necrosis. A lesser known adverse reaction to warfarin is warfarin-induced venous limb gangrene. Both cutaneous adverse effects share the same pathophysiology, but are clinically quite different. The majority of cases of warfarin-induced venous limb gangrene has been in patients with cancer or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. However, other hypercoagulable disease states, such as the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, can be associated with venous limb gangrene. In order to increase recognition of this important condition, the authors report a case of warfarin-induced venous limb gangrene in a patient with presumed antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and review the literature on warfarin-induced venous limb gangrene. PMID:23198012

  8. Venous Access Ports: Indications, Implantation Technique, Follow-Up, and Complications

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Walser, Eric M., E-mail: walser.eric@mayo.edu

    The subcutaneous venous access device (SVAD or 'port') is a critical component in the care of patients with chronic disease. The modern SVAD provides reliable access for blood withdrawal and medication administration with minimal disruption to a patient's lifestyle. Because of improved materials and catheter technology, today's ports are lighter and stronger and capable of high-pressure injections of contrast for cross-sectional imaging. The majority of SVAD placement occurs in interventional radiology departments due to their ability to provide this service at lower costs, lower, complication rates, and greater volumes. Port-insertion techniques vary depending on the operator, but all consist ofmore » catheter placement in the central venous circulation followed by subcutaneous pocket creation and port attachment to the catheter with fixation and closure of the pocket. Venous access challenges occasionally occur in patients with central vein occlusions, necessitating catheterization of collateral veins or port placement in alternate locations. Complications of SVADs include those associated with the procedure as well as short- (<30 days) and long-term problems. Procedural and early complications are quite rare due to the near-universal use of real-time ultrasound guidance for vein puncture, but they can include hematoma, catheter malposition, arrhythmias, and pneumothorax. Late problems include both thrombotic complications (native venous or port-catheter thrombosis) and infections (tunnel or pocket infections or catheter-associated bloodstream infections). Most guidelines suggest that 0.3 infections/1000 catheter days is an appropriate upper threshold for the insertion of SVADs.« less

  9. Experimental-clinical study on the effects of hydromassage with Thermae Oasis's salsobromoiodine water in chronic venous stasis disease of the lower extremities.

    PubMed

    Ippolito, E; De Luca, S; Sommaruga, S; Grassellino, V; Nappi, G

    2008-08-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of thermal therapy, in particular hydromassage therapy with the ''Ca' Rossa'' salsobromoiodic water of the Thermae Oasis (Ferrara, Italy), in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) of the inferior limbs. Fourty-four patients with primary varices of the legs were enrolled. The anamnestic symptomatologic indicators of disease were: pain, perception of heaviness or paresthesias, nocturnal cramps, ''restless leg'' syndrome, pruritus. The symptoms were evaluated for both intensity and frequency. An additional clinical indicator was the centimetric measurement of the leg diameters at 3 levels: supramalleolar, mid-calf and mid-thigh. The patients were subdivided in two groups: patients submitted to a cycle of hydromassage with salsobromoiodic water and patients treated with compressive elastic stocking (12 mmHg). At the end of the treatment cycle, symptomatologic and clinical data were reassessed, in addition to morphological and velocimetric parameters related to the function of the peripheral vascular system. The results showed in Group A (thermal water hydromassage) an improved reduction of subjective and objective symptoms as compared to the control Group B, demonstrating a superior efficacy of thermal therapy. The efficacy of hydromassage therapy is due not only to the favourable action of hydrostatic pressure upon venous flow of the inferior limbs, but also to the peculiar chemical and physical characteristics of the thermal water utilized in this study. The elevated osmotic power of hydromassage is responsible for the significant intrinsic antiedematous properties.

  10. Severe chronic bronchitis in advanced emphysema increases mortality and hospitalizations.

    PubMed

    Kim, Victor; Sternberg, Alice L; Washko, George; Make, Barry J; Han, Meilan K; Martinez, Fernando; Criner, Gerard J

    2013-12-01

    Chronic bronchitis in COPD has been associated with an increased exacerbation rate, more hospitalizations, and an accelerated decline in lung function. The clinical characteristics of patients with advanced emphysema and chronic bronchitis have not been well described. Patients randomized to medical therapy in the National Emphysema Treatment Trial were grouped based on their reports of cough and phlegm on the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire(SGRQ) at baseline: chronic bronchitis(CB+) and no chronic bronchitis(CB-). The patients were similarly categorized into severe chronic bronchitis(SCB+) or no severe chronic bronchitis (SCB-) based on the above definition plus report of chest trouble. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine the relationships between chronic bronchitis and severe chronic bronchitis and survival and time to hospitalization. Lung function and SGRQ scores over time were compared between groups. The CB+(N = 234; 38%) and CB- groups(N = 376; 62%) had similar survival (median 60.8 versus 65.7 months, p = 0.19) and time to hospitalization (median 26.9 versus 24.9 months, p = 0.84). The SCB+ group(N = 74; 12%) had worse survival (median 47.7 versus 65.7 months, p = 0.02) and shorter time to hospitalization (median 18.5 versus 26.7 months, p = 0.02) than the SCB- group (N = 536; 88%). Mortality and hospitalization rates were not increased when chest trouble was analyzed by itself. The CB+ and CB-groups had similar lung function and SGRQ scores over time. The SCB+ and SCB-groups had similar lung function over time, but the SCB+ group had significantly worse SGRQ scores. Severe chronic bronchitis is associated with worse survival, shorter time to hospitalization, and worse health-related quality of life.

  11. Sharp Central Venous Recanalization by Means of a TIPS Needle

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Honnef, Dagmar, E-mail: honnef@rad.rwth-aachen.de; Wingen, Markus; Guenther, Rolf W.

    The purpose of this study was to perform an alternative technique for recanalization of a chronic occlusion of the left brachiocephalic vein that could not be traversed with a guidewire. Restoration of a completely thrombosed left brachiocephalic vein was attempted in a 76-year-old male hemodialysis patient with massive upper inflow obstruction, massive edema of the face, neck, shoulder, and arm, and occlusion of the stented right brachiocephalic vein/superior vena cava. Vessel negotiation with several guidewires and multipurpose catheters proved unsuccessful. The procedure was also non-viable using a long, 21G puncture needle. Puncture of the superior vena cava (SVC) at themore » distal circumference of the stent in the right brachiocephalic vein/superior vena cava, however, was feasible with a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) set under biplanar fluoroscopy using the distal end of the right brachiocephalic vein as a target, followed by balloon dilatation and partial extraction of thrombotic material of the left brachiocephalic vein with a wire basket. Finally, two overlapping stents were deployed to avoid early re-occlusion. Venography demonstrated complete vessel patency with free contrast media flow via the stents into the SVC, which was reconfirmed in follow-up examinations. Immediate clinical improvement was observed. Venous vascular recanalization of chronic venous occlusion by means of a TIPS needle is feasible as a last resort under certain precautions.« less

  12. The influence of advanced age on venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation outcomes.

    PubMed

    Salna, Michael; Takeda, Koji; Kurlansky, Paul; Ikegami, Hirohisa; Fan, Liqiong; Han, Jiho; Stein, Samantha; Topkara, Veli; Yuzefpolskaya, Melana; Colombo, Paolo C; Karmpaliotis, Dimitrios; Naka, Yoshifumi; Kirtane, Ajay J; Garan, Arthur R; Takayama, Hiroo

    2018-01-22

    Ethical and health care economic concerns surround the use of venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in elderly patients. Patients requiring VA-ECMO are often in critical condition and the decision to cannulate is time-sensitive. We investigated the relationship between age and VA-ECMO outcomes to better inform this decision. This is a retrospective study of 355 patients placed on VA-ECMO between March 2007 and August 2016 at our institution. Using piecewise modelling, age became associated with in-hospital mortality after 63 years. Based on further analysis with the χ2 statistic maximization, patients were divided into 2 age groups: ≤72 years old [Group Y (Young), n = 310] and >72 years old [Group O (Old), n = 45]. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify preoperative predictors of in-hospital mortality. Patients over the age of 72 had a significantly higher prevalence of comorbidities, including coronary disease, previous strokes and chronic kidney disease. Weaning from ECMO was achieved in 76% of Group Y and 47% of Group O (P < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 52% among Group Y and 69% among Group O (P = 0.037). Multivariable logistic regression using preoperative risk factors identified coronary artery disease, acute decompensated heart failure and an age >72 years as independent predictors of mortality (age >72 years: odds ratio 2.71, 95% confidence interval 1.22-6.00; P = 0.01). VA-ECMO in-hospital mortality is considerable across all age groups. However, age only becomes associated with mortality after 63 years and rises dramatically after 72 years. This study provides useful insight into these time-sensitive decisions for the development of possible practice guidelines. © The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

  13. External jugular venous pressure as an alternative to conventional central venous pressure in right lobe donor hepatectomies.

    PubMed

    Abdullah, Mohamed Hussein; Soliman, Hossam El Deen; Morad, Wessam Saber

    2011-12-01

    Many centers have adopted central vein cannulation both for central venous pressure monitoring and fluid administration for right hepatectomy in living-liver donors. However, use of central venous catheters is associated with adverse events that are hazardous to patients and expensive to treat. This study sought to examine the use of external jugular venous pressure as an alternative to conventional central venous pressure in right lobe donor hepatectomies Forty ASA grade I adult living liver-donors without a known history of significant cardiac or pulmonary diseases were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Paired measurement of venous pressures (external jugular venous pressure and internal jugular venous pressure) were taken at the following times: after induction of anesthesia, 30 minutes after skin incision, during right lobe mobilization (every 15 minutes), during hepatic transaction (every 15 minutes), after right lobe resection (every 15 minutes), and after abdominal closure. Paired measurements were equal in 47.5%, 53.5%, 61.5%, 46.3%, and 52.5% for after induction, after skin incision, right lobe mobilization, right lobe transection, after resection, and before abdominal closure periods. However, all measurements were within acceptable limits of bias measurements (± 2 mm Hg). Central venous pressure catheter placement can be avoided and replaced by a less-invasive method such as external jugular venous pressure (which gave an acceptable estimate of central venous pressure in all phases of right lobe resection) in living-donor liver transplant and allowed equivalent monitor even during fluid restriction phases.

  14. Comparison of Oseltamivir and Oseltamivir Carboxylate Concentrations in Venous Plasma, Venous Blood, and Capillary Blood in Healthy Volunteers

    PubMed Central

    Instiaty, Insti; Lindegardh, Niklas; Jittmala, Podjanee; Hanpithakpong, Warunee; Blessborn, Daniel; Pukrittayakamee, Sasithon; White, Nicholas J.

    2013-01-01

    Oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate concentrations were measured in venous plasma, venous blood, and capillary blood taken simultaneously from 24 healthy volunteers. Median (range) venous-blood-to-plasma ratios were 1.42 (0.920 to 1.97) for oseltamivir and 0.673 (0.564 to 0.814) for oseltamivir carboxylate. Capillary blood/venous plasma ratios were 1.32 (0.737 to 3.16) for oseltamivir and 0.685 (0.502 to 1.34) for oseltamivir carboxylate. Oseltamivir concentrations in venous and capillary blood were similar. Oseltamivir carboxylate showed a time-dependent distribution between venous and capillary blood. PMID:23507284

  15. [Participation of leucocytes in pathogenesis of primary forms of lower limb chronic venous disease].

    PubMed

    Bogachev, V Iu; Golovanova, O V; Sergeeva, N A; Kuznetsov, A N

    2011-01-01

    The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis on participation of WBCs in damaging the venous wall in patients presenting with primary forms of lower limb chronic venous diseases LLCVD . The study included a total of fifteen consecutively selected patients (13 women and 2 men) diagnosed as having grade C2-C-4 LLCVD according to the CEAP classification. Static loading (30 minutes in the sitting position) was followed by simultaneous sampling of blood from the varicose vein of the cms and ulnar vein. The total blood count including determination of both the absolute values and percentage of blood formed elements was performed using the automated haematological counter «Advia 7» («Bayer», USA). The obtained findings were statistically processed using the Microsoft Office Excel software by means of the pared two-sample τ-test for the average values. The number of leukocytes and their subpopulations in blood samples obtained from the crural varicose veins turned out to be significantly less as compared with that in blood sampled from the ulnar vein. Thus, blood sampled from the crural varicose veins demonstrated a decrease in the counts of WBC by 9.6% in fourteen (93.3%) patients, that of neutrophils by 4.9% in twelve (80%) patients, that of lymphocytes by 16,8% in fifteen (100%) patients, and that oi monocytes by 24% in twelve (80%) patients. The mentioned differences were statistically significant at a = 0.05. The eosinophilic counts in blood sampled from the upper and lower extremities appeared similar in 66.7% of the examined subjects. In 33.3% of cases the eosinophilic count in blood samples from crural varicose vein was by 16.7% lower than that for blood samples form the ulnar vein. No differences for the rest parameters of the clinical blood count were revealed. The absolute lymphocytic count in the blood samples taken after the 30-minute static loading from the crural varicose veins was significantly lower as compared with that in blood sampled form

  16. Successful transcatheter closure of a congenital high-flow portosystemic venous shunt with the Amplatzer vascular plug II.

    PubMed

    Guneyli, Serkan; Cinar, Celal; Bozkaya, Halil; Parildar, Mustafa; Oran, Ismail; Akin, Yigit

    2012-12-01

    Congenital portosystemic venous shunt is extremely rare and should be treated. Advances in treatment techniques allow for patients to be treated safely. We present a 9-year-old boy with a large congenital portosystemic venous shunt. The shunt was occluded interventionally with the Amplatzer vascular plug II. Our case was unique with its clinical manifestation, the use of a 22-mm Amplatzer vascular plug II, and the presence of the patient's 1-year follow-up.

  17. Occult central venous stenosis leading to airway obstruction after subtotal parathyroidectomy.

    PubMed

    Meiklejohn, Duncan A; Chan, Dylan K; Lalakea, M Lauren

    2016-07-01

    Subtotal parathyroidectomy may be indicated in patients with chronic renal failure and tertiary hyperparathyroidism, a population at increased risk for central venous stenosis (CVS) due to repeated vascular access. Here we report a case of complete upper airway obstruction precipitated by subtotal parathyroidectomy with ligation of anterior jugular vein collaterals in a patient with occult CVS. This case demonstrates a previously unreported risk of anterior neck surgery in patients with chronic renal failure. We present a review of the literature and discuss elements of the history and physical examination suggestive of occult CVS, with additional workup proposed for appropriate cases. Recommendations are discussed for perioperative and postoperative care in patients at increased risk for CVS.

  18. Evolution in quality of life and epidemiological impact after endovascular treatment of chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency in patients with multiple sclerosis.

    PubMed

    Beelen, R; Maene, L; Castenmiller, P; Decoene, V; Degrieck, I

    2012-03-01

    We report the outcome of 67 patients after endovascular treatment of chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency in patients with multiple sclerosis. Material and methods For evaluating outcome, patients were divided into three groups with respective outcome after three, six and twelve months. Assessment of outcome was done by a disease-specific quality-of-life score that reflects the physical health (physical health composite, PHC) and mental health (mental health composite, MHC) by a score. Improvement in PHC was significant (P < 0.05) in the three- and six-month groups. Improvement in MHC was only significant (P < 0.05) in the three-month group. In conclusion, we can state that the result of endovascular treatment seems to decay although the baseline is still higher than preoperative. To confirm this finding, this study needs to be reproduced in a larger patient population.

  19. Inflammation in Chronic Wounds

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Ruilong; Liang, Helena; Clarke, Elizabeth; Jackson, Christopher; Xue, Meilang

    2016-01-01

    Non-healing chronic wounds present a major biological, psychological, social, and financial burden on both individual patients and the broader health system. Pathologically extensive inflammation plays a major role in the disruption of the normal healing cascade. The causes of chronic wounds (venous, arterial, pressure, and diabetic ulcers) can be examined through a juxtaposition of normal healing and the rogue inflammatory response created by the common components within chronic wounds (ageing, hypoxia, ischaemia-reperfusion injury, and bacterial colonisation). Wound bed care through debridement, dressings, and antibiotics currently form the basic mode of treatment. Despite recent setbacks, pharmaceutical adjuncts form an interesting area of research. PMID:27973441

  20. Inflammation in Chronic Wounds.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Ruilong; Liang, Helena; Clarke, Elizabeth; Jackson, Christopher; Xue, Meilang

    2016-12-11

    Non-healing chronic wounds present a major biological, psychological, social, and financial burden on both individual patients and the broader health system. Pathologically extensive inflammation plays a major role in the disruption of the normal healing cascade. The causes of chronic wounds (venous, arterial, pressure, and diabetic ulcers) can be examined through a juxtaposition of normal healing and the rogue inflammatory response created by the common components within chronic wounds (ageing, hypoxia, ischaemia-reperfusion injury, and bacterial colonisation). Wound bed care through debridement, dressings, and antibiotics currently form the basic mode of treatment. Despite recent setbacks, pharmaceutical adjuncts form an interesting area of research.

  1. Evaluation of capillary permeability and microcirculation in patients with chronic venous hypertension treated with venoruton by the vacuum suction chamber (VSC) device and laser-Doppler flowmetry.

    PubMed

    Belcaro, G; D'Aulerio, A; Rulo, A; Candiani, C

    1988-01-01

    A new system to study capillary permeability, the VSC (vacuum suction chamber) device has been developed to evaluate the variations of capillary permeability in postphlebitic limbs. The VSC device produces by negative pressure [obtained in a plastic chamber applied to the skin at the perimalleolar region] a wheal which disappears in normals in less than one hour. In twelve patients with moderate [superficial] venous hypertension and in twelve patients with postphlebitic limbs the time of disappearance of the wheals was significantly longer in comparison with ten normal limbs. There was also a significantly increased time of disappearance of the wheals in postphlebitic legs in comparison with those with superficial incompetence. The validation of the VSC technique with venous occlusion plethysmography (VOP) showed that the increase of time of disappearance of the wheals is well correlated with the increase of capillary permeability demonstrated by VOP. After 2 weeks treatment with Venoruton (at the dosage of 1000 mg t.i.d.) the time of disappearance of the wheal was significantly reduced in both groups of patients (while it was unchanged in normals). Laser-Doppler parameters used together with the VSC device to evaluate the microcirculatory changes associated with an altered capillary permeability also showed a significant improvement of the laser-Doppler parameters after treatment. In conclusion there is evidence by the VSC device that capillary permeability [which is abnormally increased] in chronic venous hypertension is improved [decreased] after treatment for two weeks with Venoruton. This study demonstrated also the efficacy of the VSC device to study capillary permeability and the effects of drugs active on capillary permeability.

  2. Low frequency of V617F mutation in JAK2 gene in Indian patients with hepatic venous outflow obstruction and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction.

    PubMed

    Rai, Praveer; Kumar, Pankaj; Mishra, Swapnil; Aggarwal, Rakesh

    2016-09-01

    Hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction (HVOTO) and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) are important causes of portal hypertension and related complications in India. Both these conditions result from splanchnic venous thrombosis. In recent years, a V617F somatic mutation in Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene which is highly specific for myeloproliferative disorders has been detected in 40 % to 50 % and 30 % to 35 % of Western patients with HVOTO and EHPVO, respectively. However, data on this mutation in these conditions from Asian countries are limited. We looked for JAK2 V617F mutation in Indian patients with HVOTO (n = 40, median age 31 [range 17-51] years, 21 female) and EHPVO (n = 50, median age 23 [15-70] years, 25 female) by using two separate methods. Both the methods involved polymerase chain reaction using allele-specific primers. Positive results on one or both of these techniques were confirmed using DNA sequencing. None of the 40 patients with HVOTO and only 1 of 50 patients with EHPVO was found to have JAK2 V617F mutation. In the one patient who was found to have this mutation, both the PCR methods and DNA sequencing showed positive results. Hypercoagulability associated with JAK2 V617F mutation and associated chronic myeloproliferative disorders was not a major cause of HVOTO and EHPVO in this population.

  3. In vitro validation of a self-driving aortic-turbine venous-assist device for Fontan patients.

    PubMed

    Pekkan, Kerem; Aka, Ibrahim Basar; Tutsak, Ece; Ermek, Erhan; Balim, Haldun; Lazoglu, Ismail; Turkoz, Riza

    2018-03-11

    Palliative repair of single ventricle defects involve a series of open-heart surgeries where a single-ventricle (Fontan) circulation is established. As the patient ages, this paradoxical circulation gradually fails, because of its high venous pressure levels. Reversal of the Fontan paradox requires an extra subpulmonic energy that can be provided through mechanical assist devices. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic performance of a totally implantable integrated aortic-turbine venous-assist (iATVA) system, which does not need an external drive power and maintains low venous pressure chronically, for the Fontan circulation. Blade designs of the co-rotating turbine and pump impellers were developed and 3 prototypes were manufactured. After verifying the single-ventricle physiology at a pulsatile in vitro circuit, the hemodynamic performance of the iATVA system was measured for pediatric and adult physiology, varying the aortic steal percentage and circuit configurations. The iATVA system was also tested at clinical off-design scenarios. The prototype iATVA devices operate at approximately 800 revolutions per minute and extract up to 10% systemic blood from the aorta to use this hydrodynamic energy to drive a blood turbine, which in turn drives a mixed-flow venous pump passively. By transferring part of the available energy from the single-ventricle outlet to the venous side, the iATVA system is able to generate up to approximately 5 mm Hg venous recovery while supplying the entire caval flow. Our experiments show that a totally implantable iATVA system is feasible, which will eliminate the need for external power for Fontan mechanical venous assist and combat gradual postoperative venous remodeling and Fontan failure. Copyright © 2018 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Clinical management of renal cell carcinoma with venous tumor thrombus.

    PubMed

    Agochukwu, Nnenaya; Shuch, Brian

    2014-06-01

    Venous invasion is common in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) due to the unique biology of this cancer. The presence of a tumor thrombus often makes clinical management challenging. In this review, we detail specific preoperative, perioperative, and surgical strategies involving the care of the complex kidney cancer patient with venous tumor involvement. We performed a comprehensive review of selected peer-reviewed publications regarding RCC tumor thrombus biology, medical and surgical management techniques, and immediate and long-term outcomes. The perioperative management may require special imaging techniques, preoperative testing, very recent imaging, and consultation with other surgical services. There are various approaches to these patients as the clinical presentation, stage of disease, primary tumor size, level of thrombus, degree of venous occlusion, presence of bland thrombus, and primary tumor laterality influence management. Select patients with metastatic disease can do well with cytoreductive nephrectomy and thrombectomy. Those with localized disease have a high risk of recurrence; however, some patients can exhibit durable survival with surgery alone. The evolving surgical and medical treatments are discussed. Even when these surgeries are performed in high volume centers, significant perioperative complications are common and greater complications are seen with higher thrombus extent. If surgery is attempted, it is important for urologic oncologists to follow strict attention to specific surgical principles. These general principles include complete vascular control, avoidance of thrombus embolization, close hemodynamic monitoring, and institutional resources for caval resection/replacement and venous bypass if necessary.

  5. Dural arteriovenous fistulas as a cause of intracranial hypertension due to impairment of cranial venous outflow

    PubMed Central

    Cognard, C.; Casasco, A.; Toevi, M.; Houdart, E.; Chiras, J.; Merland, J.

    1998-01-01

    OBJECTIVES—A retrospective study was carried out on 13 patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) who presented with isolated or associated signs of intracranial hypertension.
METHODS—Nine patients presented with symptoms of intracranial hypertension at the time of diagnosis. Ocular fundoscopy available in 12 patients showed bilateral papilloedema in eight and optic disk atrophy in four. Clinical evolution was particularly noticeable in five patients because of chronic (two patients) or acute (after lumbar shunting or puncture: three patients, one death) tonsillar herniation.
RESULTS—Two patients had a type I fistula (drainage into a sinus, with a normal antegrade flow direction). The remaining 11 had type II fistulas (drainage into a sinus, with abnormal retrograde venous drainage into sinuses or cortical veins). Stenosis or thrombosis of the sinus(es) distal to the fistula was present in five patients. The cerebral venous drainage was abnormal in all patients.
CONCLUSION—Type II (and some type I) DAVFs may present as isolated intracranial hypertension mimicking benign intracranial hypertension. Normal cerebral angiography should be added as a fifth criterion of benign intracranial hypertension. The cerebral venous drainage pattern must be carefully studied by contralateral carotid and vertebral artery injections to correctly evaluate the impairment of the cerebral venous outflow. Lumbar CSF diversion (puncture or shunting) may induce acute tonsillar herniation and should be avoided absolutely. DAVF may induce intracranial hypertension, which has a poor long term prognosis and may lead to an important loss of visual acuity and chronic tonsillar herniation. Consequently, patients with intracranial hypertension must be treated, even agressively, to obliterate the fistula or at least to reduce the arterial flow and to restore a normal cerebral venous drainage. The endovascular treatment may associate arterial or transvenous

  6. Reproducibility of cerebrospinal venous blood flow and vessel anatomy with the use of phase contrast-vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction and contrast-enhanced MRA.

    PubMed

    Schrauben, E M; Johnson, K M; Huston, J; Del Rio, A M; Reeder, S B; Field, A; Wieben, O

    2014-05-01

    The chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency hypothesis raises interest in cerebrospinal venous blood flow imaging, which is more complex and less established than in arteries. For accurate assessment of venous flow in chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency diagnosis and research, we must account for physiologic changes in flow patterns. This study examines day-to-day flow variability in cerebrospinal veins by use of 4D MR flow and contrast-enhanced MRA under typical, uncontrolled conditions in healthy individuals. Ten healthy volunteers were scanned in a test-retest fashion by use of a 4D flow MR imaging technique and contrast-enhanced MRA. Flow parameters obtained from phase contrast-vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction and contrast-enhanced MRA scoring measurements in the head, neck, and chest veins were analyzed for internal consistency and interscan reproducibility. Internal consistency was satisfied at the torcular herophili, with an input-output difference of 2.2%. Percentages of variations in flow were 20.3%, internal jugular vein; 20.4%, azygos vein; 6.8%, transverse sinus; and 5.1%, common carotid artery. Retrograde flow was found in the lower internal jugular vein (4.8%) and azygos vein (7.2%). Contrast-enhanced MRA interscan κ values for the internal jugular vein (left: 0.474, right: 0.366) and azygos vein (-0.053) showed poor interscan agreement. Phase contrast-vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction blood flow measurements are reliable and highly reproducible in intracranial veins and in the common carotid artery but not in veins of the neck (internal jugular vein) and chest (azygos vein) because of normal physiologic variation. Retrograde flow normally may be observed in the lower internal jugular vein and azygos vein. Low interrater agreement in contrast-enhanced MRA scans was observed. These findings have important implications for imaging diagnosis and experimental research of chronic cerebrospinal venous

  7. Alterations in Mouse Hypothalamic Adipokine Gene Expression and Leptin Signaling following Chronic Spinal Cord Injury and with Advanced Age

    PubMed Central

    Bigford, Gregory E.; Bracchi-Ricard, Valerie C.; Nash, Mark S.; Bethea, John R.

    2012-01-01

    Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in an accelerated trajectory of several cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and related aging characteristics, however the molecular mechanisms that are activated have not been explored. Adipokines and leptin signaling are known to play a critical role in neuro-endocrine regulation of energy metabolism, and are now implicated in central inflammatory processes associated with CVD. Here, we examine hypothalamic adipokine gene expression and leptin signaling in response to chronic spinal cord injury and with advanced age. We demonstrate significant changes in fasting-induced adipose factor (FIAF), resistin (Rstn), long-form leptin receptor (LepRb) and suppressor of cytokine-3 (SOCS3) gene expression following chronic SCI and with advanced age. LepRb and Jak2/stat3 signaling is significantly decreased and the leptin signaling inhibitor SOCS3 is significantly elevated with chronic SCI and advanced age. In addition, we investigate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activation of the uncoupled protein response (UPR) as a biological hallmark of leptin resistance. We observe the activation of the ER stress/UPR proteins IRE1, PERK, and eIF2alpha, demonstrating leptin resistance in chronic SCI and with advanced age. These findings provide evidence for adipokine-mediated inflammatory responses and leptin resistance as contributing to neuro-endocrine dysfunction and CVD risk following SCI and with advanced age. Understanding the underlying mechanisms contributing to SCI and age related CVD may provide insight that will help direct specific therapeutic interventions. PMID:22815920

  8. The biopsychosocial approach to chronic pain: scientific advances and future directions.

    PubMed

    Gatchel, Robert J; Peng, Yuan Bo; Peters, Madelon L; Fuchs, Perry N; Turk, Dennis C

    2007-07-01

    The prevalence and cost of chronic pain is a major physical and mental health care problem in the United States today. As a result, there has been a recent explosion of research on chronic pain, with significant advances in better understanding its etiology, assessment, and treatment. The purpose of the present article is to provide a review of the most noteworthy developments in the field. The biopsychosocial model is now widely accepted as the most heuristic approach to chronic pain. With this model in mind, a review of the basic neuroscience processes of pain (the bio part of biopsychosocial), as well as the psychosocial factors, is presented. This spans research on how psychological and social factors can interact with brain processes to influence health and illness as well as on the development of new technologies, such as brain imaging, that provide new insights into brain-pain mechanisms. Copyright 2007 APA

  9. Superior vena cava syndrome with central venous catheter for chemotherapy treated successfully with fibrinolysis.

    PubMed

    Guijarro Escribano, J F; Antón, R F; Colmenarejo Rubio, A; Sáenz Cascos, L; Sainz González, F; Alguacil Rodríguez, R

    2007-03-01

    Recently, there has been an increase in the number of cases of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome associated with chronic indwelling central venous catheters. Fibrinolytic therapy and endovascular treatment are currently achieving good results. We present a case history of a patient with SVC with a catheter used for chemotherapy, which was successfully treated with catheter-directed (intraclot) infusion thrombolytic therapy with urokinase.

  10. Agreement of arterial sodium and arterial potassium levels with venous sodium and venous potassium in patients admitted to intensive care unit.

    PubMed

    Nanda, Sunil Kumar; Ray, Lopamudra; Dinakaran, Asha

    2015-02-01

    Electrolyte abnormalities are one of the common causes of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. The turnaround time for electrolyte reporting should be as low as possible. Electrolytes are measured conventionally in serum obtained from venous blood by electrolyte analyser which takes 20 to 30 min. Point of care analysers are now available where in electrolytes can be measured in arterial blood within 5 min. This study was done to study the agreement of arterial sodium and arterial potassium with venous sodium and venous potassium levels. Venous sodium and venous potassium levels and arterial sodium and arterial potassium levels were analysed on 206 patient samples admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The venous values were compared with the arterial values for correlation. Venous sodium was compared with arterial sodium by spearman correlation. Venous potassium was compared with arterial potassium by pearson correlation. The mean value of arterial sodium was 134 and venous sodium was 137. The mean value of arterial potassium was 3.6 and venous potassium was 4.1. The correlation coefficient obtained for sodium was 0.787 and correlation coefficient obtained for potassium was 0.701. There was positive correlation of arterial sodium and arterial potassium with venous sodium and venous potassium indicating agreement between the parameters. Arterial sodium and arterial potassium can be used instead of venous sodium and venous potassium levels in management of critically ill patients.

  11. Patient-Clinician Communication About End-of-Life Care in Patients With Advanced Chronic Organ Failure During One Year.

    PubMed

    Houben, Carmen H M; Spruit, Martijn A; Schols, Jos M G A; Wouters, Emiel F M; Janssen, Daisy J A

    2015-06-01

    Patient-clinician communication is an important prerequisite to delivering high-quality end-of-life care. However, discussions about end-of-life care are uncommon in patients with advanced chronic organ failure. The aim was to examine the quality of end-of-life care communication during one year follow-up of patients with advanced chronic organ failure. In addition, we aimed to explore whether and to what extent quality of communication about end-of-life care changes toward the end of life and whether end-of-life care communication is related to patient-perceived quality of medical care. Clinically stable outpatients (n = 265) with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure, or chronic renal failure were visited at home at baseline and four, eight, and 12 months after baseline to assess quality of end-of-life care communication (Quality of Communication questionnaire). Two years after baseline, survival status was assessed, and if patients died during the study period, a bereavement interview was done with the closest relative. One year follow-up was completed by 77.7% of the patients. Quality of end-of-life care communication was rated low at baseline and did not change over one year. Quality of end-of-life care communication was comparable for patients who completed two year follow-up and patients who died during the study. The correlation between quality of end-of-life care communication and satisfaction with medical treatment was weak. End-of-life care communication is poor in patients with chronic organ failure and does not change toward the end of life. Future studies should develop an intervention aiming at initiating high-quality end-of-life care communication between patients with advanced chronic organ failure and their clinicians. Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Combined oral contraceptives: venous thrombosis.

    PubMed

    de Bastos, Marcos; Stegeman, Bernardine H; Rosendaal, Frits R; Van Hylckama Vlieg, Astrid; Helmerhorst, Frans M; Stijnen, Theo; Dekkers, Olaf M

    2014-03-03

    Combined oral contraceptive (COC) use has been associated with venous thrombosis (VT) (i.e., deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism). The VT risk has been evaluated for many estrogen doses and progestagen types contained in COC but no comprehensive comparison involving commonly used COC is available. To provide a comprehensive overview of the risk of venous thrombosis in women using different combined oral contraceptives. Electronic databases (Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, CINAHL, Academic Search Premier and ScienceDirect) were searched in 22 April 2013 for eligible studies, without language restrictions. We selected studies including healthy women taking COC with VT as outcome. The primary outcome of interest was a fatal or non-fatal first event of venous thrombosis with the main focus on deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Publications with at least 10 events in total were eligible. The network meta-analysis was performed using an extension of frequentist random effects models for mixed multiple treatment comparisons. Unadjusted relative risks with 95% confidence intervals were reported.Two independent reviewers extracted data from selected studies. 3110 publications were retrieved through a search strategy; 25 publications reporting on 26 studies were included. Incidence of venous thrombosis in non-users from two included cohorts was 0.19 and 0.37 per 1 000 person years, in line with previously reported incidences of 0,16 per 1 000 person years. Use of combined oral contraceptives increased the risk of venous thrombosis compared with non-use (relative risk 3.5, 95% confidence interval 2.9 to 4.3). The relative risk of venous thrombosis for combined oral contraceptives with 30-35 μg ethinylestradiol and gestodene, desogestrel, cyproterone acetate, or drospirenone were similar and about 50-80% higher than for combined oral contraceptives with levonorgestrel. A dose related effect of ethinylestradiol was observed for gestodene

  13. [Challenges and opportunities: contributions of the Advanced Practice Nurse in the chronicity. Learning from experiences].

    PubMed

    Appleby, Christine; Camacho-Bejarano, Rafaela

    2014-01-01

    Undoubtedly, our society is facing new economic, political, demographic, social and cultural challenges that require healthcare services able to meet the growing health needs of the population, especially in dealing with chronic conditions. In this new context, some countries such as the United Kingdom have made a firm commitment to develop new models for chronic patients care based on the introduction of new figures of Advanced Practice Nurses, which includes 4 cornerstones of professional practice: advanced clinical skills, clinical management, teaching and research. The implementation of this new figures implies a redefinition of professional competencies and has its own accreditation system and a specific catalogue of services adapted to the population requirements, in order to provide chronic care support from Primary Care settings. This trajectory allows us analysing the process of design and implementation of these new models and the organizational structure where it is integrated. In Spain, there are already experiences in some regions such as Andalucia and the Basque Country, focused on the creation of new advanced nursing roles. At present, it is necessary to consider suitable strategic proposals for the complete development of these models and to achieve the best results in terms of overall health and quality of life of patients with chronic conditions, improving the quality of services and cost-effectiveness through a greater cohesion and performance of healthcare teams towards the sustainability of healthcare services and patient satisfaction. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

  14. Venous pump of the calf: a study of venous and muscular pressures.

    PubMed

    Alimi, Y S; Barthelemy, P; Juhan, C

    1994-11-01

    Little data are available concerning the relation between the muscular pumping mechanism and the variation of superficial and deep venous pressure during normal action of the calf pump; therefore we undertook this study to determine the pressure values in three compartments of the calf and in the deep and the superficial venous system and to establish correlation between muscular and venous pressure. Nine healthy young women with a mean age of 23 years (range 19 to 28 years) were examined. In the same calf, a muscular catheter was placed in the deep posterior compartment (DPC), in the superficial posterior compartment (SPC), and in the anterior tibial compartment (ATC), and a vascular catheter was placed in the popliteal vein and in the greater saphenous vein (GSV). The five lines of pressure were simultaneously recorded in the following situations: at rest, during Valsalva maneuver, foot flexion, and foot extension. The situation was studied with the patient in the following positions: decubitus, sitting, standing, and squatting. A final continuous recording was carried out after the patient had been walking for 5 minutes. Mean values with standard errors of muscular and venous pressure were established in each situation. At rest and during Valsalva maneuver, the muscular pressures did not vary, whereas venous pressures increased significantly when the patient was sitting and standing. On the other hand, squatting was associated with a rise in the muscular and vein pressures. Foot flexion entailed a significant increase in the ATC pressure and a rise in the GSV pressure, whereas foot extension caused the DPC pressure to rise without venous pressure modifications. Walking was associated with an alternating increase in the DPC, SPC, GSV and popliteal vein pressures when the foot was compressed to floor followed by a significant decrease when the foot pressure was released. The variations in the deep and superficial venous pressures when the patient is sitting and

  15. Venous thromboembolism in patients with acute leukemia: incidence, risk factors, and effect on survival

    PubMed Central

    Ku, Grace H.; White, Richard H.; Chew, Helen K.; Harvey, Danielle J.; Zhou, Hong

    2009-01-01

    A population-based cohort was used to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among Californians diagnosed with acute leukemia between 1993 to 1999. Principal outcomes were deep vein thrombosis in both the lower and upper extremities, pulmonary embolism, and mortality. Among 5394 cases with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), the 2-year cumulative incidence of VTE was 281 (5.2%). Sixty-four percent of the VTE events occurred within 3 months of AML diagnosis. In AML patients, female sex, older age, number of chronic comorbidities, and presence of a catheter were significant predictors of development of VTE within 1 year. A diagnosis of VTE was not associated with reduced survival in AML patients. Among 2482 cases with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the 2-year incidence of VTE in ALL was 4.5%. Risk factors for VTE were presence of a central venous catheter, older age, and number of chronic comorbidities. In the patients with ALL, development of VTE was associated with a 40% increase in the risk of dying within 1 year. The incidence of VTE in acute leukemia is appreciable, and is comparable with the incidence in many solid tumors. PMID:19088376

  16. Post-thrombotic syndrome and venous disease-specific quality of life in patients with vascular Behçet's disease.

    PubMed

    Alibaz-Oner, Fatma; Aldag, Belgin; Aldag, Mustafa; Unal, A Ugur; Mutiş, Aydan; Toptas, Tayfur; Ergun, Tulin; Direskeneli, Haner

    2016-07-01

    Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is the most common form of vascular involvement in Behçet's disease (BD). Chronic post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) develops in up to one-half of patients with DVT and is associated with impaired quality of life (QoL). There are no data on the severity of DVT-related PTS and its effect on QoL in patients with vascular BD (VBD). We aimed to evaluate PTS and venous disease-specific QoL in patients with VBD. This study included 50 patients (41 men, nine women) with VBD and 31 individuals matched for age and gender (22 men, nine women) with DVT associated with non-BD causes. The Villalta scale was used to assess PTS. The Venous Disability Score and the Venous Clinical Severity Score were used for the assessment of venous disease. Venous disease-specific QoL was measured through Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study Quality of Life/Symptom (VEINES-QoL/Sym) questionnaire. The Behçet Syndrome Activity Score (BSAS) questionnaire was used to assess disease activity. We observed a significantly lower risk of PTS together with significantly better VEINES-QoL/Sym, and Venous Disability Score in the VBD group compared with the non-BD group. When VBD patients with PTS were compared with patients without PTS, VEINES-QoL/Sym, and Venous Clinical Severity Score were significantly worse. BSAS was also significantly higher in patients with PTS. An inverse correlation was found between the VEINES-QoL and the BSAS in multivariate analysis. There were no differences between anticoagulant users and nonusers regarding the presence of PTS and scores of all of the venous assessment tools. We found lower PTS risk and better venous disease-specific QoL, symptom severity, and venous disability scores in VBD patients compared with the non-BD group. Venous disease-specific QoL negatively correlated with disease activity. Effective control of vascular inflammation through treatment in VBD might explain lower rates of PTS and better venous Qo

  17. Venous ulcer review

    PubMed Central

    Bevis, Paul; Earnshaw, Jonothan

    2011-01-01

    Clinical question: What is the best treatment for venous ulcers? Results: Compression aids ulcer healing. Pentoxifylline can aid ulcer healing. Artificial skin grafts are more effective than other skin grafts in helping ulcer healing. Correction of underlying venous incompetence reduces ulcer recurrence. Implementation: Potential pitfalls to avoid are: Failure to exclude underlying arterial disease before application of compression.Unusual-looking ulcers or those slow to heal should be biopsied to exclude malignant transformation. PMID:21673869

  18. Hydrothorax after Central Venous Catheterization

    PubMed Central

    Rudge, C. J.; Bewick, M.; McColl, I.

    1973-01-01

    Three patients are described who developed hydrothorax as a complication of central venous catheterization. Respiratory distress associated with physical signs of fluid in the chest should arouse suspicion that the venous catheter has perforated the wall of the vein. The complications of central venous catheterization are reviewed and three cases of hydrothorax are presented. Comments on the prevention of these complications, their diagnosis and treatment if they occur, are made. ImagesFIG. 1FIG. 2 PMID:4717421

  19. Imaging Diagnosis of Splanchnic Venous Thrombosis

    PubMed Central

    Rajesh, S.; Mukund, Amar

    2015-01-01

    Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a broad term that includes Budd-Chiari syndrome and occlusion of veins that constitute the portal venous system. Due to the common risk factors involved in the pathogenesis of these clinically distinct disorders, concurrent involvement of two different regions is quite common. In acute and subacute SVT, the symptoms may overlap with a variety of other abdominal emergencies while in chronic SVT, the extent of portal hypertension and its attendant complications determine the clinical course. As a result, clinical diagnosis is often difficult and is frequently reliant on imaging. Tremendous improvements in vascular imaging in recent years have ensured that this once rare entity is being increasingly detected. Treatment of acute SVT requires immediate anticoagulation. Transcatheter thrombolysis or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is used in the event of clinical deterioration. In cases with peritonitis, immediate laparotomy and bowel resection may be required for irreversible bowel ischemia. In chronic SVT, the underlying cause should be identified and treated. The imaging manifestations of the clinical syndromes resulting from SVT are comprehensively discussed here along with a brief review of the relevant clinical features and therapeutic approach. PMID:26600801

  20. The effect of vein repair on the risk of venous thromboembolic events: a review of more than 100 traumatic military venous injuries.

    PubMed

    Quan, Reagan W; Gillespie, David L; Stuart, Rory P; Chang, Audrey S; Whittaker, David R; Fox, Charles J

    2008-03-01

    The management of venous trauma remains controversial. Critics of venous repair have cited an increased incidence of associated venous thromboembolic events with this management. We analyzed the current treatment of wartime venous injuries in United States military personnel in an effort to answer this question. From December 1, 2001, to October 31, 2005, all United States casualties with named venous injuries were evaluated. A retrospective review of a clinical database was performed on demographics, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, treatment, outcomes, and venous thromboembolic events. Data were analyzed using the Fisher exact test, analysis of variance, and logarithmic transformation. During this 5-year period, 82 patients sustained 103 named venous injuries due to combat operations. All patients were male, with an average age of 27.9 years (range, 20.3-58.3 years). Blast injuries accounted for 54 venous injuries (65.9%), gunshot wounds for 25 (30.5%), and motor vehicle accidents for 3 (3.6%). The venous injury was isolated in 28 patients (34.1%), and 16 (19.5%) had multiple venous injuries. The venous injury in two patients was associated with acute phlegmasia, with fractures in 33 (40.2%), and 22 (28.1%) sustained neurologic deficits. Venous injuries were treated by ligation in 65 patients (63.1%) and by open surgical repair in 38 (36.9%). Postoperative extremity edema occurred in all patients irrespective of method of management. Thrombosis after venous repair occurred in six of the 38 cases (15.8%). Pulmonary emboli developed in three patients, one after open repair and two after ligation (P > .99). In the largest review of military venous trauma in more than three decades, we found no difference in the incidence of venous thromboembolic complications between venous injuries managed by open repair vs ligation. Blast injuries of the extremities have caused most of the venous injuries. Ligation is the most common modality of treatment in combat zones

  1. Correlation between the hemodynamic gain obtained after operation of primary varicose veins and chronic venous disease classification.

    PubMed

    Dezotti, Nei Rodrigues Alves; Joviliano, Edwaldo Edner; Moriya, Takachi; Piccinato, Carlos Eli

    2011-01-01

    Previous studies have demonstrated improvement of venous hemodynamics after surgical treatment of primary varicose veins of the lower extremities using air plethysmography (APG). To correlate the venous hemodynamics obtained by APG with the CEAP classification after surgical treatment of primary varicose veins. We studied 63 limbs of 39 patients (35 women and 4 men) aged on average 46.3 years, operated upon at the University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, during the period from January 2001 to December 2004. The 63 limbs were divided into the three following groups according to CEAP classification: group C2 + C3 (38 limbs), group C4 (15 limbs) and group C5 + C6 (10 limbs). The patients were evaluated clinically before and 30 to 40 days after surgery by preoperative duplex ultrasonography and pre- and postoperative APG. There was an apparent hemodynamic improvement after surgical treatment of the varicose veins in the two groups of lower severity, but the improvement was significant in the most severe group based on venous filling index. Surgical treatment was beneficial for all three groups, but the greatest hemodynamic gain was observed in the group of highest clinical severity (group C5 + C6).

  2. Magnetic resonance venography and three-dimensional image fusion guidance provide a novel paradigm for endovascular recanalization of chronic central venous occlusion.

    PubMed

    Schwein, Adeline; Lu, Tony; Chinnadurai, Ponraj; Kitkungvan, Danai; Shah, Dipan J; Chakfe, Nabil; Lumsden, Alan B; Bismuth, Jean

    2017-01-01

    Endovascular recanalization is considered first-line therapy for chronic central venous occlusion (CVO). Unlike arteries, in which landmarks such as wall calcifications provide indirect guidance for endovascular navigation, sclerotic veins without known vascular branching patterns impose significant challenges. Therefore, safe wire access through such chronic lesions mostly relies on intuition and experience. Studies have shown that magnetic resonance venography (MRV) can be performed safely in these patients, and the boundaries of occluded veins may be visualized on specific MRV sequences. Intraoperative image fusion techniques have become more common to guide complex arterial endovascular procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and utility of MRV and intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) image fusion technique during endovascular CVO recanalization. During the study period, patients with symptomatic CVO and failed standard endovascular recanalization underwent further recanalization attempts with use of intraoperative MRV image fusion guidance. After preoperative MRV and intraoperative CBCT image coregistration, a virtual centerline path of the occluded segment was electronically marked in MRV and overlaid on real-time two-dimensional fluoroscopy images. Technical success, fluoroscopy times, radiation doses, number of venograms before recanalization, and accuracy of the virtual centerline overlay were evaluated. Four patients underwent endovascular CVO recanalization with use of intraoperative MRV image fusion guidance. Mean (± standard deviation) time for image fusion was 6:36 ± 00:51 mm:ss. The lesion was successfully crossed in all patients without complications. Mean fluoroscopy time for lesion crossing was 12.5 ± 3.4 minutes. Mean total fluoroscopy time was 28.8 ± 6.5 minutes. Mean total radiation dose was 15,185 ± 7747 μGy/m 2 , and mean radiation dose from CBCT acquisition was 2788 ± 458 μGy/m 2 (18% of

  3. Impairment of Skin Capillary Recruitment Precedes Chronic Complications in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes

    PubMed Central

    Tibirica, Eduardo; Rodrigues, Elba; Cobas, Roberta; Gomes, Marilia B.

    2007-01-01

    Microvascular function in patients with type 1 diabetes without chronic complications was assessed using skin capillary recruitment during post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH). Structural (maximal) capillary density was evaluated during venous occlusion. The study included 48 consecutive outpatients aged 26.3 ± 10.8 years with type 1 diabetes (duration of 9.5 years) without chronic complications and 34 control subjects. Intravital capillary video-microscopy was used in the dynamic study of skin capillaries in the dorsum of the fingers and toes. Capillary recruitment during PORH (% increase in mean capillary density, MCD) was significantly higher in the controls than the patients in both the fingers (p < 0.001) and toes (p < 0.001). During venous occlusion, MCD increase was also higher in the controls than the patients in both the fingers (p < 0.05) and toes (p < 0.0001). In patients, no difference was found between MCD at baseline and after venous occlusion in the fingers but a decrease was observed in the toes (p < 0.001). It is concluded that skin capillary function is significantly impaired in both fingers and toes of patients with type 1 diabetes without chronic complications. Moreover, capillary density during venous occlusion did not increase in either extremity in the patients, suggesting that their capillaries at rest are already maximally recruited. PMID:17823692

  4. Effect of rosuvastatin on risk markers for venous thromboembolism in cancer.

    PubMed

    Ades, S; Douce, D; Holmes, C E; Cory, S; Prior, S; Butenas, S; Callas, P; Cushman, M

    2018-06-01

    Essentials Statins lower venous thromboembolism risk in general but have not been studied in cancer patients. We completed a randomized trial of rosuvastatin vs. placebo among cancer patients on chemotherapy. Rosuvastatin did not significantly lower prothrombotic biomarkers including D-dimer. The role of statins in venous thrombosis prevention in cancer patients remains unknown. Background Statin therapy is associated with lower risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) but has not been prospectively evaluated in patients with advanced cancer. Objectives We determined if statin administration in this high-risk population reduces the risk of VTE, based on established and emerging biomarkers. Patients/Methods This double-blind, crossover, randomized controlled trial among patients with advanced cancer receiving systemic therapy allocated participants to rosuvastatin 20 mg daily or placebo for 3-4 weeks prior to crossover to the alternative therapy, with a 3-5-week washout. D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble (s)P-selectin, factor VIII (FVIII), thrombin generation and exploratory biomarkers focusing on endogenous thrombin potential, including tissue factor (TF), activated factor IX (FIXa) and activated factor XI (FXIa), were measured at the start and end of both treatment periods. The primary outcome was change in D-dimer with rosuvastatin compared with placebo. Results Of 38 enrolled participants, 24 (63%) completed the study. Rosuvastatin did not cause statistically significant changes in D-dimer levels or any other biomarker. CRP levels decreased by 40%; 4.3 mg L -1 (95% confidence interval, -11.0 to +2.5 mg L -1 ) compared with placebo. In post-hoc analysis, participants who received rosuvastatin initially during their first line of treatment had a 13% decrease in D-dimer. Circulating TF, FIXa and FXIa were detected in 26%, 68% and 71% of cancer patients despite not being found in healthy individuals. Conclusions Rosuvastatin did not cause favorable

  5. Clinical features of venous insufficiency and the risk of venous thrombosis in older people.

    PubMed

    Engbers, Marissa J; Karasu, Alev; Blom, Jeanet W; Cushman, Mary; Rosendaal, Frits R; van Hylckama Vlieg, Astrid

    2015-11-01

    Venous thrombosis is common in older age, with an incidence of 0·5-1% per year in those aged >70 years. Stasis of blood flow is an important contributor to the development of thrombosis and may be due to venous insufficiency in the legs. The risk of thrombosis associated with clinical features of venous insufficiency, i.e., varicose veins, leg ulcers and leg oedema, obtained with a standardized interview was assessed in the Age and Thrombosis Acquired and Genetic risk factors in the Elderly (AT-AGE) study. The AT-AGE study is a case-control study in individuals aged 70 years and older (401 cases with a first-time venous thrombosis and 431 control subjects). We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for age, sex and study centre. Varicose veins and leg ulcer were associated with a 1·6-fold (95% CI 1·2-2·3) and 3·3-fold increased risk of thrombosis (95% CI 1·6-6·7), respectively, while the risk was increased 3·0-fold (95% CI 2·1-4·5) in the presence of leg oedema. The risk of thrombosis was highest when all three risk factors occurred simultaneously (OR: 10·5; 95% CI 1·3-86·1). In conclusion, clinical features of venous insufficiency, i.e., varicose veins, leg ulcers and leg oedema, are risk factors for venous thrombosis in older people. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  6. Management of end-stage central venous access in children referred for possible small bowel transplantation.

    PubMed

    Rodrigues, A F; van Mourik, I D M; Sharif, K; Barron, D J; de Giovanni, J V; Bennett, J; Bromley, P; Protheroe, S; John, P; de Ville de Goyet, J; Beath, S V

    2006-04-01

    The 3-year survival after small bowel transplantation (SBTx) has improved to between 73% and 88%. Impaired venous access for parenteral nutrition can be an indication for SBTx in children with chronic intestinal failure. To report our experience in management of children with extreme end-stage venous access. The study consisted of 6 children (all boys), median age of assessment 27 months (range, 13-52 months), diagnosed with total intestinal aganglionosis (1), protracted diarrhea (1), and short bowel syndrome (4), of which gastroschisis (2) and malrotation with midgut volvulus (2) were the causes. All had a documented history of more than 10 central venous catheter insertions previously. All had venograms, and 1 child additionally had a magnetic resonance angiogram to evaluate venous access. Five of 6 presented with thrombosis of the superior vena cava (SVC) and/or inferior vena cava. Venous access was reestablished as follows: transhepatic venous catheters (5), direct intra-atrial catheter via midline sternotomy (4), azygous venous catheters (2), dilatation of left subclavian vein after passage of a guide wire and then placing a catheter to reach the right atrium (1), radiological recanalization of the SVC and placement of a central venous catheter in situ (1), and direct puncture of SVC stump(1). Complications included serous pleural effusion after direct intra-atrial line insertion, which resolved after chest drain insertion (1), displacement of transhepatic catheter needing repositioning (2), and SVC stent narrowing requiring repeated balloon dilatation. Four children with permanent intestinal failure on assessment were offered SBTx, 3 of which were transplanted and were established on full enteral nutrition; the family of 1 child declined the procedure. In the remaining 2 children in whom bowel adaptation was still a possibility, attempts were made to provide adequate central venous access as feeds and drug manipulations were undertaken. One of them received

  7. Deep Venous Procedures Performed in the National Health Service in England between 2005 and 2015.

    PubMed

    Lim, C S; Shalhoub, J; Davies, A H

    2017-10-01

    Recent advances in imaging technology and endovenous interventions have revolutionised the management of specific groups of patients with deep venous pathology. This study aimed to examine data published by Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) to assess trends in the number of endovascular and open surgical deep venous procedures performed in National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England between 2005 and 2015. The main diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and total number of primary open and percutaneous procedures for deep venous pathology for patients admitted to the NHS hospitals in England from 2005 to 2015 were retrieved from the HES database and analysed. An overall declining trend in the annual number of admissions for a primary diagnosis of DVT was observed (linear regression r 2  = 0.9, p < .0001). The number of open surgical procedures for removal of thrombus remained largely unchanged (range 26-70); the frequency of percutaneous procedures increased steadily over the study period (range 0-311). The number of open surgical procedures relating to the vena cava fell between 2005 and 2009, and remained around 50 per year thereafter. Annual numbers of cases of deep venous bypass (range 17-33) and venous valve surgery (range 8-47) remained similar in trend over this period. The number of vena cava stent (range 0-405), other venous stent (range 0-316), and percutaneous venoplasty (range 0-972) procedures increased over the first 5 years of the study period. There is an increasing trend in relation to endovenous procedures but not open surgery, being carried out for deep venous pathology in the last decade in NHS hospitals in England. Despite a number of limitations with HES, the increase in the number of endovenous procedures shown is likely to have significant implications for the provision of care and healthcare resources for patients with deep venous pathology. Copyright © 2017 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All

  8. Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy by Central Venous Pressure-Guided Fluid Administration in Chronic Kidney Disease and Congestive Heart Failure Patients.

    PubMed

    Qian, Geng; Fu, Zhenhong; Guo, Jun; Cao, Feng; Chen, Yundai

    2016-01-11

    This study aimed to explore the hemodynamic index-guided hydration method for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) to reduce the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and at the same time to avoid the acute heart failure. Patients at moderate or high risk for CIN should receive sufficient hydration before contrast application. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, comparative clinical trial enrolled 264 consecutive patients with CKD and CHF undergoing coronary procedures. These patients were randomly assigned to either central venous pressure (CVP)-guided hydration group (n = 132) or the standard hydration group (n = 132). In the CVP-guided group, the hydration infusion rate was dynamically adjusted according to CVP level every hour. CIN was defined as an absolute increase in serum creatinine (SCr) >0.5 mg/dl (44.2 μmol/l) or a relative increase >25% compared with baseline SCr. Baseline characteristics were well-matched between the 2 groups. The total mean volume of isotonic saline administered in the CVP-guided hydration group was significantly higher than the control group (1,827 ± 497 ml vs. 1,202 ± 247 ml; p < 0.001). CIN occurred less frequently in CVP-guided hydration group than the control group (15.9% vs. 29.5%; p = 0.006). The incidences of acute heart failure during the hydration did not differ between the 2 groups (3.8% vs. 3.0%; p = 0.500). CVP-guided fluid administration can safely and effectively reduce the risk of CIN in patients with CKD and CHF. (Central Venous Pressure Guided Hydration Prevention for Contrast-Induced Nephropathy; NCT02405377). Copyright © 2016 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Hair-follicle Transplant Into Chronic Ulcers: A New Graft Concept.

    PubMed

    Martínez Martínez, M L; Escario Travesedo, E; Jiménez Acosta, F

    Chronic venous leg ulcers are a major therapeutic challenge in clinical practice, and the search for new approaches to improve wound healing is essential. Many ulcers do not heal with traditional treatment using compression, debridement, and dressings. Skin-grafts variants, such as pinch grafts, punch grafts, split- or full-thickness skin grafts, and grafts derived from cells cultured in the laboratory, are among the most widely used options in ulcers that do not heal. In recent years, numerous studies have brought to our attention the important role of the hair follicle in the healing process of cutaneous wounds. Putting knowledge into practice, hair follicles from the scalp have been used in punch-type grafts transplanted to the base of chronic ulcers to stimulate healing. Results appear to be better than those with traditional hairless punch grafts, opening new lines of treatment for recalcitrant chronic venous ulcers. Copyright © 2017 AEDV. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  10. Occult cancer-related first venous thromboembolism is associated with an increased risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism.

    PubMed

    Gran, O V; Braekkan, S K; Paulsen, B; Skille, H; Rosendaal, F R; Hansen, J-B

    2017-07-01

    Essentials Recurrence risk after an occult cancer-related incident venous thromboembolism (VTE) is unknown. We compared the risk of VTE recurrence in occult-, overt- and non-cancer related first VTE. Patients with occult-cancer related first VTE had the highest risk of VTE recurrence. The high recurrence risk in occult cancer is likely due to the advanced cancers. Background Although venous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with a high recurrence rate, the absolute recurrence rates for cancer-related VTE, particularly occult cancer, are not well known. Objectives To investigate the risk of VTE recurrence in patients with occult and overt cancer-related VTE. Methods Incident VTE events among participants of the first to sixth Tromsø surveys occurring in the period 1994-2012 were included. Occult cancer was defined as cancer diagnosed within a year following a VTE, and overt cancer was defined as cancer diagnosed within the 2 years before a VTE. Results Among 733 patients with incident VTE, 110 had overt cancer and 40 had occult cancer. There were 95 recurrent VTE events during a median of 3.2 years of follow-up. The 1-year cumulative incidence of VTE recurrence was 38.6% in subjects with occult cancer, 15.5% in subjects with overt cancer, and 3.8% in non-cancer subjects. The 1-year risk of recurrence was 12-fold (hazard ratio [HR] 12.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.9-26.3) higher in subjects with occult cancer and four-fold (HR 4.3, 95% CI 2.0-9.2) higher in subjects with overt cancer than in non-cancer subjects. The occult cancers associated with VTE recurrence were typically located at prothrombotic sites (i.e. lung and gastrointestinal) and presented at advanced stages. The majority (69%) of recurrences in subjects with occult cancer occurred before or shortly after cancer diagnosis, and were therefore not treatment-related. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the increased risk of recurrence in patients with occult cancer is mainly attributable to the

  11. 21 CFR 870.1140 - Venous blood pressure manometer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Venous blood pressure manometer. 870.1140 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Diagnostic Devices § 870.1140 Venous blood pressure manometer. (a) Identification. A venous blood pressure manometer is a device attached to a venous...

  12. 21 CFR 870.1140 - Venous blood pressure manometer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Venous blood pressure manometer. 870.1140 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Diagnostic Devices § 870.1140 Venous blood pressure manometer. (a) Identification. A venous blood pressure manometer is a device attached to a venous...

  13. 21 CFR 870.1140 - Venous blood pressure manometer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Venous blood pressure manometer. 870.1140 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Diagnostic Devices § 870.1140 Venous blood pressure manometer. (a) Identification. A venous blood pressure manometer is a device attached to a venous...

  14. 21 CFR 870.1140 - Venous blood pressure manometer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Venous blood pressure manometer. 870.1140 Section... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Diagnostic Devices § 870.1140 Venous blood pressure manometer. (a) Identification. A venous blood pressure manometer is a device attached to a venous...

  15. Decision making in venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: Is LWMH being inappropriately withheld from patients admitted with chronic liver disease?

    PubMed

    Lau, Clement; Burd, Christian; Abeles, Daniel; Sherman, David

    2015-02-01

    Although chronic liver disease (CLD) constitutes a significant proportion of acute medical admissions, it is not known how CLD influences venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis decision making and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) prescription. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that VTE risk has been underestimated in CLD and that prophylactic LMWH is safe and may improve outcome in this patient group. We therefore evaluated VTE prophylaxis in patients with CLD and aimed to determine the factors contributing to decisions to prescribe LMWH. Prescription of LMWH was significantly less likely in CLD patients than in general medical patients (29% vs 55%; p < 0.01). Patients with CLD who were prescribed LMWH were more likely to have been admitted for a 'non-liver' reason than those that did not receive LMWH (19% vs 52%; p < 0.01). These preliminary results show that many patients admitted with CLD, who may benefit from LMWH prophylaxis, do not receive this therapy, because of perceived contraindications for which there may be little evidence. Decision making appears to be affected by whether an admission is 'liver' or 'non-liver' related. Prophylactic LMWH was safe in this small cohort. Further studies are warranted to further inform LMWH prescription in CLD. © 2015 Royal College of Physicians.

  16. Febuxostat for hyperuricemia in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Akimoto, Tetsu; Morishita, Yoshiyuki; Ito, Chiharu; Iimura, Osamu; Tsunematsu, Sadao; Watanabe, Yuko; Kusano, Eiji; Nagata, Daisuke

    2014-01-01

    Febuxostat is a nonpurine xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor, which recently received marketing approval. However, information regarding the experience with this agent among advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is limited. In the current study, we investigated the effects of oral febuxostat in patients with advanced CKD with asymptomatic hyperuricemia. We demonstrated, for the first time, that not only the serum levels of uric acid (UA) but also those of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, an oxidative stress marker, were significantly reduced after six months of febuxostat treatment, with no adverse events. These results encouraged us to pursue further investigations regarding the clinical impact of lowering the serum UA levels with febuxostat in advanced CKD patients in terms of concomitantly reducing oxidative stress via the blockade of XO. More detailed studies with a larger number of subjects and assessments of the effects of multiple factors affecting hyperuricemia, such as age, sex, and dietary habits, would shed light on the therapeutic challenges of treating asymptomatic hyperuricemia in patients with various stages of CKD.

  17. Longitudinal Volume Quantification of Deep Medullary Veins in Patients with Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis : Venous Volume Assessment in Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Using SWI.

    PubMed

    Dempfle, A K; Harloff, A; Schuchardt, F; Bäuerle, J; Yang, S; Urbach, H; Egger, K

    2017-06-06

    Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) visualizes small cerebral veins with high sensitivity and could, thus, enable quantification of hemodynamics of deep medullary veins. We aimed to evaluate volume changes of deep medullary veins in patients with acute cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) over time in comparison to healthy controls. All magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments were executed at 3 T using a 32-channel head coil. Based on SWI and semiautomatic postprocessing (statistical parametric mapping [SPM8] and ANTs), the volume of deep medullary veins was quantified in 14 patients with acute CVST at baseline and the 6‑month follow-up, as well as in 13 healthy controls undergoing repeated MRI examination with an interscan interval of at least 1 month. Deep medullary venous volume change over time was significantly different between healthy controls and patient groups (p < 0.001). Patients with superior sagittal sinus thrombosis (SSST) showed a significant decline from baseline to follow-up measurements (9.8 ± 4.9 ml versus 7.5 ± 4.2 ml; p = 0.02), whereas in patients with transverse sinus thrombosis (TST) and healthy controls no significant volume changes were observable. Venous volume quantification was feasible and reproducible both in healthy volunteers and in patients. The decrease of venous volume in patients over time represents improvement of venous drainage, reduction of congestion, and normalization of microcirculation due to treatment. Thus, quantification of venous microcirculation could be valuable for estimation of prognosis and guidance of CVST therapy in the future.

  18. Vacuum-assisted venous return reduces blood usage.

    PubMed

    Banbury, Michael K; White, Jennifer A; Blackstone, Eugene H; Cosgrove, Delos M

    2003-09-01

    To determine whether vacuum-assisted venous return has clinical advantages over conventional gravity drainage apart from allowing the use of smaller cannulas and shorter tubing. A total of 150 valve operations were performed at our institution between February and July 1999 using vacuum-assisted venous return with small venous cannulas connected to short tubing. These were compared with (1) 83 valve operations performed between April 1997 and January 1998 using the initial version of vacuum-assisted venous return, and (2) 124 valve operations performed between January and April of 1997 using conventional gravity drainage. Priming volume, hematocrit value, red blood cell usage, and total blood product usage were compared multivariably. These comparisons were covariate and propensity adjusted for dissimilarities between the groups and confirmed by propensity-matched pairs analysis. Priming volume was 1.4 +/- 0.4 L for small-cannula vacuum-assisted venous return, 1.7 +/- 0.4 L for initial vacuum-assisted venous return, and 2.0 +/- 0.4 L for gravity drainage (P <.0001). Smaller priming resulted in higher hematocrit values both at the beginning of cardiopulmonary bypass (27% +/- 5% compared with 26% +/- 4% and 25% +/- 4%, respectively, P <.0001) and at the end (30% +/- 4% compared with 28% +/- 4% and 27% +/- 4%, respectively, P <.0001). Red cell transfusions were used in 17% of the patients having small-cannula vacuum-assisted venous return, 27% of the initial patients having vacuum-assisted venous return, and 37% of the patients having gravity drainage (P =.001); total blood product usage was 19%, 27%, and 39%, respectively (P =.002). Although ministernotomy also was associated with reduced blood product usage (P <.004), propensity matching on type of sternotomy confirmed the association of vacuum-assisted venous return with lowered blood product usage. Vacuum-assisted venous return results in (1) higher hematocrit values during cardiopulmonary bypass and (2) decreased

  19. Intraatrial baffle repair of anomalous systemic venous return without hepatic venous drainage in heterotaxy syndrome.

    PubMed

    Turkoz, Riza; Ayabakan, Canan; Vuran, Can; Omay, Oğuz

    2010-08-01

    A 7-month-old boy with heterotaxy syndrome had partial atrioventricular septal defect and interrupted inferior vena cava with hemiazygos continuation to a left superior vena cava. The left side of the common atrium receiving all the venous drainage was in connection with the left ventricle and the aorta. The small atrium and the proximity of the pulmonary and hepatic vein orifices precluded complete baffling. This report describes an intraatrial baffle repair of anomalous systemic venous return without hepatic venous drainage. This resulted in good oxygenation postoperatively, with oxygen saturation ranging from 93% to 98%.

  20. Human cerebral venous outflow pathway depends on posture and central venous pressure

    PubMed Central

    Gisolf, J; van Lieshout, J J; van Heusden, K; Pott, F; Stok, W J; Karemaker, J M

    2004-01-01

    Internal jugular veins are the major cerebral venous outflow pathway in supine humans. In upright humans the positioning of these veins above heart level causes them to collapse. An alternative cerebral outflow pathway is the vertebral venous plexus. We set out to determine the effect of posture and central venous pressure (CVP) on the distribution of cerebral outflow over the internal jugular veins and the vertebral plexus, using a mathematical model. Input to the model was a data set of beat-to-beat cerebral blood flow velocity and CVP measurements in 10 healthy subjects, during baseline rest and a Valsalva manoeuvre in the supine and standing position. The model, consisting of 2 jugular veins, each a chain of 10 units containing nonlinear resistances and capacitors, and a vertebral plexus containing a resistance, showed blood flow mainly through the internal jugular veins in the supine position, but mainly through the vertebral plexus in the upright position. A Valsalva manoeuvre while standing completely re-opened the jugular veins. Results of ultrasound imaging of the right internal jugular vein cross-sectional area at the level of the laryngeal prominence in six healthy subjects, before and during a Valsalva manoeuvre in both body positions, correlate highly with model simulation of the jugular cross-sectional area (R2 = 0.97). The results suggest that the cerebral venous flow distribution depends on posture and CVP: in supine humans the internal jugular veins are the primary pathway. The internal jugular veins are collapsed in the standing position and blood is shunted to an alternative venous pathway, but a marked increase in CVP while standing completely re-opens the jugular veins. PMID:15284348

  1. Late venous thrombosis in free flap breast reconstruction: strategies for salvage after this real entity.

    PubMed

    Nelson, Jonas A; Kim, Elizabeth M; Eftekhari, Kian; Eftakhari, Kian; Low, David W; Kovach, Stephen J; Wu, Liza C; Serletti, Joseph M

    2012-01-01

    Microvascular free-tissue transfer is a reliable pillar of reconstructive surgery, yet pedicle thrombosis remains a challenge. The authors examined the phenomenon of late venous thrombosis (after postoperative day 3) and detail a method of flap salvage that can be utilized following this microvascular insult. A retrospective review was performed of all free flap breast reconstructions performed by the senior author (J.M.S.) from 1991 to 2008, utilizing a prospectively maintained database. All cases of postoperative thromboses were evaluated. Late venous thrombosis was defined as a thrombosis occurring after postoperative day 3. A total of 1277 free flap breast reconstructions were performed over the 17-year period. Nineteen flaps had venous thromboses (1.5 percent), and 10 of these occurred after postoperative day 3 (average, 5.67 days; range, 4 to 12 days). Operative exploration was employed in seven of 10 cases, with the remaining patients presenting too late or too advanced for operative intervention. Sixty percent of flaps were fully salvaged, and two were partially saved, with some subsequent volume loss. Earlier late venous thrombosis presentation led to better outcomes overall. Late venous thrombosis is a rare phenomenon that, although occurring late in the postoperative course, is an acute event. Early recognition and urgent treatment are key to flap salvage, with clinical judgment dictating the treatment choice. In the absence of extenuating circumstances, the authors prefer urgent exploration in the operating room, as flap survival following late venous thrombosis is a race against time but with a high probability of salvage if the proper steps are taken. Therapeutic, IV.

  2. Anomalous pulmonary venous connection: An underestimated entity.

    PubMed

    Magalhães, Sara P; Moreno, Nuno; Loureiro, Marília; França, Manuela; Reis, Fernanda; Alvares, Sílvia; Ribeiro, Manuel

    2016-12-01

    Anomalous pulmonary venous connection is an uncommon congenital anomaly in which all (total form) or some (partial form) pulmonary veins drain into a systemic vein or into the right atrium rather than into the left atrium. The authors present one case of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection and two cases of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection, one of supracardiac drainage into the brachiocephalic vein, and the other of infracardiac anomalous venous drainage (scimitar syndrome). Through the presentation of these cases, this article aims to review the main pulmonary venous developmental defects, highlighting the role of imaging techniques in the assessment of these anomalies. Copyright © 2016 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  3. Venous thromboembolism: a UK perspective.

    PubMed

    Kakkar, Ajay

    2009-07-01

    Venous thromboembolism remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK, and its dangers, particularly in hospitalized patients, have long been recognized. Recent measures to tackle this problem and new treatments should alleviate the burden of venous thromboembolism for patients, their families and hospital services.

  4. Reconstruction for chronic Achilles tendinopathy: comparison of flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer versus V-Y advancement.

    PubMed

    Staggers, Jackson R; Smith, Kenneth; de C Netto, Cesar; Naranje, Sameer; Prasad, Krishna; Shah, Ashish

    2018-04-01

    Several operative techniques exist for Achilles tendinopathy. The purpose of our study was to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer and V-Y advancement for the treatment of chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Retrospective chart review from 2010 to 2016 of patients that underwent FHL transfer or V-Y advancement for chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Outcome measures were compared for these two procedures. In total, 46 patients (49 ankles) with a mean age of 55.0 (range 33-73) years. Mean follow-up time 44.7 +/- 25.5 months. FHL group had 21 patients (21 ankles) with 89% satisfaction, 14% complication rate, final VAS of 0.4, final VISA-A of 89.1, subjective strength improvement following surgery of 78%, and 94% would recommend the procedure. V-Y group had 25 patients (28 ankles) with 74% subjective satisfaction, 21% complication rate, final VAS of 1.4, final VISA-A of 78.4, subjective strength improvement following surgery of 67%, and 84% would recommend the procedure. There was no significant difference in any of the results rates between the two groups (p > .05). V-Y advancement is comparable to FHL transfer for the operative management of insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Though our results trend towards less satisfactory results following V-Y advancement, we found high satisfaction rates with similar functional outcomes and complication rates in both operative groups. We suggest considering V-Y advancement as a viable option for the primary treatment of chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy in patients who may not be an ideal candidate for FHL transfer.

  5. Central venous catheter infection-related glomerulonephritis under long-term parenteral nutrition: a report of two cases.

    PubMed

    Okada, Mari; Sato, Mai; Ogura, Masao; Kamei, Koichi; Matsuoka, Kentaro; Ito, Shuichi

    2016-03-31

    Advances in long-term parenteral nutrition via indwelling central venous catheter have improved the quality of life and mortality in patients with life-threatening gastrointestinal diseases complicated with severely impaired absorption. However, infection to central venous catheter is still a common and critical complication for such patients. We encountered two patients under long-term parenteral nutrition who developed glomerulonephritis associated with central venous catheter infection. Persistent bacterial infection in indwelling medical devices placed in the blood-stream such as a ventricular-atrial shunt is known to cause glomerulonephritis, a condition termed shunt nephritis. We reported the clinical manifestations, treatment and their pathological findings in the two patients with glomerulonephritis associated with central venous catheter infection. Both patients suffered from megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome, a form of pseudo-Hirschsprung's disease. They had been receiving home parenteral nutrition via central venous catheter because of severe malabsorption. They presented proteinuria, hematuria, hypocomplementemia and positive PR3-antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody accompanied by Staphylococcus epidermidis infection in the central venous catheter. Their renal biopsy revealed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis with positive C3 deposition. One of them recovered completely following the removal of catheter and administration of antibiotics, while another did not respond to the treatments. We then treated her with methylprednisolone pulse therapy followed by prednisolone. She responded well, and achieved complete remission. As central venous catheter infection-related glomerulonephritis has a similar etiology to shunt nephritis, removal of the catheter and administration of antibiotics is fundamental to the treatment. If a patient is resistant to such conventional therapy, additional steroid and/or immunosuppressive agent

  6. Venous thromboembolism and arterial complications.

    PubMed

    Prandoni, Paolo; Piovella, Chiara; Pesavento, Raffaele

    2012-04-01

    An increasing body of evidence suggests the likelihood of a link between venous and arterial thrombosis. The two vascular complications share several risk factors, such as age, obesity, smoking, diabetes mellitus, blood hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and metabolic syndrome. Moreover, there are many examples of conditions accounting for both venous and arterial thrombosis, such as the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, hyperhomocysteinemia, malignancies, infections, and the use of hormonal treatment. Finally, several recent studies have consistently shown that patients with venous thromboembolism are at a higher risk of arterial thrombotic complications than matched control individuals. We, therefore, speculate the two vascular complications are simultaneously triggered by biological stimuli responsible for activating coagulation and inflammatory pathways in both the arterial and the venous system. Future studies are needed to clarify the nature of this association, to assess its extent, and to evaluate its implications for clinical practice. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

  7. Advance directives and life-sustaining treatment: attitudes of Hong Kong Chinese elders with chronic disease.

    PubMed

    Ting, Fion H; Mok, Esther

    2011-04-01

    To examine the attitudes of Hong Kong Chinese elders with chronic disease with regard to advance directives and life-sustaining treatment. Cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Medical unit of a regional teaching hospital in Hong Kong. In-patients aged 60 years or above with chronic disease. Demographic profiles and attitudes towards advance directives and life-sustaining treatment. A total of 219 elderly patients completed the questionnaire. Their mean age was 73 (standard deviation, 8) years; 133 (61%) were female. The majority had neither heard about advance directives (81%), nor discussed the issue with others (73%) before participating in this study. After they were informed of the concept of advance directives, about half (49%) said they would consider using it if it is legislated in Hong Kong. The respondents generally supported the withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining treatment in medically futile situations. In all, 55% of them believed that the patient alone should make the decision on withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, if competent to do so. If the patient became not competent, 44% believed that the individual's family alone should make such a decision. The fact that most of the respondents had never heard about advance directives or discussed the concept with others points to a lack of knowledge and to the necessity to step up public education about such issues.

  8. Risk factors for upper extremity venous thrombosis associated with peripherally inserted central venous catheters.

    PubMed

    Marnejon, Thomas; Angelo, Debra; Abu Abdou, Ahmed; Gemmel, David

    2012-01-01

    To identify clinically important risk factors associated with upper extremity venous thrombosis following peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC). A retrospective case control study of 400 consecutive patients with and without upper extremity venous thrombosis post-PICC insertion was performed. Patient data included demographics, body mass index (BMI), ethnicity, site of insertion, size and lumen of catheter, internal length, infusate, and co-morbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and renal failure. Additional risk factors analyzed were active cancer, any history of cancer, recent trauma, smoking, a history of prior deep vein thrombosis, and recent surgery, defined as surgery within three months prior to PICC insertion. The prevalence of trauma, renal failure, and infusion with antibiotics and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was higher among patients exhibiting upper extremity venous thrombosis (UEVT), when compared to controls. Patients developing UEVT were also more likely to have PICC line placement in a basilic vein and less likely to have brachial vein placement (P<.001). Left-sided PICC line sites also posed a greater risk (P=.026). The rate of standard DVT prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin and unfractionated heparin and the use of warfarin was similar in both groups. Average length of hospital stay was almost double among patients developing UEVT, 19.5 days, when compared to patients undergoing PICC line insertion without thrombosis, 10.8 days (t=6.98, P<.001). In multivariate analysis, trauma, renal failure, left-sided catheters, basilic placement, TPN, and infusion with antibiotics, specifically vancomycin, were significant risk factors for UEVT associated with PICC insertion. Prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin, unfractionated heparin or use of warfarin did not prevent the development of venous thrombosis in patients with PICCs. Length of hospital stay and cost are markedly increased in

  9. Venous trauma in the Lebanon War--2006.

    PubMed

    Nitecki, Samy S; Karram, Tony; Hoffman, Aaron; Bass, Arie

    2007-10-01

    Reports on venous trauma are relatively sparse. Severe venous trauma is manifested by hemorrhage, not ischemia. Bleeding may be internal or external and rarely may lead to hypovolemic shock. Repair of major extremity veins has been a subject of controversy and the current teaching is to avoid venous repair in an unstable or multi-trauma patient. The aim of the current paper is to present our recent experience in major venous trauma during the Lebanon conflict, means of diagnosis and treatment in a level I trauma center. All cases of major venous trauma, either isolated or combined with arterial injury, admitted to the emergency room during the 33-day conflict were reviewed. Out of 511 wounded soldiers and civilians who were admitted to our service over this period, 12 (2.3%) sustained a penetrating venous injury either isolated (5) or combined with arterial injury (7). All injuries were secondary to high velocity penetrating missiles or from multiple pellets stored in long-range missiles. All injuries were accompanied by additional insult to soft tissue, bone and viscera. The mean injury severity score was 15. Severe external bleeding was the presenting symptom in three cases of isolated venous injury (jugular, popliteal and femoral). The diagnosis of a major venous injury was made by a CTA scan in five cases, angiography in one and during surgical exploration in six cases. All injured veins were repaired: three by venous interposition grafts, four by end to end anastomosis, three by lateral suture and two by endovascular techniques. None of the injuries was treated by ligation of a major named vein. Immediate postoperative course was uneventful in all patients and the 30-day follow-up (by clinical assessment and duplex scan) has demonstrated a patent repair with no evidence of thrombosis. Without contradicting the wisdom of ligating major veins in the setup of multi-trauma or an unstable patient, our experience indicates that a routine repair of venous trauma can

  10. Improvement of wound healing by water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) in patients with chronic venous stasis ulcers of the lower legs including evaluation using infrared thermography

    PubMed Central

    Mercer, James B.; Nielsen, Stig Pors; Hoffmann, Gerd

    2008-01-01

    Background: Water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) is a special form of heat radiation with a high tissue-penetration and with a low thermal burden to the surface of the skin. wIRA is able to improve essential and energetically meaningful factors of wound healing by thermal and non-thermal effects. Aim of the study: prospective study (primarily planned randomised, controlled, blinded, de facto with one exception only one cohort possible) using wIRA in the treatment of patients with recalcitrant chronic venous stasis ulcers of the lower legs with thermographic follow-up. Methods: 10 patients (5 males, 5 females, median age 62 years) with 11 recalcitrant chronic venous stasis ulcers of the lower legs were treated with water-filtered infrared-A and visible light irradiation (wIRA(+VIS), Hydrosun® radiator type 501, 10 mm water cuvette, water-filtered spectrum 550–1400 nm) or visible light irradiation (VIS; only possible in one patient). The uncovered wounds of the patients were irradiated two to five times per week for 30 minutes at a standard distance of 25 cm (approximately 140 mW/cm2 wIRA and approximately 45 mW/cm2 VIS). Treatment continued for a period of up to 2 months (typically until closure or nearly closure of the ulcer). The main variable of interest was “percent change of ulcer size over time” including complete wound closure. Additional variables of interest were thermographic image analysis, patient’s feeling of pain in the wound, amount of pain medication, assessment of the effect of the irradiation (by patient and by clinical investigator), assessment of feeling of the wound area (by patient), assessment of wound healing (by clinical investigator) and assessment of the cosmetic state (by patient and by clinical investigator). For these assessments visual analogue scales (VAS) were used. Results: The study showed a complete or nearly complete healing of lower leg ulcers in 7 patients and a clear reduction of ulcer size in another 2 of 10 patients, a

  11. Improvement of wound healing by water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) in patients with chronic venous stasis ulcers of the lower legs including evaluation using infrared thermography.

    PubMed

    Mercer, James B; Nielsen, Stig Pors; Hoffmann, Gerd

    2008-10-21

    Water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) is a special form of heat radiation with a high tissue-penetration and with a low thermal burden to the surface of the skin. wIRA is able to improve essential and energetically meaningful factors of wound healing by thermal and non-thermal effects. prospective study (primarily planned randomised, controlled, blinded, de facto with one exception only one cohort possible) using wIRA in the treatment of patients with recalcitrant chronic venous stasis ulcers of the lower legs with thermographic follow-up. 10 patients (5 males, 5 females, median age 62 years) with 11 recalcitrant chronic venous stasis ulcers of the lower legs were treated with water-filtered infrared-A and visible light irradiation (wIRA(+VIS), Hydrosun radiator type 501, 10 mm water cuvette, water-filtered spectrum 550-1400 nm) or visible light irradiation (VIS; only possible in one patient). The uncovered wounds of the patients were irradiated two to five times per week for 30 minutes at a standard distance of 25 cm (approximately 140 mW/cm(2) wIRA and approximately 45 mW/cm(2) VIS). Treatment continued for a period of up to 2 months (typically until closure or nearly closure of the ulcer). The main variable of interest was "percent change of ulcer size over time" including complete wound closure. Additional variables of interest were thermographic image analysis, patient's feeling of pain in the wound, amount of pain medication, assessment of the effect of the irradiation (by patient and by clinical investigator), assessment of feeling of the wound area (by patient), assessment of wound healing (by clinical investigator) and assessment of the cosmetic state (by patient and by clinical investigator). For these assessments visual analogue scales (VAS) were used. The study showed a complete or nearly complete healing of lower leg ulcers in 7 patients and a clear reduction of ulcer size in another 2 of 10 patients, a clear reduction of pain and pain medication

  12. Surgical management of venous malformations.

    PubMed

    Loose, D A

    2007-01-01

    Among vascular malformations, the predominantly venous malformations represent the majority of cases. They form a clinical entity and therefore need clear concepts concerning diagnosis and treatment. This paper presents an overview of contemporary classification as well as tactics and techniques of treatment. According to the Hamburg Classification, predominantly venous malformations are categorized into truncular and extratruncular forms, with truncular forms distinguished as obstructions and dilations, and extratruncular forms as limited or infiltrating. The tactics of treatment represent surgical and non-surgical methods or combined techniques. Surgical approaches utilize different tactics and techniques that are adopted based on the pathologic form and type of the malformation: (I) operation to reduce the haemodynamic activity of the malformation; (II) operation to eliminate the malformation; and (III) reconstructive operation. As for (I), a type of a tactic is the operation to derive the venous flow. In (II), the total or partial removal of the venous malformation is demonstrated subdivided into three different techniques. In this way, the infiltrating as well as the limited forms can be treated. An additional technique is dedicated to the treatment of a marginal vein. Approach (III) involves the treatment of venous aneurysms, where a variety of techniques have been successful. Long-term follow-up demonstrates positive results in 91% of the cases. Congenital predominantly venous malformations should be treated according to the principles developed during the past decades in vascular surgery, interventional treatment and multidisciplinary treatment. The days of predominantly conservative treatment should be relegated to the past. Special skills and experiences are necessary to carry out appropriate surgical strategy, and the required operative techniques should be dictated by the location and type of malformation and associated findings.

  13. Endovascular Treatment of Venous Sinus Stenosis in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Complications, Neurological Outcomes, and Radiographic Results

    PubMed Central

    Starke, Robert M.; Durst, Christopher R.; Crowley, R. Webster; Chalouhi, Nohra; Hasan, David M.; Dumont, Aaron S.; Jabbour, Pascal; Liu, Kenneth C.

    2015-01-01

    Introduction. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) may result in a chronic debilitating disease. Dural venous sinus stenosis with a physiologic venous pressure gradient has been identified as a potential etiology in a number of IIH patients. Intracranial venous stenting has emerged as a potential treatment alternative. Methods. A systematic review was carried out to identify studies employing venous stenting for IIH. Results. From 2002 to 2014, 17 studies comprising 185 patients who underwent 221 stenting procedures were reported. Mean prestent pressure gradient was 20.1 mmHg (95% CI 19.4–20.7 mmHg) with a mean poststent gradient of 4.4 mmHg (95% CI 3.5–5.2 mmHg). Complications occurred in 10 patients (5.4%; 95% CI 4.7–5.4%) but were major in only 3 (1.6%). At a mean clinical follow-up of 22 months, clinical improvement was noted in 130 of 166 patients with headaches (78.3%; 95% CI 75.8–80.8%), 84 of 89 patients with papilledema (94.4%; 95% CI 92.1–96.6%), and 64 of 74 patients with visual symptoms (86.5%; 95% CI 83.0–89.9%). In-stent stenosis was noted in six patients (3.4%; 95% CI 2.5–4.3%) and stent-adjacent stenosis occurred in 19 patients (11.4%; 95% CI 10.4–12.4), resulting in restenting in 10 patients. Conclusion. In IIH patients with venous sinus stenosis and a physiologic pressure gradient, venous stenting appears to be a safe and effective therapeutic option. Further studies are necessary to determine the long-term outcomes and the optimal management of medically refractory IIH. PMID:26146651

  14. [Venous access in oncology].

    PubMed

    Lesimple, T; Béguec, J F; Levêque, J M

    1998-10-31

    Many treatments administered to cancer patients require venous access either via a peripheral vein or a larger central vein at the risk of local or systemic infection, thrombus formation or venous occlusion and dysfunction. Insertion of a central catheter is an invasive procedure which must be conducted under conditions of rigorous asepsia. Strict rules based on well-defined protocols must be applied throughout its use. Local or systemic infectious complications account for 18 to 25% of all nosocomial infections and are often related to colonisation of the puncture site by a Gram positive germ. In case of infection, ablation of the central catheter is not mandatory for diagnosis or antibiotic treatment. Reported at varying frequencies in the literature from 4 to 42%, thrombus formation is unpredictable and often difficult to diagnose. Anticoagulants or fibrolytic agents are indicated but it may also be necessary to withdraw the catheter. Displacement, rupture, obstruction and extravasation are frequent complications. Back flow must be checked in all venous accesses and free flow carefully verified. The access must remain patent throughout the period of use, guaranteed by a standard heparinization and rinsing protocol. This complications must not mask the important progress achieved with the use of central venous access for specific and symptomatic treatment in cancer patients.

  15. Sharp Central Venous Recanalization in Hemodialysis Patients: A Single-Institution Experience

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Arabi, Mohammad, E-mail: marabi2004@hotmail.com; Ahmed, Ishtiaq; Mat’hami, Abdulaziz

    PurposeWe report our institutional experience with sharp central venous recanalization in chronic hemodialysis patients who failed standard techniques.Materials and MethodsSince January 2014, a series of seven consecutive patients (four males and three females), mean age 35 years (18–65 years), underwent sharp central venous recanalization. Indications included obtaining hemodialysis access (n = 6) and restoration of superior vena cava (SVC) patency to alleviate occlusion symptoms and restore fistula function (n = 1). The transseptal needle was used for sharp recanalization in six patients, while it could not be introduced in one patient due to total occlusion of the inferior vena cava. Instead, transmediastinal SVC access using Chibamore » needle was obtained.ResultsTechnical success was achieved in all cases. SVC recanalization achieved symptoms’ relief and restored fistula function in the symptomatic patient. One patient underwent arteriovenous fistula creation on the recanalized side 3 months after the procedure. The remaining catheters were functional at median follow-up time of 9 months (1–14 months). Two major complications occurred including a right hemothorax and a small hemopericardium, which were managed by covered stent placement across the perforated SVC.ConclusionSharp central venous recanalization using the transseptal needle is feasible technique in patients who failed standard recanalization procedures. The potential high risk of complications necessitates thorough awareness of anatomy and proper technical preparedness.« less

  16. A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Centella asiatica for Improvement of the Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

    PubMed Central

    Chong, Nyuk Jet; Aziz, Zoriah

    2013-01-01

    We aimed to assess the efficacy of Centella asiatica for improvement of the signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). We searched 13 electronic databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomised controlled trials assessing the efficacy of Centella asiatica for CVI. Two review authors independently selected studies, assessed the risks of bias of included studies and extracted data. The treatment effects of similar studies were pooled whenever appropriate. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooling of data of similar studies showed that Centella asiatica significantly improved microcirculatory parameters such as transcutaneous partial pressure of CO2 and O2, rate of ankle swelling and venoarteriolar response. Three out of the eight studies did not provide quantitative data. However, these studies reported that patients treated with Centella asiatica showed significant improvement in CVI signs such as leg heaviness, pain and oedema. Our results show that Centella asiatica may be beneficial for improving signs and symptoms of CVI but this conclusion needs to be interpreted with caution as most of the studies were characterised by inadequate reporting and thus had unclear risks of bias, which may threaten the validity of the conclusions. PMID:23533507

  17. Cannulation for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

    PubMed Central

    2018-01-01

    Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is described as a modified, smaller cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. The veno-venous (VV) ECMO circuit drains venous blood, oxygenate the blood, and pump the blood back into the same venous compartment. Draining and reinfusing in the same compartment means there are a risk of recirculation. The draining position within the venous system, ECMO pump flow, return flow position within the venous system and the patients cardiac output (CO) all have an impact on recirculation. Using two single lumen cannulas or one dual lumen cannula, but also the design of the venous cannula, can have an impact on where within the venous system the cannula is draining blood and will affect the efficiency of the ECMO circuit. VV ECMO can be performed with different cannulation strategies. The use of two single lumen cannulas draining in inferior vena cava (IVC) and reinfusing in superior vena cava (SVC) or draining in SVC and reinfusing in IVC, or one dual lumen cannula inserted in right jugular vein is all possible cannulation strategies. Independent of cannulation strategy there will be a risk of recirculation. Efficiency can be reasonable in either strategy if the cannulas are carefully positioned and monitored during the dynamic procedure of pulmonary disease. The disadvantage draining from IVC only occurs when there is a need for converting from VV to veno-arterial (VA) ECMO, reinfusing in the femoral artery. Then draining from SVC is the most efficient strategy, draining low saturated venous blood, and also means low risk of dual circulation. PMID:29732177

  18. Deep venous thrombosis: The valve cusp hypoxia thesis and its incompatibility with modern orthodoxy.

    PubMed

    Malone, P Colm; Agutter, Paul S

    2016-01-01

    The valve cusp hypoxia thesis (VCHT) of the aetiology of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was adumbrated in this journal in 1977 and fully articulated in 2008, the original hypothesis having been strongly corroborated by experiments published in 1981 and 1984. It presents a unitary account of the pathogenesis of venous thrombosis and embolism that is rooted in the pathophysiological tradition of Hunter, Virchow, Lister, Welch and Aschoff, a tradition traceable back to Harvey. In this paper we summarise the thesis in its mature form, consider its compatibility with recent advances in the DVT field, and ask why it has not yet been assimilated into the mainstream literature, which during the past half century has been dominated by a haematology-orientated 'consensus model'. We identify and discuss seven ways in which the VCHT is incompatible with these mainstream beliefs about the aetiology of venous thrombosis, drawing attention to: (1) the spurious nature of 'Virchow's triad'; (2) the crucial differences between 'venous thrombus' and 'clot'; the facts that (3) venous thrombi form in the valve pockets (VVPs), (4) DVT is not a primarily haematological condition, (5) the so-called 'thrombophilias' are not thrombogenic per se; (6) the conflict between the single unitary aetiology of DVT and the tacit assumption that the condition is 'multicausal'; (7) the inability of anticoagulants to prevent the initiation of venous thrombogenesis, though they do prevent the growth of thrombi to clinically significant size. In discussing point (7), we show that the VCHT indicates new approaches to mechanical prophylaxis against DVT. These approaches are then formulated as experimentally testable hypotheses, and we suggest methods for testing them preclinically using animal trials. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Oxaliplatin and protracted venous infusion of 5-fluorouracil in patients with advanced or relapsed 5-fluorouracil pretreated colorectal cancer

    PubMed Central

    Chau, I; Webb, A; Cunningham, D; Hill, M; Waters, J S; Norman, A; Massey, A

    2001-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the activity and safety of oxaliplatin and protracted venous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (PVI 5-FU) in patients with advanced or relapsed 5-FU pretreated colorectal cancer. 38 patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal carcinoma with documented progression on or within 6 months following 5-FU or thymidylate synthase inhibitor containing chemotherapy were recruited between June 1997 and September 2000. Oxaliplatin (100 mg m−2) was given every 2 weeks and PVI 5-FU (300 mg m−2day−1) was administered. Median age of patients was 61 years. 17 patients had >2 sites of disease involvement. 10 had received 5-FU based adjuvant chemotherapy. 16 received oxaliplatin and PVI 5-FU as second-line chemotherapy for advanced disease and 22 as third or subsequent lines. Median follow up was 6.1 months. The best achieved objective tumour response rate was 29% (11 partial responses 95% confidence interval [CI] = 15–46%). 20 patients (52.6%) had stable disease. The median duration of response was 3.9 months. Even for patients who had previously received both 5-FU and irinotecan (n= 22), 27.3% had partial response with oxaliplatin and PVI 5-FU. 37 patients had symptoms on entry into the study. 25 patients had pain, 10 had anorexia and 28 had lethargy. 64%, 70% and 17.9% had symptomatic improvement after treatment respectively. Grade 3–4 toxicities were anaemia 10.6%, neutropenia 2.6%, thrombocytopenia 5.2%, diarrhoea 18.9%, nausea and vomiting 2.7%, infection 5.4% and lethargy 37.8%. The median survival was 9.1 months. Probability of overall survival at 6 months was 58.4% (95% CI = 38.7–73.7%). The median failure-free survival was 4 months. Oxaliplatin and PVI 5FU is an active and well tolerated regimen in patients with heavily pre-treated advanced colorectal cancer. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign PMID:11720458

  20. Characterization of central venous catheter-associated deep venous thrombosis in infants.

    PubMed

    Gray, Brian W; Gonzalez, Raquel; Warrier, Kavita S; Stephens, Lauren A; Drongowski, Robert A; Pipe, Steven W; Mychaliska, George B

    2012-06-01

    Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a frequent complication in infants with central venous catheters (CVCs). We performed this study to identify risk factors and risk-reduction strategies of CVC-associated DVT in infants. Infants younger than 1 year who had a CVC placed at our center from 2005 to 2009 were reviewed. Patients with ultrasonically diagnosed DVT were compared to those without radiographic evidence. Of 333 patients, 47% (155/333) had femoral, 33% (111/333) had jugular, and 19% (64/333) had subclavian CVCs. Deep venous thromboses occurred in 18% (60/333) of patients. Sixty percent (36/60) of DVTs were in femoral veins. Femoral CVCs were associated with greater DVT rates (27%; 42/155) than jugular (11%; 12/111) or subclavian CVCs (9%; 6/64; P < .01). There was a 16% DVT rate in those with saphenofemoral Broviac CVCs vs 83% (20/24) in those with percutaneous femoral lines (P < .01). Multilumen CVCs had higher DVT rates than did single-lumen CVCs (54% vs 6%, P < .01), and mean catheter days before DVT diagnosis was shorter for percutaneous lines than Broviacs (13 ± 17 days vs 30 ± 37 days, P = .02). Patients with +DVT had longer length of stay (86 ± 88 days vs 48 ± 48 days, P < .01) and higher percentage of intensive care unit admission (82% vs 70%, P = .02). Deep venous thrombosis reduction strategies in infants with CVCs include avoiding percutaneous femoral and multilumen CVCs, screening percutaneous lines, and early catheter removal. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. The possibility for use of venous flaps in plastic surgery

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Baytinger, V. F., E-mail: baitinger@mail.tomsknet.ru; Kurochkina, O. S., E-mail: kurochkinaos@yandex.ru; Selianinov, K. V.

    2015-11-17

    The use of venous flaps is controversial. The mechanism of perfusion of venous flaps is still not fully understood. The research was conducted on 56 white rats. In our experimental work we studied two different models of venous flaps: pedicled venous flap (PVF) and pedicled arterialized venous flap (PAVF). Our results showed that postoperative congestion was present in all flaps. However 66.7% of all pedicled venous flaps and 100% of all pedicled arterialized venous flaps eventually survived. Histological examination revealed that postoperatively the blood flow in the skin of the pedicled arterialized venous flap became «re-reversed» again; there were nomore » differences between mechanism of survival of venous flaps and other flaps. On the 7-14th day in the skin of all flaps were processes of neoangiogenesis and proliferation. Hence the best scenario for the clinical use of venous flaps unfolds when both revascularization and skin coverage are required.« less

  2. Effect of hepatic venous sphincter contraction on transmission of central venous pressure to lobar and portal pressure.

    PubMed

    Lautt, W W; Legare, D J; Greenway, C V

    1987-11-01

    In dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital, central vena caval pressure (CVP), portal venous pressure (PVP), and intrahepatic lobar venous pressure (proximal to the hepatic venous sphincters) were measured. The objective was to determine some characteristics of the intrahepatic vascular resistance sites (proximal and distal to the hepatic venous sphincters) including testing predictions made using a recent mathematical model of distensible hepatic venous resistance. The stimulus used was a brief rise in CVP produced by transient occlusion of the thoracic vena cava in control state and when vascular resistance was elevated by infusions of norepinephrine or histamine, or by nerve stimulation. The percent transmission of the downstream pressure rise to upstream sites past areas of vascular resistance was elevated. Even small increments in CVP are partially transmitted upstream. The data are incompatible with the vascular waterfall phenomenon which predicts that venous pressure increments are not transmitted upstream until a critical pressure is overcome and then further increments would be 100% transmitted. The hepatic sphincters show the following characteristics. First, small rises in CVP are transmitted less than large elevations; as the CVP rises, the sphincters passively distend and allow a greater percent transmission upstream, thus a large rise in CVP is more fully transmitted than a small rise in CVP. Second, the amount of pressure transmission upstream is determined by the vascular resistance across which the pressure is transmitted. As nerves, norepinephrine, or histamine cause the hepatic sphincters to contract, the percent transmission becomes less and the distensibility of the sphincters is reduced. Similar characteristics are shown for the "presinusoidal" vascular resistance and the hepatic venous sphincter resistance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  3. Venous Shunt Versus Venous Ligation for Vascular Damage Control: The Immunohistochemical Evidence.

    PubMed

    Góes Junior, Adenauer Marinho de Oliveira; Abib, Simone de Campos Vieira; Alves, Maria Teresa de Seixas; Ferreira, Paulo Sérgio Venerando da Silva; Andrade, Mariseth Carvalho de

    2017-05-01

    To evaluate the expression of immunohistochemical markers of tissue ischemia (iNOS, eNOS, and HSP70) in a vascular damage control experimental model to determine if a venous temporary vascular shunt insertion leads to a better limb perfusion when compared with the ligature of the injured vein. Experimental study in male Sus Scrofa weighting 40 Kg. Animals were distributed into 5 groups: group 1 animals were submitted to right external iliac artery (EIA) shunting and right external iliac vein (EIV) ligation; group 2 animals were submitted to right EIA shunting and right EIV shunting; group 3 animals were submitted to right EIV ligation; group 4 animals were submitted to right EIV shunting; group 5 animals were not submitted to vascular shunting or venous ligation. Transonic Systems flowmeters were used to measure vascular flow on right and left external iliac vessels, and i-STAT (Abbot) portable blood analyzer was used for EIVs blood biochemical analysis. An initial baseline register of invasive arterial pressure, iliac vessels flow, and venous blood analysis was performed. Arterial pressure and iliac vessels flow were taken immediately after right iliac vessels shunting or ligation. Then, hemorrhagic shock was induced by continuous 20 mL/min blood withdraw from the external right jugular vein whereas arterial blood pressure and iliac vessels flow registers were taken every 10 min, and blood samples from EIVs were obtained every 30 min until the vascular flow through right EIA (or through the shunt inserted into the right EIV for group 4 animals) became inexistent or until the animal's death. After the end of the experiments, bilateral hind limb's biopsies were obtained for immunohistochemical analysis. Using image editing and analysis software, the expression of iNOS, eNOS, and HSP70 (3 well-known ischemic associated immunohistochemical markers) was assessed. The mean expression of each marker in the right hind limb was compared between groups. For statistical

  4. Internal jugular vein thrombosis associated with venous hypoplasia and protein S deficiency revealed by ultrasonography.

    PubMed

    Lim, Byung Gun; Kim, Young Min; Kim, Heezoo; Lim, Sang Ho; Lee, Mi Kyoung

    2011-12-01

    A 41-year-old woman, who had no thrombotic risk factors and past history except congenital scoliosis, underwent central venous catheterization (CVC) before correction of the scoliosis. When internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterization using the anatomical landmark technique failed, CVC under ultrasound guidance was tried. As a consequence, thrombosis and hypoplasia of the right IJV were incidentally detected by ultrasonography. Central venous catheters were then successfully placed in other veins under ultrasound guidance. Also, after examinations to rule out the possibility of pulmonary embolism and to clarify the causes of the IJV thrombosis, the patient was found to have protein S deficiency. CVC under ultrasound guidance should be recommended to prevent the failure of cannulation and complications such as thromboembolism in patients who could possibly have anomalies of vessels as a result of anatomical deformities caused by severe scoliosis, even if patients do not have thrombotic risk factors such as a history of central catheter insertion or intravenous drug abuse, cancer, advanced age, cerebral infarction, and left ventricular dysfunction. Also, if venous thrombosis is found in patients without predisposing risk factors, one should ascertain the cause of the hypercoagulable state, for example protein S deficiency, and perform appropriate treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism.

  5. Palliative Care, Hospice, and Advance Care Planning: Views of People Living with HIV and Other Chronic Conditions.

    PubMed

    Slomka, Jacquelyn; Prince-Paul, Maryjo; Webel, Allison; Daly, Barbara J

    2016-01-01

    People living with HIV (PLWH) who survive to older adulthood risk developing multiple chronic medical conditions. Health policymakers recognize the role of early palliative care and advance care planning in improving health quality for at-risk populations, but misperceptions about palliative care, hospice, and advance care planning are common. Before testing a program of early palliative care for PLWH and other chronic conditions, we conducted focus groups to elicit perceptions of palliative care, hospice, and advance care planning in our target population. Overall, participants were unfamiliar with the term palliative care, confused concepts of palliative care and hospice, and/or associated hospice care with dying. Participants misunderstood advance care planning, but valued communication about health care preferences. Accepting palliative care was contingent on distinguishing it from hospice and historical memories of HIV and dying. Provision of high-quality, comprehensive care will require changing public perceptions and individuals' views in this high-risk population. Copyright © 2016 Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Venous leg ulcers

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Introduction Leg ulcers usually occur secondary to venous reflux or obstruction, but 20% of people with leg ulcers have arterial disease, with or without venous disorders. Between 1.5 and 3.0/1000 people have active leg ulcers. Prevalence increases with age to about 20/1000 in people aged over 80 years. Methods and outcomes We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of standard treatments, adjuvant treatments, and organisational interventions for venous leg ulcers? What are the effects of advice about self-help interventions in people receiving usual care for venous leg ulcers? What are the effects of interventions to prevent recurrence of venous leg ulcers? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to June 2011 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Results We found 101 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions. Conclusions In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: compression bandages and stockings, cultured allogenic (single or bilayer) skin replacement, debriding agents, dressings (cellulose, collagen, film, foam, hyaluronic acid-derived, semi-occlusive alginate), hydrocolloid (occlusive) dressings in the presence of compression, intermittent pneumatic compression, intravenous prostaglandin E1, larval therapy, laser treatment (low-level), leg ulcer clinics, multilayer elastic system, multilayer elastomeric (or non-elastomeric) high-compression regimens or bandages, oral treatments (aspirin, flavonoids

  7. Endovascular treatment of chronic cerebro spinal venous insufficiency in patients with multiple sclerosis modifies circulating markers of endothelial dysfunction and coagulation activation: a prospective study.

    PubMed

    Napolitano, Mariasanta; Bruno, Aldo; Mastrangelo, Diego; De Vizia, Marcella; Bernardo, Benedetto; Rosa, Buonagura; De Lucia, Domenico

    2014-10-01

    We performed a monocentric observational prospective study to evaluate coagulation activation and endothelial dysfunction parameters in patients with multiple sclerosis undergoing endovascular treatment for cerebro-spinal-venous insufficiency. Between February 2011 and July 2012, 144 endovascular procedures in 110 patients with multiple sclerosis and chronical cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency were performed and they were prospectively analyzed. Each patient was included in the study according to previously published criteria, assessed by the investigators before enrollment. Endothelial dysfunction and coagulation activation parameters were determined before the procedure and during follow-up at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months after treatment, respectively. After the endovascular procedure, patients were treated with standard therapies, with the addition of mesoglycan. Fifty-five percent of patients experienced a favorable outcome of multiple sclerosis within 1 month after treatment, 25% regressed in the following 3 months, 24.9% did not experience any benefit. In only 0.1% patients, acute recurrence was observed and it was treated with high-dose immunosuppressive therapy. No major complications were observed. Coagulation activation and endothelial dysfunction parameters were shown to be reduced at 1 month and stable up to 12-month follow-up, and they were furthermore associated with a good clinical outcome. Endovascular procedures performed by a qualified staff are well tolerated; they can be associated with other currently adopted treatments. Correlations between inflammation, coagulation activation and neurodegenerative disorders are here supported by the observed variations in plasma levels of markers of coagulation activation and endothelial dysfunction.

  8. Protocol for a pilot randomised controlled clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of a graduated three layer straight tubular bandaging system when compared to a standard short stretch compression bandaging system in the management of people with venous ulceration: 3VSS2008

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background The incidence of venous ulceration is rising with the increasing age of the general population. Venous ulceration represents the most prevalent form of difficult to heal wounds and these problematic wounds require a significant amount of health care resources for treatment. Based on current knowledge multi-layer high compression system is described as the gold standard for treating venous ulcers. However, to date, despite our advances in venous ulcer therapy, no convincing low cost compression therapy studies have been conducted and there are no clear differences in the effectiveness of different types of high compression. Methods/Design The trial is designed as a pilot multicentre open label parallel group randomised trial. Male and female participants aged greater than 18 years with a venous ulcer confirmed by clinical assessment will be randomised to either the intervention compression bandage which consists of graduated lengths of 3 layers of elastic tubular compression bandage or to the short stretch inelastic compression bandage (control). The primary objective is to assess the percentage wound reduction from baseline compared to week 12 following randomisation. Randomisation will be allocated via a web based central independent randomisation service (nQuery v7) and stratified by study centre and wound size ≤ 10 cm2 or >10 cm2. Neither participants nor study staff will be blinded to treatment. Outcome assessments will be undertaken by an assessor who is blinded to the randomisation process. Discussion The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two compression bandages; graduated three layer straight tubular bandaging (3L) when compared to standard short stretch (SS) compression bandaging in healing venous ulcers in patients with chronic venous ulceration. The trial investigates the differences in clinical outcomes of two currently accepted ways of treating people with venous ulcers. This study will help answer the question

  9. Neutrophil extracellular traps form predominantly during the organizing stage of human venous thromboembolism development

    PubMed Central

    Savchenko, A. S.; Martinod, K.; Seidman, M. A.; Wong, S. L.; Borissoff, J. I.; Piazza, G.; Libby, P.; Goldhaber, S. Z.; Mitchell, R. N.; Wagner, D. D.

    2014-01-01

    Background A growing health problem, venous thromboembolism (VTE), including pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), requires refined diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Neutrophils contribute to thrombus initiation and development in experimental DVT. Recent animal studies recognized neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) as an important scaffold supporting thrombus stability. However, the hypothesis that human venous thrombi involve NETs has not undergone rigorous testing. Objective To explore the cellular composition and the presence of NETs within human venous thrombi at different stages of development. Patients and Methods We examined sixteen thrombi obtained from 11 patients during surgery or at autopsy using histomorphological, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses. Results We classified thrombus regions as unorganized, organizing, and organized according to their morphological characteristics. We then evaluated them focusing on neutrophil and platelet deposition as well as micro-vascularization of the thrombus body. We observed evidence of NET accumulation, including the presence of citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit)-positive cells. NETs, defined as extracellular diffuse H3Cit areas associated with myeloperoxidase and DNA, localized predominantly during the phase of organization in human venous thrombi. Conclusions NETs are present in organizing thrombi in patients with VTE. They are associated with thrombus maturation in humans. Dissolution of NETs might thus facilitate thrombolysis. This finding provides new insights into the clinical development and pathology of thrombosis and provides new perspectives for therapeutic advances. PMID:24674135

  10. Recent advances in diagnosis and treatment of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms

    PubMed Central

    Guglielmelli, Paola

    2010-01-01

    The Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) have recently been the focus of tremendous advances in basic knowledge of disease pathophysiology following the recognition of mutations in JAK2 and MPL. These discoveries also led to refinement of the criteria employed for diagnosis. The prognostic roles of the JAK2 V617F mutation and of leukocytosis as independent risk factors for thrombosis, which represents the leading cause of death in patients with polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia, are supported by retrospective studies. A new risk stratification approach to the patient with primary myelofibrosis allows clinicians to distinguish categories of patients with significantly different expected survival. Finally, new drugs are currently being tested for MPNs, and molecular discoveries could ultimately lead to the development of a specific targeted therapy. Overall, significant advances in diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment have taken place in the last couple of years in the field of MPNs. PMID:20948870

  11. Cerebral Venous Congestion as Indication for Thrombolytic Treatment

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tsai, Fong Y., E-mail: ftsai@uci.edu; Kostanian, Varoujan; Rivera, Monica

    Purpose. To carry out a retrospective analysis of patients with acute dural sinus thrombosis, and the role of cerebral venous congestion in patient management. Methods. Twenty-five patients were identified with the clinical and imaging diagnosis of acute dural sinus thrombosis. The imaging diagnosis was by magnetic resonance (MR) and/or computed tomography (CT) venography. There was a female predominance with a female to male ratio of 1.5 to 1 (16 women, 9 men). The age range was from 19 to 64 years old with an average age of 37 years. The first 10 patients, who ranged in age from 21 tomore » 64 years old (average 37 years), received only anticoagulation therapy with heparin and warfarin for periods ranging from 5 days to 2 months. The remaining 15 patients ranged in age from 19 to 57 years old (average 38 years). They either underwent subsequent thrombectomy after a trial of anticoagulation therapy, or went straight to thrombectomy. These latter 15 patients had initial evidence of cerebral venous congestion, either clinically by severe or worsening symptoms despite anticoagulation therapy, or on initial or subsequent CT or MR imaging. In our experience, the cerebral venous congestion imaging findings included intracranial hemorrhage, a hematoma, or edema. The thrombolytic treatment technique consisted of the advancement of a 6 Fr guiding catheter to the jugular bulb or sigmoid sinus from a transfemoral approach. A microcatheter was then advanced to the proximal portion of the thrombus and then either tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or urokinase was injected to prevent clot propagation. A balloon catheter was used to perform thrombectomy since the thrombolytic agents can be injected via the inner lumen with an inflated balloon. The inflated balloon helped to keep the venous flow from washing out the thrombolytic agent, thus facilitating the agent's effect. Results. The first 10 patients received only anticoagulation therapy with heparin and warfarin for

  12. Acute venous sinus thrombosis after chickenpox infection.

    PubMed

    Sardana, Vijay; Mittal, Lal Chand; Meena, S R; Sharma, Deepti; Khandelwal, Girish

    2014-08-01

    Chickenpox is one of the classic childhood diseases. Recently chicken pox has been reported in adults with more severe systemic and neurological complications. Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a life threatening disorder if not treated in time. We report a patient with post varicella CVT as a rare complication of primary Varicella zoster virus. Vasculitic arterial infarction is known while venous stroke has rarely been reported with Varicella-zoster virus infection. Here, we report an immunocompetent 30 yr old male who developed chickenpox after contact with his daughter two month back. He presented with acute neurological deficit, one week after onset of skin lesion. MR venography revealed non-visualisation of left transverse sinus and left sigmoid sinus suggestive of venous sinus thrombosis. Varicella infection is rarely associated with venous sinus thrombosis. Possibly hypercoagulable state produced by the infection or direct invasion of virus in venous endothelial wall with subsequent damage to endothelium leading to thrombosis could be the cause.

  13. Utility of the advanced chronic kidney disease patient management tools: case studies.

    PubMed

    Patwardhan, Meenal B; Matchar, David B; Samsa, Gregory P; Haley, William E

    2008-01-01

    Appropriate management of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) delays or limits its progression. The Advanced CKD Patient Management Toolkit was developed using a process-improvement technique to assist patient management and address CKD-specific management issues. We pilot tested the toolkit in 2 community nephrology practices, assessed the utility of individual tools, and evaluated the impact on conformance to an advanced CKD guideline through patient chart abstraction. Tool use was distinct in the 2 sites and depended on the site champion's involvement, the extent of process reconfiguration demanded by a tool, and its perceived value. Baseline conformance varied across guideline recommendations (averaged 54%). Posttrial conformance increased in all clinical areas (averaged 59%). Valuable features of the toolkit in real-world settings were its ability to: facilitate tool selection, direct implementation efforts in response to a baseline performance audit, and allow selection of tool versions and customizing them. Our results suggest that systematically created, multifaceted, and customizable tools can promote guideline conformance.

  14. Management of cancer-associated thrombosis in people with advanced disease.

    PubMed

    Noble, Simon; Johnson, Miriam J

    2012-06-01

    The management of venous thromboembolism in the cancer population is clearly established. Low molecular weight heparin has a greater efficacy than warfarin in the treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis and is recommended as the preferred therapy. However, the evidence informing these recommendations excluded patients with poor prognosis or performance status, thrombocytopenia, bleeding or brain metastases. Furthermore, there is limited data on the management of venous thromboembolism resistant to anticoagulation, a phenomenon frequently encountered in the advanced cancer population. This paper will review the management of cancer-associated thrombosis with a particular focus on challenging clinical situations faced by palliative care teams looking after patients with advanced disease.

  15. The Care Needs of Community-Dwelling Seniors Suffering from Advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wilson, Donna M.; Ross, Carolyn; Goodridge, Donna; Davis, Penny; Landreville, Alison; Roebuck, Kim

    2008-01-01

    Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the care needs of Canadian seniors living at home with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Background: COPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although hospitalizations for illness exacerbations and end-stage care may be common, most persons with COPD live out…

  16. History of venous leg ulcers.

    PubMed

    Gianfaldoni, S; Wollina, U; Lotti, J; Gianfaldoni, R; Lotti, T; Fioranelli, M; Roccia, M G

    To retrieve the history of venous ulcers and of skin lesions in general, we must go back to the appearance of human beings on earth. It is interesting to note that cutaneous injuries evolved parallel to human society. An essential first step in the pathogenesis of ulcers was represented by the transition of the quadruped man to Homo Erectus. This condition was characterized by a greater gravitational pressure on the lower limbs, with consequences on the peripheral venous system. Furthermore, human evolution was characterized by an increased risk of traumatic injuries, secondary to his natural need to create fire and hunt (e.g. stones, iron, fire, animal fighting). Humans then began to fight one another until they came to real wars, with increased frequency of wounds and infectious complications. The situation degraded with the introduction of horse riding, introduced by the Scites, who first tamed animals in the 7th century BC. This condition exhibited iliac veins at compression phenomena, favouring the venous stasis. With time, man continued to evolve until the modern age, which is characterized by increased risk factors for venous wounds such as poor physical activity and dietary errors (1, 2).

  17. Daily nursing care on patients undergoing venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a challenging procedure!

    PubMed

    Redaelli, Sara; Zanella, Alberto; Milan, Manuela; Isgrò, Stefano; Lucchini, Alberto; Pesenti, Antonio; Patroniti, Nicolò

    2016-12-01

    Daily nursing in critical care patients may alter vital parameters, especially in the most critically ill patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate feasibility and safety of daily nursing on patients undergoing venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv-ECMO) for severe respiratory failure. Daily nursing was performed following defined phases (sponge bath, elevation with scooping stretcher, change position of endotracheal tube, dressing replacement). We recorded physiological and ECMO parameters before and during daily nursing in 5 patients for several days (total: 25 daily nursing) and adverse events: desaturation, hypertension, reduction of mixed venous oxygen saturation, arterial oxygen saturation or ECMO blood flow and elevation in minute ventilation. Sedative drug dosage and additional bolus were recorded. Daily nursing was performed in 92 % of cases (23/25), with a minimum of two adverse events per daily nursing. Hypertension and tachycardia were mostly recorded at the beginning, while desaturation, reduction in mixed venous oxygen saturation and blood flow were recorded during elevation with scooping stretcher. Increase in minute ventilation was frequent in spontaneous breathing patients. Additional bolus of sedation was required before and/or during nursing. Daily nursing significantly alters physiologic parameters; thus, it should be performed only when physicians are readily available to treat adverse events.

  18. Cognitive Impairment in Non-Dialysis-Dependent CKD and the Transition to Dialysis: Findings From the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study.

    PubMed

    Harhay, Meera N; Xie, Dawei; Zhang, Xiaoming; Hsu, Chi-Yuan; Vittinghoff, Eric; Go, Alan S; Sozio, Stephen M; Blumenthal, Jacob; Seliger, Stephen; Chen, Jing; Deo, Rajat; Dobre, Mirela; Akkina, Sanjeev; Reese, Peter P; Lash, James P; Yaffe, Kristine; Tamura, Manjula Kurella

    2018-05-02

    Advanced chronic kidney disease is associated with elevated risk for cognitive impairment. However, it is not known whether and how cognitive impairment is associated with planning and preparation for end-stage renal disease. Retrospective observational study. 630 adults participating in the CRIC (Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort) Study who had cognitive assessments in late-stage CKD, defined as estimated glome-rular filtration rate ≤ 20mL/min/1.73m 2 , and subsequently initiated maintenance dialysis therapy. Predialysis cognitive impairment, defined as a score on the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination lower than previously derived age-based threshold scores. Covariates included age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, comorbid conditions, and health literacy. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) as first dialysis modality, preemptive permanent access placement, venous catheter avoidance at dialysis therapy initiation, and preemptive wait-listing for a kidney transplant. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression. Predialysis cognitive impairment was present in 117 (19%) participants. PD was the first dialysis modality among 16% of participants (n=100), 75% had preemptive access placed (n=473), 45% avoided using a venous catheter at dialysis therapy initiation (n=279), and 20% were preemptively wait-listed (n=126). Predialysis cognitive impairment was independently associated with 78% lower odds of PD as the first dialysis modality (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06-0.74; P=0.02) and 42% lower odds of venous catheter avoidance at dialysis therapy initiation (aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.34-0.98; P=0.04). Predialysis cognitive impairment was not independently associated with preemptive permanent access placement or wait-listing. Potential unmeasured confounders; single measure of cognitive function. Predialysis cognitive impairment is associated with a lower likelihood of PD as a first dialysis modality and of venous catheter avoidance at dialysis therapy

  19. Current Status of the Application of Intracranial Venous Sinus Stenting

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Kan; Yu, Tiecheng; Yuan, Yongjie; Yu, Jinlu

    2015-01-01

    The intracranial venous sinus is an important component of vascular disease. Many diseases involve the venous sinus and are accompanied by venous sinus stenosis (VSS), which leads to increased venous pressure and high intracranial pressure. Recent research has focused on stenting as a treatment for VSS related to these diseases. However, a systematic understanding of venous sinus stenting (VS-Stenting) is lacking. Herein, the literature on idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), venous pulsatile tinnitus, sinus thrombosis, high draining venous pressure in dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and tumor-caused VSS was reviewed and analyzed to summarize experiences with VS-Stenting as a treatment. The literature review showed that satisfactory therapeutic effects can be achieved through stent angioplasty. Thus, the present study suggests that selective stent release in the venous sinus can effectively treat these diseases and provide new possibilities for treating intracranial vascular disease. PMID:26516306

  20. Endovascular Thrombolysis Using Monteplase for Non-chronic Deep Venous Thrombosis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yamagami, Takuji, E-mail: yamagami@koto.kpu-m.ac.jp; Yoshimatsu, Rika, E-mail: rika442@koto.kpu-m.ac.jp; Tanaka, Osamu, E-mail: otanaka@koto.kpu-m.ac.jp

    This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of endovascular thrombolysis using monteplase for deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Between December 2005 and October 2009, at our institution nine endovascular thrombolysis treatments with monteplase were performed for symptomatic DVT in eight patients (6 women, 2 men; mean age, 56 (range, 15-80) years). In all, systemic anticoagulation administered by the peripheral intravenous route with heparin and/or thrombolysis with urokinase followed by anticoagulation with orally administered warfarin had been performed, and subsequently six endovascular treatments without monteplase were administered. However, DVT persisted, and endovascular treatments with monteplase were tried. In six (67%) ofmore » the nine procedures, DVT completely or almost completely disappeared after endovascular thrombolysis with monteplase. Mean dose of monteplase used was 2,170,000 IU. There was only one procedure-related complication. In one patient, just after thrombolysis with monteplase, bleeding at the puncture site and gingival bleeding occurred. Bleeding was stopped by manual astriction only. Endovascular thrombolysis with monteplase may be an effective treatment for DVT, even in cases resistant to traditional systemic anticoagulation and thrombolysis and endovascular procedures without monteplase.« less

  1. New findings on venous thrombogenesis

    PubMed Central

    Byrnes, James R.; Wolberg, Alisa S.

    2017-01-01

    Summary Venous thrombosis (VT) is the third most common cause of cardiovascular death worldwide. Complications from VT and pulmonary embolism are the leading cause of lost disability-adjusted life years. Risks include genetic (e.g., non-O blood group, activated protein C resistance, hyperprothrombinemia) and acquired (e.g., age, surgery, cancer, pregnancy, immobilisation, female hormone use) factors. Pathophysiologic mechanisms that promote VT are incompletely understood, but involve abnormalities in blood coagulability, vessel function, and flow (so-called Virchow’s Triad). Epidemiologic studies of humans, animal models, and biochemical and biophysical investigations have revealed contributions from extrinsic, intrinsic, and common pathways of coagulation, endothelial cells, leukocytes, red blood cells, platelets, cell-derived microvesicles, stasis-induced changes in vascular cells, and blood rheology. Knowledge of these mechanisms may yield new therapeutic targets. Characterisation of mechanisms that mediate VT formation and stability, particularly in aging, are needed to advance understanding of VT. PMID:27878206

  2. Identification of intraluminal thrombus by ultrasonography in emergency department patients with acute deep venous thrombosis.

    PubMed

    Mehta, Ninfa; Schecter, Joshua; Stone, Michael

    2012-05-01

    Traditionally, the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) using duplex ultrasonography (DU) has relied on the absence of venous compressibility. Visualization of an intraluminal thrombus is considered an uncommon finding. The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of intraluminal thrombus in emergency department (ED) patients diagnosed with acute DVT. Retrospective chart review of adult ED patients with DU examinations demonstrating acute DVT. Patients with chronic DVT or patients in whom DU did not demonstrate DVT were excluded from data analysis. Study reports and ultrasound images were reviewed and analyzed for the presence of intraluminal thrombus. There were 189 patients who met inclusion criteria, of which 160 (85%) were found to have intraluminal thrombus. Intraluminal thrombi are present in the majority of patients in our ED in whom acute DVT is identified by DU. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. [Venous thrombosis associated with central venous catheter use in patients with cancer].

    PubMed

    Iglesias Rey, Leticia; Fernández Pérez, Isaura; Barbagelata López, Cristina; Rivera Gallego, Alberto

    2015-01-01

    The use of central venous catheters for various applications (administration of chemotherapy, blood products and others) in patients with cancer is increasingly frequent. The association between thrombosis and catheter use has been fully established but aspects such as its causes, diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment have not. We describe a case of thrombosis in a patient with cancer treated with chemotherapy who carried a central venous catheter. We also perform a review of the risk factors, the role of the prophylaxis and the treatment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  4. [Home anti-cancer therapy with a venous port].

    PubMed

    Muto, A; Ashino, Y; Miyazawa, M; Sato, M; Kanno, A; Kawahara, Y; Fujita, Y; Matsushiro, T

    2000-12-01

    Home anti-cancer chemotherapy and palliation in the terminal stage were performed for patients with advanced cancer of the digestive system, using a venous port implanted beneath the skin via the subclavian vein. Patients under 75 years of age (5 with esophageal, 61 gastric, 59 colorectal, 5 cholangio, 5 pancreatic, 1 hepatic and 1 ileal cancer) were treated. With two portable balloon pumps, continuous intravenous infusion of 5-FU (300 or 400 mg/body/day) combined low-dose injection of cisplatin (5 mg/body/day) was continued for 10 days, and repeated 3 times for 6 weeks. The response rate was 17.9% in 78 patients according to valuation of the tumor mass. In 119 patients also undergoing a tumor marker evaluation, an effect was seen in 26.1%. No severe side effects such as renal dysfunction or bone marrow suppression were seen, and no special infusion was needed. Therefore, such treatment can be continued for a long time. Use of a venous port should make easy the switchover to HPN and the amelioration of the symptoms of the terminal stage, such as pain, and helps patients cope with the worry. Therefore, the present technique is useful in a series of cancer treatments including surgery, chemotherapy and the amelioration of symptoms.

  5. Intracranial developmental venous anomaly: is it asymptomatic?

    PubMed

    Puente, A Bolívar; de Asís Bravo Rodríguez, F; Bravo Rey, I; Romero, E Roldán

    2018-03-16

    Intracranial developmental venous anomalies are the most common vascular malformation. In the immense majority of cases, these anomalies are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally, and they are considered benign. Very exceptionally, however, they can cause neurological symptoms. In this article, we present three cases of patients with developmental venous anomalies that presented with different symptoms owing to complications derived from altered venous drainage. These anomalies were located in the left insula, right temporal lobe, and cerebellum. The exceptionality of the cases presented as well as of the images associated, which show the mechanism through which the symptoms developed, lies in the low incidence of symptomatic developmental venous anomalies reported in the literature. Copyright © 2018 SERAM. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  6. Extrahepatic portal venous system thrombosis in recurrent acute and chronic alcoholic pancreatitis is caused by local inflammation and not thrombophilia.

    PubMed

    Rebours, Vinciane; Boudaoud, Larbi; Vullierme, Marie-Pierre; Vidaud, Dominique; Condat, Bertrand; Hentic, Olivia; Maire, Frédérique; Hammel, Pascal; Ruszniewski, Philippe; Lévy, Philippe

    2012-10-01

    Extrahepatic portal venous system thrombosis (EPVST) occurs in 13% of patients with either recurrent acute (AP) or chronic (CP) alcoholic pancreatitis. The role of thrombophilia has never been assessed in this entity. All consecutive patients with alcoholic AP or CP were included in a prospective study. All patients underwent a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the pancreas to evaluate EPVST as well as thorough testing for thrombophilia (protein C, S, and antithrombin deficiency, factor II, factor V, and JAK2 gene mutations, homocystein, biological antiphospholipid syndrome). A total of 119 patients (male, n=100 (84%); smokers, n=110 (92%)) were included. EPVST was found in 41 patients (35%). The portal, superior mesenteric, or splenic veins were involved in 34%, 24%, and 93% of patients, respectively. Thrombophilia was identified in 18% (n=22), including the biological antiphospholipid syndrome, factor V Leiden mutation, and factor II G20210A gene mutation in 21 (17.6%), 2 (1.6%), and 1 patient (0.8%), respectively. On univariate analysis, the factors associated with EPVST were smoking (RR=1.6 (1.38-1.85), P=0.03), pseudocysts (RR=2.91 (1.29-6.56), P=0.008), a pseudocyst in the pancreatic tail (P=0.03), a high CT severity index for AP (P=0.007), and pancreatic parenchymal necrosis (P=0.02). The presence of hemostatic risk factors was not associated with an increased risk of EPVST. On multivariate analysis, only pseudocysts were associated with EPVST (hazard ratio: 6.402; 95% confidence interval (1.59-26.54), P=0.009). EPVST is found in 35% of patients with acute/chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. Local inflammation appears to be the major predisposing condition. The presence of some form of thrombophilia does not increase the risk of EPVST and should not be systematically searched for in case of EPVST.

  7. Pathophysiology of wound healing and alterations in venous leg ulcers-review.

    PubMed

    Raffetto, Joseph D

    2016-03-01

    Venous leg ulcer (VLU) is one of the most common lower extremity ulcerated wound, and is a significant healthcare problem with implications that affect social, economic, and the well-being of a patient. VLU can have debilitating related problems which require weekly medical care and may take months to years to heal. The pathophysiology of VLU is complex, and healing is delayed in many patients due to a persistent inflammatory condition. Patient genetic and environmental factors predispose individuals to chronic venous diseases including VLU. Changes in shear stress affecting the glycocalyx are likely initiating events, leading to activation of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells, and leukocyte activation with attachment and migration into vein wall, microcirculation, and in the interstitial space. Multiple chemokines, cytokines, growth factors, proteases and matrix metalloproteinases are produced. The pathology of VLU involves an imbalance of inflammation, inflammatory modulators, oxidative stress, and proteinase activity. Understanding the cellular and biochemical events that lead to the progression of VLU is critical. With further understanding of inflammatory pathways and potential mechanisms, certain biomarkers could be revealed and studied as both involvement in the pathophysiology of VLU but also as therapeutic targets for VLU healing. © The Author(s) 2016.

  8. Detection of deep venous thrombophlebitis by gallium 67 scintigraphy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Miller, J.H.

    1981-07-01

    Deep venous thrombophlebitis may escape clinical detection. Three cases are reported in which whole-body gallium 67 scintigraphy was used to detect unsuspected deep venous thrombophlebitis related to indwelling catheters in three children who were being evaluated for fevers of unknown origin. Two of these children had septicemia from Candida organisms secondary to these venous lines. Gallium 67 scintigraphy may be useful in the detection of complications of indwelling venous catheters.

  9. Detection of deep venous thrombophlebitis by Gallium 67 scintigraphy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Miller, J.H.

    1981-07-01

    Deep venous thrombophlebitis may escape clinical detection. Three cases are reported in which whole-body gallium 67 scintigraphy was used to detect unsuspected deep venous thrombophlebitis related to indwelling catheters in three children who were being evaluated for fevers of unknown origin. Two of these children had septicemia from Candida organisms secondary to these venous lines. Gallium 67 scintigraphy may be useful in the detection of complications of indwelling venous catheters.

  10. Advancing the chronic care road map: a contemporary overview.

    PubMed

    Ahmed, Sara; Gogovor, Amede; Kosseim, Mylene; Poissant, Lise; Riopelle, Richard; Simmonds, Maureen; Krelenbaum, Marilyn; Montague, Terrence

    2010-01-01

    In an effort to assess and advance the community-based model of chronic care, we reviewed a contemporary spectrum of Canadian chronic disease management and prevention (CDMP) programs with a participatory audience of administrators, academics, professional and non-professional providers and patients. While many questions remain unanswered, several common characteristics of CDMP success were apparent. These included community-based partnerships with aligned goals; inter-professional and non-professional care, including patient self-management; measured and shared information on practices and outcomes; and visible leadership. Principal improvement opportunities identified were the enhanced engagement of all stakeholders; further efficacy evidence for team care; facile information systems, with clear rationales for data selection, access, communication and security; and increased education of, and resource support for, patients and caregivers. Two immediate actions were suggested. One was a broad and continuing communication plan highlighting CDMP issues and opportunities. The other was a standardized survey of team structures, interventions, measurements and communications in ongoing CDMP programs, with a causal analysis of their relation to outcomes. In the longer term, the key needs requiring action were more inter-professional education of health human resources and more practical information systems available to all stakeholders. Things can be better.

  11. Three-dimensional venous anatomy of the dermis observed using stereography

    PubMed Central

    Imanishi, Nobuaki; Kishi, Kazuo; Chang, Hak; Nakajima, Hideo; Aiso, Sadakazu

    2008-01-01

    Veins of the dermis have been investigated mainly by histological methods in the fields of anatomy and histology, and a large number of schemata of the veins have been depicted in a variety of textbooks. However, the schemata are usually two-dimensional and it is therefore difficult to envisage the actual vasculature of the dermal veins. In this study, we performed a stereographic study of the skin of three fresh cadavers that had been injected with radio-opaque dye, which was dispersed throughout the entire body. A venous network consisting of venous polygons of various sizes existed just under the dermis or in the deep zone of the dermis, which is generally called the subdermal venous plexus. There were many small vessels towards the inside of each venous polygon, and most of them ascended, branching off stereoscopically. Those branches anastomosed with each other, and they formed the dermal and subpapillary venous plexuses. However, there was little vascular connection between dermal venous plexuses of different venous polygons. The characteristic structure of the dermal venous plexus has been considered to bring about venous congestion of the skin in various clinical situations. PMID:18422525

  12. A Summation Analysis of Compliance and Complications of Compression Hosiery for Patients with Chronic Venous Disease or Post-thrombotic Syndrome.

    PubMed

    Kankam, Hadyn K N; Lim, Chung S; Fiorentino, Francesca; Davies, Alun H; Gohel, Manj S

    2018-03-01

    Compression stockings are commonly prescribed for patients with a range of venous disorders, but are difficult to don and uncomfortable to wear. This study aimed to investigate compliance and complications of compression stockings in patients with chronic venous disease (CVD) and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). A literature search of the following databases was carried out: MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE (via OvidSP, 1974 to present), and CINAHL (via EBSCOhost). Studies evaluating the use of compression stockings in patients with CVD (CEAP C2-C5) or for the prevention or treatment of PTS were included. After scrutinising full text articles, compliance with compression and associated complications were assessed. Compliance rates were compared based on study type and degree of compression. Good compliance was defined as patients wearing compression stockings for >50% of the time. From an initial search result of 4303 articles, 58 clinical studies (37 randomised trials and 21 prospective studies) were selected. A total of 10,245 limbs were included, with compression ranging from 15 to 40 mmHg (not stated in 12 studies) and a median follow-up of 12 months (range 1-60 months). In 19 cohorts, compliance was not assessed and in a further nine, compliance was poorly specified. Overall, good compliance with compression was reported for 5371 out of 8104 (66.2%) patients. The mean compliance, weighted by study size, appeared to be greater for compression ≤25 mmHg (77%) versus > 25 mmHg (65%) and greater in the randomised studies (74%) than in prospective observational studies (64%). Complications of stockings were not mentioned in 43 out of 62 cohorts reviewed. Where complications were considered, skin irritation was a common event. In published trials, good compliance with compression is reported in around two thirds of patients, with inferior compliance in those given higher degrees of compression. Further studies are required to identify predictors of non

  13. Clinical outcomes and changes in venous hemodynamics after subfascial endoscopic perforating vein surgery.

    PubMed

    Ting, A C W; Cheng, S W K; Ho, P; Wu, L L H; Cheung, G C Y

    2003-08-01

    We evaluated the clinical results of subfascial endoscopic perforating vein surgery (SEPS) in patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) (clinical class 4-6) and assessed the hemodynamic changes associated with SEPS using air plethysmography (APG). Forty-five patients with severe CVI who had undergone SEPS were evaluated. Clinical score and venous hemodynamics, as measured by APG before operation and at 1 month and 1 year after operation, were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Patient satisfaction (on a visual analogue scale of 0 to 100%) was also assessed. There were 29 men and 16 women; their mean age was 60 years (range, 37-83). Thirty-five patients (78%) had active venous ulcers; the ulcers' mean size was 7.8 +/- 11.9 cm2 and the mean duration of ulceration was 9 +/- 10 months. There were no hospital deaths. Postoperative complications were uncommon (one groin wound infection and one case of thrombophlebitis). At a mean follow-up of 15 +/- 9 months, 34 ulcers (97%) had healed. The cumulative ulcer healing was 82% at 3 months. There were five recurrent ulcers (15%). Significant improvement was seen in the clinical scores (10 +/- 3 before operation, 6 +/- 4 at 1 month, and 4 +/- 3 at 1 year after operation). The venous filling index was also significantly improved after operation; this improvement was maintained at 1-year follow-up (7.36 +/- 6.23 ml/sec before operation, 3.63 +/- 3.90 ml/sec at 1 month, and 3.14 +/- 2.06 ml/sec at 1 year). The degree of patient satisfaction was also remarkable, with 74 +/- 17% and 90 +/- 12% satisfaction at 1-month and 1-year follow-up, respectively. SEPS is a safe and effective treatment for patients with severe CVI. It leads to hemodynamic improvement, with rapid ulcer healing, and it is associated with a high degree of patient satisfaction.

  14. Inhibitory Effect of Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compounds on Cytokines Released by Chronic Venous Disease Patient-Derived Endothelial Cells

    PubMed Central

    Tisato, Veronica; Zauli, Giorgio; Rimondi, Erika; Gianesini, Sergio; Brunelli, Laura; Menegatti, Erica; Zamboni, Paolo; Secchiero, Paola

    2013-01-01

    Large vein endothelium plays important roles in clinical diseases such as chronic venous disease (CVD) and thrombosis; thus to characterize CVD vein endothelial cells (VEC) has a strategic role in identifying specific therapeutic targets. On these bases we evaluated the effect of the natural anti-inflammatory compounds α-Lipoic acid and Ginkgoselect phytosome on cytokines/chemokines released by CVD patient-derived VEC. For this purpose, we characterized the levels of a panel of cytokines/chemokines (n = 31) in CVD patients' plasma compared to healthy controls and their release by VEC purified from the same patients, in unstimulated and TNF-α stimulated conditions. Among the cytokines/chemokines released by VEC, which recapitulated the systemic profile (IL-8, TNF-α, GM-CSF, INF-α2, G-CSF, MIP-1β, VEGF, EGF, Eotaxin, MCP-1, CXCL10, PDGF, and RANTES), we identified those targeted by ex vivo treatment with α-Lipoic acid and/or Ginkgoselect phytosome (GM-CSF, G-CSF, CXCL10, PDGF, and RANTES). Finally, by investigating the intracellular pathways involved in promoting the VEC release of cytokines/chemokines, which are targeted by natural anti-inflammatory compounds, we documented that α-Lipoic acid significantly counteracted TNF-α-induced NF-κB and p38/MAPK activation while the effects of Ginkgo biloba appeared to be predominantly mediated by Akt. Our data provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of CVD pathogenesis, highlighting new potential therapeutic targets. PMID:24489443

  15. Deciding in the dark: advance directives and continuation of treatment in chronic critical illness.

    PubMed

    Camhi, Sharon L; Mercado, Alice F; Morrison, R Sean; Du, Qingling; Platt, David M; August, Gary I; Nelson, Judith E

    2009-03-01

    Chronic critical illness is a devastating syndrome for which treatment offers limited clinical benefit but imposes heavy burdens on patients, families, clinicians, and the health care system. We studied the availability of advance directives and appropriate surrogates to guide decisions about life-sustaining treatment for the chronically critically ill and the extent and timing of treatment limitation. Prospective cohort study. Respiratory Care Unit (RCU) in a large, tertiary, urban, university-affiliated, hospital. Two hundred three chronically critically ill adults transferred to RCU after tracheotomy for failure to wean from mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. None. We interviewed RCU caregivers and reviewed patient records to identify proxy appointments, living wills, or oral statements of treatment preferences, resuscitation directives, and withholding/withdrawal of mechanical ventilation, nutrition, hydration, renal replacement and vasopressors. Forty-three of 203 patients (21.2%) appointed a proxy and 33 (16.2%) expressed preferences in advance directives. Do not resuscitate directives were given for 71 patients (35.0%). Treatment was limited for 39 patients (19.2%). Variables significantly associated with treatment limitation were proxy appointment prior to study entry (time of tracheotomy/RCU transfer) (odds ratio = 6.7, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-20.0, p = 0.0006) and palliative care consultation in the RCU (OR = 40.9, 95% CI, 13.1-127.4, p < 0.0001). Median (interquartile range) time to first treatment limitation was 39 (31.0-45.0) days after hospital admission and 13 (8.0-29.0) days after RCU admission. For patients dying after treatment limitation, median time from first limitation to death ranged from 3 days for mechanical ventilation and hydration to 7 days for renal replacement. Most chronically critically ill patients fail to designate a surrogate decision-maker or express preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments

  16. Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in gynecologic surgery: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    Rahn, David D; Mamik, Mamta M; Sanses, Tatiana V D; Matteson, Kristen A; Aschkenazi, Sarit O; Washington, Blair B; Steinberg, Adam C; Harvie, Heidi S; Lukban, James C; Uhlig, Katrin; Balk, Ethan M; Sung, Vivian W

    2011-11-01

    To comprehensively review and critically assess the available gynecologic surgery venous thromboembolism prophylaxis literature and provide clinical practice guidelines. MEDLINE and Cochrane databases from inception to July 2010. We included randomized controlled trials in gynecologic surgery populations. Interventions and comparators included graduated compression stockings, intermittent pneumatic compression, unfractionated heparin, and low molecular weight heparin; placebo and routine postoperative care were allowed as comparators. One thousand two hundred sixty-six articles were screened, and 14 randomized controlled trials (five benign gynecologic, nine gynecologic oncology) met eligibility criteria. In addition, nine prospective or retrospective studies with at least 150 women were identified and provided data on venous thromboembolism risk stratification, gynecologic laparoscopy, and urogynecologic populations. Two reviewers independently screened articles with discrepancies adjudicated by a third. Eligible randomized controlled trials were extracted for these characteristics: study, participant, surgery, intervention, comparator, and outcomes data, including venous thromboembolism incidence and bleeding complications. Studies were individually and collectively assessed for methodologic quality and strength of evidence. Overall incidence of clinical venous thromboembolism was 0-2% in the benign gynecologic population. With use of intermittent pneumatic compression for benign major procedures, venous thromboembolism incidence was less than 1%. No venous thromboembolisms were identified in prospective studies of benign laparoscopic procedures. Overall quality of evidence in the benign gynecologic literature was poor. Gynecologic-oncology randomized controlled trials reported venous thromboembolism incidence (including "silent" venous thromboembolisms) of 0-14.8% with prophylaxis and up to 34.6% without prophylaxis. Fair quality of evidence supports that

  17. Systemic Venous Inflow to the Liver Allograft to Overcome Diffuse Splanchnic Venous Thrombosis

    PubMed Central

    Darius, Tom; Goffette, Pierre; Lerut, Jan

    2015-01-01

    Diffuse splanchnic venous thrombosis (DSVT), formerly defined as contraindication for liver transplantation (LT), is a serious challenge to the liver transplant surgeon. Portal vein arterialisation, cavoportal hemitransposition and renoportal anastomosis, and finally combined liver and small bowel transplantation are all possible alternatives to deal with this condition. Five patients with preoperatively confirmed extensive splanchnic venous thrombosis were transplanted using cavoportal hemitransposition (4x) and renoportal anastomosis (1x). Median follow-up was 58 months (range: 0,5 to 130 months). Two patients with previous radiation-induced peritoneal injury died, respectively, 18 days and 2 months after transplantation. The three other patients had excellent long-term survival, despite the fact that two of them needed a surgical reintervention for severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Extensive splanchnic venous thrombosis is no longer an absolute contraindication to liver transplantation. Although cavoportal hemitransposition and renoportal anastomosis undoubtedly are life-saving procedures allowing for ensuring adequate allograft portal flow, careful follow-up of these patients remains necessary as both methods are unable to completely eliminate the complications of (segmental) portal hypertension. PMID:26539214

  18. Autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of venous leg ulcers in primary care: a randomised controlled, pilot study.

    PubMed

    Burgos-Alonso, Natalia; Lobato, Igone; Hernández, Igone; Sebastian, Kepa San; Rodríguez, Begoña; March, Anna Giné; Perez-Salvador, Adriana; Arce, Veronica; Garcia-Alvarez, Arturo; Gomez-Fernandez, Maria Cruz; Grandes, Gonzalo; Andia, Isabel

    2018-06-01

    To examine the potential efficacy and safety of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in comparison with the conventional treatment (standard care, SoC) for the treatment of leg ulcers in patients with chronic venous insufficiency, in a primary health-care setting. A Phase I-II, open-label, parallel-group, multicentre, randomised pilot study was conducted. The outcome variables at baseline and at weeks five and nine included reduction in the ulcer area, Chronic Venous Insufficiency Quality of Life Questionnaire score, cost of the treatment for up to nine weeks and average weekly cure rate. A total of eight patients, each with at least a six-month history of venous leg ulcer (VLUs), were included in the study. A total of 12 ulcers were treated with either autologous PRP or standard SoC. Patients treated with PRP required wound care only once per week. In the SoC group, patients required intervention 2-3 times per week. A reduction in the mean ulcer size in the PRP group was 3.9cm 2 compared with the SoC group at 3.2cm 2 , although the sample size was insufficient to reach statistical significance. Improvement in quality of life (QoL) score was observed in the patients in the PRP group. This study offers proof-of-concept of the feasibility and safety of PRP treatment to inform larger clinical trials in patients with VLUs. Our preliminary results suggest that PRP delivers a safe and effective treatment for VLU care that can be implemented in primary health-care settings.

  19. Intravascular thrombosis as a result of central venous access.

    PubMed

    Biernacka, Jadwiga; Nestorowicz, Andrzej; Wach, Małgorzata

    2002-01-01

    Central venous access represents one of the most basic therapeutic procedures in modern medicine. Unfortunately, numerous advantages that result from maintaining a central venous line are accompanied by some complications among which the venous thrombosis is the most significant clinically. The study was designed to assess frequency and natural history of this complication in the setting at a multi profile clinical hospital. Central venous cannulation was performed by a fully qualified anaesthesiologist in every case. There were 887 cannulations and only 5 patients with clinically significant venous thrombosis. The analysis of the collected data allowed us to state that the frequency of intravascular thrombosis is low, but this complication is often associated with extensive impairment of patency of the central veins. Full recanalization is not always achieved regardless of the treatment applied. Pulmonary embolism in the course of central venous thrombosis was diagnosed in one patient only and appeared as a multiple and fine X-ray infiltrates. It seems that in the presence of permanent or even life threatening complications of central venous thrombosis their risk should be minimized by frequent examination of the cannulation site and early initiation of antithrombotic treatment.

  20. Imaging of head and neck venous malformations.

    PubMed

    Flis, Christine M; Connor, Stephen E

    2005-10-01

    Venous malformations (VMs) are non proliferative lesions that consist of dysplastic venous channels. The aim of imaging is to characterise the lesion and define its anatomic extent. We will describe the plain film, ultrasound (US) (including colour and duplex Doppler), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), conventional angiographic and direct phlebographic appearances of venous malformations. They will be illustrated at a number of head and neck locations, including orbit, oral cavity, superficial and deep facial space, supraglottic and intramuscular. An understanding of the classification of such vascular anomalies is required to define the correct therapeutic procedure to employ. Image-guided sclerotherapy alone or in combination with surgery is now the first line treatment option in many cases of head and neck venous malformations, so the radiologist is now an integral part of the multidisciplinary management team.

  1. Cardiovascular Pressures with Venous Gas Embolism and Decompression

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Butler, B. D.; Robinson, R.; Sutton, T.; Kemper, G. B.

    1995-01-01

    Venous gas embolism (VGE) is reported with decompression to a decreased ambient pressure. With severe decompression, or in cases where an intracardiac septal defect (patent foramen ovale) exists, the venous bubbles can become arterialized and cause neurological decompression illness. Incidence rates of patent foramen ovale in the general population range from 25-34% and yet aviators, astronauts, and deepsea divers who have decompression-induced venous bubbles do not demonstrate neurological symptoms at these high rates. This apparent disparity may be attributable to the normal pressure gradient across the atria of the heart that must be reversed for there to be flow potency. We evaluated the effects of: venous gas embolism (0.025, 0.05 and 0.15 ml/ kg min for 180 min.) hyperbaric decompression; and hypobaric decompression on the pressure gradient across the left and right atria in anesthetized dogs with intact atrial septa. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was used as a measure of left atrial pressure. In a total of 92 experimental evaluations in 22 dogs, there were no reported reversals in the mean pressure gradient across the atria; a total of 3 transient reversals occurred during the peak pressure gradient changes. The reasons that decompression-induced venous bubbles do not consistently cause serious symptoms of decompression illness may be that the amount of venous gas does not always cause sufficient pressure reversal across a patent foramen ovale to cause arterialization of the venous bubbles.

  2. Advances in the Evaluation of Respiratory Pathophysiology during Exercise in Chronic Lung Diseases

    PubMed Central

    O'Donnell, Denis E.; Elbehairy, Amany F.; Berton, Danilo C.; Domnik, Nicolle J.; Neder, J. Alberto

    2017-01-01

    Dyspnea and exercise limitation are among the most common symptoms experienced by patients with various chronic lung diseases and are linked to poor quality of life. Our understanding of the source and nature of perceived respiratory discomfort and exercise intolerance in chronic lung diseases has increased substantially in recent years. These new mechanistic insights are the primary focus of the current review. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provides a unique opportunity to objectively evaluate the ability of the respiratory system to respond to imposed incremental physiological stress. In addition to measuring aerobic capacity and quantifying an individual's cardiac and ventilatory reserves, we have expanded the role of CPET to include evaluation of symptom intensity, together with a simple “non-invasive” assessment of relevant ventilatory control parameters and dynamic respiratory mechanics during standardized incremental tests to tolerance. This review explores the application of the new advances in the clinical evaluation of the pathophysiology of exercise intolerance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic asthma, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We hope to demonstrate how this novel approach to CPET interpretation, which includes a quantification of activity-related dyspnea and evaluation of its underlying mechanisms, enhances our ability to meaningfully intervene to improve quality of life in these pathologically-distinct conditions. PMID:28275353

  3. Measurement of venous compliance (8-IML-1)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Thirsk, R. B.

    1992-01-01

    The prime objective of this International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-1) investigation is to measure the bulk compliance (distensibility) of the veins in the lower leg before, during, and after spaceflight. It is of particular interest whether venous compliance over the range of both positive and negative transmural pressures (various states of venous distention and collapse) changes throughout the duration of spaceflight. Information concerning the occurrence and character of compliance changes could have implications for the design of improved antigravity suits and further the understanding of inflight and postflight venous hemodynamics.

  4. Use of customised pressure-guided elastic bandages to improve efficacy of compression bandaging for venous ulcers.

    PubMed

    Sermsathanasawadi, Nuttawut; Chatjaturapat, Choedpong; Pianchareonsin, Rattana; Puangpunngam, Nattawut; Wongwanit, Chumpol; Chinsakchai, Khamin; Ruangsetakit, Chanean; Mutirangura, Pramook

    2017-08-01

    Compression bandaging is a major treatment of chronic venous ulcers. Its efficacy depends on the applied pressure, which is dependent on the skill of the individual applying the bandage. To improve the quality of bandaging by reducing the variability in compression bandage interface pressures, we changed elastic bandages into a customised version by marking them with circular ink stamps, applied when the stretch achieves an interface pressure between 35 and 45 mmHg. Repeated applications by 20 residents of the customised bandage and non-marked bandage to one smaller and one larger leg were evaluated by measuring the sub-bandage pressure. The results demonstrated that the target pressure range is more often attained with the customised bandage compared with the non-marked bandage. The customised bandage improved the efficacy of compression bandaging for venous ulcers, with optimal sub-bandage pressure. © 2016 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  5. Duplex imaging of residual venous obstruction to guide duration of therapy for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.

    PubMed

    Stephenson, Elliot J P; Liem, Timothy K

    2015-07-01

    Clinical trials have shown that the presence of ultrasound-identified residual venous obstruction (RVO) on follow-up scanning may be associated with an elevated risk for recurrence, thus providing a potential tool to help determine the optimal duration of anticoagulant therapy. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the clinical utility of post-treatment duplex imaging in predicting venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence and in adjusting duration of anticoagulation. The Ovid MEDLINE Database, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects were queried for the terms residual thrombus or obstruction, duration of therapy, deep vein thrombosis, deep venous thrombosis, DVT, venous thromboembolism, VTE, antithrombotic therapy, and anticoagulation, and 228 studies were selected for review. Six studies determined the rate of VTE recurrence on the basis of the presence or absence of RVO. Findings on venous ultrasound scans frequently remained abnormal in 38% to 80% of patients, despite at least 3 months of therapeutic anticoagulation. In evaluating for VTE recurrence, the definition of RVO varied widely in the literature. Some studies have shown an association between RVO and VTE recurrence, whereas other studies have not. Overall, the presence of RVO is a mild risk factor for recurrence (odds ratio, 1.3-2.0), but only when surveillance imaging is performed soon after the index deep venous thrombosis (3 months). RVO is a mild risk factor for VTE recurrence. The presence or absence of ultrasound-identified RVO has a limited role in guiding the duration of therapeutic anticoagulation. Further research is needed to evaluate its utility relative to other known risk factors for VTE recurrence. Copyright © 2015 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Lifetime Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Two Cohort Studies.

    PubMed

    Bell, Elizabeth J; Lutsey, Pamela L; Basu, Saonli; Cushman, Mary; Heckbert, Susan R; Lloyd-Jones, Donald M; Folsom, Aaron R

    2016-03-01

    Greater public awareness of venous thromboembolism may be an important next step for optimizing venous thromboembolism prevention and treatment. "Lifetime risk" is an easily interpretable way of presenting risk information. Therefore, we sought to calculate the lifetime risk of venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) using data from 2 large, prospective cohort studies: the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. We followed participants aged 45-64 years in ARIC (n = 14,185) and ≥65 in CHS (n = 5414) at baseline visits (1987-1989 in ARIC, 1989-1990 and 1992-1993 in CHS) for incident venous thromboembolism (n = 728 in ARIC through 2011 and n = 172 in CHS through 2001). We estimated lifetime risks and 95% confidence intervals of incident venous thromboembolism using a modified Kaplan-Meier method, accounting for the competing risk of death from other causes. At age 45 years, the remaining lifetime risk of venous thromboembolism in ARIC was 8.1% (95% confidence interval, 7.1-8.7). High-risk groups were African Americans (11.5% lifetime risk), those with obesity (10.9%), heterozygous for the factor V Leiden (17.1%), or with sickle cell trait or disease (18.2%). Lifetime risk estimates differed by cohort; these differences were explained by differences in time period of venous thromboembolism ascertainment. At least 1 in 12 middle-aged adults will develop venous thromboembolism in their remaining lifetime. This estimate of lifetime risk may be useful to promote awareness of venous thromboembolism and guide decisions at both clinical and policy levels. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. [Living with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The impact of dyspnoea on patients and caregivers].

    PubMed

    Costa, Xavier; Gómez-Batiste, Xavier; Pla, Margarida; Martínez-Muñoz, Marisa; Blay, Carles; Vila, Laura

    2016-12-01

    To understand the experiences of patients and caregivers living with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the impact of their symptoms and care needs arising from a functional, emotional, and social context. Qualitative study. Phenomenological perspective. Data were collected during 2013-2015. Primary, secondary and intermediate care. Osona (Barcelona). The study included 10 Primary Care patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, their respective 10 caregivers, and 19 primary care professionals, as well as 2 lung specialists, 2 palliative care professionals involved in their care, and one clinical psychologist. Theoretical sampling. Semi-structured and in-depth interviews with patients, caregivers, and professionals (47 interviews). The emergent topics identified in patients and caregivers interviews refer to dyspnoea, the predominant symptom without effective treatment and with a major impact on patients and caregivers lives. A symptom with great functional, emotional and social repercussions to which they need to adapt in order to survive. Beyond pharmacological measures to control respiratory symptoms, proper care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, requires understanding of suffering, the losses and limitations that it causes in their lives and those of their caregivers. A palliative, holistic and closer approach to their real experiences, together with an empowerment to adapt to debilitating symptoms, could contribute to a better life in the end-stages of the disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  8. Effect of venous stenting on intracranial pressure in idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

    PubMed

    Matloob, Samir A; Toma, Ahmed K; Thompson, Simon D; Gan, Chee L; Robertson, Fergus; Thorne, Lewis; Watkins, Laurence D

    2017-08-01

    Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterised by an increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in the absence of any central nervous system disease or structural abnormality and by normal CSF composition. Management becomes complicated once surgical intervention is required. Venous sinus stenosis has been suggested as a possible aetiology for IIH. Venous sinus stenting has emerged as a possible interventional option. Evidence for venous sinus stenting is based on elimination of the venous pressure gradient and clinical response. There have been no studies demonstrating the immediate effect of venous stenting on ICP. Patients with a potential or already known diagnosis of IIH were investigated according to departmental protocol. ICP monitoring was performed for 24 h. When high pressures were confirmed, CT venogram and catheter venography were performed to look for venous stenosis to demonstrate a pressure gradient. If positive, venous stenting would be performed and ICP monitoring would continue for a further 24 h after deployment of the venous stent. Ten patients underwent venous sinus stenting with concomitant ICP monitoring. Nine out of ten patients displayed an immediate reduction in their ICP that was maintained at 24 h. The average reduction in mean ICP and pulsatility was significant (p = 0.003). Six out of ten patients reported a symptomatic improvement within the first 2 weeks. Venous sinus stenting results in an immediate reduction in ICP. This physiological response to venous stenting has not previously been reported. Venous stenting could offer an alternative treatment option in correctly selected patients with IIH.

  9. Postoperative complications after lower extremity arterial bypass increase the risk of new deep venous thrombosis.

    PubMed

    Aziz, Faisal; Lehman, Erik; Blebea, John; Lurie, Fedor

    2017-01-01

    Background Deep venous thrombosis after any surgical operations is considered a preventable complication. Lower extremity bypass surgery is a commonly performed operation to improve blood flow to lower extremities in patients with severe peripheral arterial disease. Despite advances in endovascular surgery, lower extremity arterial bypass remains the gold standard treatment for severe, symptomatic peripheral arterial disease. The purpose of this study is to identify the clinical risk factors associated with development of deep venous thrombosis after lower extremity bypass surgery. Methods The American College of Surgeons' NSQIP database was utilized and all lower extremity bypass procedures performed in 2013 were examined. Patient and procedural characteristics were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors for the development of postoperative deep venous thrombosis. Results A total of 2646 patients (65% males and 35% females) underwent lower extremity open revascularization during the year 2013. The following factors were found to be significantly associated with postoperative deep venous thrombosis: transfusion >4 units of packed red blood cells (odds ratio (OR) = 5.21, confidence interval (CI) = 1.29-22.81, p = 0.03), postoperative urinary tract infection (OR = 12.59, CI = 4.12-38.48, p < 0.01), length of hospital stay >28 days (OR = 9.30, CI = 2.79-30.92, p < 0.01), bleeding (OR = 2.93, CI = 1.27-6.73, p = 0.01), deep wound infection (OR = 3.21, CI = 1.37-7.56, p < 0.01), and unplanned reoperation (OR = 4.57, CI = 2.03-10.26, p < 0.01). Of these, multivariable analysis identified the factors independently associated with development of deep venous thrombosis after lower extremity bypass surgery to be unplanned reoperation (OR = 3.57, CI = 1.54-8.30, p < 0.01), reintubation (OR = 8.93, CI = 2

  10. Transcutaneous regional venous oximetry: a feasibility study.

    PubMed

    Thiele, Robert H; Tucker-Schwartz, Jason M; Lu, Yao; Gillies, George T; Durieux, Marcel E

    2011-06-01

    The arterial pulse oximeter, which was introduced clinically in the 1970s, is a convenient, useful, and now ubiquitous anesthesia monitor. Unfortunately, although percent saturation of arterial hemoglobin is, along with cardiac output and concentration of hemoglobin, one of 3 components of oxygen delivery, it does not indicate whether oxygen delivery to a region of interest is adequate. Knowledge of peripheral or regional venous oxygen saturation (Sxvo₂) may lend insight into analysis of regional oxygen supply and demand. Our goal was to assess the suitability of 3 anatomic sites for the transcutaneous assessment of Sxvo₂. Using a Nonin reflectance oximetry probe (provided by Nonin Medical, Plymouth, MN) placed directly over the antecubital, external jugular, and internal jugular veins in 10 volunteers, we measured the absorbance of red and infrared electromagnetic radiation. We performed fast Fourier transformation on these absorbance waveforms. The ratio of pulsatile absorbance of red and infrared radiation at different frequencies was compared with nonpulsatile absorption, and Sxvo₂ was calculated based on previously derived empiric correlations. Estimates of transcutaneous Sxvo₂ ranged from 41% to 97%, with mean values of 75%, 80%, and 80% at the antecubital, external jugular, and internal jugular veins, respectively. Overall, 93% of predicted Sxvo₂ values were < 90%. Validation and subsequent improvement of this technique requires correlation of our results with venous blood gas measurements, followed by incorporation of technologies from related fields in oximetry (fetal reflectance oximetry and near-infrared spectroscopy), as well as the development of advanced signal processing techniques.

  11. Haemodynamic effects of vasoactive agents following chronic state of high cardiac output in anaesthetized rats.

    PubMed

    Guo, Liang; Tabrizchi, Reza

    2008-05-31

    The arteriovenous fistula model of circulation can produce a high output and low peripheral resistance situation. Here, we have examined the effects of noradrenaline, vasopressin and sodium nitroprusside on cardiac index, mean arterial blood pressure, venous tone, resistance to venous return, arterial resistance, and blood volume in chronically shunted anaesthetized rats. The cardiac index of rats with chronic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) was significantly higher (36.65+/-2.28 ml/min per 100 g; (mean+/-S.E.M.; n=24) in comparison to sham-operated rats (20.04+/-0.86 ml/min per 100 g; mean+/-S.E.M.; n=8). Cardiac index did not significantly change during the infusion of noradrenaline (1.0, 3.0 and 10 microg/kg per min), vasopressin (10, 30, 100 ng/kg per min) or sodium nitroprusside (0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 microg/kg per min) compared to saline infusion in AVF animals. Infusion of noradrenaline significantly increased heart rate, dP/dt, mean circulatory filling pressure (Pmcf) and resistance to venous return without affecting mean arterial blood pressure when compared to saline infusion. Administration of vasopressin significantly increased dP/dt, mean arterial blood pressure, and Pmcf without affecting heart rate, resistance to venous return or arterial resistance compared to saline infusion. Infusion of sodium nitroprusside did not significantly affect any haemodynamic parameter measured when compared to saline infusion. The results indicate that the presence of chronic AVF alters responsiveness of the various segments of the circulatory system to vasoactive agents. Moreover, it produces a major impediment to overall changes that can normally be induced following the infusion of such agents.

  12. [Quality of self-applied compression bandages in patients with chronic venous ulcers : Results of a prospective clinical study].

    PubMed

    Stoffels-Weindorf, M; Stoffels, I; Jockenhöfer, F; Dissemond, J

    2018-04-01

    For effective compression therapy in patients with venous leg ulcers, sufficient pressure is essential. In everyday life, it is often the patients themselves who apply the compression bandages. Many of these patients have restriction in their movement and had been rarely trained adequately. Hence, there was the question of how efficient are the autonomously applied compression bandages of those patients. In all, 100 consecutive patients with venous leg ulcer were asked to apply compression bandages on their own leg. We documented both the achieved compression and formal criteria of correct performance. A total of 59 women and 41 men with an average age of 70.3 years were included in the study. Overall 43 patients were not able to apply a compression bandage because of physical limitations. The measured pressure values in the remaining 57 patients ranged between 6 and 93 mm Hg (mean 28.3 mm Hg). Eleven patients reached the prescribed effective compression pressure. Of these, formal errors were found in 6 patients, so that only 5 patients had correctly applied the compression bandages. Our data show that most patients with venous leg ulcers are not able to apply effective compression therapy with short-stretch bandages to themselves. Multilayer systems, adaptive compression bandages, and ulcer stocking systems today are possibly easier and more effective therapy options. Alternatively short-stretch bandages could be applied by trained persons but only under the control with pressure measuring probes.

  13. Patient engagement and patient-centred care in the management of advanced chronic kidney disease and chronic kidney failure.

    PubMed

    Bear, Robert Allan; Stockie, Suzanne

    2014-01-01

    The purpose of this article is to review the current status of patient-centred care (PCC) and patient engagement (PE) in the management of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), to identify some of the barriers that exist to the achievement of PCC and PE, and to describe how these barriers can be overcome. The review is based on the professional experience of one of the authors (RB) as a Nephrologist and health care consultant, on the MBA thesis of one of the authors (SS) and on a review of pertinent internet-based information and published literature. Evidence exists that, currently, the care of patients with advanced CKD and ESRD is not fully patient-centred or fully supportive of PE. A number of barriers exist, including: conflict with other priorities; lack of training and fear of change; the unequal balance of power between patients and providers; physician culture and behaviour; the fee-for-service model of physician compensation; slow implementation of electronic health records; and, fear of accountability. These barriers can be overcome by committed leadership and the development of an information-based implementation plan. Established Renal Agencies in Canada appear interested in facilitating this work by collaborating in the development of a toolkit of recommended educational resources and preferred implementation practices for use by ESRD Programs. A limitation of this review is the absence of a substantial pre-existing literature on this topic. Receiving care that is patient-centred and that promotes PE benefits patients with serious chronic diseases such as advanced CKD and ESRD. Considerable work is required by ESRD Programs to ensure that such care is provided. Canadian Renal Agencies can play an important role by ensuring that ESRD Programs have access to essential educational material and proven implementation approaches and that implementation successes are celebrated. In this area, enabling

  14. Skin autofluorescence as a measure of advanced glycation endproduct deposition: a novel risk marker in chronic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Smit, Andries J; Gerrits, Esther G

    2010-11-01

    Skin autofluorescence (SAF) is a new method to noninvasively assess accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) in a tissue with low turnover. Recent progress in the clinical application of SAF as a risk marker for diabetic nephropathy as well as cardiovascular disease in nondiabetic end-stage kidney disease, less advanced chronic kidney disease, and renal transplant recipients is reviewed. Experimental studies highlight the fundamental role of the interaction of AGEs with the receptor for AGEs (RAGEs), also called the AGE-RAGE axis, in the pathogenesis of vascular and chronic kidney disease. SAF predicts (cardiovascular) mortality in renal failure and also chronic renal transplant dysfunction. Long-term follow-up results from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial and UK Prospective Diabetes Study suggest that AGE accumulation is a key carrier of metabolic memory and oxidative stress. Short-term intervention studies in diabetic nephropathy with thiamine, benfotiamine and angiotensin-receptor blockers aimed at reducing AGE formation have reported mixed results. SAF is a noninvasive marker of AGE accumulation in a tissue with low turnover, and thereby of metabolic memory and oxidative stress. SAF independently predicts cardiovascular and renal risk in diabetes, as well as in chronic kidney disease. Further long-term studies are required to assess the potential benefits of interventions to reduce AGE accumulation.

  15. Patterns and Rates of Supplementary Venous Drainage to the Internal Jugular Veins.

    PubMed

    Qureshi, Adnan I; Ishfaq, Muhammad Fawad; Herial, Nabeel A; Khan, Asif A; Suri, M Fareed K

    2016-07-01

    Several studies have found supplemental venous drainage channels in addition to bilateral internal jugular veins for cerebral venous efflux. We performed this study to characterize the supplemental venous outflow patterns in a consecutive series of patients undergoing detailed cerebral angiography with venous phase imaging. The venographic phase of the arteriogram was reviewed to identify and classify supplemental cerebral venous drainage into anterior (cavernous venous sinus draining into pterygoid plexus and retromandibular vein) and posterior drainage pattern. The posterior drainage pattern was further divided into plexiform pattern (with sigmoid venous sinus draining into the paravertebral venous plexus), and solitary vein pattern (dominant single draining deep cervical vein) drainage. The posterior plexiform pattern was further divided into 2 groups: posterior plexiform with or without prominent solitary vein. Supplemental venous drainage was seen ipsilateral to internal jugular vein in 76 (43.7%) of 174 venous drainages (87 patients) analyzed. The patterns were anterior (n = 23, 13.2%), posterior plexiform without prominent solitary vein (n = 40, 23%), posterior plexiform with prominent solitary vein (n = 62, 35.6%), and posterior solitary vein alone (n = 3, 1.7%); occipital emissary veins and/or transosseous veins were seen in 1 supplemental venous drainage. Concurrent ipsilateral anterior and posterior supplemental drainage was seen in 6 of 174 venous drainages analyzed. We provide an assessment of patterns and rates of supplementary venous drainage to internal jugular veins to improve our understanding of anatomical and physiological aspects of cerebral venous drainage. Copyright © 2016 by the American Society of Neuroimaging.

  16. Prevalence of Extracranial Venous Narrowing on Magnetic Resonance Venography Is Similar in People With Multiple Sclerosis, Their Siblings, and Unrelated Healthy Controls: A Blinded, Case-Control Study.

    PubMed

    Martin, Nancy; Traboulsee, Anthony L; Machan, Lindsay; Klass, Darren; Ellchuk, Tasha; Zhao, Yinshan; Knox, Katherine B; Kopriva, David; Lala, Shantilal; Nickel, Darren; Otani, Robert; Perera, Warren R; Rauscher, Alexander; Sadovnick, A Dessa; Szkup, Peter; Li, David K

    2017-05-01

    The study sought to assess and compare the prevalence of narrowing of the major extracranial veins in subjects with multiple sclerosis and controls, and to assess the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance venography (MRV) for describing extracranial venous narrowing as it applies to the chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency theory, using catheter venography (CV) as the gold standard. The jugular and azygos veins were assessed with time-of-flight MRV in this assessor-blinded, case-control study of subjects with multiple sclerosis, their unaffected siblings, and unrelated controls. The veins were evaluated by diameter and area, and compared with CV. Collateral vessels were also analyzed for maximal diameter, as a potential indicator of compensatory flow. A high prevalence of extracranial venous narrowing was demonstrated in all study groups, collectively up to 84% by diameter criteria and 90% by area, with no significant difference between the groups when assessed independently (P = .34 and .63, respectively). There was high interobserver variability in the reporting of vessel narrowing (kappa = 0.32), and poor vessel per vessel correlation between narrowing on MRV and CV (kappa = 0.064). Collateral neck veins demonstrated no convincing difference in maximum size or correlation with jugular narrowing. There is a high prevalence of narrowing of the major extracranial veins on MRV in all 3 study groups, with no significant difference between them. These findings do not support the chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency theory. Although MRV has shown a high sensitivity for identifying venous narrowing, time-of-flight imaging demonstrates poor interobserver agreement and poor specificity when compared with the gold standard CV. Copyright © 2016 Canadian Association of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Venous Return and Clinical Hemodynamics: How the Body Works during Acute Hemorrhage

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shen, Tao; Baker, Keith

    2015-01-01

    Venous return is a major determinant of cardiac output. Adjustments within the venous system are critical for maintaining venous pressure during loss in circulating volume. This article reviews two factors that are thought to enable the venous system to compensate during acute hemorrhage: 1) changes in venous elastance and 2) mobilization of…

  18. Concurrent Angioplasty Balloon Placement for Stent Delivery through Jugular Venous Bulb for Treating Cerebral Venous Sinus Stenosis. Technical Report.

    PubMed

    Qureshi, Adnan I; Khan, Asif A; Capistrant, Rachel; Qureshi, Mushtaq H; Xie, Kevin; Suri, M Fareed K

    2016-10-01

    To report upon technique of concurrent placement of angioplasty balloon at the internal jugular vein and sigmoid venous sinus junction to facilitate stent delivery in two patients in whom stent delivery past the jugular bulb was not possible. A 21-year-old woman and a 41-year-old woman with worsening headaches, visual obscuration or diplopia were treated for pseudotumor cerebri associated with transverse venous stenosis. Both patients had undergone primary angioplasty, which resulted in improvement in clinical symptoms followed by the recurrence of symptoms with restenosis at the site of angioplasty. After multiple attempts at stent delivery through jugular venous bulb were unsuccessful, a second guide catheter was placed in the ipsilateral internal jugular vein through contralateral femoral venous approach. A 6 mm × 20 mm (left) or 5 × 15 mm (right) angioplasty balloon was placed across the internal jugular vein and sigmoid sinus junction and partially inflated until the inflation and relative straightening of the junction was observed. In both patients, the internal jugular vein and sigmoid sinus junction was successfully traversed by the stent delivery system in a parallel alignment to inflated balloon. Balloon mounted stent was deployed at the site of restenosis with near complete resolution of lumen narrowing delivery and improvement in clinical symptoms. We report a technique for realignment and diameter change with concurrent placement and partial inflation of angioplasty balloon at the jugular venous bulb to facilitate stent delivery into the sigmoid and transverse venous sinuses in circumstances where multiple attempts at stent delivery are unsuccessful.

  19. Low-dose aspirin for preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism.

    PubMed

    Brighton, Timothy A; Eikelboom, John W; Mann, Kristy; Mister, Rebecca; Gallus, Alexander; Ockelford, Paul; Gibbs, Harry; Hague, Wendy; Xavier, Denis; Diaz, Rafael; Kirby, Adrienne; Simes, John

    2012-11-22

    Patients who have had a first episode of unprovoked venous thromboembolism have a high risk of recurrence after anticoagulants are discontinued. Aspirin may be effective in preventing a recurrence of venous thromboembolism. We randomly assigned 822 patients who had completed initial anticoagulant therapy after a first episode of unprovoked venous thromboembolism to receive aspirin, at a dose of 100 mg daily, or placebo for up to 4 years. The primary outcome was a recurrence of venous thromboembolism. During a median follow-up period of 37.2 months, venous thromboembolism recurred in 73 of 411 patients assigned to placebo and in 57 of 411 assigned to aspirin (a rate of 6.5% per year vs. 4.8% per year; hazard ratio with aspirin, 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52 to 1.05; P=0.09). Aspirin reduced the rate of the two prespecified secondary composite outcomes: the rate of venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death was reduced by 34% (a rate of 8.0% per year with placebo vs. 5.2% per year with aspirin; hazard ratio with aspirin, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.92; P=0.01), and the rate of venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, stroke, major bleeding, or death from any cause was reduced by 33% (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.91; P=0.01). There was no significant between-group difference in the rates of major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding episodes (rate of 0.6% per year with placebo vs. 1.1% per year with aspirin, P=0.22) or serious adverse events. In this study, aspirin, as compared with placebo, did not significantly reduce the rate of recurrence of venous thromboembolism but resulted in a significant reduction in the rate of major vascular events, with improved net clinical benefit. These results substantiate earlier evidence of a therapeutic benefit of aspirin when it is given to patients after initial anticoagulant therapy for a first episode of unprovoked venous thromboembolism. (Funded by National Health

  20. EFFECTS OF LOW-FREQUENCY ULTRASOUND ON MICROCIRCULATION IN VENOUS LEG ULCERS

    PubMed Central

    Wollina, Uwe; Heinig, Birgit; Naumann, Gunther; Scheibe, Armin; Schmidt, Wolf-Dieter; Neugebauer, Reimund

    2011-01-01

    Background: Therapeutic low-frequency ultrasound (US) has been used for many years to improve wound healing in chronic wounds like venous leg ulcers. No human data are available for the possible effects of single US applications on microcirculation and their frequency-dependency. Aims: To investigated the role of therapeutic low-frequency US on microcirculation of venous leg ulcers in vivo. Patients and Methods: This is a pilot study on an inpatient basis. We use a newly developed low-frequency continuous-wave US-equipment composed of a US transducer based on piezo-fiber composites that allow the change of frequency. In this study, we apply US of 34 kHz, 53.5 kHz, and 75 kHz respectively. Twelve patients with chronic venous leg ulcers are analyzed. As an adjunct to good ulcer care, therapeutic US is applied, non-contacting, once a day, in a subaqual position for 10 minutes. Microcirculation is assessed in the ulcers adjacent to skin before US-therapy, immediately after the treatment and 30 minutes later. We use a micro-light guide spectrophotometer (O2C, LEA Medizintechnik GmbH, Gieίen, Germany) for calculation of blood flow velocity, hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SCO2) and relative hemoglobin concentration (rHb) in 2 and 8 mm depth. Contact-free remission spectroscopy (SkinREM3, Color Control Chemnitz GmbH, Chemnitz, Germany) allows contact free measurements in the VIS-NIR range of the spectrum (400 ± 1600 nm). Results: It is seen that therapeutic US is well tolerated. One patient dropped out from a treatment series since he developed erysipelas responding to standard antibiotic. Effects were seen at 34 kHz only. The SO2 values increased after single US application. The values for rHb were higher in the superficial layer of the wound bed (depth 2 mm) compared to deeper parts (8 mm depth). US treatment did not result in significant changes of rHb and blood cell velocity. The data obtained by remission spectroscopy disclose an increase of oxygenized hemoglobin

  1. [Emphysematous gastritis with concomitant portal venous air].

    PubMed

    Jeong, Min Yeong; Kim, Jin Il; Kim, Jae Young; Kim, Hyun Ho; Jo, Ik Hyun; Seo, Jae Hyun; Kim, Il Kyu; Cheung, Dae Young

    2015-02-01

    Emphysematous gastritis is a rare form of gastritis caused by infection of the stomach wall by gas forming bacteria. It is a very rare condition that carries a high mortality rate. Portal venous gas shadow represents elevation of intestinal luminal pressure which manifests as emphysematous gastritis or gastric emphysema. Literature reviews show that the mortality rate is especially high when portal venous gas shadow is present on CT scan. Until recently, the treatment of emphysematous gastritis has been immediate surgical intervention. However, there is a recent trend of avoiding surgery because of the frequent occurrence of post-operative complications such as anastomosis leakage. In addition, aggressive surgical treatment has failed to show significant improvement in prognosis. Recently, the authors experienced a case of emphysematous gastritis accompanied by portal venous gas which was treated successfully by conservative treatment without immediate surgical intervention. Herein, we present a case of emphysematous gastritis with concomitant portal venous air along with literature review.

  2. [Venous thromboembolic disease: presentation of a case].

    PubMed

    Mirpuri-Mirpuri, P G; Álvarez-Cordovés, M M; Pérez-Monje, A

    2013-01-01

    Venous thromboembolic disease in its clinical spectrum includes both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism, which is usually a complication of deep vein thrombosis. It is a relatively common disease with significant morbidity and requires an accurate diagnosis. They are numerous risk factors for venous thromboembolism, and there is evidence that the risk of thromboembolic disease increases proportionally to the number of predisposing risk factors present. The primary care physician should know the risk factors and suspect the presence of venous thromboembolic disease when there is a compatible clnical picture. The treatment for this pathology is anticoagulation. We report a patient with cardiovascular risk factors who was seen with pain in the right leg and shortness of breath and referred to the hospital with suspected venous thromboembolism, atrial fibrillation and pleural effusion. Copyright © 2012 Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN). Publicado por Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

  3. Pathophysiology of spontaneous venous gas embolism

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lambertsen, C. J.; Albertine, K. H.; Pisarello, J. B.; Flores, N. D.

    1991-01-01

    The use of controllable degrees and durations of continuous isobaric counterdiffusion venous gas embolism to investigate effects of venous gas embolism upon blood, cardiovascular, and respiratory gas exchange function, as well as pathological effects upon the lung and its microcirculation is discussed. Use of N2O/He counterdiffusion permitted performance of the pathophysiologic and pulmonary microstructural effects at one ATA without hyperbaric or hypobaric exposures.

  4. Surgical Management of Chronic Pancreatitis.

    PubMed

    Parekh, Dilip; Natarajan, Sathima

    2015-10-01

    Advances over the past decade have indicated that a complex interplay between environmental factors, genetic predisposition, alcohol abuse, and smoking lead towards the development of chronic pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is a complex disorder that causes significant and chronic incapacity in patients and a substantial burden on the society. Major advances have been made in the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease and the role of genetic predisposition is increasingly coming to the fore. Advances in noninvasive diagnostic modalities now allow for better diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis at an early stage of the disease. The impact of these advances on surgical treatment is beginning to emerge, for example, patients with certain genetic predispositions may be better treated with total pancreatectomy versus lesser procedures. Considerable controversy remains with respect to the surgical management of chronic pancreatitis. Modern understanding of the neurobiology of pain in chronic pancreatitis suggests that a window of opportunity exists for effective treatment of the intractable pain after which central sensitization can lead to an irreversible pain syndrome in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Effective surgical procedures exist for chronic pancreatitis; however, the timing of surgery is unclear. For optimal treatment of patients with chronic pancreatitis, close collaboration between a multidisciplinary team including gastroenterologists, surgeons, and pain management physicians is needed.

  5. Patterns of anomalous pulmonary venous drainage.

    PubMed

    Snellen, H A; van Ingen, H C; Hoefsmit, E C

    1968-07-01

    All of our cases of abnormal pulmonary venous connections collected to the middle of 1965 and verified at surgery or autopsy have been reviewed by means of diagrams and tabulations, using a specially devised code to facilitate the survey. The material consisted of 52 autopsy cases (half of them obtained after surgery) and the cases of 72 patients who survived operation. The postmortem group was much younger than the surgical group and differed also from the latter by showing male preponderance as well as relatively many instances of total abnormal pulmonary venous connection and frequently associated cardiac anomalies. Partial anomalous connection of right pulmonary veins was 10 times more frequent than that of the left pulmonary veins. This was caused by (1) the frequent drainage of some of the right pulmonary veins into the junctional area between right atrium and superior vena cava in the presence of normal left pulmonary veins, and (2) the complete absence of isolated left pulmonary venous connection to the right atrium. Abnormal connection of solitary pulmonary veins was always effected to the most proximal venous structure among the four possible ones which are derived from the main embryonic channels (superior vena cava and inferior vena cava on the right side, and left superior vena cava and coronary sinus on the left side). Common pulmonary veins from one lung also drained in accordance with this proximity rule, if this may be taken to apply also to the drainage of right pulmonary veins into the right atrium. The one exception in our material was the drainage of all right pulmonary veins into the portal venous system. Total abnormal pulmonary venous connection may be found with all structures mentioned, but most frequently with the left superior vena cava, or coronary sinus, or both, usually by way of a common pulmonary vein. In a few cases however, drainage into different sites, all of them abnormal, did occur. Then again the proximity rule seemed to

  6. Pentoxifylline for treating venous leg ulcers.

    PubMed

    Jull, Andrew B; Arroll, Bruce; Parag, Varsha; Waters, Jill

    2012-12-12

    Healing of venous leg ulcers is improved by the use of compression bandaging but some venous ulcers remain unhealed, and some people are unsuitable for compression therapy. Pentoxifylline, a drug which helps blood flow, has been used to treat venous leg ulcers. To assess the effects of pentoxifylline (oxpentifylline or Trental 400) for treating venous leg ulcers, compared with a placebo or other therapies, in the presence or absence of compression therapy. For this fifth update we searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (searched 20 July 2012); The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 7); Ovid MEDLINE (2010 to July Week 2 2012); Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, July 19, 2012); Ovid EMBASE (2010 to 2012 Week 28); and EBSCO CINAHL (2010 to July 13 2012). Randomised trials comparing pentoxifylline with placebo or other therapy in the presence or absence of compression, in people with venous leg ulcers. One review author extracted and summarised details from eligible trials using a coding sheet. One other review author independently verified data extraction. No new trials were identified for this update. We included twelve trials involving 864 participants. The quality of trials was variable. Eleven trials compared pentoxifylline with placebo or no treatment. Pentoxifylline is more effective than placebo in terms of complete ulcer healing or significant improvement (RR 1.70, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.24). Pentoxifylline plus compression is more effective than placebo plus compression (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.13). Pentoxifylline in the absence of compression appears to be more effective than placebo or no treatment (RR 2.25, 95% CI 1.49 to 3.39).More adverse effects were reported in people receiving pentoxifylline (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.22). Nearly three-quarters (72%) of the reported adverse effects were gastrointestinal. Pentoxifylline is an effective adjunct to compression

  7. Wall Shear Stress Restoration in Dialysis Patient's Venous Stenosis: Elucidation via 3D CFD and Shape Optimization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mahmoudzadeh Akherat, S. M. Javid; Cassel, Kevin; Hammes, Mary; Boghosian, Michael; Illinois Institute of Technology Team; University of Chicago Team

    2016-11-01

    Venous stenosis developed after the growth of excessive neointimal hyperplasia (NH) in chronic dialysis treatment is a major cause of mortality in renal failure patients. It has been hypothesized that the low wall shear stress (WSS) triggers an adaptive response in patients' venous system that through the growth of neointimal hyperplastic lesions restores WSS and transmural pressure, which also regulates the blood flow rate back to physiologically acceptable values which is violated by dialysis treatment. A strong coupling of three-dimensional CFD and shape optimization analyses were exploited to elucidate and forecast this adaptive response which correlates very well topographically with patient-specific clinical data. Based on the framework developed, a medical protocol is suggested to predict and prevent dialysis treatment failure in clinical practice. Supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (R01 DK90769).

  8. Noninvasive measurement of central venous pressure

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Webster, J. G.; Mastenbrook, S. M., Jr.

    1972-01-01

    A technique for the noninvasive measurement of CVP in man was developed. The method involves monitoring venous velocity at a point in the periphery with a transcutaneous Doppler ultrasonic velocity meter while the patient performs a forced expiratory maneuver. The idea is the CVP is related to the value of pressure measured at the mouth which just stops the flow in the vein. Two improvements were made over the original procedure. First, the site of venous velocity measurement was shifted from a vein at the antecubital fossa (elbow) to the right external jugular vein in the neck. This allows for sensing more readily events occurring in the central veins. Secondly, and perhaps most significantly, a procedure for obtaining a curve of relative mean venous velocity vs mouth pressure was developed.

  9. [The unnecessary application of central venous catheterization in surgical patients].

    PubMed

    Uemura, Keiko; Inoue, Satoki; Kawaguchi, Masahiko

    2018-04-06

    Perioperative physicians occasionally encounter situations where central venous catheters placed preoperatively turn out to be unnecessary. The purpose of this retrospective study is to identify the unnecessary application of central venous catheter placement and determine the factors associated with the unnecessary application of central venous catheter placement. Using data from institutional perioperative central venous catheter surveillance, we analysed data from 1,141 patients who underwent central venous catheter placement. We reviewed the central venous catheter registry and medical charts and allocated registered patients into those with the proper or with unnecessary application of central venous catheter according to standard indications. Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with the unnecessary application of central venous catheter placement. In 107 patients, representing 9.38% of the overall population, we identified the unnecessary application of central venous catheter placement. Multivariate analysis identified emergencies at night or on holidays (odds ratio [OR] 2.109, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.021-4.359), low surgical risk (OR=1.729, 95% CI 1.038-2.881), short duration of anesthesia (OR=0.961/10min increase, 95% CI 0.945-0.979), and postoperative care outside of the intensive care unit (OR=2.197, 95% CI 1.402-3.441) all to be independently associated with the unnecessary application of catheterization. Complications related to central venous catheter placement when the procedure consequently turned out to be unnecessary were frequently observed (9/107) compared with when the procedure was necessary (40/1034) (p=0.032, OR=2.282, 95% CI 1.076-4.842). However, the subsequent multivariate logistic model did not hold this significant difference (p=0.0536, OR=2.115, 95% CI 0.988-4.526). More careful consideration for the application of central venous catheter is required in cases of emergency surgery at night or on

  10. Advancing the Science of Behavioral Self-Management of Chronic Disease: The Arc of a Research Trajectory

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Allegrante, John P.

    2018-01-01

    This article describes advances in the behavioral self-management of chronic disease from the perspective of a 25-year trajectory of National Institute of Health-funded research in arthritis and cardiopulmonary diseases that has sought to develop a transdisciplinary understanding of how applied behavioral science can be used to improve health…

  11. Venous leg ulcers

    PubMed Central

    2008-01-01

    Introduction Leg ulcers usually occur secondary to venous reflux or obstruction, but 20% of people with leg ulcers have arterial disease, with or without venous disorders. Between 1.5 and 3.0/1000 people have active leg ulcers. Prevalence increases with age to about 20/1000 in people aged over 80 years. Methods and outcomes We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of standard treatments, adjuvant treatments, and organisational interventions for venous leg ulcers? What are the effects of interventions to prevent recurrence of venous leg ulcers? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to September 2007 (BMJ Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Results We found 80 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions. Conclusions In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: compression bandages and stockings, cultured allogenic (single or bilayer) skin replacement, debriding agents, dressings (cellulose, collagen, film, foam, hyaluronic acid-derived, semi-occlusive alginate), hydrocolloid (occlusive) dressings in the presence of compression, intermittent pneumatic compression, intravenous prostaglandin E1, larval therapy, laser treatment (low-level), leg ulcer clinics, multilayer elastic system, multilayer elastomeric (or non-elastomeric) high-compression regimens or bandages, oral treatments (aspirin, flavonoids, pentoxifylline, rutosides, stanozolol, sulodexide, thromboxane alpha2 antagonists, zinc), peri

  12. EPA + DHA supplementation reduces PMN activation in microenvironment of chronic venous leg ulcers: A randomized, double-blind, controlled study.

    PubMed

    McDaniel, Jodi C; Szalacha, Laura; Sales, Michelle; Roy, Sashwati; Chafee, Scott; Parinandi, Narasimham

    2017-08-01

    Sustained high levels of activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and PMN-derived proteases in the microenvironment of chronic venous leg ulcers (CVLUs) are linked to chronic inflammation and delayed healing. Uncontrolled PMN activity eventually destroys newly developed tissue and degrades critical growth factors. The bioactive components of fish oil (n-3 eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) have strong inflammation-resolving actions and have been shown to assuage PMN activity, but have not been tested in CVLU patients. This randomized controlled study compared the effectiveness of oral EPA + DHA therapy to a placebo for reducing PMN activation in CVLU microenvironments. At Days 0, 28, and 56, markers of PMNs (CD15) and activated PMNs (CD66b), and levels of PMN-derived proteases human neutrophil elastase and matrix metalloproteinase-8 were measured in CVLU fluid from patients receiving standard compression therapy and (1) EPA + DHA therapy (n = 16) or (2) placebo (n = 19). By Day 56, the EPA + DHA Group had a significantly lower percentage of CD66b+ cells in CVLU fluid compared to Day 0 (p = 0.02) and to Day 28 (p = 0.05). Importantly, there were downward trends in levels of both matrix metalloproteinase-8 and human neutrophil elastase over time in the EPA + DHA Group, which also demonstrated greater reductions in wound area by Day 28 (57% reduction) and Day 56 (76% reduction) than the Control Group (35% and 59%, respectively). Moreover, reductions in wound area had significant negative relationships with CD15+ cells in wound fluid at Days 28 (p = 0.008) and 56 (p < 0.001), and CD66b+ cells at Days 28 (p = 0.04) and 56 (p = 0.009). The collective findings provide supplemental evidence that high levels of activated PMNs in CVLU microenvironments inhibit healing, and suggest that EPA + DHA oral therapy may modulate PMN activity and facilitate healing of CVLUs when added to standard care

  13. Venous thrombosis after hallux valgus surgery.

    PubMed

    Radl, Roman; Kastner, Norbert; Aigner, Christian; Portugaller, Horst; Schreyer, Herbert; Windhager, Reinhard

    2003-07-01

    Although surgery for the treatment of hallux valgus is frequently performed, the exact rate of deep vein thrombosis following this procedure is unknown. We performed a single-center, prospective, phlebographically controlled study to quantify the rate of venous thrombosis following operative correction of hallux valgus. Consecutive patients undergoing chevron bunionectomy for correction of hallux valgus deformity were enrolled in the study. Patients with clinical or hematological risk factors for venous thrombosis were excluded. One hundred patients with a mean age of 48.9 years were operated on and did not receive medical prophylaxis against thrombosis. All patients were assessed with phlebography at a mean of twenty-nine days postoperatively. Venous thrombosis was found in four patients (4%). The mean age of these patients (and standard deviation) was 61.7 +/- 6.1 years compared with a mean age of 48.4 +/- 13.9 years for the patients in whom thrombosis did not develop (p = 0.034). Patients are at a low risk for venous thrombosis following surgical treatment of hallux valgus. The need for prophylaxis against thrombosis should be calculated individually for each patient according to his or her known level of risk. Routine medical prophylaxis against thrombosis might be justified for patients over the age of sixty years.

  14. Regional lymph node metastases are a strong risk factor for venous thromboembolism: results from the Vienna Cancer and Thrombosis Study

    PubMed Central

    Dickmann, Boris; Ahlbrecht, Jonas; Ay, Cihan; Dunkler, Daniela; Thaler, Johannes; Scheithauer, Werner; Quehenberger, Peter; Zielinski, Christoph; Pabinger, Ingrid

    2013-01-01

    Advanced cancer is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism. However, lymph node metastases are usually not considered an established risk factor. In the framework of the prospective, observational Vienna Cancer and Thrombosis Study we investigated the association between local (N0), regional (N1–3), and distant (M1) cancer stages and the occurrence of venous thromboembolism. Furthermore, we were specifically interested in the relationship between stage and biomarkers that have been reported to be associated with venous thromboembolism. We followed 832 patients with solid tumors for a median of 527 days. The study end-point was symptomatic venous thromboembolism. At study inclusion, 241 patients had local, 138 regional, and 453 distant stage cancer. The cumulative probability of venous thromboembolism after 6 months in patients with local, regional and distant stage cancer was 2.1%, 6.5% and 6.0%, respectively (P=0.002). Compared to patients with local stage disease, patients with regional and distant stage disease had a significantly higher risk of venous thromboembolism in multivariable Cox-regression analysis including age, newly diagnosed cancer (versus progression of disease), surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy (regional: HR=3.7, 95% CI: 1.5–9.6; distant: HR=5.4, 95% CI: 2.3–12.9). Furthermore, patients with regional or distant stage disease had significantly higher levels of D-dimer, factor VIII, and platelets, and lower hemoglobin levels than those with local stage disease. These results demonstrate an increased risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with regional disease. Elevated levels of predictive biomarkers in patients with regional disease underpin the results and are in line with the activation of the hemostatic system in the early phase of metastatic dissemination. PMID:23585523

  15. Derivation and External Validation of Prediction Models for Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Following Acute Kidney Injury.

    PubMed

    James, Matthew T; Pannu, Neesh; Hemmelgarn, Brenda R; Austin, Peter C; Tan, Zhi; McArthur, Eric; Manns, Braden J; Tonelli, Marcello; Wald, Ron; Quinn, Robert R; Ravani, Pietro; Garg, Amit X

    2017-11-14

    Some patients will develop chronic kidney disease after a hospitalization with acute kidney injury; however, no risk-prediction tools have been developed to identify high-risk patients requiring follow-up. To derive and validate predictive models for progression of acute kidney injury to advanced chronic kidney disease. Data from 2 population-based cohorts of patients with a prehospitalization estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of more than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and who had survived hospitalization with acute kidney injury (defined by a serum creatinine increase during hospitalization > 0.3 mg/dL or > 50% of their prehospitalization baseline), were used to derive and validate multivariable prediction models. The risk models were derived from 9973 patients hospitalized in Alberta, Canada (April 2004-March 2014, with follow-up to March 2015). The risk models were externally validated with data from a cohort of 2761 patients hospitalized in Ontario, Canada (June 2004-March 2012, with follow-up to March 2013). Demographic, laboratory, and comorbidity variables measured prior to discharge. Advanced chronic kidney disease was defined by a sustained reduction in eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 months during the year after discharge. All participants were followed up for up to 1 year. The participants (mean [SD] age, 66 [15] years in the derivation and internal validation cohorts and 69 [11] years in the external validation cohort; 40%-43% women per cohort) had a mean (SD) baseline serum creatinine level of 1.0 (0.2) mg/dL and more than 20% had stage 2 or 3 acute kidney injury. Advanced chronic kidney disease developed in 408 (2.7%) of 9973 patients in the derivation cohort and 62 (2.2%) of 2761 patients in the external validation cohort. In the derivation cohort, 6 variables were independently associated with the outcome: older age, female sex, higher baseline serum creatinine value, albuminuria, greater severity of acute kidney injury, and higher

  16. Risk for Arterial and Venous Thrombosis in Patients With Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

    PubMed

    Hultcrantz, Malin; Björkholm, Magnus; Dickman, Paul W; Landgren, Ola; Derolf, Åsa R; Kristinsson, Sigurdur Y; Andersson, Therese M L

    2018-03-06

    Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are reported to be at increased risk for thrombotic events. However, no population-based study has estimated this excess risk compared with matched control participants. To assess risk for arterial and venous thrombosis in patients with MPNs compared with matched control participants. Matched cohort study. Population-based setting in Sweden from 1987 to 2009, with follow-up to 2010. 9429 patients with MPNs and 35 820 matched control participants. The primary outcomes were rates of arterial and venous thrombosis. Flexible parametric models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and cumulative incidence with 95% CIs. The HRs for arterial thrombosis among patients with MPNs compared with control participants at 3 months, 1 year, and 5 years were 3.0 (95% CI, 2.7 to 3.4), 2.0 (CI, 1.8 to 2.2), and 1.5 (CI, 1.4 to 1.6), respectively. The corresponding HRs for venous thrombosis were 9.7 (CI, 7.8 to 12.0), 4.7 (CI, 4.0 to 5.4), and 3.2 (CI, 2.9 to 3.6). The rate was significantly elevated across all age groups and was similar among MPN subtypes. The 5-year cumulative incidence of thrombosis in patients with MPNs showed an initial rapid increase followed by gentler increases during follow-up. The HR for venous thrombosis decreased during more recent calendar periods. No information on individual laboratory results or treatment. Patients with MPNs across all age groups have a significantly increased rate of arterial and venous thrombosis compared with matched control participants, with the highest rates at and shortly after diagnosis. Decreases in the rate of venous thrombosis over time likely reflect advances in clinical management. The Cancer Research Foundations of Radiumhemmet, Blodcancerfonden, the Swedish Research Council, the regional agreement on medical training and clinical research between Stockholm County Council and Karolinska Institutet, the Adolf H. Lundin Charitable Foundation, and Memorial Sloan

  17. Venous drainage of the face.

    PubMed

    Onishi, S; Imanishi, N; Yoshimura, Y; Inoue, Y; Sakamoto, Y; Chang, H; Okumoto, T

    2017-04-01

    The venous anatomy of the face was examined in 12 fresh cadavers. Venograms and arteriovenograms were obtained after the injection of contrast medium. In 8 of the 12 cadavers, a large loop was formed by the facial vein, the supratrochlear vein, and the superficial temporal vein, which became the main trunk vein of the face. In 4 of the 12 cadavers, the superior lateral limb of the loop vein was less well developed. The loop vein generally did not accompany the arteries of the face. Cutaneous branches of the loop vein formed a polygonal venous network in the skin, while communicating branches ran toward deep veins. These findings suggest that blood from the dermis of the face is collected by the polygonal venous network and enters the loop vein through the cutaneous branches, after which blood flows away from the face through the superficial temporal vein, the facial vein, and the communicating branches and enters the deep veins. Copyright © 2016 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. [Superficial venous thrombosis. A state of art].

    PubMed

    Sándor, Tamás

    2017-01-01

    For a long time superficial thrombophlebitis has been thought to be a rather benign condition. Recently, when duplex ultrasound technique is used for the diagnosis more and more often, the disease is proved to be more dangerous than anticipated. Thrombosis propagates to the deep veins in 6-44% and pulmonary embolism was observed on the patients in 1,5-33%. We can calculate venous thromboembolic complications on every fourth patient. Diagnosis is clinical, but duplex ultrasound examination is mandatory, for estimation of the thrombus extent, for exclusion of the deep venous thrombosis and for follow up. Both legs should be checked with ultrasound, because simultaneous deep venous thrombosis can develop on the contralateral limb. Two different forms can be distinguished: superficial venous thrombosis with, or without varicose veins. In cases of spontaneous, non varicous form, especially when the process is migrating or recurrent, a careful clinical examination is necessery for exclusion of malignant diseases and thrombophilia. The treatment options are summarised on the basis of recent international consensus statements. The American and German guidelines are similar. Compression and mobilisation are cornerstones of the therapy. For a short segment thrombosis non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs are effective. For longer segments low molecular-weight heparins are preferred. Information on the effect of the novel oral anticoagulants for the therapy is lacking but they may appear to be effective in the future for this indication. When thrombus is close to the sapheno-femoral or sapheno-popliteal junction crossectomy (high ligation), or low molecular-weight heparin in therapeutic doses are indicated. The term superficial thrombophlebitis should be discouraged, because inflammation and infection is not the primary pathology. It should be called correctly superficial venous thrombosis in order to avoid the unnecessary administration of antibiotics and the misconception

  19. Advanced Stent Graft Treatment of Venous Stenosis Affecting Hemodialysis Vascular Access: Case Illustrations

    PubMed Central

    Patel, Darshan; Ray, Charles E.; Lokken, R. Peter; Bui, James T.; Lipnik, Andrew J.; Gaba, Ron C.

    2016-01-01

    Surgically placed dialysis access is an important component of dialysis replacement therapy. The vast majority of patients undergoing dialysis will have surgically placed accesses at some point in the course of their disease, and for many patients these accesses may represent their definitive renal replacement option. Most, if not all, arteriovenous fistulae and grafts will require interventions at some point in time. Percutaneous angioplasty is the typical first treatment performed for venous stenoses, with stents and stent grafts being reserved for patients in whom angioplasty and surgical options are exhausted. In some salvage situations, stent graft placement may be the only or best option for patients. This article describes, using case illustrations, placement of stent grafts in such patients; a focus will also be made on the techniques utilized in such salvage situations. PMID:27011426

  20. Consequences of advanced aging on renal function in chronic hyperandrogenemic female rat model: implications for aging women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

    PubMed

    Patil, Chetan N; Racusen, Lorraine C; Reckelhoff, Jane F

    2017-11-01

    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine and reproductive disorder in premenopausal women, characterized by hyperandrogenemia, metabolic syndrome, and inflammation. Women who had PCOS during their reproductive years remain hyperandrogenemic after menopause. The consequence of chronic hyperandrogenemia with advanced aging has not been studied to our knowledge. We have characterized a model of hyperandrogenemia in female rats and have aged them to 22-25 months to mimic advanced aging in hyperandrogenemic women, and tested the hypothesis that chronic exposure to hyperandrogenemia with aging has a deleterious effect on renal function. Female rats were chronically implanted with dihydrotestosterone pellets (DHT 7.5 mg/90 days) that were changed every 85 days or placebo pellets, and renal function was measured by clearance methods. Aging DHT-treated females had a threefold higher level of DHT with significantly higher body weight, mean arterial pressure, left kidney weight, proteinuria, and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), than did age-matched controls. In addition, DHT-treated-old females had a 60% reduction in glomerular filtration rate, 40% reduction in renal plasma flow, and significant reduction in urinary nitrate and nitrite excretion (UNOxV), an index of nitric oxide production. Morphological examination of kidneys showed that old DHT-treated females had significant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, global sclerosis, and interstitial fibrosis compared to controls. Thus chronic hyperandrogenemia that persists into old age in females is associated with renal injury. These data suggest that women with chronic hyperandrogenemia such as in PCOS may be at increased risk for development of chronic kidney disease with advanced age. © 2017 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society.

  1. Extrinsic cerebral venous sinus obstruction resulting in intracranial hypertension

    PubMed Central

    Goldsmith, P; Burn, D; Coulthard, A; Jenkins, A

    1999-01-01

    We report the case of a 70-year-old man reporting with headache and visual disturbances who was being treated for prostate cancer. Investigations showed him to have intracranial hypertension caused by venous sinus obstruction. Patients with metastatic disease and raised intracranial pressure in the absence of focal signs should be considered as possible cases of venous outflow obstruction.


Keywords: intracranial hypertension; venous sinus thrombosis; malignancy PMID:10616691

  2. Adult Mouse Venous Hypertension Model: Common Carotid Artery to External Jugular Vein Anastomosis.

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Shun-Tai; Rodriguez-Hernandez, Ana; Walker, Espen J.; Young, William L.; Su, Hua; Lawton, Michael T.

    2015-01-01

    The understanding of the pathophysiology of brain arteriovenous malformations and arteriovenous fistulas has improved thanks to animal models. A rat model creating an artificial fistula between the common carotid artery (CCA) and the external jugular vein (EJV) has been widely described and proved technically feasible. This construct provokes a consistent cerebral venous hypertension (CVH), and therefore has helped studying the contribution of venous hypertension to formation, clinical symptoms, and prognosis of brain AVMs and dural AVFs. Equivalent mice models have been only scarcely described and have shown trouble with stenosis of the fistula. An established murine model would allow the study of not only pathophysiology but also potential genetic therapies for these cerebrovascular diseases. We present a model of arteriovenous fistula that produces a durable intracranial venous hypertension in the mouse. Microsurgical anastomosis of the murine CCA and EJV can be difficult due to diminutive anatomy and frequently result in a non-patent fistula. In this step-by-step protocol we address all the important challenges encountered during this procedure. Avoiding excessive retraction of the vein during the exposure, using 11-0 sutures instead of 10-0, and making a carefully planned end-to-side anastomosis are some of the critical steps. Although this method requires advanced microsurgical skills and a longer learning curve that the equivalent in the rat, it can be consistently developed. This novel model has been designed to integrate transgenic mouse techniques with a previously well-established experimental system that has proved useful to study brain AVMs and dural AVFs. By opening the possibility of using transgenic mice, a broader spectrum of valid models can be achieved and genetic treatments can also be tested. The experimental construct could also be further adapted to the study of other cerebrovascular diseases related with venous hypertension such as migraine

  3. Lymphatic Leak Complicating Central Venous Catheter Insertion

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Barnacle, Alex M., E-mail: alexbarnacle@yahoo.co.uk; Kleidon, Tricia M.

    2005-12-15

    Many of the risks associated with central venous access are well recognized. We report a case of inadvertent lymphatic disruption during the insertion of a tunneled central venous catheter in a patient with raised left and right atrial pressures and severe pulmonary hypertension, which led to significant hemodynamic instability. To our knowledge, this rare complication is previously unreported.

  4. The microvascular anastomotic coupler for venous anastomoses in free flap breast reconstruction improves outcomes

    PubMed Central

    Rozen, Warren Matthew; Chowdhry, Muhammad; Patel, Nakul Gamanlal; Chow, Whitney T.H.; Griffiths, Matthew; Ramakrishnan, Venkat V.

    2016-01-01

    to anastomotic couplers, and suggests that these may be the gold standard for venous microanastomosis. With increasing experience with their use and technological advances, these outcomes may continue to improve. PMID:27047776

  5. Tapping but not massage enhances vasodilation and improves venous palpation of cutaneous veins.

    PubMed

    Ichimura, Mika; Sasaki, Shinsuke; Mori, Masaharu; Ogino, Tetsuya

    2015-01-01

    This paper investigated whether tapping on the median cubital vein or massaging the forearm was more effective in obtaining better venous palpation for venipuncture. Forty healthy volunteers in their twenties were subjected to tapping (10 times in 5 sec) or massage (10 strokes in 20 sec from the wrist to the cubital fossa) under tourniquet inflation on the upper arm. Venous palpation was assessed using the venous palpation score (0-6, with 0 being impalpable). Three venous factors-venous depth, cross-sectional area, and elevation-were also measured using ultrasonography. The venous palpation score increased significantly by tapping but not by massage. Moreover, all 3 venous measurements changed significantly by tapping, while only the depth decreased significantly by massage. The three venous measurements correlated significantly with the venous palpation score, indicating that they are useful objective indicators for evaluating vasodilation. We suggest that tapping is an effective vasodilation technique.

  6. Hepatic venous connection to a persistent inferior caval vein in left isomerism.

    PubMed

    Guenthard, J; Carvalho, J S; Anderson, R H; Rigby, M L

    1990-09-01

    In 22 cases of left atrial isomerism studied at the Brompton Hospital, four cases were found to have an unusual arrangement of the abdominal vessels. There was persistence of an inferior caval vein, partially anomalous hepatic venous connection and additional continuation of part of the venous return from the lower body through the azygos venous system. This venous pattern had surgical implications in our index case, since redirection of the inferior caval venous return was necessary.

  7. Preoperative Hospitalization Is Independently Associated With Increased Risk for Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database Study.

    PubMed

    Greaves, Spencer W; Holubar, Stefan D

    2015-08-01

    An important factor in the pathophysiology of venous thromboembolism is blood stasis, thus, preoperative hospitalization length of stay may be contributory to risk. We assessed preoperative hospital length of stay as a risk factor for venous thromboembolism. We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent colorectal operations using univariate and multivariable propensity score analyses. This study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital. Data on patients was obtained from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2005-2011 Participant Use Data Files. Short-term (30-day) postoperative venous thromboembolism was measured. Our analysis included 242,670 patients undergoing colorectal surgery (mean age, 60 years; 52.9% women); of these, 72,219 (29.9%) were hospitalized preoperatively. The overall rate of venous thromboembolism was 2.07% (1.4% deep vein thrombosis, 0.5% pulmonary embolism, and 0.2% both). On multivariable analysis, the most predictive independent risk factors for venous thromboembolism were return to the operating room (OR, 1.62 (95% CI, 1.44-1.81); p < 0.001) and chronic steroid use (OR, 1.59 (95% CI, 1.41-1.80); p < 0.001); preoperative hospitalization also independently predicted venous thromboembolism (OR, 1.39 (95% CI, 1.28-1.51); p < 0.001), whereas the use of laparoscopy was protective (OR, 0.75 (95% CI, 0.67-0.83); p < 0.001). Propensity score stratification (capped at 7 days, 100 strata, area under the curve = 0.73) indicated that each day of preoperative hospitalization increased the odds of venous thromboembolism (OR, 1.42 (95% CI, 1.32-1.53); p < 0.001). All of the analyses showed a dose-response relationship between preoperative lengths of stay and risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism (p < 0.001). Patients who experienced venous thromboembolism had a higher 30-day mortality rate (3.7% vs 8.9%; p < 0.001). This study has limited potential generalizability and a retrospective

  8. Multidetector CT of blunt traumatic venous injuries in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

    PubMed

    Holly, Brian P; Steenburg, Scott D

    2011-01-01

    Venous injuries as a result of blunt trauma are rare. Even though current protocols for multidetector computed tomography (CT) of patients with trauma are designed to evaluate primarily the solid organs and arteries, blunt venous injuries may nevertheless be identified, or at least suspected, on the basis of the multidetector CT findings. Venous injuries are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Diagnosis of a possible venous injury is crucial because the physical findings of a venous injury are nonspecific and may be absent. This article aims to make the radiologist aware of various venous injuries caused by blunt trauma and to provide helpful hints to aid in the identification of venous injuries. Multidetector CT technology, in combination with interactive manipulation of the raw dataset, can be useful in the creation of multiplanar reconstructed images and in the identification of a venous injury caused by blunt trauma. Familiarity with direct and indirect signs of venous injuries, as well as with examples of blunt traumatic venous injuries in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, will help in the diagnosis of these injuries.

  9. Venous and Arterial Thromboses: Two Sides of the Same Coin?

    PubMed

    Lippi, Giuseppe; Favaloro, Emmanuel J

    2018-04-01

    Arterial and venous thromboses are sustained by development of intraluminal thrombi, respectively, within the venous and arterial systems. The composition and structure of arterial and venous thrombi have been historically considered as being very different. Arterial thrombi (conventionally defined as "white") have been traditionally proposed to be composed mainly of fibrin and platelet aggregates, whilst venous thrombi (conventionally defined as "red") have been proposed as mostly being enriched in fibrin and erythrocytes. This archaic dichotomy seems ever more questionable, since it barely reflects the pathophysiology of thrombus formation in vivo. Both types of thrombi are actually composed of a complex fibrin network but, importantly, also contain essentially the same blood-borne cells (i.e., red blood cells, leukocytes, and platelets), and it is only the relative content of these individual elements that differ between venous and arterial clots or, otherwise, between thrombi generated under different conditions of blood flow and shear stress. Convincing evidence now suggests that either white or red intracoronary thrombi may be present in patients with myocardial infarction and, even more importantly, red thrombi may be more prone to distal embolization during percutaneous coronary intervention than those with lower content of erythrocytes. Conversely, it is now accepted that components traditionally considered to be involved "only" in arterial thrombosis are also represented in venous thrombosis. Thus, platelets comprise important components of venous clots, although they may be present in lower amounts here than in arterial thrombi, and von Willebrand factor is also represented in both arterial and venous thrombi. Of importance, such evidence thus supports the concept that adjunctive treatment normally associated to prevention of arterial thrombosis (e.g., aspirin) may have a role also in prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis. Thieme Medical

  10. [Venous tone of the limbs. Methods and comparison of 2 areas].

    PubMed

    Journo, H; London, G; Pannier, B; Safar, M

    1989-07-01

    The limb venous tone, index of local venous compliance, was studied with mercury strain gauge plethysmography on 28 male normal subjects (40 +/- 17 years, +/- SD) simultaneously on upper and lower limbs. Measurements were done after 20 mn rest in supine position. Venous tone (VT) equals the slope of the pressure-volume curve established by simultaneous recording of the forearm and calf relative volumes for successive steps of pressure lower than or equal to 30 mmHg. Limb venous capacitance was expressed by means of the maximal limb relative volume (V30) reached for a pressure of 30 mmHg applied through cuffs in standardized conditions. The upper limb venous tone was greater than the lower limb venous tone: 24.3 +/- 8.2 mmHg/ml/100 vs 17.5 +/- 7.9 mmHg/ml/100, p = 0.001. V30 was greater in lower limb than in upper limb: 1.5 +/- 0.5 ml/100 vs 1.1 +/- 0.4 ml/100, p = 0.001. In conclusion, it appears that upper and lower limbs venous distensibility and capacitance are different. They are greater in the lower limb in baseline conditions. Thus simultaneous studies of both these limb venous systems seems important for physiological experiments because of their baseline differences.

  11. Risk factors associated with PICC-related upper extremity venous thrombosis in cancer patients.

    PubMed

    Yi, Xiao-lei; Chen, Jie; Li, Jia; Feng, Liang; Wang, Yan; Zhu, Jia-An; Shen, E; Hu, Bing

    2014-03-01

    To investigate the incidence and risk factors for peripherally inserted central venous catheters-related upper extremity venous thrombosis in patients with cancer. With the widespread use of peripherally inserted central venous catheters, peripherally inserted central venous catheters-related upper extremity venous thrombosis in patients with cancer leads to increasing morbidity and mortality. It is very important to further explore the incidence and risk factors for peripherally inserted central venous catheters-related venous thrombosis. Consecutive patients with cancer who were scheduled to receive peripherally inserted central venous catheters, between September 2009 and May 2012, were prospectively studied in our centre. They were investigated for venous thrombosis by Doppler sonography three times a day within 30 days after catheter insertion. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions' analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for peripherally inserted central venous catheters-related thrombosis. A total of 89 patients with cancer were studied in our research. Of these, 81 patients were followed up within one month. The mean interval between catheter insertion and the onset of thrombosis was 12.45 ± 6.17 days. The multivariable analyses showed that chemotherapy history, less activities and diabetes were the key risk factors for thrombosis. Peripherally inserted central venous catheters-related upper extremity venous thrombosis had high incidence rate, and most cases had no significant symptoms. The history of chemotherapy, less activities and diabetes were found to be the key risk factors. It should be routinely scanned in high-risk patients every 3-5 days after catheter insertion, which would then find blood clots in time and reduce the incidence of pulmonary embolism. Risk factors associated with peripherally inserted central venous catheters-related upper extremity venous thrombosis are of critical importance in improving the quality

  12. Computational modeling of venous sinus stenosis in idiopathic intracranial hypertension

    PubMed Central

    Levitt, Michael R; McGah, Patrick M; Moon, Karam; Albuquerque, Felipe C; McDougall, Cameron G; Kalani, M Yashar S; Kim, Louis J; Aliseda, Alberto

    2016-01-01

    Background and Purpose Idiopathic intracranial hypertension has been associated with dural venous sinus stenosis in some patients, but the hemodynamic environment of the dural venous sinuses has not been quantitatively described. Here, we present the first such computational fluid dynamics model using patient-specific blood pressure measurements. Materials and Methods Six patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and at least one stenosis or atresia at the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction underwent MRV followed by cerebral venography and manometry throughout the dural venous sinuses. Patient-specific computational fluid dynamics models were created using MRV anatomy, with venous pressure measurements as boundary conditions. Blood flow and wall shear stress were calculated for each patient. Results Computational models of dural venous sinuses were successfully reconstructed in all six patients with patient-specific boundary conditions. Three patients demonstrated a pathologic pressure gradient (≥ 8 mm Hg) across four dural venous sinus stenoses. Small sample size precludes statistical comparisons, but average overall flow throughout the dural venous sinuses of patients with pathologic pressure gradients was higher than in those without (1041.00 ± 506.52 vs. 358.00 ± 190.95 mL/min). Wall shear stress was also higher across stenoses in patients with pathologic pressure gradients (37.66 ± 48.39 vs 7.02 ± 13.60 Pa). Conclusion The hemodynamic environment of the dural venous sinuses can be computationally modeled using patient-specific anatomy and physiological measurements in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. There was substantially higher blood flow and wall shear stress in patients with pathological pressure gradients. PMID:27197986

  13. Can Vacuum Assisted Venous Drainage be Achieved using a Roller Pump in an Emergency? A Pilot Study using Neonatal Circuitry

    PubMed Central

    Hill, S. L.; Holt, D. W.

    2007-01-01

    Abstract: There has been much advancement in perfusion technology over its 50 years of progression. One of these techniques is vacuum-assisted venous drainage (VAVD). Many perfusionists augment venous drainage using VAVD, typically from a wall vacuum source. This study explores alternates to providing VAVD if the wall vacuum fails. In two porcine laboratories, ∼36 in. of 3/16-in. tubing was connected to a sucker return port and placed into the roller head next to the arterial pump. The vacuum was monitored with a DLP pressure monitoring system (Medtronic). This system was connected to small-bore tubing and attached to a stopcock on top of the reservoir. The vacuum was regulated using another stopcock connected to a non-filtered luer lock port on top of the reservoir or by a segment of 3 × 0.25-in.-diameter tubing attached to the vent port with a c-clamp. Vacuum drainage was achieved, ranging from −18 mmHg to −71 mmHg by manipulating the stopcock or c-clamp. Changes in venous drainage were seen by volume fluctuations in the venous reservoir. The vacuum was adjusted to account for dramatic changes. Augmented venous drainage using a roller pump can be achieved successfully during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This method of active drainage can be used in lieu of wall suction or during times of emergency if wall suction fails. PMID:18293812

  14. The Essentials of Parathyroid Hormone Venous Sampling

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Taslakian, Bedros, E-mail: btaslakian@gmail.com; Trerotola, Scott O., E-mail: streroto@uphs.upenn.edu; Sacks, Barry, E-mail: bsacks@bidmc.harvard.edu

    Hyperparathyroidism is an excess of parathyroid hormone in the blood due to over-activity of one or more parathyroid gland. Localization of abnormal glands with noninvasive imaging modalities, such as technetium sestamibi scan and cross-sectional imaging, has a high success rate. Parathyroid venous sampling is performed for patients with persistent or recurrent disease after previous parathyroid surgery, when repeat noninvasive imaging studies are negative or discordant. The success of invasive localization studies and results interpretation is dependent on the interventional radiologist’s understanding of the normal and ectopic anatomic locations of parathyroid glands, as well as their blood supply and venous drainage.more » Anatomic and technical considerations for selective parathyroid venous sampling are reviewed.« less

  15. The clinical anatomy of congenital portosystemic venous shunts.

    PubMed

    Stringer, Mark D

    2008-03-01

    Congenital portosystemic venous shunts are rare. Their gross anatomy has not been well defined. Four different varieties of congenital portosystemic venous shunts are described in six children seen during a 10-year period, focusing on the anatomy of the shunt as determined by imaging studies and surgery. A detailed review of the literature indicates that congenital portosystemic venous shunts are best classified as: extrahepatic or intrahepatic. Extrahepatic shunts may be further subdivided into portocaval shunts (type 1 end-to-side and type 2 side-to-side) and others. Intrahepatic shunts are due to an abnormal intrahepatic connection between the portal vein and hepatic vein/inferior vena cava or a persistent patent ductus venosus. Additional congenital anomalies, particularly cardiac malformations, may be associated with any type. Some congenital intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts close spontaneously in infancy; all other congenital portosystemic venous shunts tend to remain patent. To a variable extent, depending largely on the volume and duration of the shunt, affected individuals are at risk of developing hepatic encephalopathy and/or an intrahepatic tumor. The key to understanding the pathogenesis of these shunts lies in the normal developmental mechanisms underlying the formation of the portal vein and inferior vena cava in the embryo. Copyright 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  16. Arterial versus venous lactate: a measure of sepsis in children.

    PubMed

    Samaraweera, Sahan Asela; Gibbons, Berwyck; Gour, Anami; Sedgwick, Philip

    2017-08-01

    This study assessed the agreement between arterial and venous blood lactate and pH levels in children with sepsis. This retrospective, three-year study involved 60 PICU patients, with data collected from electronic or paper patient records. The inclusion criteria comprised of children (≤17 years old) with sepsis and those who had a venous blood gas taken first with an arterial blood gas taken after within one hour. The lactate and pH values measured through each method were analysed. There is close agreement between venous and arterial lactate up to 2 mmol/L. As this value increases, this agreement becomes poor. The limits of agreement (LOA) are too large (±1.90 mmol/L) to allow venous and arterial lactate to be used interchangeably. The mean difference and LOA between both methods would be much smaller if derived using lactate values under 2.0 mmol/L. There is close agreement between arterial and venous pH (MD = -0.056, LOA ± 0.121). However, due to extreme variations in pH readings during sepsis, pH alone is an inadequate marker. A venous lactate ≤2 mmol/L can be used as a surrogate for arterial lactate during early management of sepsis in children. However, if the value exceeds 2 mmol/L, an arterial sample must confirm the venous result. What is known: • In children with septic shock, a blood gas is an important test to show the presence of acidosis and high lactic acid. Hyperlactataemia on admission is an early predictor of outcome and is associated with a greater mortality risk. • An arterial sample is the standard for lactate measurement, however getting a sample may be challenging in the emergency department or a general paediatric ward. Venous samples are quicker and easier to obtain. Adult studies generally advise caution in replacing venous lactate values for the arterial standard, whilst paediatric studies are limited in this area. What is new: • This is the first study assessing the agreement between arterial and peripheral venous

  17. DKA, CVL and DVT. Increased risk of deep venous thrombosis in children with diabetic ketoacidosis and femoral central venous lines.

    PubMed

    Davis, J; Surendran, T; Thompson, S; Corkey, C

    2007-01-01

    Incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus is continuing to rise in children. The presentation of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children with newly diagnosed diabetes is significantly higher in those less than 5 years old. Critically ill patients admitted to Paediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU), would have a central venous line (CVL) inserted as part of their ongoing management. There are associations linking with the development of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in DKA/CVL patients. An 18-month-old boy presented with a short history of polydypsia, polyuria and weight loss. The initial blood sugar was 27.0 mmol/L and a venous blood gas showed severe metabolic acidosis. He was diagnosed and treated for DKA. He was transferred to the regional PICU for further management. There, a central venous line (CVL) was inserted in his left femoral vein. This was removed on Day 4. Subsequently, he developed a swelling on his left leg, with significant discrepancy in leg circumference. Doppler ultrasound confirmed a deep venous thrombosis. Conclusion Diabetes has a propensity for hypercoagulability and DKA promotes a prothrombotic state. Retrospective studies have shown younger patients with DKA and a femoral CVL are at higher risk of developing DVT. A central femoral line should avoided in such patients. DVT prophylaxis and Doppler follow up should also be considered.

  18. Advanced glycation end products and their receptor in age-related, non-communicable chronic inflammatory diseases; Overview of clinical evidence and potential contributions to disease.

    PubMed

    Reynaert, Niki L; Gopal, Poornima; Rutten, Erica P A; Wouters, Emiel F M; Schalkwijk, Casper G

    2016-12-01

    Age-related, non-communicable chronic inflammatory diseases represent the major 21st century health problem. Especially in Western countries, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis are exponentially rising as the population ages. These diseases are determined by common risk factors and share an age-related onset. The affected organs display evidence of accelerated ageing, and are hallmarked by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) has been implicated in a number of inflammatory diseases and plays a central role in amplifying inflammatory responses. Advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation and accumulation is accelerated under these conditions. Advanced glycation end products are not only linked to RAGE signaling and inflammation, but to various hallmarks of the ageing process. In addition to these biological functions, circulating levels of the soluble form of RAGE and of advanced glycation end products are candidate biomarkers for many age-related inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the mechanistic connections between RAGE and advanced glycation end products and the processes of inflammation and ageing. Furthermore, through the presented overview of AGE-RAGE alterations that have been described in clinical studies in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis, and insight obtained from mechanistic in vitro and animal studies, it can be concluded that these AGE-RAGE disturbances are a common contributing factor to the inflammatory state and pathogenesis of these various conditions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Venous return curves obtained from graded series of valsalva maneuvers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mastenbrook, S. M., Jr.

    1974-01-01

    The effects were studied of a graded series of valsalva-like maneuvers on the venous return, which was measured transcutaneously in the jugular vein of an anesthetized dog, with the animal serving as its own control. At each of five different levels of central venous pressure, the airway pressure which just stopped venous return during each series of maneuvers was determined. It was found that this end-point airway pressure is not a good estimator of the animal's resting central venous pressure prior to the simulated valsalva maneuver. It was further found that the measured change in right atrial pressure during a valsalva maneuver is less than the change in airway pressure during the same maneuver, instead of being equal, as had been expected. Relative venous return curves were constructed from the data obtained during the graded series of valsalva maneuvers.

  20. The expression of inflammatory cytokines, TAM tyrosine kinase receptors and their ligands is upregulated in venous leg ulcer patients: a novel insight into chronic wound immunity.

    PubMed

    Filkor, Kata; Németh, Tibor; Nagy, István; Kondorosi, Éva; Urbán, Edit; Kemény, Lajos; Szolnoky, Győző

    2016-08-01

    The systemic host defence mechanisms, especially innate immunity, in venous leg ulcer patients are poorly investigated. The aim of the current study was to measure Candida albicans killing activity and gene expressions of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and innate immune response regulators, TAM receptors and ligands of peripheral blood mononuclear cells separated from 69 venous leg ulcer patients and 42 control probands. Leg ulcer patients were stratified into responder and non-responder groups on the basis of wound healing properties. No statistical differences were found in Candida killing among controls, responders and non-responders. Circulating blood mononuclear cells of patients overexpress pro-inflammatory (IL-1α, TNFα, CXCL-8) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines as well as TAM receptors (Tyro, Axl, MerTK) and their ligands Gas6 and Protein S compared with those of control individuals. IL-1α is notably overexpressed in venous leg ulcer treatment non-responders; in contrast, Axl gene expression is robustly stronger among responders. These markers may be considered as candidates for the prediction of treatment response among venous leg ulcer patients. © 2015 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  1. Acquired factor V inhibitor in a patient receiving venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for Legionella pneumonia.

    PubMed

    Leung, Anne K H; Ng, George W Y; Sin, K C; Au, S Y; Lai, K Y; Lee, K L; Law, K I

    2015-04-01

    We report a rare complication of factor V deficiency in a patient having Legionella pneumonia. This patient also had other complications like severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury, and septic shock that required venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. This is the first reported case of acquired factor V deficiency in a patient receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for Legionella pneumonia. With the combined use of intravenous immunoglobulin, rituximab and plasma exchange, we achieved rapid clearance of the factor V inhibitor within 1 week so as to allow safe decannulation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

  2. Kimura's Disease without Peripheral Eosinophilia: An Unusual and Challenging Case Simulating Venous Malformation on Imaging Studies-Case Report and Review of literature.

    PubMed

    Dokania, Vivek; Patil, Digvijay; Agarwal, Ketan; Thakur, Prajakta; Prajapati, Piyush

    2017-06-01

    Kimura's Disease (KD) is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder presenting as multiple painless solitary subcutaneous nodules, predominantly in the head and neck region and frequently associated with regional lymphadenopathy and/or salivary gland involvement. Because of painless nature and indolent course, there is usually a delay in the patient's presentation. KD may radiologically mimic other chronic inflammatory conditions like tuberculosis, vascular malformations and neoplasms. Clinical correlation and histological evaluation along with elevated peripheral eosinophil and serum IgE level are considered important for confirmatory diagnosis. We report a case of painless swelling over right submandibular region extending to the right superficial parotid. The haematological reports were within normal limits. Ultrasound (USG), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA) favoured a diagnosis of venous malformation. However, histopathological examination of excised lesion confirmed a diagnosis of KD. This case proves the possibility of the KD even in the absence of peripheral eosinophilia and/ or elevated serum IgE level, and may mimic venous malformation on imaging studies. Therefore, KD must find a place in the differentials of solitary painless neck swelling even in the absence of peripheral eosinophilia and/or elevated IgE level.

  3. 21 CFR 870.1140 - Venous blood pressure manometer.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Venous blood pressure manometer. 870.1140 Section 870.1140 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Diagnostic Devices § 870.1140 Venous blood...

  4. Disulfide HMGB1 derived from platelets coordinates venous thrombosis in mice

    PubMed Central

    Philippi, Vanessa; Stockhausen, Sven; Busse, Johanna; Antonelli, Antonella; Miller, Meike; Schubert, Irene; Hoseinpour, Parandis; Chandraratne, Sue; von Brühl, Marie-Luise; Gaertner, Florian; Lorenz, Michael; Agresti, Alessandra; Coletti, Raffaele; Antoine, Daniel J.; Heermann, Ralf; Jung, Kirsten; Reese, Sven; Laitinen, Iina; Schwaiger, Markus; Walch, Axel; Sperandio, Markus; Nawroth, Peter P.; Reinhardt, Christoph; Jäckel, Sven; Bianchi, Marco E.; Massberg, Steffen

    2016-01-01

    Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases, but its pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. Although sterile inflammation has recently been shown to boost coagulation during DVT, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully resolved, which could potentially identify new anti-inflammatory approaches to prophylaxis and therapy of DVT. Using a mouse model of venous thrombosis induced by flow reduction in the vena cava inferior, we identified blood-derived high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), a prototypical mediator of sterile inflammation, to be a master regulator of the prothrombotic cascade involving platelets and myeloid leukocytes fostering occlusive DVT formation. Transfer of platelets into Hmgb1−/− chimeras showed that this cell type is the major source of HMGB1, exposing reduced HMGB1 on their surface upon activation thereby enhancing the recruitment of monocytes. Activated leukocytes in turn support oxidation of HMGB1 unleashing its prothrombotic activity and promoting platelet aggregation. This potentiates the amount of HMGB1 and further nurtures the accumulation and activation of monocytes through receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and Toll-like receptor 2, leading to local delivery of monocyte-derived tissue factor and cytokines. Moreover, disulfide HMGB1 facilitates formation of prothrombotic neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) mediated by RAGE, exposing additional HMGB1 on their extracellular DNA strands. Eventually, a vicious circle of coagulation and inflammation is set in motion leading to obstructive DVT formation. Therefore, platelet-derived disulfide HMGB1 is a central mediator of the sterile inflammatory process in venous thrombosis and could be an attractive target for an anti-inflammatory approach for DVT prophylaxis. PMID:27574188

  5. Significance of pathological positive superior mesenteric/portal venous invasion in pancreatic cancer.

    PubMed

    Tewari, Mallika

    2016-12-01

    Pancreaticoduodenectomy with superior mesenteric/portal venous resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is frequently performed with no added morbidity or mortality in case of tumor abutment to the superior mesenteric or portal vein so as to obtain a margin negative resection. True histopathological portal vein invasion is found only in a small subset of such patients. The aim of this review aimed to discuss the significance of histopathological venous invasion in PDAC. For this review available data was searched from PubMed and analyzed. No randomized trials have been published on this topic. Existing data on prognostic factors in histopathological venous invasion by PDAC are limited and recent studies indicate worse survival in this subgroup of patients. In addition, venous invasion in PDAC has been associated with large tumors, involved lymph nodes, perineural invasion and R1 resection. The survival of patients with portal venous resection but without histologic venous invasion is reportedly better than those with histopathological venous invasion; though conflicting studies do exist on the subject. Some studies also relate the depth of venous invasion to prognosis after surgical resection of PDAC. Frank/'histopathological' invasion of superior mesenteric/portal venous and R1 resection indicate a very poor survival. Such patients may be given the opportunity of benefit of neoadjuvant treatment.

  6. Right atrial pressure: determinant or result of change in venous return?

    PubMed

    Bendjelid, Karim

    2005-11-01

    According to the concept of Guyton, cardiac output is largely controlled by venous return, which is determined by the difference between mean systemic venous pressure and right atrial pressure. In the analysis of the venous return curve, other authors have suggested that right atrial pressure is the dependent variable and venous return is the independent variable (right atrial pressure decreased because cardiac output increased). The present report analyzes this historical debate, which has already lasted > 50 years.

  7. Consideration of Preventing Local Venous Pain by Dacarbazine.

    PubMed

    Ohtsubo, Tatsuya; Tsuji, Takumi; Umeyama, Takayo; Sudou, Miho; Komesu, Kana; Matsumoto, Minako; Yoshida, Yuya; Banno, Rie; Tomogane, Kanji; Fujita, Atsuo; Kohno, Takeyuki; Mikami, Tadashi

    2017-01-01

    Local venous pain caused by dacarbazine (DTIC) injection is due to its photodegradation product 5-diazoimidazole-4-carboxamide (Diazo-IC). The production of Diazo-IC can be decreased by protecting the drug from light. Furthermore, the production of Diazo-IC reportedly increases with time; however, there are no studies reporting the association between the injection preparation time and local venous pain caused by the DTIC injection. We evaluated the efficacy of the following: (1) method used to shorten the injection preparation time and (2) method used to change the diluting solution for DTIC. We found that shortening the injection preparation time tended to decrease the local venous pain expression due to DTIC, and Veen F decreased the production of Diazo-IC compared with the normal saline and 5% glucose solution. These results indicate that shortening the injection preparation time may be effective in preventing the local venous pain caused by the DTIC injection; moreover, using Veen F for DTIC may also reduce the pain.

  8. Current challenges in diagnostic imaging of venous thromboembolism.

    PubMed

    Huisman, Menno V; Klok, Frederikus A

    2015-01-01

    Because the clinical diagnosis of deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is nonspecific, integrated diagnostic approaches for patients with suspected venous thromboembolism have been developed over the years, involving both non-invasive bedside tools (clinical decision rules and D-dimer blood tests) for patients with low pretest probability and diagnostic techniques (compression ultrasound for deep-vein thrombosis and computed tomography pulmonary angiography for pulmonary embolism) for those with a high pretest probability. This combination has led to standardized diagnostic algorithms with proven safety for excluding venous thrombotic disease. At the same time, it has become apparent that, as a result of the natural history of venous thrombosis, there are special patient populations in which the current standard diagnostic algorithms are not sufficient. In this review, we present 3 evidence-based patient cases to underline recent developments in the imaging diagnosis of venous thromboembolism. © 2015 by The American Society of Hematology. All rights reserved.

  9. Neonatal venous cerebral hemorrhage. Report of two cases.

    PubMed

    Misra, Sanjay N; Misra, Ashish K

    2003-10-15

    Intracranial pathological changes can occur as a result of impaired craniocervical venous return. Thrombosis of central venous access catheters was demonstrated in two neonates born at 38 and 27 weeks' gestation. Neither infant developed hemorrhage of prematurity as confirmed on cranial ultrasonography. Clinical evidence of vena cava thrombosis and associated spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage developed on Day 24 and 36, respectively, and these findings were confirmed on imaging studies. In one infant the hemorrhage was accompanied by communicating hydrocephalus. The cause of the intracranial disease was attributable to the retrograde cerebral venous congestion. This, together with the primitive venous bed developing in the periventricular region, was associated with the spontaneous hemorrhage in the region of the foramen of Monro. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report in the English-language literature of spontaneous neonatal intracerebral hemorrhage, due to thrombosis of the superior or inferior vena cava. The natural history of this condition is resolution without sequelae after appropriate therapeutic intervention for the vena cava thrombosis.

  10. Validation of Risk Assessment Models of Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Medical Patients.

    PubMed

    Greene, M Todd; Spyropoulos, Alex C; Chopra, Vineet; Grant, Paul J; Kaatz, Scott; Bernstein, Steven J; Flanders, Scott A

    2016-09-01

    Patients hospitalized for acute medical illness are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism. Although risk assessment is recommended and several at-admission risk assessment models have been developed, these have not been adequately derived or externally validated. Therefore, an optimal approach to evaluate venous thromboembolism risk in medical patients is not known. We conducted an external validation study of existing venous thromboembolism risk assessment models using data collected on 63,548 hospitalized medical patients as part of the Michigan Hospital Medicine Safety (HMS) Consortium. For each patient, cumulative venous thromboembolism risk scores and risk categories were calculated. Cox regression models were used to quantify the association between venous thromboembolism events and assigned risk categories. Model discrimination was assessed using Harrell's C-index. Venous thromboembolism incidence in hospitalized medical patients is low (1%). Although existing risk assessment models demonstrate good calibration (hazard ratios for "at-risk" range 2.97-3.59), model discrimination is generally poor for all risk assessment models (C-index range 0.58-0.64). The performance of several existing risk assessment models for predicting venous thromboembolism among acutely ill, hospitalized medical patients at admission is limited. Given the low venous thromboembolism incidence in this nonsurgical patient population, careful consideration of how best to utilize existing venous thromboembolism risk assessment models is necessary, and further development and validation of novel venous thromboembolism risk assessment models for this patient population may be warranted. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  11. Antibiofilm and Antimicrobial Efficacy of DispersinB (registered trademark)-KSL-W Peptide-Based Wound Gel Against Chronic Wound Infection Associated Bacteria

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-01-21

    Antibiofilm and Antimicrobial Efficacy of DispersinB-KSL-W Peptide-Based Wound Gel Against Chronic Wound Infection Associated Bacteria Purushottam V...major contributors to the slow or non-healing chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure ulcers. Being a protected...combination of DispersinB and KSL-W peptide showed synergistic antibiofilm and antimicrobial activity against chronic wound infection associated

  12. Derivation and External Validation of Prediction Models for Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Following Acute Kidney Injury

    PubMed Central

    Pannu, Neesh; Hemmelgarn, Brenda R.; Austin, Peter C.; Tan, Zhi; McArthur, Eric; Manns, Braden J.; Tonelli, Marcello; Wald, Ron; Quinn, Robert R.; Ravani, Pietro; Garg, Amit X.

    2017-01-01

    Importance Some patients will develop chronic kidney disease after a hospitalization with acute kidney injury; however, no risk-prediction tools have been developed to identify high-risk patients requiring follow-up. Objective To derive and validate predictive models for progression of acute kidney injury to advanced chronic kidney disease. Design, Setting, and Participants Data from 2 population-based cohorts of patients with a prehospitalization estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of more than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and who had survived hospitalization with acute kidney injury (defined by a serum creatinine increase during hospitalization > 0.3 mg/dL or > 50% of their prehospitalization baseline), were used to derive and validate multivariable prediction models. The risk models were derived from 9973 patients hospitalized in Alberta, Canada (April 2004-March 2014, with follow-up to March 2015). The risk models were externally validated with data from a cohort of 2761 patients hospitalized in Ontario, Canada (June 2004-March 2012, with follow-up to March 2013). Exposures Demographic, laboratory, and comorbidity variables measured prior to discharge. Main Outcomes and Measures Advanced chronic kidney disease was defined by a sustained reduction in eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 months during the year after discharge. All participants were followed up for up to 1 year. Results The participants (mean [SD] age, 66 [15] years in the derivation and internal validation cohorts and 69 [11] years in the external validation cohort; 40%-43% women per cohort) had a mean (SD) baseline serum creatinine level of 1.0 (0.2) mg/dL and more than 20% had stage 2 or 3 acute kidney injury. Advanced chronic kidney disease developed in 408 (2.7%) of 9973 patients in the derivation cohort and 62 (2.2%) of 2761 patients in the external validation cohort. In the derivation cohort, 6 variables were independently associated with the outcome: older age, female sex, higher

  13. [Venous thrombosis of atypical location in patients with cancer].

    PubMed

    Campos Balea, Begoña; Sáenz de Miera Rodríguez, Andrea; Antolín Novoa, Silvia; Quindós Varela, María; Barón Duarte, Francisco; López López, Rafael

    2015-01-01

    Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a complication that frequently occurs in patients with neoplastic diseases. Several models have therefore been developed to identify patient subgroups diagnosed with cancer who are at increased risk of developing VTE. The most common forms of thromboembolic episodes are deep vein thrombosis in the lower limbs and pulmonary thromboembolism. However, venous thrombosis is also diagnosed in atypical locations. There are few revisions of unusual cases of venous thrombosis. In most cases, VTE occurs in the upper limbs and in the presence of central venous catheters, pacemakers and defibrillators. We present the case of a patient diagnosed with breast cancer and treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy who developed a thrombosis in the upper limbs (brachial and axillary). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  14. Non-contact imaging of venous compliance in humans using an RGB camera

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nakano, Kazuya; Satoh, Ryota; Hoshi, Akira; Matsuda, Ryohei; Suzuki, Hiroyuki; Nishidate, Izumi

    2015-04-01

    We propose a technique for non-contact imaging of venous compliance that uses the red, green, and blue (RGB) camera. Any change in blood concentration is estimated from an RGB image of the skin, and a regression formula is calculated from that change. Venous compliance is obtained from a differential form of the regression formula. In vivo experiments with human subjects confirmed that the proposed method does differentiate the venous compliances among individuals. In addition, the image of venous compliance is obtained by performing the above procedures for each pixel. Thus, we can measure venous compliance without physical contact with sensors and, from the resulting images, observe the spatial distribution of venous compliance, which correlates with the distribution of veins.

  15. [Prophylaxis of thrombosis induced by chemotherapy or central venous catheters].

    PubMed

    Voog, Eric; Lazard, Eric; Juhel, Laurence

    2007-02-01

    Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are well-recognized complications of cancer, especially in patients with a venous access device or receiving chemotherapy. The pathogenic mechanisms of thrombosis in cancer patients involve a complex interaction between the patient's tumor cells and hemostatic system. Chemotherapy and central venous catheters increase the risk of thromboembolism. Prophylactic treatment for these patients remains controversial. We conducted a systematic literature review using the Medline database and abstract books for meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology since 2000. Our search focused on clinical trials of primary prevention of venous catheter-related thrombosis or prevention of chemotherapy-related venous thromboembolism in cancer patients. Ten studies evaluating primary prevention of patients with central catheters were identified, and their results are contradictory. Currently only one study has examined prevention of chemotherapy-related venous thromboembolism, in women with metastatic breast cancer. Its results cannot be extrapolated to other tumors. Systematic prophylaxis cannot yet be recommended. In the near future we must improve our knowledge of the risk factors of these complications. Prophylaxis should be individualized for each patient. New anticoagulant drugs should be tested in cancer patients.

  16. Occult pulmonary embolism: a common occurrence in deep venous thrombosis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dorfman, G.S.; Cronan, J.J.; Tupper, T.B.

    1987-02-01

    Ventilation-perfusion scans were used in a prospective study to determine the prevalence of occult pulmonary embolus in proven deep venous thrombosis. Fifty-eight patients without symptoms of pulmonary embolism, but with venographically proven deep venous thrombosis, were subjected to chest radiographs, /sup 99m/Tc macroaggregated-albumin perfusion scans, and /sup 133/Xe ventilation scans. Of the 49 patients with deep venous thrombosis proximal to the calf veins, 17 (35%) had high-probability scans. Of all 58 patients, only 12 (21%) had normal scans. When the study population was compared with a group of 430 patients described in reports of pulmonary perfusion in asymptomatic persons, amore » significantly higher percentage of high-probability scans was found in the study population with deep venous thrombosis. Baseline ventilation-perfusion lung scanning is valuable for patients with proven above-knee deep venous thrombosis.« less

  17. Transcatheter treatment of tricuspid regurgitation by caval valve implantation--experimental evaluation of decellularized tissue valves in central venous position.

    PubMed

    Lauten, Alexander; Laube, Adrian; Schubert, Harald; Bischoff, Sabine; Nietzsche, Sandor; Horstkötter, Kim; Poudel-Bochmann, Bhawana; Franz, Marcus; Lichtenberg, Artur; Figulla, Hans R; Akhyari, Payam

    2015-01-01

    Caval valve implantation has been suggested for transcatheter treatment of severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Combining the interventional technique with the promising surgical experience with decellularized valves, we sought to evaluate the functional and structural outcome of decellularized pericardial tissue valves (dTVs) in the low-pressure venous circulation in a chronic model of TR. Sixteen pericardial tissue valves were heterotopically implanted in the inferior and superior vena cava in a sheep model (54-98 kg; median 74.5 kg, n = 8) of severe TR. The devices were assembled using self-expanding nitinol stents and bovine pericardia decellularized by a detergent-based protocol (group dTV; n = 8). Glutaraldehyde-fixed pericardial tissue valves served as control (GaTV, n = 8). After 6 months, device function and structural maturation were analyzed using echocardiographic, histologic, immunohistologic, and electron microscopic approaches. After implantation, cardiac output increased significantly from 3.7 ± 1.1 l/min to 4.8 ± 1.1 l/min (P < 0.05) and competent valve function was verified by angiography. At 6 months, angiographic and echocardiographic evaluation revealed moderate to severe regurgitation in all GaTV. In contrast, five of the eight dTVs functioned well with only minor regurgitation. In these animals, autopsy revealed preserved valve structure with tender leaflets without signs of thrombosis or calcification. Conversely, GaTV showed severe degeneration with large calcification areas. Microscopic and histologic analysis confirmed endothelial repopulation in both valve types. However, additional interstitial reseeding was observed in decellularized valves. In the venous circulation in severe TR, decellularized valves show superior functional performance compared to Ga-fixed tissue valves. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses suggest preserved structural integrity and advanced endothelial and interstitial repopulation with

  18. Preoperative Evaluation of Collateral Venous Anastomoses in Meningioma Involving Cerebral Venous Sinus by Susceptibility Weighted Imaging

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Qing; He, Jingzhen; Ma, Xiangxing

    2014-01-01

    Abstract Precise preoperative identification of the collateral venous anastomoses is critical for proper surgical management of patients with meningioma involving sinus. This study was to assess the feasibility of susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) to delineate the collateral venous anastomoses before surgery. Twenty-five patients with meningiomas that were involved in sinuses underwent surgery and the collateral anastomoses were evaluated with SWI and phase-contrast magnetic resonance venography (MRV) before surgery. The results obtained with SWI were compared with those obtained with MRV. Intraoperative findings were used as the gold standard. By surgery, a total of 98 collateral anastomotic veins were identified in the 25 patients. SWI depicted 85 collateral anastomotic veins close to the meningioma with a sensitivity of 87%, whereas MRV showed 57 collateral anastomotic veins with a sensitivity of 58%. The detectability of collateral anastomotic veins in SWI images was superior to MRV. The results suggest that SWI is superior to MRV and could provide more reliable information on the collateral venous anastomoses in patients with meningioma. PMID:25501068

  19. Variant adrenal venous anatomy in 546 laparoscopic adrenalectomies.

    PubMed

    Scholten, Anouk; Cisco, Robin M; Vriens, Menno R; Shen, Wen T; Duh, Quan-Yang

    2013-04-01

    Knowing the types and frequency of adrenal vein variants would help surgeons identify and control the adrenal vein during laparoscopic adrenalectomy. To establish the surgical anatomy of the main vein and its variants for laparoscopic adrenalectomy and to analyze the relationship between variant adrenal venous anatomy and tumor size, pathologic diagnosis, and operative outcomes. In a retrospective review of patients at a tertiary referral hospital, 506 patients underwent 546 consecutive laparoscopic adrenalectomies between April 22, 1993, and October 21, 2011. Patients with variant adrenal venous anatomy were compared with patients with normal adrenal venous anatomy regarding preoperative variables (patient and tumor characteristics [size and location] and clinical diagnosis), intraoperative variables (details on the main adrenal venous drainage, any variant venous anatomy, duration of operation, rate of conversion to hand-assisted or open procedure, and estimated blood loss), and postoperative variables (transfusion requirement, reoperation for bleeding, duration of hospital stay, and histologic diagnosis). Laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Prevalence of variant adrenal venous anatomy and its relationship to tumor characteristics, pathologic diagnosis, and operative outcomes. Variant venous anatomy was encountered in 70 of 546 adrenalectomies (13%). Variants included no main adrenal vein identifiable (n = 18), 1 main adrenal vein with additional small veins (n = 11), 2 adrenal veins (n = 20), more than 2 adrenal veins (n = 14), and variants of the adrenal vein drainage to the inferior vena cava and hepatic vein or of the inferior phrenic vein (n = 7). Variants occurred more often on the right side than on the left side (42 of 250 glands [17%] vs. 28 of 296 glands [9%], respectively; P = .02). Patients with variant anatomy compared with those with normal anatomy had larger tumors (mean, 5.1 vs 3.3 cm, respectively; P < .001), more pheochromocytomas (24 of 70 [35%] vs

  20. Early thrombus removal strategies for acute deep venous thrombosis: clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum.

    PubMed

    Meissner, Mark H; Gloviczki, Peter; Comerota, Anthony J; Dalsing, Michael C; Eklof, Bo G; Gillespie, David L; Lohr, Joann M; McLafferty, Robert B; Murad, M Hassan; Padberg, Frank; Pappas, Peter; Raffetto, Joseph D; Wakefield, Thomas W

    2012-05-01

    The anticoagulant treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has been historically directed toward the prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism. However, such treatment imperfectly protects against late manifestations of the postthrombotic syndrome. By restoring venous patency and preserving valvular function, early thrombus removal strategies can potentially decrease postthrombotic morbidity. A committee of experts in venous disease was charged by the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum to develop evidence-based practice guidelines for early thrombus removal strategies, including catheter-directed pharmacologic thrombolysis, pharmacomechanical thrombolysis, and surgical thrombectomy. Evidence-based recommendations are based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of the relevant literature, supplemented when necessary by less rigorous data. Recommendations are made according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, incorporating the strength of the recommendation (strong: 1; weak: 2) and an evaluation of the level of the evidence (A to C). On the basis of the best evidence currently available, we recommend against routine use of the term "proximal venous thrombosis" in favor of more precise characterization of thrombi as involving the iliofemoral or femoropopliteal venous segments (Grade 1A). We further suggest the use of early thrombus removal strategies in ambulatory patients with good functional capacity and a first episode of iliofemoral DVT of <14 days in duration (Grade 2C) and strongly recommend their use in patients with limb-threatening ischemia due to iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction (Grade 1A). We suggest pharmacomechanical strategies over catheter-directed pharmacologic thrombolysis alone if resources are available and that surgical thrombectomy be considered if thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated (Grade 2C). Most data regarding early thrombus removal

  1. Exploring the potential role of the advanced nurse practitioner within a care path for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

    PubMed

    Ryckeghem, Hannah; Delesie, Liesbeth; Tobback, Els; Lievens, Stefaan; Vogelaers, Dirk; Mariman, An

    2017-07-01

    To explore the experiences and expectations of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and general practitioners to develop the potential role of an advanced nurse practitioner at the diagnostic care path of abnormal fatigue developed for regional transmural implementation in the Belgian provinces of East and West Flanders. Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome experience an incapacitating chronic fatigue that is present for at least 6 months. Since many uncertainties exist about the causes and progression of the disease, patients have to cope with disbelief and scepticism. Access to health care may be hampered, which could lead to inappropriate treatments and guidance. Qualitative design. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and general practitioners in Belgium. Data were collected over 9 months in 2014-2015. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for qualitative analysis using open explorative thematic coding. Fifteen patients and 15 general practitioners were interviewed. Three themes were identified: mixed feelings with the diagnosis, lack of one central intermediator and insufficient coordination. Participants stressed the need for education, knowledge and an intermediator to provide relevant information at the right time and to build up a trust relationship. This qualitative exploration underscores some clear deficiencies in the guidance of patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome and abnormal fatigue. An advanced nurse practitioner as a central intermediator in the transmural care of these patients could promote interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary collaboration and effective communication, provide education and ensure a structured and coordinated approach. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  2. Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Chronic Wounds: The Spectrum from Basic to Advanced Therapy

    PubMed Central

    Otero-Viñas, Marta; Falanga, Vincent

    2016-01-01

    Significance: Almost 7 million Americans have chronic cutaneous wounds and billions of dollars are spent on their treatment. The number of patients with nonhealing wounds keeps increasing worldwide due to an ever-aging population, increasing number of obese and diabetic patients, and cardiovascular disease. Recent Advances: Advanced treatments for difficult wounds are needed. Therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is attractive due to their differentiating potential, their immunomodulating properties, and their paracrine effects. Critical Issues: New technologies (including growth factors and skin substitutes) are now widely used for stimulating wound healing. However, in spite of these advances, the percentage of complete wound closure in most clinical situations is around 50–60%. Moreover, there is a high rate of wound recurrence. Future Directions: Recently, it has been demonstrated that MSCs speed up wound healing by decreasing inflammation, by promoting angiogenesis, and by decreasing scarring. However, there are some potential limitations to successful MSC therapy. These limitations include the need to improve cell delivery methods, cell viability, heterogeneity in MSC preparations, and suboptimal wound bed preparation. Further large, controlled clinical trials are needed to establish the safety of MSCs before widespread clinical application. PMID:27076993

  3. Pentoxifylline for treating venous leg ulcers.

    PubMed

    Jull, A; Arroll, B; Parag, V; Waters, J

    2007-07-18

    Healing of venous leg ulcers is improved by the use of compression bandaging but some venous ulcers remain unhealed, and some people are unsuitable for compression therapy. Pentoxifylline, a drug which helps blood flow, has been used to treat venous leg ulcers. An earlier version of this review included 9 randomised controlled trials, but more research has been since been conducted and an updated review is required. To assess the effects of pentoxifylline (oxpentifylline or Trental 400) for treating venous leg ulcers, compared with placebo, or other therapies, in the presence or absence of compression therapy. For this second update we searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cinahl (date of last search was February 2007), and reference lists of relevant articles. Randomised trials comparing pentoxifylline with placebo or other therapy in the presence or absence of compression, in people with venous leg ulcers. Details from eligible trials were extracted and summarised by one author using a coding sheet. Data extraction was independently verified by one other author. Twelve trials involving 864 participants were included. The quality of trials was variable. Eleven trials compared pentoxifylline with placebo or no treatment; in seven of these trials patients received compression therapy. In one trial pentoxifylline was compared with defibrotide in patients who also received compression. Combining 11 trials that compared pentoxifylline with placebo or no treatment (with or without compression) demonstrated that pentoxifylline is more effective than placebo in terms of complete ulcer healing or significant improvement (RR 1.70, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.24). Significant heterogeneity was associated with differences in sample populations (hard-to-heal samples compared with "normal" healing samples). Pentoxifylline plus compression is more effective than placebo plus compression (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.13). Pentoxifylline in the

  4. Venous glucose, serum lactate and base deficit as biochemical predictors of mortality in patients with polytrauma.

    PubMed

    Saad, Sameh; Mohamed, Naglaa; Moghazy, Amr; Ellabban, Gouda; El-Kamash, Soliman

    2016-01-01

    The trauma and injury severity score (TRISS) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV (APACHE IV) are accurate but complex. This study aimed to compare venous glucose, levels of serum lactate, and base deficit in polytraumatized patients as simple parameters to predict the mortality in these patients versus (TRISS) and (APACHE IV). This was a comparative cross-sectional study of 282 patients with polytrauma presented to the Emergency Department (ED). The best cut off value of TRISS probability of survival score for prediction of mortality among poly-traumatized patients was ≤90. APACHE IV demonstrated 67% sensitivity and 95% specificity at 95% CI at cut off point 99. The best cutoff value of Random Blood Sugar was >140 mg/dl, with 89% sensitivity, 49% specificity; base deficit was less than -5.6 with 64% sensitivity, 93% specificity; lactate was >2.6 mmol/L with 92%, sensitivity, 42% specificity. Venous glucose, serum lactate and base deficit are easy and rapid biochemical predictors of mortality in patients with polytrauma. These predictors could be used as TRISS and APACHE IV in predicting mortality.

  5. [Risk factors of deep venous thrombosis associated with peripherally inserted central venous catheter in upper extremity in ICU].

    PubMed

    Zhao, Ning; Zhang, Jiale; Jiang, Ting; Chen, Xia; Wang, Jianning; Ding, Chengzhi; Liu, Fen; Qian, Kejian; Jiang, Rong

    2017-02-01

    To analyze the incidence and its risk factors of peripherally inserted central venous catheter related upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (PICC-UEDVT) in intensive care unit (ICU). Clinical data of the patients received PICCs in ICU of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from August 2013 to August 2016 were retrospectively analysed. The inclusion criteria in the study included: the age > 18 years old, catheter indwelling time > 1 week and the complete relevant information. The gender, age, history of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and PICC; number of illness involved organs; complicated with hypertension, diabetes, infection or not; and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II), duration of mechanical ventilation; D-dimer, platelet count (PLT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were recorded. According to the occurrence of PICC-UEDVT, univariate analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of PICC-UEDVT and variables with statistical difference were selected to do multivariate binary logistic regression analysis for the confirmable independence risk factors. Six patients of the 61 cases occurred PICC-UEDVT with the occurrence rate of 9.8%. Time of occurrence was 9 days, 14 days (2 cases), 22 days, 28 days, 62 days after inserted catheter respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated that previous DVT, D-dimer and big diameter PICC were risk factors associated with PICC-UEDVT [the previous DVT: 50.00% vs. 7.27%, P = 0.017; D-dimer > 5 mg/L: 66.67% vs. 18.18%, P = 0.021; 5F catheter: 83.33% vs. 29.09%, P = 0.016]. It was shown by multivariate logistic regression analysis that the previous DVT [odds ratio (OR) = 20.539, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.733-243.875, P = 0.017] and increasing size of catheter (OR = 18.070, 95%CI = 1.317-247.875, P = 0.030) were independent risk factors associated with the development of PICC-UEDVT. For critical patients with a history of DVT and D-dimer > 5 mg

  6. Venous Thromboembolism in Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgery.

    PubMed

    Matthews, Jemma H; Terrill, Alexander J; Barwick, Alex L; Butterworth, Paul A

    2018-01-01

    The extent to which podiatric surgeons follow venous thromboembolism guidelines is unknown. The aim of this study therefore, was 2-fold: (a) to determine the rate of venous thromboembolism following podiatric surgery and (b) to investigate the factors that influence the use of thromboprophylaxis. Data from 4238 patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery over 2 years were analyzed. Venous thromboembolism within the first 30 days following surgery was recorded using the Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons surgical audit tool. Logistic regression analyses were undertaken to determine the factors that influenced thromboprophylaxis. Of the 4238 patient records, 3677 records (87%) provided complete data (age range 2-94 years; mean ± SD, 49.1 ± 19.7 years; 2693 females). A total of 7 venous thromboembolic events (0.2% rate) were reported. Operative duration and age (OR 12.63, 95% CI 9.47 to 16.84, P < 0.01), postoperative immobilization (OR 6.94, 95% CI 3.95 to 12.20, P < 0.01), and a prior history of VTE (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.01 to 11.04, P = 0.04) were the strongest predictors of thromboprophylaxis. Podiatric foot and ankle surgery is associated with a low rate of venous thromboembolism. This may be due in part to the thromboprophylaxis regime implemented by podiatric surgeons, which closely aligns with current evidence-based guidelines. Level II: Prospective cohort study.

  7. Ambulatory Status Protects against Venous Thromboembolism in Acute Mild Ischemic Stroke Patients.

    PubMed

    Sisante, Jason-Flor V; Abraham, Michael G; Phadnis, Milind A; Billinger, Sandra A; Mittal, Manoj K

    2016-10-01

    Ischemic stroke patients are at high risk (up to 18%) for venous thromboembolism. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study to understand the predictors of acute postmild ischemic stroke patient's ambulatory status and its relationship with venous thromboembolism, hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. We identified 522 patients between February 2006 and May 2014 and collected data about patient demographics, admission NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, ambulatory status, diagnosis of venous thromboembolism, and hospital outcomes (length of stay, mortality). Chi-square test, t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and binary logistic regression were used for statistical analysis as appropriate. A total of 61 (11.7%), 48 (9.2%), and 23 (4.4%) mild ischemic stroke patients developed venous thromboembolism, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism, respectively. During hospitalization, 281 (53.8%) patients were ambulatory. Independent predictors of in-hospital ambulation were being married (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.10-2.49), being nonreligious (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.34-3.62), admission NIHSS (per unit decrease in NIHSS; OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.39-1.91), and nonuse of mechanical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.02-2.61). After adjusting for confounders, ambulatory patients had lower rates of venous thromboembolism (OR .47, 95% CI .25-.89), deep venous thrombosis (OR .36, 95% CI .17-.73), prolonged length of hospital stay (OR .24, 95% CI .16-.37), and mortality (OR .43, 95% CI .21-.84). Our findings suggest that for hospitalized acute mild ischemic stroke patients, ambulatory status is an independent predictor of venous thromboembolism (specifically deep venous thrombosis), hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. Copyright © 2016 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Ambulatory Status Protects Against Venous Thromboembolism in Acute Mild Ischemic Stroke Patients

    PubMed Central

    Sisante, Jason-Flor V.; Abraham, Michael G.; Phadnis, Milind A.; Billinger, Sandra A.; Mittal, Manoj K.

    2016-01-01

    Introduction Ischemic stroke patients are at high risk (up to 18%) for venous thromboembolism. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study to understand the predictors of acute post-mild ischemic stroke patient’s ambulatory status and its relationship with venous thromboembolism, hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. Methods We identified 522 patients between February 2006 and May 2014 and collected data about patient demographics, admission NIHSS, venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, ambulatory status, diagnosis of venous thromboembolism, and hospital outcomes (length of stay, mortality). Chi-square tests, t-test and Wilcoxon Ranks Sum tests, and binary logistic regression were used for statistical analysis as appropriate. Results A total of 61 (11.7%), 48 (9.2%), and 23 (4.4%) mild ischemic stroke patients developed venous thromboembolism, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism, respectively. During hospitalization, 281 (53.8%) patients were ambulatory. Independent predictors of in-hospital ambulation were being married (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.10–2.49), being non-religious (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.34–3.62), admission NIHSS (per unit decrease in NIHSS; OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.39–1.91), and non-usage of mechanical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.02–2.61). After adjusting for confounders, ambulatory patients had lower rates of venous thromboembolism (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.25–0.89), deep venous thrombosis (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.17–0.73), prolonged length of hospital stay (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.16–0.37), and mortality (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21–0.84). Conclusions Our findings suggest that for hospitalized acute mild ischemic stroke patients, ambulatory status is an independent predictor of venous thromboembolism (specifically deep venous thrombosis), hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. PMID:27423367

  9. [Clinical significance of calcitonin gene-related peptide level before and after treatment in patients with chronic periodontitis].

    PubMed

    Yan, Ying; Xiang, Xue-Rong; Wang, Chun; Ye, Guo; Fan, Xiao-Ping

    2016-08-01

    To explore the clinical significance of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels in patients with chronic periodontitis before and after treatment, and to detect the calcitonin gene-related peptide content in human venous blood. Thirty healthy controls and thirty patients with mild, moderate, severe periodontitis were enrolled from August 2014 to June 2015.CGRP level in the patients' peripheral blood was detected by ELISA. Three months after periodontal treatment, CGRP level in mild, moderate, severe periodontitis patients' peripheral blood was re-examined by ELISA. Then the correlation between calcitonin gene-related peptide and inflammation of chronic periodontitis was analyzed with SPSS 22.0 software package. The content of CGRP in healthy controls was significantly higher than that in patients with periodontitis. With the aggravation of periodontal inflammation, blood level of CGRP decreased gradually, and the lowest was in patients with severe periodontitis (P<0.01). Three months after periodontal treatment, CGRP content was significantly higher compared with that before treatment (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found in patients with different degree of periodontitis (P>0.05). The level of CGRP in venous blood decreased with the increasing severity of chronic periodontitis, and CGRP was negatively correlated with the degree of inflammation of chronic periodontitis. CGRP may be involved in the occurrence and development of chronic periodontitis. CGRP content in serum of patients with chronic periodontitis after treatment was significantly increased, CGRP may be used as the basis for clinical detection of chronic periodontitis.

  10. Ethanol-Gel Sclerotherapy of Venous Malformations: Effectiveness and Safety.

    PubMed

    Teusch, Veronika I; Wohlgemuth, Walter A; Hammer, Simone; Piehler, Armin P; Müller-Wille, René; Goessmann, Holger; Uller, Wibke

    2017-12-01

    In the treatment of venous malformations, ethanol may be administered in a gelified form to increase local effects and reduce systemic ones. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a commercially available viscous ethanol gel in the treatment of venous malformations. Thirty-one patients (mean age, 23.4 years; age range, 6.6-46.5 years) with venous malformations were prospectively scheduled for two ethanol-gel sclerotherapy sessions. Venous malformations were located at the lower extremity (n = 18), the upper extremity (n = 9), and the face (n = 4). Questionnaires to assess pain, clinical examinations, professional photographs, and contrast-enhanced MRI of the venous malformations were performed before and after therapy to measure therapy-induced changes. Two experienced radiologists blinded to the examination date and clinical status compared photographs and MR images before and after treatment. A mean of 4.2 mL of ethanol gel were administered per session. The technical success rate was 100%. Clinical success, defined as improvement or resolution of symptoms, was noted in 81% of patients. Mean pain score decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (3.9 vs 3.1, p = 0.005). In 54 treatment sessions where follow-up was available, four minor complications occurred. Comparison of photographs and MR images before and after treatment showed improvement in 35% and 93% of patients, respectively. Ethanol gel is an effective and safe sclerosing agent in the treatment of venous malformations.

  11. Epidemiology of venous thromboembolism.

    PubMed

    Heit, John A

    2015-08-01

    Thrombosis can affect any venous circulation. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes deep-vein thrombosis of the leg or pelvis, and its complication, pulmonary embolism. VTE is a fairly common disease, particularly in older age, and is associated with reduced survival, substantial health-care costs, and a high rate of recurrence. VTE is a complex (multifactorial) disease, involving interactions between acquired or inherited predispositions to thrombosis and various risk factors. Major risk factors for incident VTE include hospitalization for surgery or acute illness, active cancer, neurological disease with leg paresis, nursing-home confinement, trauma or fracture, superficial vein thrombosis, and-in women-pregnancy and puerperium, oral contraception, and hormone therapy. Although independent risk factors for incident VTE and predictors of VTE recurrence have been identified, and effective primary and secondary prophylaxis is available, the occurrence of VTE seems to be fairly constant, or even increasing.

  12. Idiopathic versus secondary venous thromboembolism. Findings of the RIETE registry.

    PubMed

    Pedrajas, J M; Garmendia, C; Portillo, J; Gabriel, F; Mainez, C; Yera, C; Monreal, M

    2014-10-01

    The Computerized Registry of Patients with Venous Thromboembolism (RIETE) is a prospective registry that consecutively includes patients diagnosed with venous thromboembolism. We compared the clinical presentation and response to anticoagulant treatment in patients with idiopathic venous thromboembolism (IVT) versus secondary venous thromboembolism (SVT, associated with a risk factor). We analyzed the differences in clinical characteristics, comorbidity, treatment and events during the first 3months after the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism in patients with IVT or SVT and according to their initial clinical presentation. A total of 39,921 patients with IVT (n=18,029; 45.1%) or SVT (n=21,892; 54.9%) were enrolled. The patients with IVT had a greater history of venous thromboembolism than those diagnosed with SVT (p<.001). The initial treatment was similar for the 2 groups, but more inferior vena cava filters were placed in the SVT group (p<.001). In the long term, low-molecular-weight heparin was used more often in the SVT group than in the IVT group. At 90days, bleeding, death and the recurrence of venous thromboembolism were significantly more frequent in the SVT group. The multivariate analysis confirmed that IVT was associated with fewer major (OR, 0.60; 95%CI, 0.50-0.61; p<.001) and fatal (OR, 0.41; 95%CI, 0.29-0.62; p<.001) bleedings, fewer relapses (OR, 0.58; 95%CI, 0.39-0.78; p<.001) and fewer fatal pulmonary embolisms (OR, 0.29; 95%CI, 0.12-0.52; p<.001). These differences were maintained in patients whose venous thromboembolism started with a pulmonary embolism or with deep vein thrombosis. IVT has a better prognosis than SVT at 90days of the diagnosis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  13. Role of coexisting contralateral primary venous disease in development of post-thrombotic syndrome following catheter-based treatment of iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis.

    PubMed

    Lee, John J; Al-Jubouri, Mustafa; Acino, Robin; Comerota, Anthony J; Lurie, Fedor

    2015-10-01

    It has been reported that early clot removal benefits patients with iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) by removing obstruction and preserving valve function. However, a substantial number of patients who had successful clot removal develop post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Residual thrombus and rethrombosis play a part in this phenomenon, but the role of coexisting primary chronic venous disease (PCVD) in these patients has not been studied. All patients who underwent catheter-based techniques of thrombus removal for symptomatic acute iliofemoral DVT during a 5-year period compose the study group. These patients were assessed for PTS by the Villalta scale, the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and the Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study on Quality of Life (VEINES-QOL) questionnaire. The presence of coexisting PCVD was determined by clinical and duplex ultrasound findings in the contralateral leg at the time of the initial DVT diagnosis. Patients who had coexisting PCVD were compared with those without PCVD. Forty patients (40 limbs) were included in the study group. At initial diagnosis, 15 patients (38%) had coexisting symptomatic primary valve reflux in the unaffected limb. After thrombolysis, 9 of 40 limbs (22%) had complete lysis, 29 (73%) had ≥ 50% to 99% lysis, and 2 (5%) had <50% lysis. The mean percentage of lysis in patients with or without PCVD was similar (78% vs 86%; P = .13). Patients without coexisting PCVD had significantly better Villalta score and VCSS compared with those with coexisting PCVD (Villalta score, 2.52 vs 3.27, P = .014; VCSS, 2.96 vs 3.29, P = .005). Forty-five percent of patients (18 of 40) developed PTS. Patients who developed PTS had less clot lysis than those without PTS. This was true for patients with coexisting PCVD (60% vs 85%; P = .025) and in patients without PCVD (75% vs 89%; P = .013). There was no significant difference in the VEINES-QOL score between those with or without PCVD (79.5 vs 80

  14. Investigation of cerebral venous outflow in microgravity.

    PubMed

    Taibi, A; Gadda, G; Gambaccini, M; Menegatti, E; Sisini, F; Zamboni, P

    2017-10-31

    The gravitational gradient is the major component to face when considering the physiology of venous return, and there is a growing interest in understanding the mechanisms ensuring the heart filling, in the absence of gravity, for astronauts who perform long-term space missions. The purpose of the Drain Brain project was to monitor the cerebral venous outflow of a crew member during an experiment on the International Space Station (ISS), so as to study the compensatory mechanisms that facilitate this essential physiological action in subjects living in a microgravity environment. Such venous function has been characterized by means of a novel application of strain-gauge plethysmography which uses a capacitive sensor. In this contribution, preliminary results of our investigation have been presented. In particular, comparison of plethysmography data confirmed that long duration spaceflights lead to a redistribution of venous blood volume, and showed interesting differences in the amplitude of cardiac oscillations measured at the level of the neck veins. The success of the experiment has also demonstrated that thanks to its easy portability, non-invasiveness, and non-operator dependence, the proposed device can be considered as a novel tool for use aboard the ISS. Further trials are now under way to complete the investigation on the drainage function of the neck veins in microgravity.

  15. [Trismus, pseudobulbar syndrome and cerebral deep venous thrombosis].

    PubMed

    Alecu, C; De Bray, J M; Penisson-Besnier, I; Pasco-Papon, A; Dubas, F

    2001-03-01

    We report a case of cerebral deep venous thrombosis that manifested clinically by a pseudobulbar syndrome with major trismus, abnormal movements and static cerebellar syndrome. To our knowledge, only three other cases of deep cerebral venous thrombosis associated with cerebellar or pseudobulbar syndrome have been published since 1985. The relatively good prognosis in our patient could be explained by the partially intact internal cerebral veins as well as use of early anticoagulant therapy. There was a spontaneous hyperdensity of the falx cerebri and the tentorium cerebelli on the brain CT scan, an aspect highly contributive to diagnosis. This hyperdensity of the falx cerebri was found in 19 out of 22 cases of deep venous thrombosis detailed in the literature.

  16. [Venous thromboembolic risk during repatriation for medical reasons].

    PubMed

    Stansal, A; Perrier, E; Coste, S; Bisconte, S; Manen, O; Lazareth, I; Conard, J; Priollet, P

    2015-12-01

    In France, approximately 3000 people are repatriated every year, either in a civil situation by insurers. Repatriation also concerns French army soldiers. The literature is scarce on the topic of venous thromboembolic risk and its prevention during repatriation for medical reasons, a common situation. Most studies have focused on the association between venous thrombosis and travel, a relationship recognized more than 60 years ago but still subject to debate. Examining the degree of venous thromboembolic risk during repatriation for medical reasons must take into account several parameters, related to the patient, to comorbid conditions and to repatriation modalities. Appropriate prevention must be determined on an individual basis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  17. Benefits of regular walking exercise in advanced pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Kosmadakis, George C; John, Stephen G; Clapp, Emma L; Viana, Joao L; Smith, Alice C; Bishop, Nicolette C; Bevington, Alan; Owen, Paul J; McIntyre, Christopher W; Feehally, John

    2012-03-01

    There is increasing evidence of the benefit of regular physical exercise in a number of long-term conditions including chronic kidney disease (CKD). In CKD, this evidence has mostly come from studies in end stage patients receiving regular dialysis. There is little evidence in pre-dialysis patients with CKD Stages 4 and 5. A prospective study compared the benefits of 6 months regular walking in 40 pre-dialysis patients with CKD Stages 4 and 5. Twenty of them were the exercising group and were compared to 20 patients who were continuing with usual physical activity. In addition, the 40 patients were randomized to receive additional oral sodium bicarbonate (target venous bicarbonate 29 mmol/L) or continue with previous sodium bicarbonate treatment (target 24 mmol/L). Improvements noted after 1 month were sustained to 6 months in the 18 of 20 who completed the exercise study. These included improvements in exercise tolerance (reduced exertion to achieve the same activity), weight loss, improved cardiovascular reactivity, avoiding an increase in blood pressure medication and improvements in quality of health and life and uraemic symptom scores assessed by questionnaire. Sodium bicarbonate supplementation did not produce any significant alterations. This study provides further support for the broad benefits of aerobic physical exercise in CKD. More studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of these benefits, to study whether resistance exercise will add to the benefit and to evaluate strategies to promote sustained lifestyle changes, that could ensure continued increase in habitual daily physical activity levels.

  18. [Near-infrared spectroscopy in sepsis therapy : predictor of a low central venous oxygen saturation].

    PubMed

    Lichtenstern, C; Koch, C; Röhrig, R; Rosengarten, B; Henrich, M; Weigand, M A

    2012-10-01

    Early goal-directed hemodynamic optimization has become a cornerstone of sepsis therapy. One major defined goal is to achieve adequate central venous oxygen saturation (SO(2)). This study aimed to investigate the correlation between central venous SO(2) and frontal cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurement in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. The NIRS method provides non-invasive measurement of regional oxygen saturation (rSO(2)) in tissues approximately 2 cm below the optical NIRS sensors which depends on arterial, capillary and venous blood. Thus this system gives site-specific real-time data about the balance of oxygen supply and demand. This was a secondary analysis from a prospective study of surgical intensive care (ICU) patients in the early phase of severe sepsis or septic shock. Bilateral cerebral rSO(2), central venous SO(2), arterial oxygen saturation (S(a)O(2)) and other surrogate parameters of oxygen supply, such as hemoglobin, partial pressure of oxygen and oxygen content in arterial blood were recorded. A total of 16 ICU patients (4 women, median age 65.5 years) were included in the study. As sepsis focus an intra-abdominal infection was detected in 62.5 % of patients, severe pneumonia was determined in 31.3 % and skin and soft tissue infections were recognized in 12.5 %. At study inclusion 50 % of patients had septic shock, the median sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score was 10.2 (interquartile range 5.25-8.75) and the median acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score was 26 (range 23.25-29.75). Mortality at day 28 was 37.5 %. Minimum rSO(2) (median 58) and right-sided rSO(2) (median 58) values showed a significant correlation in the analysis of receiver operating characteristics (area under the curve 0.844, p= 0.045). A central venous SO(2)< 70 % was indicated by rSO(2)< 56.5 with sensitivity and specificity of 75 % and 100 %, respectively. Cerebral NIRS could provide a fast and easily

  19. Managing painful chronic wounds: the Wound Pain Management Model.

    PubMed

    Price, Patricia; Fogh, Karsten; Glynn, Chris; Krasner, Diane L; Osterbrink, Jürgen; Sibbald, R Gary

    2007-04-01

    Chronic wound pain is not well understood and the literature is limited. Six of 10 patients venous leg ulcer experience pain with their ulcer, and similar trends are observed for other chronic wounds. Chronic wound pain can lead to depression and the feeling of constant tiredness. Pain related to the wound should be handled as one of the main priorities in chronic wound management together with addressing the cause. Management of pain in chronic wounds depends on proper assessment, reporting and documenting patient experiences of pain. Assessment should be based on six critical dimensions of the pain experience: location, duration, intensity, quality, onset and impact on activities of daily living. Holistic management must be based on a safe and effective mix of psychosocial approaches together with local and systemic pain management. It is no longer acceptable to ignore or inadequately document persistent wound pain and not to develop a treatment and monitoring strategy to improve the lives of persons with chronic wounds. Unless wound pain is optimally managed, patient suffering and costs to health care systems will increase.

  20. Validation of a novel venous duplex ultrasound objective structured assessment of technical skills for the assessment of venous reflux.

    PubMed

    Jaffer, Usman; Normahani, Pasha; Lackenby, Kimberly; Aslam, Mohammed; Standfield, Nigel J

    2015-01-01

    Duplex ultrasound measurement of reflux time is central to the diagnosis of venous incompetence. We have developed an assessment tool for Duplex measurement of venous reflux for both simulator and patient-based training. A novel assessment tool, Venous Duplex Ultrasound Assessment of Technical Skills (V-DUOSATS), was developed. A modified DUOSATS was used for simulator training. Participants of varying skill level were invited to viewed an instructional video and were allowed ample time to familiarize with the Duplex equipment. Attempts made by the participants were recorded and independently assessed by 3 expert assessors and 5 novice assessors using the modified V-DUOSATS. "Global" assessment was also done by expert assessors on a 4-point Likert scale. Content, construct, and concurrent validities as well as reliability were evaluated. Content and construct validity as well as reliability were demonstrated. Receiver operator characteristic analysis-established cut points of 19/22 and 21/30 were most appropriate for simulator and patient-based assessment, respectively. We have validated a novel assessment tool for Duplex venous reflux measurement. Further work is required to establish transference validity of simulator training to improve skill in scanning patients. We have developed and validated V-DUOSATS for simulator training. Copyright © 2015 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Autoimmune Pancreatitis Can Transform Into Chronic Features Similar to Advanced Chronic Pancreatitis With Functional Insufficiency Following Severe Calcification.

    PubMed

    Kanai, Keita; Maruyama, Masahiro; Kameko, Fumiko; Kawasaki, Kenji; Asano, Junpei; Oguchi, Takaya; Watanabe, Takayuki; Ito, Tetsuya; Muraki, Takashi; Hamano, Hideaki; Matsumoto, Akihiro; Arakura, Norikazu; Kawa, Shigeyuki

    2016-09-01

    Because several studies for autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) have revealed pancreatic calcification resembling that in chronic pancreatitis (CP), we sought to clarify whether AIP could transform into chronic features similar to advanced CP with severe pancreatic dysfunction. Pancreatic functions of 92 AIP patients, 47 definite CP patients, and 30 healthy controls were assessed by fecal elastase-1 concentration (FEC), fasting immunoreactive insulin (IRI), and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)-R. The 92 AIP patients included 17 (18%) with severe calcification (SC) and 75 without. The FEC levels in AIP and CP patients were significantly lower than that in controls. Exocrine insufficiency defined as FEC less than 200 μg/g was 39% in AIP without SC, 56% in AIP with SC, and 74% in CP. Fasting IRI and C-peptide reactivity values in CP were significantly lower than those in AIP, with no significant differences between AIP subgroups. The prevalence of endocrine insufficiency according to fasting IRI less than 5.0 μU/mL was 26% in AIP without SC, 31% in AIP with SC, and 59% in CP, respectively. HOMA-R values were significantly higher in all AIP groups than in CP. Autoimmune pancreatitis can transform into a state of pancreatic insufficiency after calcification that is less severe than that in definite CP.

  2. Smoking, chronic wound healing, and implications for evidence-based practice.

    PubMed

    McDaniel, Jodi C; Browning, Kristine K

    2014-01-01

    Chronic wounds are rising in prevalence and creating significant socioeconomic burdens for patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Therefore, it is now more important than ever that clinicians follow evidence-based guidelines for wound care when developing personalized treatment plans for their patients with chronic wounds. Evidence-based guidelines for treating venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and pressure ulcers, the 3 main categories of chronic wounds, focus primarily on biologic therapies. However, there are also evidence-based guidelines for treating behavioral risks to poor healing, such as smoking, which should be incorporated into treatment plans when appropriate. The purpose of this article was to review the mechanisms through which smoking adversely impacts the wound healing process, and propose strategies for incorporating evidence-based guidelines for treating tobacco dependence into treatment plans for patients with chronic wounds who smoke.

  3. Transpulmonary passage of venous air emboli

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Butler, B. D.; Hills, B. A.

    1985-01-01

    Twenty-seven paralyzed anesthetized dogs were embolized with venous air to determine the effectiveness of the pulmonary vasculature for bubble filtration or trapping. Air doses ranged from 0.05 to 0.40 ml/kg min in 0.05-ml increments with ultrasonic Doppler monitors placed over arterial vessels to detect any microbubbles that crossed the lungs. Pulmonary vascular filtration of the venous air infusions was complete for the lower air doses ranging from 0.05 to 0.30 ml/kg min. When the air doses were increased to 0.35 ml/kg min, the filtration threshold was exceeded with arterial spillover of bubbles occurring in 50 percent of the animals and reaching 71 percent for 0.40 ml/kg min. Significant elevations were observed in pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. Systemic blood pressure and cardiac output decreased, whereas left ventricular end-diastolic pressure remained unchanged. The results indicate that the filtration of venous bubbles by the pulmonary vasculature was complete when the air infusion rates were kept below a threshold value of 0.30 ml/kg min.

  4. Clinical application of three-dimensional printing to the management of complex univentricular hearts with abnormal systemic or pulmonary venous drainage.

    PubMed

    McGovern, Eimear; Kelleher, Eoin; Snow, Aisling; Walsh, Kevin; Gadallah, Bassem; Kutty, Shelby; Redmond, John M; McMahon, Colin J

    2017-09-01

    In recent years, three-dimensional printing has demonstrated reliable reproducibility of several organs including hearts with complex congenital cardiac anomalies. This represents the next step in advanced image processing and can be used to plan surgical repair. In this study, we describe three children with complex univentricular hearts and abnormal systemic or pulmonary venous drainage, in whom three-dimensional printed models based on CT data assisted with preoperative planning. For two children, after group discussion and examination of the models, a decision was made not to proceed with surgery. We extend the current clinical experience with three-dimensional printed modelling and discuss the benefits of such models in the setting of managing complex surgical problems in children with univentricular circulation and abnormal systemic or pulmonary venous drainage.

  5. [Actual questions about the prevention of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy].

    PubMed

    Losonczy, Hajna; Nagy, Ágnes; Tar, Attila

    2016-02-07

    Cancer patients have a 2-7 fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism compared with the general population and, since 1990, this is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes the current knowledge on venous thromboembolism and cancer. Notably, the risk of venous thromboembolism varies depending on the type and stage of cancer. For instance, pancreatic and brain cancer patients have a higher risk of venous thromboembolism than breast and prostate cancer patients. Moreover, patients with metastatic disease have a higher risk than those with localized tumors. Tumor-derived procoagulant factors, cytokines and growth factors may directly and indirectly enhance venous thromboembolism. Chemotherapy produces ~6,5 fold increase in venous thromboembolism incidence in cancer patients compared to the general population. Prevention of this complication is challenging. The authors review the development of guidelines concerning venous thromboembolism prevention in hospitalized and also in ambulatory cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Current guidelines recommend the use of low-molecular-weight heparin. Understanding the underlying mechanisms may allow the development of new therapies to safely prevent venous thromboembolism in cancer patients.

  6. An endovascular treatment of Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency in multiple sclerosis patients - 6 month follow-up results.

    PubMed

    Kostecki, Jacek; Zaniewski, Maciej; Ziaja, Krzysztof; Urbanek, Tomasz; Kuczmik, Waclaw; Krzystanek, Ewa; Ziaja, Damian; Korzeniowski, Tomasz; Majewski, Eugeniusz; Hartel, Marcin; Swiat, Maciej; Sioma-Markowska, Urszula

    2011-01-01

    In this study, the mid-term results (6 month follow-up) of the endovascular treatment in patients with Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) and multiple sclerosis (MS) were prospectively evaluated. Thirty-six patients with confirmed MS and CCSVI underwent endovascular treatment by the means of the uni- or bilateral jugular vein angioplasty with optional stent placement. All the patients completed 6 month follow-up. Their MS-related disability status and quality of life were evaluated 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively by means of the following scales: Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Heat Intolerance scale (HIS) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). For patency and restenosis rate assessment, the control US duplex Doppler examination was used. Six months after the procedure, restenosis in post-PTA jugular veins was found in 33% of cases. Among 17 patients who underwent stent implantation into the jugular vein, restenosis or partial in-stent thrombosis was identified in 55% of the cases. At the 6 month follow-up appointment, there was no significant improvement in the EDSS or the ESS. The endovascular treatment of the CCSVI improved the quality of life according to the MSIS-29 scale but only up to 3 months after the procedure (with no differences in the 6 month follow-up assessment). Six months after the jugular vein angioplasty (with or without stent placement), a statistically significant improvement was observed only in the FSS and the HIS. The endovascular treatment in patients with MS and concomitant CCSVI did not have an influence on the patient's neurological condition; however, in the mid-term follow-up, an improvement in some quality-of-life parameters was observed.

  7. Venous thromboembolism associated with air travel: a report of 33 patients.

    PubMed

    Mercer, A; Brown, J D

    1998-02-01

    The medical literature suggests long distance travel, particularly air travel, may be a risk factor for venous thromboembolism, but the risk is poorly quantified. We reviewed 134 records of patients hospitalized with venous thromboembolism for comments regarding recent travel. Patients who had traveled within 31 d prior to venous thromboembolism were defined as recent travelers. Of 134 patients records, 66 (49%) had documented inquiries regarding travel and 33 (50%) were recent air travelers. Data regarding demographics, mode of travel, day of onset of symptoms in relation to travel, and other risk factors for venous thromboembolism were abstracted from the records of the recent travelers. There were 12 (36%) travelers who had no other predisposition for venous thromboembolism. All had traveled non-stop by aircraft for 4 or more hours; none was identified as a crew-member. The median day of onset of venous thromboembolism was on travel day 4 (range: day 1-31). There were 8 (24%) patients who had onset during air travel or on the day of arrival, and 27 (82%) had onset by travel day 15. Air travel for 4 or more hours within the preceding 31 d was the most common risk factor for venous thromboembolism in our study patients and was present in 50%. This incidence is much higher than previously described, perhaps due to limiting the study population to those in which the presence or absence of travel was documented. Prospective studies are needed to better define the risk factors for venous thromboembolism among long distance air passengers and crew-members, and to determine effective preventive measures.

  8. Effects of abdominal pressure on venous return: abdominal vascular zone conditions.

    PubMed

    Takata, M; Wise, R A; Robotham, J L

    1990-12-01

    The effects of changes in abdominal pressure (Pab) on inferior vena cava (IVC) venous return were analyzed using a model of the IVC circulation based on a concept of abdominal vascular zone conditions analogous to pulmonary vascular zone conditions. We hypothesized that an increase in Pab would increase IVC venous return when the IVC pressure at the level of the diaphragm (Pivc) exceeds the sum of Pab and the critical closing transmural pressure (Pc), i.e., zone 3 conditions, but reduce IVC venous return when Pivc is below the sum of Pab and Pc, i.e., zone 2 conditions. The validity of the model was tested in 12 canine experiments with an open-chest IVC bypass. An increase in Pab produced by phrenic stimulation increased the IVC venous return when Pivc-Pab was positive but decreased the IVC venous return when Pivc - Pab was negative. The value of Pivc - Pab that separated net increases from decreases in venous return was 1.00 +/- 0.72 (SE) mmHg (n = 6). An increase in Pivc did not influence the femoral venous pressure when Pivc was lower than the sum of Pab and a constant, 0.96 +/- 0.70 mmHg (n = 6), consistent with presence of a waterfall. These results agreed closely with the predictions of the model and its computer simulation. The abdominal venous compartment appears to function with changes in Pab either as a capacitor in zone 3 conditions or as a collapsible Starling resistor with little wall tone in zone 2 conditions.

  9. Congestive kidney failure in cardiac surgery: the relationship between central venous pressure and acute kidney injury.

    PubMed

    Gambardella, Ivancarmine; Gaudino, Mario; Ronco, Claudio; Lau, Christopher; Ivascu, Natalia; Girardi, Leonard N

    2016-11-01

    Acute kidney injury (AKI) in cardiac surgery has traditionally been linked to reduced arterial perfusion. There is ongoing evidence that central venous pressure (CVP) has a pivotal role in precipitating acute renal dysfunction in cardiac medical and surgical settings. We can regard this AKI driven by systemic venous hypertension as 'kidney congestive failure'. In the cardiac surgery population as a whole, when the CVP value reaches the threshold of 14 mmHg in postoperative period, the risk of AKI increases 2-fold with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.99, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 1.16-3.40. In cardiac surgery subsets where venous hypertension is a hallmark feature, the incidence of AKI is higher (tricuspid disease 30%, carcinoid valve disease 22%). Even in the non-chronically congested coronary artery bypass population, CVP measured 6 h postoperatively showed significant association to renal failure: risk-adjusted OR for AKI was 5.5 (95% CI 1.93-15.5; P = 0.001) with every 5 mmHg rise in CVP for patients with CVP <9 mmHg; for CVP increments of 5 mmHg above the threshold of 9 mmHg, the risk-adjusted OR for AKI was 1.3 (95% CI 1.01-1.65; P = 0.045). This and other clinical evidence are discussed along with the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, involving the supremacy of volume receptors in regulating the autonomic output in hypervolaemia, and the regional effect of venous congestion on the nephron. The effect of CVP on renal function was found to be modulated by ventricular function class, aetiology and acuity of venous congestion. Evidence suggests that acute increases of CVP should be actively treated to avoid a deterioration of the renal function, particularly in patients with poor ventricular fraction. Besides, the practice of treating right heart failure with fluid loading should be avoided in favour of other ways to optimize haemodynamics in this setting, because of the detrimental effects on the kidney function. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford

  10. Epidemiology of venous thromboembolism

    PubMed Central

    Heit, John A.

    2015-01-01

    Thrombosis can affect any venous circulation. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes deep-vein thrombosis of the leg or pelvis, and its complication, pulmonary embolism. VTE is a fairly common disease, particularly in older age, and is associated with reduced survival, substantial health-care costs, and a high rate of recurrence. VTE is a complex (multifactorial) disease, involving interactions between acquired or inherited predispositions to thrombosis and various risk factors. Major risk factors for incident VTE include hospitalization for surgery or acute illness, active cancer, neurological disease with leg paresis, nursing-home confinement, trauma or fracture, superficial vein thrombosis, and—in women—pregnancy and puerperium, oral contraception, and hormone therapy. Although independent risk factors for incident VTE and predictors of VTE recurrence have been identified, and effective primary and secondary prophylaxis is available, the occurrence of VTE seems to be fairly constant, or even increasing. PMID:26076949

  11. Cortical venous disease severity in MELAS syndrome correlates with brain lesion development.

    PubMed

    Whitehead, M T; Wien, M; Lee, B; Bass, N; Gropman, A

    2017-08-01

    MELAS syndrome is a mitochondrial disorder typified by recurrent stroke-like episodes, seizures, and progressive brain injury. Abnormal mitochondria have been found in arterial walls implicating a vasculogenic etiology. We have observed abnormal cortical vein T2/FLAIR signal in MELAS patients, potentially representing wall thickening and sluggish flow. We sought to examine the relationship of hyperintense veins and brain lesions in MELAS. Imaging databases at two children's hospitals were searched for brain MRIs from MELAS patients. Artifact, sedated exams, and lack of 2D-T2/FLAIR sequences were exclusion criteria. Each exam was assigned a venous score based on number of T2/FLAIR hyperintense veins: 1 = <10, 2 = 10 to 20, 3 = >20. Cumulative brain lesions and venous score in MELAS and aged-matched normal exams were compared by Mann-Whitney test. A total of 106 exams from 14 unique MELAS patients (mean 16 ± 3 years) and 30 exams from normal aged-matched patients (mean 15 ± 3 years) were evaluated. Median venous score between MELAS and control patients significantly differed (3 versus 1; p < 0.001). In the MELAS group, venous score correlated with presence (median = 3) or absence (median = 1) of cumulative brain lesions. In all 8 MELAS patients who developed lesions, venous hyperintensity was present prior to, during, and after lesion onset. Venous score did not correlate with brain lesion acuity. Abnormal venous signal correlates with cumulative brain lesion severity in MELAS syndrome. Cortical venous stenosis, congestion, and venous ischemia may be mechanisms of brain injury. Identification of cortical venous pathology may aid in diagnosis and could be predictive of lesion development.

  12. Congenital intrahepatic portohepatic venous shunt: treatment with coil embolisation.

    PubMed

    Kim, I O; Cheon, J E; Kim, W S; Chung, J W; Yeon, K M; Yoo, S J; Seo, J K; Choi, J H

    2000-05-01

    Congenital abnormalities of the portal venous system are rare. There are few radiological descriptions of intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt detected in the perinatal period. We report a congenital portosystemic shunt that was detected by US and treated with coil embolisation in the neonatal period.

  13. Expression of the SOCS family in human chronic wound tissues: Potential implications for SOCS in chronic wound healing

    PubMed Central

    Feng, Yi; Sanders, Andrew J.; Ruge, Fiona; Morris, Ceri-Ann; Harding, Keith G.; Jiang, Wen G.

    2016-01-01

    Cytokines play important roles in the wound healing process through various signalling pathways. The JAK-STAT pathway is utilised by most cytokines for signal transduction and is regulated by a variety of molecules, including suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins. SOCS are associated with inflammatory diseases and have an impact on cytokines, growth factors and key cell types involved in the wound-healing process. SOCS, a negative regulator of cytokine signalling, may hold the potential to regulate cytokine-induced signalling in the chronic wound-healing process. Wound edge tissues were collected from chronic venous leg ulcer patients and classified as non-healing and healing wounds. The expression pattern of seven SOCSs members, at the transcript and protein level, were examined in these tissues using qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Significantly higher levels of SOCS3 (P=0.0284) and SOCS4 (P=0.0376) in non-healing chronic wounds compared to the healing/healed chronic wounds were observed at the transcript level. Relocalisation of SOCS3 protein in the non-healing wound environment was evident in the investigated chronic biopsies. Thus, the results show that the expression of SOCS transcript indicated that SOCS members may act as a prognostic biomarker of chronic wounds. PMID:27635428

  14. Expression of the SOCS family in human chronic wound tissues: Potential implications for SOCS in chronic wound healing.

    PubMed

    Feng, Yi; Sanders, Andrew J; Ruge, Fiona; Morris, Ceri-Ann; Harding, Keith G; Jiang, Wen G

    2016-11-01

    Cytokines play important roles in the wound healing process through various signalling pathways. The JAK-STAT pathway is utilised by most cytokines for signal transduction and is regulated by a variety of molecules, including suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins. SOCS are associated with inflammatory diseases and have an impact on cytokines, growth factors and key cell types involved in the wound‑healing process. SOCS, a negative regulator of cytokine signalling, may hold the potential to regulate cytokine‑induced signalling in the chronic wound‑healing process. Wound edge tissues were collected from chronic venous leg ulcer patients and classified as non-healing and healing wounds. The expression pattern of seven SOCSs members, at the transcript and protein level, were examined in these tissues using qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Significantly higher levels of SOCS3 (P=0.0284) and SOCS4 (P=0.0376) in non-healing chronic wounds compared to the healing/healed chronic wounds were observed at the transcript level. Relocalisation of SOCS3 protein in the non-healing wound environment was evident in the investigated chronic biopsies. Thus, the results show that the expression of SOCS transcript indicated that SOCS members may act as a prognostic biomarker of chronic wounds.

  15. Risk factors for venous port migration in a single institute in Taiwan.

    PubMed

    Fan, Wen-Chieh; Wu, Cheng-Han; Tsai, Ming-Ju; Tsai, Ying-Ming; Chang, Hsu-Liang; Hung, Jen-Yu; Chen, Pei-Huan; Yang, Chih-Jen

    2014-01-14

    An implantable port device provides an easily accessible central route for long-term chemotherapy. Venous catheter migration is one of the rare complications of venous port implantation. It can lead to side effects such as pain in the neck, shoulder, or ear, venous thrombosis, and even life-threatening neurologic problems. To date, there are few published studies that discuss such complications. This retrospective study of venous port implantation in a single center, a Taiwan hospital, was conducted from January 2011 to March 2013. Venous port migration was recorded along with demographic and characteristics of the patients. Of 298 patients with an implantable import device, venous port migration had occurred in seven, an incidence rate of 2.3%. All seven were male and had received the Bard port Fr 6.6 which had smaller size than TYCO port Fr 7.5 and is made of silicon. Significantly, migration occurred in male patients (P = 0.0006) and in those with lung cancer (P = 0.004). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that lung cancer was a significant risk factor for port migration (odds ratio: 11.59; P = 0.0059). The migration rate of the Bard port Fr 6.6 was 6.7%. The median time between initial venous port implantation and port migration was 35.4 days (range, 7 to 135 days) and 71.4% (5/7) of patients had port migration within 30 days after initial port implantation. Male sex and lung cancer are risk factors for venous port migration. The type of venous port is also an important risk factor.

  16. In-Hospital Mortality with Deep Venous Thrombosis.

    PubMed

    Stein, Paul D; Matta, Fadi; Hughes, Mary J

    2017-05-01

    Little is known about the in-hospital mortality of deep venous thrombosis in recent years. This investigation was undertaken to determine trends in in-hospital mortality in patients with deep venous thrombosis and mortality according to age. Administrative data were analyzed from the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample, 2003-2012. We determined in-hospital all-cause mortality according to year and age among patients with a primary (first-listed) diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis. We analyzed all such patients and we analyzed those who had none of the comorbid conditions listed in the Charlson Comorbidity Index. From 2003-2012, 1,603,690 hospitalized patients had a primary diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis. All-cause in-hospital mortality decreased from 1.3% in 2003 to 0.6% in 2012. Mortality increased with age from 0.1% in those aged 18-20 years to 1.5% in those over age 80 years. All-cause in-hospital mortality in those with no comorbid conditions according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index (1,094,184 patients) decreased from 1.1% in 2003 to 0.5% in 2012. Presumably, these deaths were from pulmonary embolism. All-cause mortality in those with no comorbid conditions increased with age from 0.1% in those aged 18-20 years to 1.4% in those over aged 80 years. All-cause death and death due to pulmonary embolism in patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis decreased from 2003-2012. The death rate increased with age. The decreased mortality over the period of investigation may have resulted from a shift toward use of low-molecular-weight heparins and newer anticoagulants. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Prevalence of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Secondary Polycythemia

    PubMed Central

    Nadeem, Omar; Gui, Jiang; Ornstein, Deborah L.

    2013-01-01

    To investigate an association between secondary polycythemia and venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk, we performed a case–control study to compare the prevalence of VTE in participants with secondary polycythemia due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; N = 86) to that in age- and sex-matched controls with COPD without secondary polycythemia (N = 86). Although there was a significant difference in mean hematocrit between cases and controls (53.5% vs 43.6%, respectively; P < .005), we identified no difference in the number of total or idiopathic VTE events in the 2 groups. Patients with VTE, however, had a significantly higher body mass index than patients without VTE. Our findings suggest that secondary polycythemia alone may not be a significant risk factor for VTE but that VTE risk in this population may be related to known risk factors such as obesity. The role of phlebotomy for VTE risk reduction secondary polycythemia is therefore questionable. PMID:23007895

  18. Prevalence of venous thromboembolism in patients with secondary polycythemia.

    PubMed

    Nadeem, Omar; Gui, Jiang; Ornstein, Deborah L

    2013-01-01

    To investigate an association between secondary polycythemia and venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk, we performed a case-control study to compare the prevalence of VTE in participants with secondary polycythemia due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; N = 86) to that in age- and sex-matched controls with COPD without secondary polycythemia (N = 86). Although there was a significant difference in mean hematocrit between cases and controls (53.5% vs 43.6%, respectively; P < .005), we identified no difference in the number of total or idiopathic VTE events in the 2 groups. Patients with VTE, however, had a significantly higher body mass index than patients without VTE. Our findings suggest that secondary polycythemia alone may not be a significant risk factor for VTE but that VTE risk in this population may be related to known risk factors such as obesity. The role of phlebotomy for VTE risk reduction secondary polycythemia is therefore questionable.

  19. Arterial complications, venous thromboembolism and deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review

    PubMed Central

    Janssen, Rob Paulus Augustinus; Reijman, Max; Janssen, Daan Martijn; van Mourik, Jan Bernardus Antonius

    2016-01-01

    AIM To summarize the current knowledge on vascular complications and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, CINAHL, PubMed publisher, and Google scholar medical literature databases were searched up to November 10, 2015. Any arthroscopic surgical method of primary or revision intra-articular ACL reconstruction of all graft types in humans was included. A risk of bias assessment was determined. RESULTS Fourty-seven studies were included in the review. Pseudaneurysms were the most frequently reported arterial complication after ACL reconstruction, irrespective of graft type or method of graft fixation with an incidence of 0.3%. The time to diagnosis of arterial complications after ACL reconstruction varied from days to mostly weeks but even years. After ACL reconstruction without thromboprophylaxis, the incidence of DVT was 9.7%, of which 2.1% was symptomatic. The incidence of pulmonary embolism was 0.1%. Tourniquet time > 2 h was related to venous thromboembolism. Thromboprophylaxis is indicated in patients with risk factors for venous thromboembolism. CONCLUSION After ACL reconstruction, the incidence of arterial complications, symptomatic DVT and pulmonary embolism was 0.3%, 2.1% and 0.1% respectively. Arterial complications may occur with all types of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, methods of graft fixation as well as any type of graft. Patients considered to be at moderate or high risk of venous thromboembolism should routinely receive thromboprophylaxis after ACL reconstruction. PMID:27672574

  20. Role of interventional radiologists in the management of lower extremity venous insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Hardman, Rulon L; Rochon, Paul J

    2013-12-01

    Lower extremity venous insufficiency affects over half of all women. Interventional radiologists should be aware of the clinical evaluation of women with venous insufficiency and classification of disease. Endovascular therapies available for treatment of lower extremity venous insufficiency include: endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency endovascular ablation, and sclerotherapy. The interventional radiologist should be versed on which therapy to select in each clinical presentation and the procedural techniques. The authors review the role of the interventional radiologist in managing this lower extremity venous disorder.

  1. Septic knee-induced deep venous thrombosis in a young adult.

    PubMed

    Backes, Jeffrey; Taylor, Benjamin C; Clayton, Matthew D

    2010-10-11

    This article describes a case of a 26-year-old man presenting with left knee pain of 1 week's duration, fever, and acute onset of shortness of breath the day of admission. An arthrocentesis of the knee joint was grossly positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. A left lower extremity venous duplex showed thrombosis of the superficial femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, peroneal, and gastrocnemius veins. Pulmonary computed tomography-angiography was positive for acute pulmonary emboli. Initial management consisted of anticoagulation, intravenous antibiotics, and 2 arthroscopic irrigation and debridement procedures. After a normal transesophageal echocardiogram, a diagnosis of septic knee-induced deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the left lower leg with subsequent septic pulmonary emboli was established. The patient was discharged to a long-term care facility for a 6-week monitored course of intravenous antibiotics. His DVT and pulmonary emboli were managed successfully with oral warfarin. Two months after his initial presentation, the patient returned with acute worsening knee pain. A knee arthrocentesis was unremarkable; however, radiographic imaging revealed fulminant osteomyelitis of the distal femur. He has since undergone open arthrotomy with excisional irrigation and debridement and is on a chronic oral antibiotic regimen. Sparse pediatric literature has shown an association between musculoskeletal sepsis and thrombosis. Only 1 case of septic knee-induced DVT exists in the adult literature, and it was not associated with pulmonary emboli. Our case provides evidence that DVT must be considered by the treating physician as a possible and devastating complication of septic arthritis. Copyright 2010, SLACK Incorporated.

  2. Venous thromboembolism in adults with sickle cell disease: A serious and under-recognized complication

    PubMed Central

    Naik, Rakhi P.; Streiff, Michael B.; Haywood, Carlton; Nelson, Julie A.; Lanzkron, Sophie

    2013-01-01

    BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease is recognized as a hypercoagulable state; however the frequency and characteristics of venous thromboembolism in sickle cell patients have not been well-defined. PURPOSE To establish the prevalence and risk factors for venous thromboembolism in a large cohort of patients with sickle cell disease and determine the relationship between venous thromboembolism and mortality. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study of 404 sickle cell disease patients cared for at the Sickle Cell Center for Adults at Johns Hopkins. Demographic, sickle cell disease-specific comorbidity, and venous thromboembolism data were collected on all patients. RESULTS 101 patients (25%) had a history of venous thromboembolism with a median age at diagnosis of 29.9 years. A history of non-catheter-related venous thromboembolism was found in 18.8% of patients. Sickle variant genotypes conferred a higher risk of non-catheter-related venous thromboembolism compared to sickle cell anemia genotypes (SS/Sβ0) (relative risk (RR) 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–2.66). Tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity ≥ 2.5 m/s was also associated with non-catheter-related venous thromboembolism (RR 1.65, CI 1.12–2.45). Thirty patients (7.4%) died during the study period. Adjusting for all variables, non-catheter-related venous thromboembolism was independently correlated with death (RR 3.63, CI 1.66–7.92). CONCLUSION Venous thromboembolism is common in adults with sickle cell disease. Sickle variant genotypes and tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity ≥ 2.5m/s are associated with non-catheter-related venous thromboembolism. In addition, non-catheter-related venous thromboembolism appears to be an independent risk factor for death in our cohort. These results suggest that disease-specific prophylaxis and treatment strategies for venous thromboembolism should be investigated in sickle cell disease patients. PMID:23582935

  3. Novel Evidence-Based Classification of Cavernous Venous Occlusive Disease.

    PubMed

    Pathak, Ram A; Rawal, Bhupendra; Li, Zhuo; Broderick, Gregory A

    2016-10-01

    The primary aim of our study was to determine whether an evidence-based rationale could categorize cavernous venous occlusive disease into mild, moderate and severe erectile dysfunction. A total of 863 patients underwent color duplex Doppler ultrasound from January 2010 to June 2013 performed by a single urologist. We identified a cohort of 75 patients (8.7%) with a diagnosis of cavernous venous occlusive disease based on a unilateral resistive index less than 0.9, and right and left peak systolic velocity 35 cm per second or less after visual sexual stimulation. At a median followup of 13 months patients were evaluated for treatment efficacy. A total of 75 patients with a median age of 60 years (range 19 to 83) and a mean body mass index of 26.3 kg/m(2) (range 19.0 to 39.3) satisfied the criteria of cavernous venous occlusive disease. When substratified into tertiles, resistive index cutoffs were obtained, including mild cavernous venous occlusive disease-81.6 to 94.0, moderate disease-72.6 to 81.5 and severe disease-59.5 to 72.5. Using these 3 groups the phosphodiesterase type 5-inhibitor failure rate (p = 0.017) and SHIM (Sexual Health Inventory for Men) score categories (1 to 10 vs 11 to 20, p = 0.030) were statistically significantly different for mild, moderate and severe cavernous venous occlusive disease. Treatment satisfaction was also statistically significantly different. Penile prosthetic placement was a more common outcome among patients with erectile dysfunction and more severe cavernous venous occlusive disease. Our retrospective analysis supports a correlation between the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor failure rate, SHIM score and the rate of surgical intervention using resistive index values. Our data further suggest that an evidence-based classification of cavernous venous occlusive disease by color Doppler ultrasound is possible and can triage patients to penile prosthetic placement. Copyright © 2016 American Urological Association

  4. [Sequelae of unilateral deep venous thrombosis in plethysmography of the calf].

    PubMed

    Zicot, M; Depairon, M

    1982-01-01

    Twenty four patients suffering from unilateral venous disturbances revealed by Doppler and secondary to a deep venous thrombosis were examined. The calf venous haemodynamics was analyzed by use of a strain-jauge plethysmograph. We determined the increase in venous volume due to the inflation of a thigh pneumatic cuff (pressure at 20, 40 and 60 mm Hg; delta V20, delta V40, delta V60). The maximal venous output (Vout) was measured after a quick release of the 60 mm Hg pressure. The maximal venous drainage (VMM) was assessed during a rhythmic exercise (tiptoeing) while standing; delta V20, delta V40 and delta V60 were nearly constantly reduced on the abnormal side (t of Student respectively 3.49; 6.09 and 5.07). Vout dropped proportionaly to delta V60. Some abnormalities due to valvular insufficiency were frequently present in the beginning of the inflation curve at the level of the abnormal limbs. VMM was nearly always largely decreased on the affected side (t = 5.43). The unilateral flow disturbances displayed by the Doppler were regularly going with abnormalities of the capacitive system, well demonstrated by comparison with the non-affected limbs.

  5. Prevention and treatment of the post-thrombotic syndrome and of the chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

    PubMed

    Pesavento, Raffaele; Prandoni, Paolo

    2015-02-01

    Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are late complications of venous thromboembolism. The purpose of this review is to present and discuss recently published studies that have improved our knowledge of PTS and CTEPH. The current understanding of the pathophysiology of PTS and CTEPH is discussed as well as the importance of chronic residual venous thrombosis, some polymorphisms of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and the current concept of misguided thrombus resolution. The surprising finding that elastic compression stockings may not be effective in preventing PTS and the novel medical treatment in CTEPH are discussed in detail. Novel direct oral anticoagulants show potential for prevention of PTS. No firm conclusions can be drawn on the efficacy of elastic stockings. Novel treatments of CTEPH for inoperable patients and those with persistent pulmonary hypertension after surgery have become available and further research on wider indication for their use is urgently needed.

  6. Comparative Evaluation of Two Venous Sampling Techniques for the Assessment of Pancreatic Insulin and Zinc Release upon Glucose Challenge.

    PubMed

    Pillai, Anil Kumar; Silvers, William; Christensen, Preston; Riegel, Matthew; Adams-Huet, Beverley; Lingvay, Ildiko; Sun, Xiankai; Öz, Orhan K

    2015-01-01

    Advances in noninvasive imaging modalities have provided opportunities to study β cell function through imaging zinc release from insulin secreting β cells. Understanding the temporal secretory pattern of insulin and zinc corelease after a glucose challenge is essential for proper timing of administration of zinc sensing probes. Portal venous sampling is an essential part of pharmacological and nutritional studies in animal models. The purpose of this study was to compare two different percutaneous image-guided techniques: transhepatic ultrasound guided portal vein access and transsplenic fluoroscopy guided splenic vein access for ease of access, safety, and evaluation of temporal kinetics of insulin and zinc release into the venous effluent from the pancreas. Both techniques were safe, reproducible, and easy to perform. The mean time required to obtain desired catheter position for venous sampling was 15 minutes shorter using the transsplenic technique. A clear biphasic insulin release profile was observed in both techniques. Statistically higher insulin concentration but similar zinc release after a glucose challenge was observed from splenic vein samples, as compared to the ones from the portal vein. To our knowledge, this is the first report of percutaneous methods to assess zinc release kinetics from the porcine pancreas.

  7. Photoplethysmographic venous refilling times following ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy for symptomatic superficial venous reflux: relationship with clinical outcomes.

    PubMed

    Darvall, K A L; Sam, R C; Bate, G R; Adam, D J; Silverman, S H; Bradbury, A W

    2010-08-01

    Digital photoplethysmography (PPG) provides an inexpensive, reproducible, quantitative, non-invasive assessment of lower limb venous function. To examine the relationship between venous refilling time (VRT) and severity of venous disease, and also between changes in VRT and symptomatic improvement after ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) for symptomatic superficial venous reflux (SVR). Prior to and 6 months after UGFS, 246 patients (317 limbs) completed a symptom questionnaire, underwent duplex ultrasonography and clinical assessment, and VRT measurement by digital PPG. Health related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaires were also completed. Median VRT improved from 11 to 31 s (P < 0.0005, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks). Abnormal VRT (<20 s) correlated well with the presence of SVR on duplex (sensitivity 75%, specificity 94%). Pre-treatment there was a significant relationship between reducing VRT and increasing CEAP clinical grade (P < 0.0005, chi(2)), extent of SVR on duplex (P < 0.0005) and a non-significant relationship with overall increasing symptom severity (P = 0.097). Relief of all symptoms was more likely when there was normalisation of VRT after treatment (80% vs. 65%, P < 0.0005, chi(2)). Pre-treatment VRT correlated with both generic physical (r = 0.428, P = 0.002) and disease-specific (r = -0.413, P = 0.003, Spearman's rank) HRQL. UGFS for SVR improves VRT measured by digital PPG and that improvement correlates with symptom relief. Copyright (c) 2010 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Presacral venous bleeding during mobilization in rectal cancer

    PubMed Central

    Casal Núñez, Jose Enrique; Vigorita, Vincenzo; Ruano Poblador, Alejandro; Gay Fernández, Ana María; Toscano Novella, Maria Ángeles; Cáceres Alvarado, Nieves; Pérez Dominguez, Lucinda

    2017-01-01

    AIM To analyze the anatomy of sacral venous plexus flow, the causes of injuries and the methods for controlling presacral hemorrhage during surgery for rectal cancer. METHODS A review of the databases MEDLINE® and Embase™ was conducted, and relevant scientific articles published between January 1960 and June 2016 were examined. The anatomy of the sacrum and its venous plexus, as well as the factors that influence bleeding, the causes of this complication, and its surgical management were defined. RESULTS This is a review of 58 published articles on presacral venous plexus injury during the mobilization of the rectum and on techniques used to treat presacral venous bleeding. Due to the lack of cases published in the literature, there is no consensus on which is the best technique to use if there is presacral bleeding during mobilization in surgery for rectal cancer. This review may provide a tool to help surgeons make decisions regarding how to resolve this serious complication. CONCLUSION A series of alternative treatments are described; however, a conventional systematic review in which optimal treatment is identified could not be performed because few cases were analyzed in most publications. PMID:28321171

  9. A Factor Increasing Venous Contamination on Bolus Chase Three-dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Charcot Neuroarthropathy.

    PubMed

    Çildağ, Mehmet B; Ertuğrul, Mustafa B; Köseoğlu, Ömer Fk; Armstrong, David G

    2018-01-01

    The study aimed to evaluate the ratio of venous contamination in diabetic cases without foot lesion, with foot lesion and with Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN). Bolus-chase three-dimensional magnetic resonance (MR) of 396 extremities of patients with diabetes mellitus was analyzed, retrospectively. Extremities were divided into three groups as follows: diabetic patients without foot ulcer or Charcot arthropathy (Group A), patients with diabetic foot ulcers (Group B) and patients with CN accompanying diabetic foot ulcers (Group C). Furthermore, amount of venous contamination classified as no venous contamination, mild venous contamination, and severe venous contamination. The relationship between venous contamination and extremity groups was investigated. Severe venous contamination was seen in Group A, Group B, and Group C, 5.6%, 15.2%, and 34.1%, respectively. Statistically significant difference was seen between groups with regard to venous contamination. Venous contamination following bolus chase MR was higher in patients with CN.

  10. Homocysteine and venous thrombosis: outline of a vitamin intervention trial.

    PubMed

    Willems, H P; den Heijer, M; Bos, G M

    2000-01-01

    In the past years several case-control studies established the association of an elevated plasma homocysteine concentration and the risk of venous thromboembolism. It is still unclear if elevated homocysteine concentrations can cause venous thrombosis. The VITRO (VItamins and ThROmbosis) trial is the first multicenter, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effect of homocysteine-lowering therapy by means of 5 mg folic acid, 0.4 mg vitamin B12 and 50 mg vitamin B6. The study is a secondary prevention trial in 600 patients who suffered from a first episode of idiopathic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), or both. There will be 300 hyperhomocysteinemic and 300 normohomocysteinemic patients included, all with an objectivated venous thrombosis. The end point is recurrence of venous thrombosis.

  11. Non-contact hemodynamic imaging reveals the jugular venous pulse waveform

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Amelard, Robert; Hughson, Richard L.; Greaves, Danielle K.; Pfisterer, Kaylen J.; Leung, Jason; Clausi, David A.; Wong, Alexander

    2017-01-01

    Cardiovascular monitoring is important to prevent diseases from progressing. The jugular venous pulse (JVP) waveform offers important clinical information about cardiac health, but is not routinely examined due to its invasive catheterisation procedure. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that the JVP can be consistently observed in a non-contact manner using a photoplethysmographic imaging system. The observed jugular waveform was strongly negatively correlated to the arterial waveform (r = -0.73 ± 0.17), consistent with ultrasound findings. Pulsatile venous flow was observed over a spatially cohesive region of the neck. Critical inflection points (c, x, v, y waves) of the JVP were observed across all participants. The anatomical locations of the strongest pulsatile venous flow were consistent with major venous pathways identified through ultrasound.

  12. Non-contact hemodynamic imaging reveals the jugular venous pulse waveform

    PubMed Central

    Amelard, Robert; Hughson, Richard L.; Greaves, Danielle K.; Pfisterer, Kaylen J.; Leung, Jason; Clausi, David A.; Wong, Alexander

    2017-01-01

    Cardiovascular monitoring is important to prevent diseases from progressing. The jugular venous pulse (JVP) waveform offers important clinical information about cardiac health, but is not routinely examined due to its invasive catheterisation procedure. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that the JVP can be consistently observed in a non-contact manner using a photoplethysmographic imaging system. The observed jugular waveform was strongly negatively correlated to the arterial waveform (r = −0.73 ± 0.17), consistent with ultrasound findings. Pulsatile venous flow was observed over a spatially cohesive region of the neck. Critical inflection points (c, x, v, y waves) of the JVP were observed across all participants. The anatomical locations of the strongest pulsatile venous flow were consistent with major venous pathways identified through ultrasound. PMID:28065933

  13. Venous and autonomic function in formerly pre-eclamptic women and BMI-matched controls.

    PubMed

    Heidema, Wieteke M; van Drongelen, Joris; Spaanderman, Marc E A; Scholten, Ralph R

    2018-03-25

    Pre-pregnancy reduced plasma volume increases the risk on subsequent pre-eclamptic pregnancy. Reduced plasma volume is thought to reflect venous reserve capacity, especially when venous vasculature is constricted and sympathetic tone is elevated. As obesity might affect these variables and also relates to pre-eclampsia, increased body weight may underlie these observations. We hypothesized that the relationship between reduced venous reserve and preeclampsia is independent of body mass index (BMI). We compared the non-pregnant venous reserve capacity in 30 formerly pre-eclamptic women, equally divided in 3 BMI-classes (BMI 19.5-24.9, BMI 25-29.9, BMI ≥30) to 30 controls. Cases and controls were matched for BMI, age and parity. The venous reserve capacity was quantified by assessing plasma volume and venous compliance. The autonomic nervous system regulating the venous capacitance was evaluated with heart rate variability analysis in resting supine position and during positive head-up tilt (HUT). Formerly pre-eclamptic women had in supine position lower plasma volume than controls (1339 ± 79 vs 1547 ± 139 ml/m 2 (p<0.001)), lower venous compliance (0.04 ± 0.02 vs 0.07 ± 0.02 ml/dl/mmHg (p<0.001)), higher sympathetic tone (1.9 ± 0.1 vs 1.2 ± 0.7 mmHg 2 (p=0.002)) and lower baroreceptor sensitivity (8.7 ± 3.8 vs 19.0 ± 1.7 ms/mmHg (p<0.001)). During HUT, women with a history of preeclampsia have less modulatory capacity over venous compliance and baroreceptor sensitivity, while heart rate and sympathetic tone remain consistently higher. Women with a history of pre-eclampsia have, compared to BMI-matched controls, reduced venous reserve capacity. This is reflected by lower plasma volume and venous compliance, the autonomic balance is shifted towards sympathetic dominance and lower baroreceptor sensitivity. This suggests that not BMI, but underlying reduced venous reserve relates to pre-eclampsia. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  14. Risk factors for venous port migration in a single institute in Taiwan

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background An implantable port device provides an easily accessible central route for long-term chemotherapy. Venous catheter migration is one of the rare complications of venous port implantation. It can lead to side effects such as pain in the neck, shoulder, or ear, venous thrombosis, and even life-threatening neurologic problems. To date, there are few published studies that discuss such complications. Methods This retrospective study of venous port implantation in a single center, a Taiwan hospital, was conducted from January 2011 to March 2013. Venous port migration was recorded along with demographic and characteristics of the patients. Results Of 298 patients with an implantable import device, venous port migration had occurred in seven, an incidence rate of 2.3%. All seven were male and had received the Bard port Fr 6.6 which had smaller size than TYCO port Fr 7.5 and is made of silicon. Significantly, migration occurred in male patients (P = 0.0006) and in those with lung cancer (P = 0.004). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that lung cancer was a significant risk factor for port migration (odds ratio: 11.59; P = 0.0059). The migration rate of the Bard port Fr 6.6 was 6.7%. The median time between initial venous port implantation and port migration was 35.4 days (range, 7 to 135 days) and 71.4% (5/7) of patients had port migration within 30 days after initial port implantation. Conclusions Male sex and lung cancer are risk factors for venous port migration. The type of venous port is also an important risk factor. PMID:24423026

  15. Infection and natural history of emergency department-placed central venous catheters.

    PubMed

    LeMaster, Christopher H; Schuur, Jeremiah D; Pandya, Darshan; Pallin, Daniel J; Silvia, Jennifer; Yokoe, Deborah; Agrawal, Ashish; Hou, Peter C

    2010-11-01

    Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI, hereafter referred to in this paper as "bloodstream infection") is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infection. To our knowledge, there are no previously published studies designed to determine the rate of bloodstream infection among central venous catheters placed in the emergency department (ED). We design a retrospective chart review methodology to determine bloodstream infection and duration of catheterization for central venous catheters placed in the ED. Using hospital infection control, administrative, and ED billing databases, we identified patients with central venous catheters placed in the ED between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2008, at one academic, urban ED with an annual census of 57,000. We performed a structured, explicit chart review to determine duration of catheterization and confirm bloodstream infection. We screened 4,251 charts and identified 656 patients with central venous catheters inserted in the ED, 3,622 catheter-days, and 7 bloodstream infections. The rate of bloodstream infection associated with central venous catheters placed in the ED was 1.93 per 1,000 catheter-days (95% confidence interval 0.50 to 3.36). The mean duration of catheterization was 5.5 days (median 4; range 1 to 29 days). Among infected central venous catheters, the mean duration of catheterization was 8.6 days (median 7; range 2 to 19 days). A total of 667 central venous catheters were placed in the internal jugular (392; 59%), subclavian (145; 22%), and femoral (130; 19%) veins. The sensitivity of using ED procedural billing code for identifying ED-placed central venous catheters among patients subsequently admitted to any ICU was 74.9% (95% confidence interval 71.4% to 78.3%). The rate of ED bloodstream infection at our institution is similar to current rates in ICUs. Central venous catheters placed in the ED remain in admitted patients for a substantial period. Copyright © 2010 American College of

  16. [Pedal bypass using venous allograft].

    PubMed

    Pluháčková, H; Staffa, R; Konečný, Z; Kříž, Z; Vlachovský, R

    Pedal or distal crural bypass surgery for limb salvage is a method with very good long-term results. For patients in whom a suitable autologous venous graft is not available, the use of a venous allograft is an alternative procedure. A 68 years old man with ischaemic disease of lower extremities and gangrene of the left foot was admitted to our Centre in August 2014. He underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of crural arteries of his left lower extremity. This, however, failed to improve peripheral circulation. The patient was then indicated for pedal or distal crural vascular reconstruction. Since no suitable autologous vein was available, distal bypass surgery using a donor graft remained the only option for limb salvage. Amputation of the toes on the left foot due to gangrene was necessary. Subsequently, femoro-pedal bypass to the left common plantar artery was performed using a great saphenous vein allograft. The post-operative course was without complications, the pedal bypass was patent and toe amputation was with good healing. The patient remained in follow-up care. A good outcome of vascular reconstruction with an allograft depends on the availability of a suitable allograft and good patient compliance with post-operative care. In the case presented here, the pedal bypass grafting by means of an allograft helped to save the patients limb. pedal bypass venous allograft limb salvage.

  17. Prophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolism.

    PubMed

    Ma, Kiet; Alhassan, Sulaiman; Sharara, Rihab; Young, Meilin; Singh, Anil C; Bihler, Eric

    Venous thromboembolisms are major risk factors for many of our hospitalized patients. These events, however, can be prevented with prophylactic measurements when administered appropriately and on a timely basis. As patients are admitted, discharged, transferred, and scheduled for procedures on an hourly basis, anticoagulation and deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis are held or discontinued in anticipation for possible procedures. This results in delay of care and intervals where patients may not be covered with any prophylactic measurements. Similarly, alterations in clinical status can quickly change such as an increase in creatinine levels or the development of a new bleed, thus requiring a revision in their deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis. Nurses, therefore, play an integral role in not only administering the medicine but also routinely assessing the patients' clinical status and, therefore, their deep vein thrombosis prophylactic regimens as well. This article will review the indications, scoring systems, common prophylactic methods, and special populations at increased risks for venous thromboembolisms.

  18. [Horseshoe lung with normal pulmonary venous return].

    PubMed

    Gondra Sangroniz, A; Elorz Lambarri, J; Villar Alvarez, M A; Lecumberri Cortes, I; Ayala Curiel, J

    2010-09-01

    Horseshoe lung is a rare congenital anomaly characterised by a midline isthmus of pulmonary parenchyma connecting the posterior basal segments of the lungs behind the heart in conjunction with unilateral pulmonary hypoplasia. Of all cases, 80% are associated with scimitar syndrome, consisting of right anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, pulmonary hypoplasia of the right lung and systemic arterial perfusion to some lung areas. A six year old girl who had recurrent lower respiratory infections since birth. Chest Rx, angioCT and MR showed: hypoplasia of the right lung, dextrocardia and pulmonary isthmus bridging both lungs behind the pericardium. The right hypoplastic lung had little systemic supply coming from the abdominal aorta. The right pulmonary artery was hypoplastic. The right pulmonary venous drainage was normal. We present a case of horseshoe lung without abnormal venous drainage. 2010 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

  19. [Thermometric diagnostics of chronic ulcerous pulpitis].

    PubMed

    Zvetkova, P; Mostrova, I

    1989-01-01

    Thermometric measurements were performed of 408 teeth of the upper and lower jaw with clinically confirmed initial and advanced stage of chronic ulcerous pulpitis in 398 subjects, aged from 18 to 30. Temperature elevation within the range from 1.4 to 3.2 degrees C was established in the initial form of chronic pulpitis and from 1 to 2.5 degrees C in advanced form of chronic pulpitis as compared with the norm. Significant difference in the temperature deviations exists in both forms of chronic pulpitis between the teeth of the upper and lower jaw.

  20. Micro-management: curbing chronic wound infection.

    PubMed

    Withycombe, C; Purdy, K J; Maddocks, S E

    2017-08-01

    Chronic wounds, including pressure ulcers, foot ulcers, and venous leg ulcers, have a detrimental impact on the health and well-being of an estimated 2% of people in the UK. Chronic wounds are normally colonized by bacteria and in some instances bacterial load increases sufficiently for infection to ensue. Once a chronic wound becomes infected it is difficult to resolve and a combination of continuous inflammation and bacterial proliferation makes these wounds difficult to manage. A state of prolonged inflammation can occur as a result of impaired homeostatic pathways, which are exacerbated by bacterial growth. Chronic, infected wounds can persist for many months or even years, sometimes requiring surgical intervention in the form of regular debridement or amputation when other strategies such as antimicrobial treatments fail. The complex relationships between both oral microbiota and the host have been extensively characterized, including the shift from health to disease, and this has allowed the development of numerous control strategies. This knowledge, combined with contemporary studies of chronic infected wounds, can be used to develop an understanding of the relationship between the host and microorganism in the chronic wound environment. Such information has the potential to inform wound management including strategies to control infection and promote wound healing. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  1. Testing the effectiveness of a self-efficacy based exercise intervention for adults with venous leg ulcers: protocol of a randomised controlled trial

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    improve an individual’s exercise self-efficacy and self-management capacity could have a significant impact in improving the management of people with venous leg ulcers. Information gained from this study will provide much needed information on management of this chronic disease to promote health and independence in this population. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612000475842. PMID:25277416

  2. Norethisterone enanthate-induced cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST)

    PubMed Central

    Bahall, Mandreker; Santlal, Manisha

    2017-01-01

    A 23-year-old East Indian woman with no significant medical history, except a depot-norethisterone enanthate injection taken 3 weeks prior to admission, presented with a gradually worsening headache for the past 5 days. She had no fever, vomiting, neck stiffness, focal weakness or rash, and examination was unremarkable with no focal neurological deficits. Vasculitic, thrombophilia and sepsis screens were normal. A brain CT scan showed a left parietal lobe venous infarct, secondary to a venous dural sinus thrombosis, with MRI and Magnetic Resonance Venogram (MRV) confirming a signal void. She was diagnosed to have multiple cerebral venous sinus thrombosis due to norethisterone enanthate. She made a complete recovery following treatment with mannitol, dexamethasone and anticoagulants. A follow-up brain MRI done at 6 months was normal. PMID:29141931

  3. Central venous access: techniques and indications in oncology.

    PubMed

    Marcy, Pierre-Yves

    2008-10-01

    Long lines can be inserted centrally or peripherally through patent veins into the central venous system down to the atrial caval junction. Traditionally surgeons, anesthetists, cardiologists and more recently interventional radiologists have been placing them using vein cutdown or percutaneous needle puncture techniques. Typical candidates for implanted venous catheters are cancer patients undergoing long-term chemotherapy. The most important issues, in addition to the patency of central veins and the history of previous indwelling catheters, pacewires or venous thrombosis, are the patient's performance status, body mass index, medical history and respiratory status, and the relevant technique. The present article will give an overview of the radiological and surgical implantation techniques and will highlight the impact of imaging means on the technical feasibility, assessment and treatment of device-related complications.

  4. Modified repair of mixed anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

    PubMed

    van Son, J A; Hambsch, J; Mohr, F W

    1998-05-01

    A modified repair technique is reported for mixed total or partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection with the right superior pulmonary vein connecting to the superior vena cava, the right inferior pulmonary vein to the right atrium or left atrium, and the left pulmonary veins to the coronary sinus. The superior vena cava is transected above the highest right superior pulmonary vein, its cephalad end is anastomosed to the right atrial appendage, and a pericardial baffle is constructed between the cardiac ostium of the superior vena cava, the ostium of the right inferior pulmonary vein, and the left atrium, including the coronary sinus, which is unroofed. The reported technique may be valuable to avoid pulmonary venous obstruction in complex mixed forms of total or partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

  5. [The embolisation of venous malformations].

    PubMed

    Barbera, L; Fiedler, H-W; Krauss, M

    2012-10-01

    The treatment of congenital, vascular malformations is a challenge for physicians and patients. Although different therapeutic options have been described to date, their individual relevance has still to be defined. Â METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 61 patients with a venous malformation (VM, mean age 22  years), who were referred to our depart-ment during the last 5 years. The size of the VM was larger than 5  cm in 41 patients (66 %). The lower extremities were involved in 45  cases (73 %). The most frequent clinical manifestations were recurrent swelling (80 %), pain (63 %), varicosis (60 %) and thrombophlebitis (39 %). MR angiography with venous sequences was always performed before treatment. Depending on the localisation and the extension of the VM, different techniques of embolisation were selected: foam sclerotherapy or application of synthetic glue by direct punction, coiling of pelvic veins or arterial embolisation with glue. 42  patients (69 %) underwent a procedure because of the complaints or the extension of the VM. An embolisation was performed in 25  patients with 65  interventional sessions. The most frequent technique was foam sclerotherapy (45 ×), followed by glue injection (13 ×), pelvic -venous coiling (6 ×) and arterial embolisation with glue (1 ×). Fifteen patients (60 %) reported a very good and 8  patients a marked improvement (32 %). In two cases there was no change of the complaints. The postinterventional complications were severe pain (n = 3) and skin/fat necrosis at the toe of one patient. The embolisation of venous malformations is an effective therapeutic tool. Different techniques can be used to address specific localisations and morphological patterns. The com-plication rate is very low when a step-by-step -approach is used, so that a repeat intervention is feasible. However, a more specific documentation of the post-interventional changes of the VM is needed

  6. Constitutive modeling of jugular vein-derived venous valve leaflet tissues.

    PubMed

    Kaul, Nayyan; Huang, Hsiao-Ying Shadow

    2017-11-01

    Venous valve tissues, though used in vein reconstruction surgeries and bioprosthetic valves with moderate success, have not been extensively studied with respect to their structure. Their inherent anisotropic, non-linear behavior combined with severe diseases which affect veins, such as chronic venous insufficiency, warrant understanding the structure and material behavior of these tissues. Hence, before any bioprosthetic grafts may be used in place of tissues, it is of the utmost importance to understand the mechanical and structural properties of these tissues as this may lead to higher success rates for valve replacement surgeries. The longevity of the bioprosthetics may also increase if the manufactured grafts behave the same as native valves. Building on the scant information about the uniaxial and biaxial mechanical properties of jugular venous valves and wall tissues from previous studies, the current focus of our investigation lies in understanding the material behavior by establishing a phenomenological strain energy-based constitutive relation for the tissues. We used bovine veins to study the behavior of valve leaflet tissue and adjoining wall tissue (from the proximal and distal ends of the veins) under different biaxial testing protocols. We looked at the behavior of numerical partial derivatives of the strain energy to select a suitable functional form for the strain energy for wall and valve tissues. Using this strain energy descriptor, we determined the Cauchy stress and compared it with experimental results under additional sets of displacement-controlled biaxial testing protocols to find material specific model parameters by the Powell's method algorithm. Results show that whereas wall tissue strain energy can be explained using a polynomial non-linear function, the valve tissue, due to higher non-linearities, requires an exponential function. This study may provide useful information for the primary stages of bioprosthetic designs and replacement

  7. Nerve conduction studies are safe in patients with central venous catheters.

    PubMed

    London, Zachary N; Mundwiler, Andrew; Oral, Hakan; Gallagher, Gary W

    2017-08-01

    It is unknown if central venous catheters bypass the skin's electrical resistance and engender a risk of nerve conduction study-induced cardiac arrhythmia. The objective of this study is to determine if nerve conduction studies affect cardiac conduction and rhythm in patients with central venous catheters. Under continuous 12-lead electrocardiogram monitoring, subjects with and without central venous catheters underwent a series of upper extremity nerve conduction studies. A cardiologist reviewed the electrocardiogram tracings for evidence of cardiac conduction abnormality or arrhythmia. Ten control subjects and 10 subjects with central venous catheters underwent the nerve conduction study protocol. No malignant arrhythmias or conduction abnormalities were noted in either group. Nerve conduction studies of the upper extremities, including both proximal stimulation and repetitive stimulation, do not appear to confer increased risk of cardiac conduction abnormality in those patients with central venous catheters who are not critically ill or have a prior history of arrhythmia. Muscle Nerve 56: 321-323, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  8. A novel approach for assessing the progression of deep venous thrombosis by area of venous thrombus in ultrasonic elastography.

    PubMed

    Wang, Chao; Wang, Lei; Zhang, Yuhui; Chen, Ming

    2014-04-01

    Exact age determination of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is important for an appropriate treatment. The purpose of this present study is to assess the age of acute DVT with the area of venous thrombi in elasticity imaging during the thrombosis procession. The thrombus area is obtained from a specially designed program. It was applied to clot specimens induced in human great saphenous (n = 15) at selected time points following the initiation of thrombosis. The relative mean proportion of blood clots was 50.01% ± 12.44% at day 1; 69.94% ± 8.19% at day 3; 81.93% ± 6.15% at day 6; and 92.37% ± 4.06% at day 9. The results indicated that the thrombus area increased significantly over time, while the normalized strain values inside the thrombus changed only a little. The pathological analyses also showed the same results. Therefore, we conclude that the area of venous thrombi in elasticity imaging may be a novel function for acute DVT staging.

  9. Iliac vein stenosis is an underdiagnosed cause of pelvic venous insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Santoshi, Ratnam K N; Lakhanpal, Sanjiv; Satwah, Vinay; Lakhanpal, Gaurav; Malone, Michael; Pappas, Peter J

    2018-03-01

    Reflux in the ovarian veins, with or without an obstructive venous outflow component, is reported to be the primary cause of pelvic venous insufficiency (PVI). The degree to which venous outflow obstruction plays a role in PVI is currently ill-defined. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 227 women with PVI who presented to the Center for Vascular Medicine from January 2012 to September 2015. Assessments and interventions consisted of an evaluation for other causes of chronic pelvic pain by a gynecologist; preintervention and postintervention visual analog scale (VAS) pain score; complete venous duplex ultrasound examination; and Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology classification. All patients underwent diagnostic venography of their pelvic and left ovarian veins as well as intravascular ultrasound of their iliac veins. Patients were treated in one of six ways: ovarian vein embolization (OVE) alone (chemical ± coils), OVE with staged iliac vein stenting, OVE with simultaneous iliac vein stenting, iliac vein stenting alone, OVE with venoplasty, and venoplasty alone. Of the 227 women treated, the average age and number of pregnancies was 46.4 ± 10.4 years and 3.36 ± 1.99, respectively. Treatment distribution was the following: OVE, n = 39; OVE with staged stenting, n = 94; OVE with simultaneous stenting, n = 33; stenting alone, n = 50; OVE with venoplasty, n = 8; and venoplasty alone, n = 3. Seven patients in the OVE and stenting groups (staged) and one patient in the OVE + venoplasty group required a second embolization of the left ovarian vein. Eighty percent (181/227) of patients demonstrated an iliac stenosis >50% by intravascular ultrasound. Average VAS scores for the entire cohort before and after intervention were 8.45 ± 1.11 and 1.86 ± 1.61 (P ≤ .001). In the staged group, only 9 of 94 patients reported a decrease in the VAS score with OVE alone. VAS score decreased from 8.6 ± 0.89 before OVE to 7.97 ± 2.10 after OVE

  10. Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis

    PubMed Central

    Bever, Katherine M.; Masha, Luke I.; Sun, Fangui; Stern, Lauren; Havasi, Andrea; Berk, John L.; Sanchorawala, Vaishali; Seldin, David C.; Sloan, J. Mark

    2016-01-01

    Patients with immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis are at risk for both thrombotic and bleeding complications. While the hemostatic defects have been extensively studied, less is known about thrombotic complications in this disease. This retrospective study examined the frequency of venous thromboembolism in 929 patients with immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis presenting to a single referral center, correlated risk of venous thromboembolism with clinical and laboratory factors, and examined complications of anticoagulation in this population. Sixty-five patients (7%) were documented as having at least one venous thromboembolic event. Eighty percent of these patients had events within one year prior to or following diagnosis. Lower serum albumin was associated with increased risk of VTE, with a hazard ratio of 4.30 (CI 1.60–11.55; P=0.0038) for serum albumin less than 3 g/dL compared to serum albumin greater than 4 g/dL. Severe bleeding complications were observed in 5 out of 57 patients with venous thromboembolism undergoing treatment with anticoagulation. Prospective investigation should be undertaken to better risk stratify these patients and to determine the optimal strategies for prophylaxis against and management of venous thromboembolism. PMID:26452981

  11. Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis.

    PubMed

    Bever, Katherine M; Masha, Luke I; Sun, Fangui; Stern, Lauren; Havasi, Andrea; Berk, John L; Sanchorawala, Vaishali; Seldin, David C; Sloan, J Mark

    2016-01-01

    Patients with immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis are at risk for both thrombotic and bleeding complications. While the hemostatic defects have been extensively studied, less is known about thrombotic complications in this disease. This retrospective study examined the frequency of venous thromboembolism in 929 patients with immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis presenting to a single referral center, correlated risk of venous thromboembolism with clinical and laboratory factors, and examined complications of anticoagulation in this population. Sixty-five patients (7%) were documented as having at least one venous thromboembolic event. Eighty percent of these patients had events within one year prior to or following diagnosis. Lower serum albumin was associated with increased risk of VTE, with a hazard ratio of 4.30 (CI 1.60-11.55; P=0.0038) for serum albumin less than 3 g/dL compared to serum albumin greater than 4 g/dL. Severe bleeding complications were observed in 5 out of 57 patients with venous thromboembolism undergoing treatment with anticoagulation. Prospective investigation should be undertaken to better risk stratify these patients and to determine the optimal strategies for prophylaxis against and management of venous thromboembolism. Copyright© Ferrata Storti Foundation.

  12. Preliminary clinical investigations of a new noninvasive venous pulse oximeter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chan, Daniel; Smith, Peter R.; Caine, Michael P.; Spyt, Tomasz; Boehm, Maria; Machin, David

    2003-10-01

    For decades, the monitoring of mixed venous oxygen saturation, SvO2 has been performed invasively using fibre-optic catheters. This procedure is not without risk as complications may arise from catheterisation. The group has devised a new non-invasive venous oximetry method which involves inducing regular modulations of the venous blood volume and associated measurement of those modulations using optical means. A clinical investigation was conducted in Glenfield Hospital, UK to evaluate the sensitivity of the new technique to haemodynamic changes such as Cardiac Output (CO) in intraoperative and postoperative cardiac patients. Preliminary trials on patients recovering from cardiac surgery yielded an average correlation of r = 0.72 between CO at different Intra Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) augmentation levels and SvO2 measured by the new venous oximeter. In intraoperative patients undergoing off-pump cardiac surgery, SvO2 recorded by the new technique responded to unplanned events such as a cardiac arrest. CONCLUSION: The new venous oximetry technique is a promising technique which responds to haemodynamic changes such as CO and with further development might offer an alternative means of monitoring SvO2 non-invasively.

  13. One versus two venous anastomoses in microsurgical head and neck reconstruction: a cumulative meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Christianto, S; Lau, A; Li, K Y; Yang, W F; Su, Y X

    2018-05-01

    Venous compromise is still the most common cause of free flap failure. The use of two venous anastomoses has been advocated to reduce venous compromise. However, the effectiveness of this approach remains controversial. A systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis was performed to assess the effect of one versus two venous anastomoses on venous compromise and free flap failure in head and neck microsurgical reconstruction. A total of 27 articles reporting 7389 flaps were included in this study. On comparison of one versus two venous anastomoses, the odds ratio (OR) for flap failure was 1.66 (95% confidence interval 1.11-2.50; P=0.014) and for venous compromise was 1.50 (95% confidence interval 1.10-2.05; P=0.011), suggesting a significant increase in the flap failure rate and venous compromise rate in the single venous anastomosis group. These results show that the execution of two venous anastomoses has significant effects on reducing the vascular compromise and free flap failure rate in head and neck reconstruction. Copyright © 2018 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Central Venous Catheter (Central Line)

    MedlinePlus

    ... the skin entry site. With care, central venous catheters can remain in the body for several months without becoming infected. ■ ■ Blocking or kinking— Blood clots may begin to form in the catheter but ...

  15. Congestive renal failure: the pathophysiology and treatment of renal venous hypertension.

    PubMed

    Ross, Edward A

    2012-12-01

    Longstanding experimental evidence supports the role of renal venous hypertension in causing kidney dysfunction and "congestive renal failure." A focus has been heart failure, in which the cardiorenal syndrome may partly be due to high venous pressure, rather than traditional mechanisms involving low cardiac output. Analogous diseases are intra-abdominal hypertension and renal vein thrombosis. Proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms include reduced transglomerular pressure, elevated renal interstitial pressure, myogenic and neural reflexes, baroreceptor stimulation, activation of sympathetic nervous and renin angiotensin aldosterone systems, and enhanced proinflammatory pathways. Most clinical trials have addressed the underlying condition rather than venous hypertension per se. Interpreting the effects of therapeutic interventions on renal venous congestion are therefore problematic because of such confounders as changes in left ventricular function, cardiac output, and blood pressure. Nevertheless, there is preliminary evidence from small studies of intense medical therapy or extracorporeal ultrafiltration for heart failure that there can be changes to central venous pressure that correlate inversely with renal function, independently from the cardiac index. Larger more rigorous trials are needed to definitively establish under what circumstances conventional pharmacologic or ultrafiltration goals might best be directed toward central venous pressures rather than left ventricular or cardiac output parameters. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and video games: The new thrombophilia cocktail in adolescents.

    PubMed

    Kohorst, Mira A; Warad, Deepti M; Nageswara Rao, Amulya A; Rodriguez, Vilmarie

    2018-07-01

    Rates of venous thromboembolism have increased in the adolescent population over the last two decades, likely due to advanced diagnostics, increased use of central venous catheters, chronic medical conditions, obesity, and oral contraceptive use. Of these factors, a modifiable risk factor for adolescents is obesity. Sedentary lifestyle and prolonged immobilization are additional prothrombotic risk factors that are often associated with obesity. With ever-increasing screen time, sedentary behavior has risen accordingly, especially among gamers. We present four cases of adolescents who developed life-threatening venous thromboembolic events in the setting of obesity, sedentary lifestyle and/or immobilization, and prolonged video game use. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  17. Comparison of Hand-Sewn versus Coupled Venous Anastomoses in Traumatic Lower Extremity Reconstruction.

    PubMed

    Stranix, John T; Rifkin, William J; Lee, Z-Hye; Anzai, Lavinia; Jacoby, Adam; Ceradini, Daniel J; Thanik, Vishal; Saadeh, Pierre B; Levine, Jamie P

    2018-06-15

     Microvascular reconstruction of the lower extremity has the highest reported complication and flap failure rates of any anatomical region. Despite widespread adoption of the mechanical anastomotic venous coupler and encouraging results in other anatomical regions, there are limited reports examining its use in the lower extremity. This study compares outcomes between coupled and hand-sewn venous anastomoses in traumatic lower extremity reconstruction.  Retrospective review of our institutional flap registry from 1979 to 2016 identified soft tissue free flaps performed for the reconstruction of Gustilo type IIIB/IIIC open tibial fractures. Patient demographics, flap characteristics, use of a venous anastomotic coupler, and perioperative outcomes were examined. Analysis was performed using chi-square and Student's t -tests.  A total of 361 patients received a microvascular free flap for coverage of a Gustilo type IIIB or IIIC tibial fracture following traumatic injury. After excluding cases that lacked adequate information on coupler use, 358 free flaps were included in the study. There were 72 (20%) free flaps performed using a venous coupler and 286 (80%) performed with hand-sewn venous anastomoses. There were comparable rates of major complications (22.2 vs. 26.1%; p  = 0.522), total flap failure (6.5%, vs. 10.2%; p  = 0.362), and partial flap failure (9.7 vs. 12.2%; p  = 0.579) between venous coupler and hand-sewn anastomoses, respectively. Furthermore, use of the venous coupler was not associated with increased rates of operative take backs (22.8 vs. 23.0%; p  = 0.974). However, reconstructions performed using a venous coupler were significantly more likely to have a second venous anastomosis performed (37.5 vs. 21.3%; p  = 0.004).  Complication and flap failure rates were similar between reconstructions performed with a venous coupler and those performed with hand-sewn venous anastomoses. These findings suggest that use of the

  18. Potential Influence of Advance Care Planning and Palliative Care Consultation on ICU Costs for Patients With Chronic and Serious Illness.

    PubMed

    Khandelwal, Nita; Benkeser, David C; Coe, Norma B; Curtis, J Randall

    2016-08-01

    To estimate the potential ICU-related cost savings if in-hospital advance care planning and ICU-based palliative care consultation became standard of care for patients with chronic and serious illness. Decision analysis using literature estimates and inpatient administrative data from Premier. Patients with chronic, life-limiting illness admitted to a hospital within the Premier network. None. Using Premier data (2008-2012), ICU resource utilization and costs were tracked over a 1-year time horizon for 2,097,563 patients with chronic life-limiting illness. Using a Markov microsimulation model, we explored the potential cost savings from the hospital system perspective under a variety of scenarios by varying the interventions' efficacies and availabilities. Of 2,097,563 patients, 657,825 (31%) used the ICU during the 1-year time horizon; mean ICU spending per patient was 11.3k (SD, 17.6k). In the base-case analysis, if in-hospital advance care planning and ICU-based palliative care consultation were systematically provided, we estimated a mean reduction in ICU costs of 2.8k (SD, 14.5k) per patient and an ICU cost saving of 25%. Among the simulated patients who used the ICU, the receipt of both interventions could have resulted in ICU cost savings of 1.9 billion, representing a 6% reduction in total hospital costs for these patients. In-hospital advance care planning and palliative care consultation have the potential to result in significant cost savings. Studies are needed to confirm these findings, but our results provide guidance for hospitals and policymakers.

  19. Advance care planning for patients with chronic respiratory diseases: a systematic review of preferences and practices.

    PubMed

    Jabbarian, Lea J; Zwakman, Marieke; van der Heide, Agnes; Kars, Marijke C; Janssen, Daisy J A; van Delden, Johannes J; Rietjens, Judith A C; Korfage, Ida J

    2018-03-01

    Advance care planning (ACP) supports patients in identifying and documenting their preferences and timely discussing them with their relatives and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Since the British Thoracic Society encourages ACP in chronic respiratory disease, the objective was to systematically review ACP practice in chronic respiratory disease, attitudes of patients and HCPs and barriers and facilitators related to engagement in ACP. We systematically searched 12 electronic databases for empirical studies on ACP in adults with chronic respiratory diseases. Identified studies underwent full review and data extraction. Of 2509 studies, 21 were eligible: 10 were quantitative studies. Although a majority of patients was interested in engaging in ACP, ACP was rarely carried out. Many HCPs acknowledged the importance of ACP but were hesitant to initiate it. Barriers to engagement in ACP were the complex disease course of patients with chronic respiratory diseases, HCPs' concern of taking away patients' hopes and lack of continuity of care. The identification of trigger points and training of HCPs on how to communicate sensitive topics were identified as facilitators to engagement in ACP. In conclusion, ACP is surprisingly uncommon in chronic respiratory disease, possibly due to the complex disease course of chronic respiratory diseases and ambivalence of both patients and HCPs to engage in ACP. Providing patients with information about their disease can help meeting their needs. Additionally, support of HCPs through identification of trigger points, training and system-related changes can facilitate engagement in ACP. CRD42016039787. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  20. ASSESSMENT OF VENOUS THROMBOSIS IN ANIMAL MODELS

    PubMed Central

    SP, Grover; CE, Evans; AS, Patel; B, Modarai; P, Saha; A, Smith

    2016-01-01

    Deep vein thrombosis and common complications, including pulmonary embolism and post thrombotic syndrome, represent a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Experimental models of venous thrombosis have provided considerable insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate thrombus formation and subsequent resolution. Here we critically appraise the ex vivo and in vivo techniques used to assess venous thrombosis in these models. Particular attention is paid to imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging, micro computed tomography and high frequency ultrasound that facilitate longitudinal assessment of thrombus size and composition. PMID:26681755

  1. Central venous catheter-related thrombosis in senile male patients: New risk factors and predictors.

    PubMed

    Liu, Gao; Fu, Zhi-Qing; Zhu, Ping; Li, Shi-Jun

    2015-06-01

    Central venous catheterization (CVC)-related venous thrombosis is a common but serious clinical complication, thus prevention and treatment on this problem should be extensively investigated. In this research, we aimed to investigate the incidence rate of CVC-related venous thrombosis in senile patients and give a further discussion on the related risk factors and predictors. A total of 324 hospitalized senile male patients subjected to CVC were selected. Retrospective investigation and analysis were conducted on age, underlying diseases, clinical medications, catheterization position and side, catheter retention time, and incidence of CVC-related venous thrombosis complications. Basic laboratory test results during catheterization and thrombogenesis were also collected and analyzed. Among the 324 patients, 20 cases (6.17%) of CVC-related venous thrombosis were diagnoseds. The incidence rate of CVC-related venous thrombosis in subclavian vein catheterization was significantly lower than that in femoral vein catheterization (P<0.01) and that in internal jugular vein catheterization (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between femoral vein catheterization and internal jugular vein catheterization (P<0.05). Previous venous thrombosis history (P<0.01), high lactate dehydrogenase level (P<0.01), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level (P<0.05), and low albumin level (P<0.05) were found as risk factors or predictors of CVC-related venous thrombosis in senile male patients. Subclavian vein catheterization was the most appropriate choice among senile patients to decrease the incidence of CVC-related venous thrombosis. Previous venous thrombosis history, high lactate dehydrogenase level, low HDL level, and low albumin level were important risk factors in predicting CVC-related venous thrombosis.

  2. Maximal venous outflow velocity: an index for iliac vein obstruction.

    PubMed

    Jones, T Matthew; Cassada, David C; Heidel, R Eric; Grandas, Oscar G; Stevens, Scott L; Freeman, Michael B; Edmondson, James D; Goldman, Mitchell H

    2012-11-01

    Leg swelling is a common cause for vascular surgical evaluation, and iliocaval obstruction due to May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) can be difficult to diagnose. Physical examination and planar radiographic imaging give anatomic information but may miss the fundamental pathophysiology of MTS. Similarly, duplex ultrasonographic examination of the legs gives little information about central impedance of venous return above the inguinal ligament. We have modified the technique of duplex ultrasonography to evaluate the flow characteristics of the leg after tourniquet-induced venous engorgement, with the objective of revealing iliocaval obstruction characteristic of MTS. Twelve patients with signs and symptoms of MTS were compared with healthy control subjects for duplex-derived maximal venous outflow velocity (MVOV) after tourniquet-induced venous engorgement of the leg. The data for healthy control subjects were obtained from a previous study of asymptomatic volunteers using the same MVOV maneuvers. The tourniquet-induced venous engorgement mimics that caused during vigorous exercise. A right-to-left ratio of MVOV was generated for patient comparisons. Patients with clinical evidence of MTS had a mean right-to-left MVOV ratio of 2.0, asymptomatic control subjects had a mean ratio of 1.3, and MTS patients who had undergone endovascular treatment had a poststent mean ratio of 1.2 (P = 0.011). Interestingly, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging results, when available, were interpreted as positive in only 53% of the patients with MTS according to both our MVOV criteria and confirmatory venography. After intervention, the right-to-left MVOV ratio in the MTS patients was found to be reduced similar to asymptomatic control subjects, indicating a relief of central venous obstruction by stenting the compressive MTS anatomy. Duplex-derived MVOV measurements are helpful for detection of iliocaval venous obstruction, such as MTS. Right-to-left MVOV ratios and

  3. Congenital portosystemic venous connections and other abdominal venous abnormalities in patients with polysplenia and functionally univentricular heart disease: a case series and literature review.

    PubMed

    McElhinney, Doff B; Marx, Gerald R; Newburger, Jane W

    2011-01-01

    Published case reports suggest that congenital portosystemic venous connections (PSVC) and other abdominal venous anomalies may be relatively frequent and potentially important in patients with polysplenia syndrome. Our objective was to investigate the frequency and range of portal and other abdominal systemic venous anomalies in patients with polysplenia and inferior vena cava (IVC) interruption who underwent a cavopulmonary anastomosis procedure at our center, and to review the published literature on this topic and the potential clinical importance of such anomalies. Retrospective cohort study and literature review were used. Among 77 patients with heterotaxy, univentricular heart disease, and IVC interruption who underwent a bidirectional Glenn and/or modified Fontan procedure, pulmonary arteriovenous malformations were diagnosed in 33 (43%). Bilateral superior vena cavas were present in 42 patients (55%). Despite inadequate imaging in many patients, a partial PSVC, dual IVCs, and/or renal vein anomalies were detected in 15 patients (19%). A PSVC formed by a tortuous vessel running from the systemic venous system to the extrahepatic portal vein was found in six patients (8%). Abdominal venous anomalies other than PSVC were documented in 13 patients (16%), including nine (12%) with some form of duplicated IVC system, with a large azygous vein continuing to the superior vena cava and a parallel, contralateral IVC of similar or smaller size, and seven with renal vein anomalies. In patients with a partial PSVC or a duplicate IVC that connected to the atrium, the abnormal connection allowed right-to-left shunting. PSVC and other abdominal venous anomalies may be clinically important but under-recognized in patients with IVC interruption and univentricular heart disease. In such patients, preoperative evaluation of the abdominal systemic venous system may be valuable. More data are necessary to determine whether there is a pathophysiologic connection between the

  4. Apixaban for extended treatment of venous thromboembolism.

    PubMed

    Agnelli, Giancarlo; Buller, Harry R; Cohen, Alexander; Curto, Madelyn; Gallus, Alexander S; Johnson, Margot; Porcari, Anthony; Raskob, Gary E; Weitz, Jeffrey I

    2013-02-21

    Apixaban, an oral factor Xa inhibitor that can be administered in a simple, fixed-dose regimen, may be an option for the extended treatment of venous thromboembolism. In this randomized, double-blind study, we compared two doses of apixaban (2.5 mg and 5 mg, twice daily) with placebo in patients with venous thromboembolism who had completed 6 to 12 months of anticoagulation therapy and for whom there was clinical equipoise regarding the continuation or cessation of anticoagulation therapy. The study drugs were administered for 12 months. A total of 2486 patients underwent randomization, of whom 2482 were included in the intention-to-treat analyses. Symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism or death from venous thromboembolism occurred in 73 of the 829 patients (8.8%) who were receiving placebo, as compared with 14 of the 840 patients (1.7%) who were receiving 2.5 mg of apixaban (a difference of 7.2 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.0 to 9.3) and 14 of the 813 patients (1.7%) who were receiving 5 mg of apixaban (a difference of 7.0 percentage points; 95% CI, 4.9 to 9.1) (P<0.001 for both comparisons). The rates of major bleeding were 0.5% in the placebo group, 0.2% in the 2.5-mg apixaban group, and 0.1% in the 5-mg apixaban group. The rates of clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding were 2.3% in the placebo group, 3.0% in the 2.5-mg apixaban group, and 4.2% in the 5-mg apixaban group. The rate of death from any cause was 1.7% in the placebo group, as compared with 0.8% in the 2.5-mg apixaban group and 0.5% in the 5-mg apixaban group. Extended anticoagulation with apixaban at either a treatment dose (5 mg) or a thromboprophylactic dose (2.5 mg) reduced the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism without increasing the rate of major bleeding. (Funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer; AMPLIFY-EXT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00633893.).

  5. Cerebral venous infarction: a potentially avoidable complication of deep brain stimulation surgery.

    PubMed

    Morishita, Takashi; Okun, Michael S; Burdick, Adam; Jacobson, Charles E; Foote, Kelly D

    2013-01-01

    Despite numerous reports on the morbidity and mortality of deep brain stimulation (DBS), cerebral venous infarction has rarely been reported. We present four cases of venous infarct secondary to DBS surgery. The diagnosis of venous infarction was based on 1) delayed onset of new neurologic deficits on postoperative day 1 or 2; 2) significant edema surrounding the superficial aspect of the implanted lead, with or without subcortical hemorrhage on CT scan. Four cases (0.8% per lead, 1.3% per patient) of symptomatic cerebral venous infarction were identified out of 500 DBS lead implantation procedures between July 2002 and August 2009. All four patients had Parkinson's disease. Their DBS leads were implanted in the subthalamic nucleus (n = 2), and the globus pallidus internus (n = 2). Retrospective review of the targeting confirmed that the planned trajectory passed within 3 mm of a cortical vein in two cases for which contrast-enhanced preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was available. In the other two cases, contrasted targeting images were not obtained preoperatively. Cerebral venous infarction is a potentially avoidable, but serious complication. To minimize its incidence, we propose the use of high-resolution, contrast-enhanced, T1-weighted MR images to delineate cerebral venous anatomy, along with careful stereotactic planning of the lead trajectory to avoid injury to venous structures. © 2013 International Neuromodulation Society.

  6. Cranial dural arteriovenous shunts. Part 4. Clinical presentation of the shunts with leptomeningeal venous drainage.

    PubMed

    Baltsavias, Gerasimos; Spiessberger, Alex; Hothorn, Torsten; Valavanis, Anton

    2015-04-01

    Cranial dural arteriovenous fistulae have been classified into high- and low-risk lesions mainly based on the pattern of venous drainage. Those with leptomeningeal venous drainage carry a higher risk of an aggressive clinical presentation. Recently, it has been proposed that the clinical presentation should be considered as an additional independent factor determining the clinical course of these lesions. However, dural shunts with leptomeningeal venous drainage include a very wide spectrum of inhomogeneous lesions. In the current study, we correlated the clinical presentation of 107 consecutive patients harboring cranial dural arteriovenous shunts with leptomeningeal venous drainage, with their distinct anatomic and angiographic features categorized into eight groups based on the "DES" (Directness and Exclusivity of leptomeningeal venous drainage and features of venous Strain) concept. We found that among these groups, there are significant angioarchitectural differences, which are reflected by considerable differences in clinical presentation. Leptomeningeal venous drainage of dural sinus shunts that is neither direct nor exclusive and without venous strain manifested only benign symptoms (aggressive presentation 0%). On the other end of the spectrum, the bridging vein shunts with direct and exclusive leptomeningeal venous drainage and venous strain are expected to present aggressive symptoms almost always and most likely with bleeding (aggressive presentation 91.5%). Important aspects of the above correlations are discussed. Therefore, the consideration of leptomeningeal venous drainage alone, for prediction of the clinical presentation of these shunts appears insufficient. Angiographic analysis based on the above concept, offers the possibility to distinguish the higher- from the lower-risk types of leptomeningeal venous drainage. In this context, consideration of the clinical presentation as an additional independent factor for the prediction of their clinical

  7. Identification of the Upward Movement of Human CSF In Vivo and its Relation to the Brain Venous System.

    PubMed

    Dreha-Kulaczewski, Steffi; Joseph, Arun A; Merboldt, Klaus-Dietmar; Ludwig, Hans-Christoph; Gärtner, Jutta; Frahm, Jens

    2017-03-01

    CSF flux is involved in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairment after traumatic brain injury, all hallmarked by the accumulation of cellular metabolic waste. Its effective disposal via various CSF routes has been demonstrated in animal models. In contrast, the CSF dynamics in humans are still poorly understood. Using novel real-time MRI, forced inspiration has been identified recently as a main driving force of CSF flow in the human brain. Exploiting technical advances toward real-time phase-contrast MRI, the current work analyzed directions, velocities, and volumes of human CSF flow within the brain aqueduct as part of the internal ventricular system and in the spinal canal during respiratory cycles. A consistent upward CSF movement toward the brain in response to forced inspiration was seen in all subjects at the aqueduct, in 11/12 subjects at thoracic level 2, and in 4/12 subjects at thoracic level 5. Concomitant analyses of CSF dynamics and cerebral venous blood flow, that is, in epidural veins at cervical level 3, uniquely demonstrated CSF and venous flow to be closely communicating cerebral fluid systems in which inspiration-induced downward flow of venous blood due to reduced intrathoracic pressure is counterbalanced by an upward movement of CSF. The results extend our understanding of human CSF flux and open important clinical implications, including concepts for drug delivery and new classifications and therapeutic options for various forms of hydrocephalus and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Effective disposal of brain cellular waste products via CSF has been demonstrated repeatedly in animal models. However, CSF dynamics in humans are still poorly understood. A novel quantitative real-time MRI technique yielded in vivo CSF flow directions, velocities, and volumes in the human brain and upper spinal canal. CSF moved upward toward the head in response to forced inspiration. Concomitant

  8. Echocolor Doppler morpho-functional study of the jugulo-subclavian confluence in chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency and multiple sclerosis patients.

    PubMed

    Mandolesi, Sandro; d'Alessandro, Aldo; Desogus, Antonello Ignazio; Ciccone, Marco Matteo; Zito, Annapaola; Stammegna, Immacolata; Niglio, Tarcisio; Orsini, Augusto; Mandolesi, Dimitri; d'Alessandro, Alessandro; Revelli, Luca

    2017-01-01

    The aim of this work is to measure the mean diameter of the confluence jugulo- subclavian, the impact of different types of jugular confluences and the correlation between the types of confluences and the Valsalva maneuver (jugular reflux) in subjects with Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) and Multiple Sclerosis. We investigated by Echo-Color-Doppler (ECD) 103 subjects (67 F 36M) of mean age 45 ± 12 years (a minimum of 22 to a maximum of 79 years, with a median of 44 and a modal value 42 years), mean EDSS of 4.7 and average disease duration of 12 years. The 103 right jugular veins investigated had an average diameter of 8.4 ± 2.4 mm (minimum 4.0, maximum 14.9 mm; median 7.9; modal value 7.6 mm). Three form types were found: 56 cylindrical, 29 conical and 18 funnel. Valsalva maneuver was positive in 30 patients. The 103 left jugular investigated had an average diameter of 8.9 ± 2.4 mm (minimum 2.8, maximum 14.4 mm; median of 8.8; modal value 8.7 mm). The form types were found: 42 cylindrical, 45 conical and 16 funnel. Valsalva maneuver was positive in 30 patients. The mean diameter of the jugular veins was 8.7 mm. Internal jugular veins with cylindrical morphology have a diameter smaller than other forms; this difference is statistically significant. The different morphology of the jugular vein confluence does not increase the possibility of a reflux because the positive Valsalva maneuvers are not statistically significant when compared to the various types. CCSVI, EchoColorDoppler Map, Jugulo-Subclavian Confluence Diameter.

  9. Venous damage prevention by defibrotide in vinorelbine-treated patients.

    PubMed

    Mare, M; Maisano, R; Caristi, N; Adamo, V; Altavilla, G; Carboni, R; Munaò, S; La Torre, F

    2003-09-01

    The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence of venous toxicity induced by vinorelbine administration in patients who received a preventive therapy with defibrotide. From July 1996 to July 2002 we treated 203 patients with vinorelbine, 51 with vinorelbine alone and 152 with vinorelbine in combination with other drugs via peripheral vein infusion. Of the 203 patients, 123 were male and 80 female with a median age of 67 years (range 18 to 82 years), and 118 were chemotherapy-naive. Defibrotide was delivered i.v. at a dose of 400 mg in 250 ml normal saline. After infusion of 125 ml over about 15 min, vinorelbine mixed with 10 ml normal saline was delivered as quick brief repeated pulses over 5 min through the plastic tube, followed by infusion of the remaining defibrotide. The specific Rittenberg scale was used to assess venous irritation episodes. Among a total of 1336 vinorelbine infusions, with a median of five infusions per patient, the incidence of venous irritation episodes graded according to Rittenberg scale was 1.1% (15), of which 0.6% (8) were grade 2 and 0.5% (7) grade 1. Globally, 15 patients (7.3%) developed venous toxicity after a median of 3 infusions (range 1-14), but no patient had more than one event. Our findings support the use of defibrotide as an effective, safe and low-cost means for preventing vinorelbine-related venous damage.

  10. Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy for lip mucous membrane venous malformation in infants.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Da-Ming; Wang, You-Yuan; Lin, Zhao-Yu; Yang, Zhao-Hui; Chen, Wei-Liang

    2015-03-01

    Lip mucous membrane venous malformations are common benign lesions in infants. This clinical study evaluates the efficacy and safety of liquid nitrogen cryotherapy used to treat this condition. A total of 84 pediatric patients undergoing liquid nitrogen cryotherapy for venous malformations involving the lips were reviewed, with 45 males and 39 females treated. The overall median age at mucous membrane venous malformation diagnosis was 5.6 months (range 2-18 months). The venous malformations involved the vermilion of the lower lip in 44 cases, the vermilion of the upper lip in 31 cases, and both vermilions in 9 cases. No complications due to anesthesia occurred. After a follow-up period of 2-38 months (mean 25 months), 65 lesions (77.4 %) were completely involuted, 14 lesions (16.7 %) were mostly involuted, and 5 lesions (5.9 %) were partially involuted; no lesions showed a minor amount of involution. Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy is an effective, simple, and safe management tool for mucous membrane venous malformations of the lip in infants.

  11. Moraxella osloensis: an unusual cause of central venous catheter infection in a cancer patient

    PubMed Central

    Hadano, Yoshiro; Ito, Kenta; Suzuki, Jun; Kawamura, Ichiro; Kurai, Hanako; Ohkusu, Kiyofumi

    2012-01-01

    Moraxella osloensis is a rare causative organism of infections in humans, with most cases reported in cancer patients. We report the case of a 67-year-old Japanese man with advanced cancer of the pancreatic head and multiple liver metastases who developed fever with chills. Blood culture was found to be positive for Gram-negative bacilli that were aerobic, oxidase-positive, and catalase-positive. M. osloensis was identified by 16 rRNA gene sequencing. Prompt control of the infection was achieved by treatment with cefepime for 14 days, without the need for removal of the central venous catheter. PMID:23109812

  12. Moraxella osloensis: an unusual cause of central venous catheter infection in a cancer patient.

    PubMed

    Hadano, Yoshiro; Ito, Kenta; Suzuki, Jun; Kawamura, Ichiro; Kurai, Hanako; Ohkusu, Kiyofumi

    2012-01-01

    Moraxella osloensis is a rare causative organism of infections in humans, with most cases reported in cancer patients. We report the case of a 67-year-old Japanese man with advanced cancer of the pancreatic head and multiple liver metastases who developed fever with chills. Blood culture was found to be positive for Gram-negative bacilli that were aerobic, oxidase-positive, and catalase-positive. M. osloensis was identified by 16 rRNA gene sequencing. Prompt control of the infection was achieved by treatment with cefepime for 14 days, without the need for removal of the central venous catheter.

  13. Patterning mechanisms of the sub-intestinal venous plexus in zebrafish

    PubMed Central

    Goi, Michela; Childs, Sarah J.

    2017-01-01

    Despite considerable interest in angiogenesis, organ-specific angiogenesis remains less well characterized. The vessels that absorb nutrients from the yolk and later provide blood supply to the developing digestive system are primarily venous in origin. In zebrafish, these are the vessels of the Sub-intestinal venous plexus (SIVP) and they represent a new candidate model to gain an insight into the mechanisms of venous angiogenesis. Unlike other vessel beds in zebrafish, the SIVP is not stereotypically patterned and lacks obvious sources of patterning information. However, by examining the area of vessel coverage, number of compartments, proliferation and migration speed we have identified common developmental steps in SIVP formation. We applied our analysis of SIVP development to obd mutants that have a mutation in the guidance receptor PlexinD1. obd mutants show dysregulation of nearly all parameters of SIVP formation. We show that the SIVP responds to a unique combination of pathways that control both arterial and venous growth in other systems. Blocking Shh, Notch and Pdgf signaling has no effect on SIVP growth. However Vegf promotes sprouting of the predominantly venous plexus and Bmp promotes outgrowth of the structure. We propose that the SIVP is a unique model to understand novel mechanisms utilized in organ-specific angiogenesis. PMID:26477558

  14. How to deal with atrial septal defect closure from right internal jugular vein: Role of venous-arterial circuit for sizing and over-the-wire device implantation.

    PubMed

    Butera, Gianfranco; Lovin, Nicusor; Basile, Domenica Paola

    2017-01-01

    Secundum atrial septum defect (ASD) is the most common congenital heart disease. It is usually treated by a transcatheter approach using a femoral venous access. In case of bilateral femoral vein occlusion, the internal jugular venous approach for ASD closure is an option, in particular in cases where ASD balloon occlusion test and sizing is needed. Here, we report on a new technique for ASD closure using a venous-arterial circuit from the right internal jugular vein to the femoral artery. Two patients (females, 4 and 10 years of age) had occlusion of both femoral veins because of a previous history of pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum, for which they underwent percutaneous radiofrequency perforation and balloon angioplasty. These subjects needed balloon occlusion test of a residual ASD to size the hole and to check for hemodynamic suitability to ASD closure. After performing a venous-arterial circuit, a 24 mm St Jude ASD sizing balloon catheter was advanced over the circuit and the defect closed for 15 min to check hemodynamics and size the defect. ASD was closed is hemodinamically suitable. This technique was safe and reliable. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  15. Forearm vasodilatation following release of venous congestion

    PubMed Central

    Caro, C. G.; Foley, T. H.; Sudlow, M. F.

    1970-01-01

    1. The volume rate of forearm blood flow was measured with a mercury-in-rubber strain gauge, or with a water-filled plethysmograph, from 1 sec after termination of a 2-3 min period of venous congestion. 2. When congesting pressure had been less than 18 mm Hg, average post-congestion flow (five subjects) was constant during approx. 10 sec and not significantly different from resting flow. 3. When congesting pressure had been 30 mm Hg, average post-congestion flow (eight subjects) was 26% higher than resting, during 3-4 sec after release of congestion, but rose to 273% of resting during 4-6 sec after release of congestion. 4. In other studies forearm vascular resistance had been found normal or increased during such venous congestion, and theoretical studies here indicated that passive mechanical factors could not account for the delayed occurrence of high post-congestion flow. 5. It appears, therefore, that the forearm vascular bed dilates actively shortly after release of substantial venous congestion. It would seem more likely that a myogenic mechanism, rather than a metabolic one, is responsible. PMID:5532541

  16. Management of venous thromboembolism.

    PubMed

    Parakh, R; Kakkar, V V; Kakkar, A K

    2007-01-01

    Venous Thromboembolism is an important healthcare problem the world over, resulting in significant morbidity, mortality and resource expenditure. The rationale for use of thromboprophylaxis is based on solid principles and scientific evidence. Indian perspective on this topic is lacking due to the non-availability of published Indian data. This document reviews the available International and Indian data and discusses the relevance of recommendations for prevention and management of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in the Indian context. Meetings of various specialists from different Indian hospitals in the field of Gastrointestinal Surgery, General and Vascular Surgery, Hematology, Intensive Care, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oncology and Orthopedics were held in the months of August 2005 to January 2006. The guidelines published by American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), the International Union of Angiology (IUA), and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG), were discussed during these meetings. The relevance of these guidelines and the practical implications of following these in a developing country like India were also discussed. Any published data from India was collected from data base searches and the results, along with personal experiences of the participating specialists were discussed. The experiences and impressions of the experts during these meetings have been included in this document. Data from recent sources (International Union of Angiology and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Practice guidelines in Oncology on Venous thromboembolic disease) was subsequently also included in this document. The suggestions formulated in this document are practical, and would intend to serve as a useful practical reference. A number of unanswered questions remain in the field of thromboprophylaxis, and carefully designed research protocols may help answer some of these. Implementation of the suggestions outlined in the document

  17. Blood pressure and risk of all-cause mortality in advanced chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis: the CRIC study

    PubMed Central

    Bansal, Nisha; McCulloch, Charles E.; Rahman, Mahboob; Kusek, John W.; Anderson, Amanda H.; Xie, Dawei; Townsend, Raymond R.; Lora, Claudia M.; Wright, Jackson; Go, Alan S.; Ojo, Akinlolu; Alper, Arnold; Lustigova, Eva; Cuevas, Magda; Kallem, Radhakrishna; Hsu, Chi-yuan

    2014-01-01

    Studies of hemodialysis patients have shown a U-shaped association between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and mortality. These studies have largely relied on dialysis-unit SBP measures and have not evaluated whether this U-shape also exists in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), prior to starting hemodialysis. We determined the association between SBP and mortality at advanced CKD and again after initiation of hemodialysis. This was a prospective study of Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) participants with advanced CKD followed through initiation of hemodialysis. We studied the association between SBP and mortality when participants: 1) had an estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min/1.73m2 (N=1,705); 2) initiated hemodialysis and had dialysis-unit SBP measures (N=403) and; 3) initiated hemodialysis and had out-of-dialysis-unit SBP measured at a CRIC study visit (N=326). Cox models adjusted for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors and dialysis parameters. A quadratic term for SBP was included to test for a U-shaped association. At advanced CKD, there was no association between SBP and mortality (HR 1.02 [95% CI: 0.98–1.07] per every 10 mm Hg increase). Among participants who started hemodialysis, a U-shaped association between dialysis-unit SBP and mortality was observed. In contrast, there was a linear association between out-of-dialysis-unit SBP and mortality (HR 1.26 [95% CI: 1.14–1.40] per every 10 mm Hg increase). In conclusion, more efforts should be made to obtain out-of-dialysis-unit SBP which may merit more consideration as a target for clinical management and in interventional trials. PMID:25287404

  18. Hepatic laceration as a life-threatening complication of umbilical venous catheterization.

    PubMed

    Gülcan, Hande; Hanta, Deniz; Törer, Birgin; Temiz, Adbülkerim; Demir, Senay

    2011-01-01

    Umbilical venous catheterization is an intravenous infusion route for maintenance fluids, medications, blood products, and parenteral nutrition in preterm neonates. However, this procedure may be associated with several complications, such as infection, thrombosis, vessel perforation, and cardiac and hepatic injuries. Hepatic laceration is a rare but life-threatening complication of umbilical venous catheterization that is a result of direct injury through the liver parenchyma. Here, we present a preterm newborn with hepatic laceration as a rare and serious complication of umbilical venous catheterization.

  19. Congenital portosystemic venous shunt.

    PubMed

    Papamichail, M; Pizanias, M; Heaton, N

    2018-03-01

    Congenital portosystemic venous shunts are rare developmental anomalies resulting in diversion of portal flow to the systemic circulation and have been divided into extra- and intrahepatic shunts. They occur during liver and systemic venous vascular embryogenesis and are associated with other congenital abnormalities. They carry a higher risk of benign and malignant liver tumors and, if left untreated, can result in significant medical complications including systemic encephalopathy and pulmonary hypertension. This article reviews the various types of congenital portosystemic shunts and their anatomy, pathogenesis, symptomatology, and timing and options of treatment. What is Known: • The natural history and basic management of this rare congenital anomaly are presented. What is New: • This paper is a comprehensive review; highlights important topics in pathogenesis, clinical symptomatology, and treatment options; and proposes an algorithm in the management of congenital portosystemic shunt disease in order to provide a clear idea to a pediatrician. An effort has been made to emphasize the indications for treatment in the children population and link to the adult group by discussing the consequences of lack of treatment or delayed diagnosis.

  20. Cross-sectional area variations of internal jugular veins during supine head rotation in multiple sclerosis patients with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency: a prospective diagnostic controlled study with duplex ultrasound investigation

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Normally, chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) has been studied using echo-colour Doppler (ECD). Subjects are examined in the supine and sitting positions, in accordance with a static protocol without rotation of the head. A dynamic approach, to assess venous sizes with different degrees of head rotation, has only been performed to improve jugular venous catheterisation. These echographic studies have suggested that head rotation to the contralateral side increases the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the internal jugular veins (IJVs) in supine subjects. Our goal was to evaluate the behaviour of CSA of the IJVs during supine head rotation in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with CCSVI, compared to healthy controls (HCs). Methods The IJVs of 313 MS patients with CCSVI (male 43.8%, male/female 137/176; mean age 45 years old, range 19–77 years) and 298 HCs, matched by gender (male 43.6%, male/female 130/168) and age (mean age 46 years old, range 20–79 years), were compared using ECD. Their CSAs were evaluated with the subjects seated in a tiltable chair, first in the supine position at the level of the cricoid cartilage, with the head in a neutral position, and then after contralateral rotation to 90° from midline. Results Significant differences between the jugular CSAs before and after head rotation were observed only in the MS patients for the IJVs with wall collapse (F[6,1215] = 6414.57, p < 0.001), showing on longitudinal scans a typical “hourglass” aspect that we defined as “miopragic”. No significant difference was found in the distribution of these miopragic veins with regard to MS duration. There was a strong association between the CCSVI scores and the complexity of jugular morphological types (Χ2 [9, N = 313] = 75.183, p < 0.001). Wall miopragia was mainly observed in MS patients with SP (59.3%) and PP (70.0%) clinical forms, compared to RR (48.3%) forms (p = 0.015). Conclusion A dynamic ECD