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Biomedical subjects

F Gottrup

Publications and source records attributed to F Gottrup.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[The effect of prednisolone on the systemic response and wound healing after colonic surgery].

To study the effect of preoperative treatment with a single high-dose of glucocorticoid on the systemic and immunological response, wound healing, and convalescence after colonic surgery, thirty patients were double-blind randomized to receive either methylprednisolone 30 mg/kg intravenously 90 minutes prior to induction of anaesthesia (group 1, n = 12), or to receive placebo (group 2, n = 12). Six patients were excluded from the study. Assessments of pain, pulmonary function, convalescence, various injury and wound-healing factors were done until 10 days after surgery. Conventional reduction in pulmonary function and mobilization was improved in group 1. Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels increased significantly less in group 1, as delayed-type hypersensitivity was abolished in group 1. Plasma cascade system activation was significantly less pronounced in group 1. Reduction of collagen turnover was observed in group 1, but without detrimental effect on collagen accumulation. It is concluded that treatment with a single high dose of glucocorticoid before colonic surgery may improve postoperative pulmonary function and mobilization and reduce plasma cascade system activations, the inflammatory response, and immunofunction, but without detrimental effects on wound healing.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

[Interobserver variation in wound assessments].

Agreement in describing a chronic leg ulcer is pivotal in identifying and treating impediments to the healing process. Six nurses and one doctor without special experience with wound healing registered wound related diagnoses for a five month period. On average each patient was seen by three observers yielding 270 registrations. Agreement beyond chance (global kappa) showed poor to moderate agreement. Agreement was best for the yellow or malodorous wound and lowest for cellulitis, hypergranulation and peripheral pulses. This emphasizes the importance of allocating wound treatment to specialist departments with access to paraclinical investigations.

Clinical Competence↗

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 level predicts optimal collagen deposition during early wound repair in humans.

BACKGROUND: This study examined two matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their association with deposition of collagen during wound repair. METHODS: In 15 hernia wounds, wound fluid was collected using two Cellstick devices, which were implanted adjacent to two expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubes. MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were analysed 24 and 48 h after operation using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and collagen deposition in the ePTFE tubes was measured 10 days after operation as hydroxyproline. RESULTS: The levels of both MMPs in wound fluid were increased compared with those of control serum, although MMP-9 decreased (P < 0.01) in the wounds 24-48 h after operation. The MMP-9 level at 24 h correlated inversely and specifically to deposited collagen measured as hydroxyproline (rs = -0.80, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the level of MMP-9 in the early inflammatory phase can predict the amount of collagen deposited later in the wound healing process.

Adult↗

Wound contraction in an experimental porcine model.

Wound contraction is thought to be independent of site, and circular full-thickness skin wounds are though not to contract completely. To verify these statements four circular full-thickness skin wounds were created on each side of eight pigs and randomised to treatment with either split-thickness skin grafts, or healing by secondary intention under a hydrocolloid dressing. Time to healing, contraction, and final scar shape were evaluated. The median healing time was 12 days (range 6-18) in the grafted wounds and 30 days (range 15-45) in the secondarily healing wounds. There were significant differences in healing time between the different sites on the pigs. In the secondarily healing group, medial-caudal wounds healed in 21 (15-21) days compared with lateral wounds which healed in 36 (21-45) days (p < 0.005), while no differences were found in the grafted group. There was a clear relationship between site and contractility and shape of the scars in both treatment groups. Scars located on the lateral-caudal aspect of the pig were predominantly round and contracted only slightly. Scars located on the lateral aspect of the pig tended to be oval. Contraction was greatest in the medial scars and least in the lateral scars. Median contraction was 33% (range -2-63) in skin grafted wounds and 64% (range 42-82) in secondarily healed wounds. This randomised experiment showed that extent of wound contraction is dependent of site, and that circular wounds do heal with contraction.

Analysis of Variance↗

Effects of occlusive and conventional gauze dressings on incisional healing after abdominal operations.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of occlusive (Comfeel) and conventional (Mepore) dressings on the healing of incisional wounds after abdominal operations. DESIGN: Prospective randomised study. SETTING: Laboratory and teaching hospital, Denmark. SUBJECTS: 73 patients who underwent clean operations requiring incisions longer than 5 cm between August 1993 and August 1995 were randomised to have their wounds dressed with either Comfeel or Mepore. INTERVENTIONS: Comfeel was left on until the sutures were removed, and Mepore was removed 2 days postoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Infection, adherence, leakage, and cosmetic appearance three months later. RESULTS: 36 patients were randomised to have Comfeel and 37 to have Mepore. 29 patients were withdrawn from the study (20 having Mepore and 9 having Comfeel) leaving 26, and 17 for analysis, respectively. Wound infections developed in 1 patient in the Comfeel group and 5 in the Mepores group (p = 0.2). There were no differences between the groups regarding the need for dressings to be changed, the incidence of leakage, or loosening of the dressing from the skin. Comfeel adhered securely to the skin and remained more or less transparent until sutures were removed. It remained totally transparent in 23 (64%), and no dressing became totally opaque. There were no differences in cosmetic appearance after three months. We had the impression that patients who had Comfeel were more comfortable and found it easier to mobilise and carry out their daily activities. CONCLUSION: Occlusive dressings stay in place and stay transparent, and do not increase the risk of wound infection. They may even be more comfortable. they are a reasonable alternative to conventional dressings.

Abdomen↗

Less collagen production in smokers.

BACKGROUND: An association between smoking and impaired wound healing has been reported in retrospective studies. The smoking status of a surgical patient may be confounded by social and medical parameters. We have evaluated the effect of smoking in a test wound in volunteers, with special reference to a reliable scientific match between smokers and nonsmokers. METHODS: In a prospective open study with blinded assessment, 19 smoking (20 cigarettes/day) and 18 nonsmoking healthy volunteers were matched with respect to baseline characteristics. The deposition of total protein and mature collagen (expressed as hydroxyproline) was assessed in an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene wound healing model implanted subcutaneously for 10 days. RESULTS: The nonsmokers had a 1.8 times higher median amount of hydroxyproline than the smokers (p < 0.01). The deposition of hydroxyproline was negatively correlated with the consumption of tobacco both before (r = -0.44; p < 0.01) and during the study (r = -0.48; p < 0.005). The impairment was specific for the production of collagenous proteins and not other proteins. CONCLUSIONS: The synthesis of subcutaneous collagen in smokers is specifically impeded, indicating an impaired wound-healing process. Because mature collagen is the main determinator of strength of an operative wound, the results support the view that patients should be advised to stop smoking before an operation.

Adult↗

[Polyglyconate or polyglycolic acid suture in patients with suspected impaired wound healing].

A randomized study of abdominal fascial closure using interrupted polyglyconate and polyglycolic acid sutures after laparotomy was carried out in 204 consecutive patients with suspected impaired wound healing. There were no statistically significant differences between the two sutures with regard to development of fascial disruption and incisional hernia. Wound infection demanding surgical intervention was found in 7% of patients with polyglyconate sutures and in 16% of those with polyglycolic acid sutures (p = 0.04). Monofilament polyglyconate suture does not reduce the incidence of fascial disruption and incisional hernia after laparotomy in patients with suspected impaired wound healing but the incidence of wound infection may be reduced compared with that of multifilament polyglycolic acid suture.

Aged↗

[Pressure sores. Background and therapeutic strategy].

A pressure ulcer is based on local tissue pressure and other pathological conditions in the patient. Pressure-reducing devices can reduce the incidence of pressure sores. The staff must be familiar with the strategies for prevention and treatment of pressure sores. Conservative treatment is used for pressure sores with the potential for spontaneous healing in regions where unphysiological pressure can be avoided. Split skin transplantation is only useful in superficial, granulating pressure sores in regions where pressure and shear will be limited after healing and where a short healing time is desirable. Musculocutaneous flaps are indicated in regions suffering pressure or other mechanical strain or in certain risk patients. Pressure-reducing devices should be administered according to guidelines and used from the beginning of the period where they are needed.

Humans↗

Effect of prednisolone on the systemic response and wound healing after colonic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of preoperative treatment with a single high-dose glucocorticoid on the systemic and immunologic responses, wound healing, and convalescence after colonic surgery. DESIGN: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. SETTING: Department of surgery in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty patients scheduled for open colonic resection; 6 patients were excluded from the study (N = 24). INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to either of 2 treatment regimens: methylprednisolone sodium succinate 90 minutes before induction of anesthesia and epidural analgesia (group 1, n = 12), or placebo 90 minutes before anesthesia and epidural analgesia (group 2, n = 12). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessments of pain, pulmonary function, convalescence, and various injury and wound-healing factors were done several times until 10 days after surgery. RESULTS: Conventional reduction in pulmonary function and mobilization was improved in group 1. Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels increased significantly less in group 1, as delayed-type hypersensitivity was abolished in group 1. Plasma cascade system activations were significantly less pronounced in group 1. Reduction of collagen turnover was observed in group 1, but without detrimental effects on collagen accumulation. CONCLUSION: Treatment with a single high-dose glucocorticoid before colonic surgery may improve postoperative pulmonary function and mobilization and reduce plasma cascade system activations, the inflammatory response, and immunofunction, but without detrimental effects on wound healing.

Adult↗

The effect of hyperbaric oxygen on irradiated oral tissues: transmucosal oxygen tension measurements.

PURPOSE: This study measured the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment on transmucosal oxygen tension in irradiated human oral mucosa. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients received 30 dives of HBO as part of their treatment for mandibular osteoradionecrosis. A noninvasive, nonheated oxygen electrode was used to measure the tissue surface transmucosal oxygen tension directly on the attached gingiva. Measurements were done before, during, and after HBO treatment. The normal level of gingival surface transmucosal oxygen tension was measured in five healthy volunteers. RESULTS: During HBO treatment, the transmucosal oxygen tension increased significantly after five dives of HBO (P < .05). After 30 dives, the increases were from a mean of 50% to a mean of 86% of the transmucosal oxygen tension of normal healthy gingiva. CONCLUSION: An increase in the transmucosal oxygen tension is based on neo-angiogenesis. Patients with subischemic tissues, such as the study population with postirradiation mucosal and osseous necrosis, therefore may benefit from treatment with HBO.

Aged↗

Comparison of clinical judgment and diagnostic ultrasonography in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis: experience with a score-aided diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of clinical judgment and diagnostic ultrasonography (US) used routinely and to create a scoring system to aid diagnosis. DESIGN: Prospective, double-blind study. SETTING: University hospital, Denmark. SUBJECTS: 222 Consecutive patients suspected of having acute appendicitis admitted between 0800 and midnight from June 1990 to June 1992. INTERVENTIONS: 148 Patients (67%) underwent appendicectomy and the remaining 74 patients were observed. 193 Patients (87%) had a diagnostic US examination. 21 Predictive variables were collected prospectively to create a scoring system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Results of surgical pathological findings, clinical outcome (observed group), diagnostic US, and values of diagnostic score. RESULTS: The decision to operate was made by a junior surgeon solely on the clinical examination, which yielded a diagnostic accuracy of 76%, specificity of 58%, and negative appendicectomy rate of 36%. 193 Patients underwent diagnostic US conducted by the radiologist on call of whom 123 were operated on, 78 for histologically proven appendicitis. US had a diagnostic accuracy of 72%, sensitivity of 49%, and specificity of 88%. Of the 21 predictive factors for acute appendicitis 11 were significant (p < 0.05): total white cell count (WCC) (>10 x 10[9]/1), migration of pain to the right lower quadrant, gradual onset of pain, increasing intensity of pain, pain aggravated by movement, pain aggravated by coughing, anorexia, vomiting, indirect tenderness (Rovsing's sign), muscle spasm, and sex. These 11 predictors were assigned an appropriate weight, based on the likelihood ratio, and used to create a scoring system. The score performed poorly if it was used to separate patients for observation and those for appendicectomy. However, if the score was used with two cut-off points resulting in three test zones (low, intermediate, and high risk of having acute appendicitis), some diagnostic benefit was seen for those patients within the zones of high and low probability. CONCLUSION: The clinical judgment of a junior surgeon was disappointing, and diagnostic aids are desirable to reduce the negative appendicectomy rate. Diagnostic US performed poorly as a routine procedure. Application of an up to date scoring system might be of some help to patients with a high or low probability of acute appendicitis, but any conclusion about its clinical application cannot be drawn from this study.

Acute Disease↗