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G Hildebrandt

Publications and source records attributed to G Hildebrandt.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Comparison of different sampling techniques and enumeration methods for the isolation and quantification of Campylobacter spp. in raw retail chicken legs.

Comparable quantitative data of Campylobacter spp. on chicken products are a major data lack for quantitative risk assessment approaches. The objective of this study was to compare two different sampling techniques for the isolation and enumeration of Campylobacter spp. in chicken and to evaluate a suitable enumeration method comparing the most probable number (MPN) technique to the direct plating method. For this, 90 packages containing at least two raw chicken legs were examined for the comparison of sampling techniques, rinsing one leg and homogenizing 25 g of skin of the other leg of each package; both sample preparation types were examined by direct plating method and MPN technique in 40 out of 90 packages. Of the skin samples, 70% (63/90), and of the rinse samples, 77% (69/90), were Campylobacter-positive. Enumeration of Campylobacter spp. by direct plating revealed a median of log 4 cfu/leg surface in skin samples (S.D.=0.6) and a median of log 4.3 cfu/leg surface in rinse samples (S.D.=0.9) of the rinse samples; 73% (37/51) had higher numbers of Campylobacter spp. than the skin samples although the difference was not significant (p=0.08). The correlation coefficient of Campylobacter counts in skin and rinse samples was 0.43. The prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in rinse samples was 58% (23/40). In 5% (2/40) of the rinse samples, numbers of Campylobacter spp. could be detected only by the MPN technique due to the lower detection limit compared to the direct plating method. The MPN technique turned out to be unsuitable for the enumeration of Campylobacter spp. in skin samples because a layer formation on the top of the incubated MPN-tubes leads to irregular MPN results. Out of 80% (16/20) of the compared rinse samples, the direct plating detected higher numbers of Campylobacter spp., with a median count of log 4.2 cfu/leg surface (S.D.=1) compared the MPN technique where a median of log 4 cfu/leg surface (S.D.=1.1) was obtained. The difference was not significant (p=0.05). A highly positive correlation coefficient of 0.9 was observed between the direct plating and the MPN technique. Both sampling methods, rinsing the chicken leg and homogenizing the skin, are suitable for the detection and quantification of Campylobacter spp.; the direct plating method was superior to the MPN technique for enumerating Campylobacter spp. in raw chicken legs at retail level because enumeration is more rapid and less laborious.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Multidrug resistance and distribution of Salmonella serovars in slaughtered pigs.

The present study was undertaken to estimate the occurrence and distribution of multidrug resistance (MDR) among Salmonella serovars isolated from slaughtered pigs at Debre Zeit, Ethiopia. A total of 501 different samples were examined of which 42 (41.6%) of 101 mesenteric lymph nodes, 22 (21.8%) of 101 tongues, 17 (16.8%) of 101 caecal contents, 11 (11.1%) of 99 livers and two (2%) of 99 muscle (diaphragm and abdomen) samples were Salmonella positive. Of the 94 Salmonella isolates representing 15 different serovars, 69 (73.4%) were multidrug resistant (resistance to two or more antimicrobials). Among the Salmonella serovars a high level of MDR was observed in S. Hadar, S. Kentucky, S. Blockley and S. Enteritidis mainly to tetracycline (88.6%), streptomycin (82.9%), nitrofurantoin (74.3%), nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin (42.9% each), sulfisoxazole (21.1%) and spectinomycin (20%). The pattern of MDR varied from two to eight antimicrobials among the resistant Salmonella serovars. The common profiles of resistance among the MDR serovars were the combined resistance to nitrofurantoin, streptomycin and tetracycline (R type NitStrTet, 51.4%), ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid and nitrofurantoin (R type CipNalNit, 10%), ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, spectinomycin, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole and tetracycline (R type CipNalSptStrSulTet, 14.3%) and to ciprofloxacin, kanamycin, nalidixic acid, neomycin, nitrofurantoin, streptomycin and tetracycline (R type CipKanNalNeoNitStrTet, 10%). Results of the present study indicate the widespread occurrence and distribution of MDR Salmonella serovars in slaughtered pigs which could be a potential source of human MDR Salmonella infections.

Abattoirs↗
PubMed2006

[Seasonal influence on the microbiological colonization on surfaces of milk liners and flushing adapters in a newly installed milking parlor].

A field trial was conducted to evaluate long term and seasonal effects on the development of mictobiological colonization in a newly installed milking parlor. The milking equipment was a 2 x 34 side-by-side milking parlor in a commercial dairy herd in Germany. The 1st batch of samples was taken before beginning of milking and in weekly intervals for a period of two months in winter 2002. The 2nd batch of samples was collected in summer 2003. After sampling the diagnostic material was kept in Amies medium at 4 degrees C until analysis. Samples were analyzed from the mouthpiece, the shank of the liner and the flushing adapter. The samples were collected immediately after disinfection of the milking equipment. They were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively according to the official German guidelines (Amtliche Sammlung von Untersuchungsverfahren, paragraph 35, LMBG). Mesophil aerobe total plate count, S. aureus, E. coli, Coliforms, Streptococci, Yeast and Lactobacilli were considered. Results indicate a relationship of microbiological colonization of the surface of the milking technique with season and location of sampling. The microbiological colonization was higher in summer than in winter. There were more mesophil aerobe pathogens on the flushing adapters than on mouthpiece and shank of the liner.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[Partial breast irradiation for early breast cancer with favorable prognostic factors: 3-year results of the German-Austrian phase II-trial].

PURPOSE: To evaluate perioperative morbidity, toxicity and cosmetic outcome in patients treated with interstitial brachytherapy to the tumor bed as the sole radiation modality after breast conserving surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 11/2000 to 11/2004, 240 women with early stage breast cancer participated in a protocol of tumor bed irradiation alone using pulsed dose rate (PDR) or high dose rate (HDR) interstitial multi-catheter implants (partial breast irradiation). Perioperative morbidity, acute and late toxicity as well as cosmetic outcome were assessed. Of the first 51 patients treated in this multicenter trial, we present interim findings after a median follow-up of 36 months. RESULTS: Perioperative Morbidity: Bacterial infection of the implant: 2 % (1/51). Acute toxicity: radiodermatitis Grade 1: 4 % (2/51). Late toxicity: breast pain Grade 1: 8 % (4/51), Grade 2: 2 % (1/51); dyspigmentation Grade 1: 8 % (4/51); fibrosis Grade 1: 4 % (2/51), Grade 2: 8 % (4/51); telangiectasia Grade 1: 10 % (5/51), Grade 2: 4 % (2/51). Cosmetic results: Excellent and good in 94 % (48/51) of the patients. CONCLUSION: This analysis indicates that accelerated partial breast irradiation with 192-iridium interstitial multicatheter PDR-/HDR-implants (partial breast irradiation) is feasible with low perioperative morbidity, low acute and mild late toxicity at a median follow-up of 36 months. The cosmetic result is not significantly affected.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Decision making in non resectable head and neck tumours].

Decision Making in Non Resectable Head and Neck Tumours. Advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity, oro-, hypopharynx and larynx often have to be categorised as non resectable disease. Complex decision making for therapy is influenced by morphological, social and ethical aspects. In case of non resectability, simultaneous chemo radiation therapy is evident and recommended. Different substances for additional chemotherapy like Cis-, Carboplatine, 5-Fluorouracile, Mitomycin C and Taxans are in use. Alternatively for selected cases (to avoid total glossectomy for instance) brachytherapy is recommended. Salvage surgery after primary chemo radiation is predominantly common in residual neck disease. Sole chemotherapy is suggested for second or third line palliative treatment.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic↗
PubMed2004

Hypothalamic neuropeptide release after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage: in vivo microdialysis study.

OBJECTIVES: As evidence exists about independent regulation of peripheral and central release of the vasoactive and natriuretic neuropeptides arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT), we investigated their release patterns following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: After injection of 0.1 ml arterial blood or saline into the great cistern of 33 Wistar rats, AVP and OXT levels were measured in blood and by microdialysis in the hypothalamic supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN). For statistical analysis, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used with Tukey HSD post hoc ANOVA tests to determine specific group differences. RESULTS: Plasma AVP and OXT peaked 2 h after SAH (P < 0.05), and normalized at 4 h. In the SON, both AVP and OXT peaked 4 h after SAH (P < 0.05). In the PVN, AVP increased in both groups (P < 0.05), while no OXT release occurred. By the sham group, any effect of experimental procedure was excluded. CONCLUSIONS: The SAH-specific central neuropeptide release, which exceeded peripheral release and continued longer, may contribute to pathophysiological events following SAH.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Dose-dependent biphasic induction and transcriptional activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) in EA.hy.926 endothelial cells after low-dose X-irradiation.

PURPOSE: Low-dose radiotherapy is known to exert an anti-inflammatory effect, but the underlying radiobiological mechanisms are still elusive. It was recently reported that transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1 essentially contributes to the reduced adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to endothelial cells at low-dose X-irradiation. As the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) is crucially involved in mediating an inflammatory response by inducing the expression of cytokines and adhesion molecules, NF-kappaB DNA binding and transcriptional activity as well as its impact on the expression of TGF-beta1 in EA.hy.926 endothelial cells were analysed subsequently to low-dose radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human EA.hy.926 endothelial cells were grown to subconfluence. Twenty hours after X-irradiation with single doses ranging from 0.3 to 3 Gy, the cells were activated with tumour necrosis factor-alpha. Four hours later, the cells were harvested. NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity of nuclear extracts was analysed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The NF-kappaB subunits p50, p65/RelA, c-Rel and RelB of the NF-kappaB complexes were quantified by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay. The transcriptional activity of NF-kappaB was measured using luciferase reporter gene assays in EA.hy.926 endothelial cells transiently transfected with the plasmid pB2xLuc. To correlate transcriptional activity to TGF-beta1 expression, NF-kappaB decoy oligonucleotides were used to inhibit NF-kappaB activity and TGF-beta1 secretion. RESULTS: After low-dose radiotherapy, an increased NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity was observed in stimulated EA.hy.926 endothelial cells with a relative maximum (threefold induction) at 0.5 Gy. The NF-kappaB activation then decreased after X-irradiation at 0.6-0.8 Gy and subsequently increased again at doses of 1 and 3 Gy. This biphasic induction profile of NF-kappaB was confirmed by the analysis of the NF-kappaB-specific transcriptional activity. The latter showed a relative maximum at 0.5 Gy, a relative minimum between 0.5 and 1.0 Gy, and an increase at 3 Gy. Transfection of EA.hy.926 endothelial cells with NF-kappaB decoy oligonucleotides before irradiation resulted in a 50% reduction of TGF-beta1 secretion at 0.5 Gy compared with control oligonucleotides or untreated cells. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose radiotherapy induces a biphasic activation of NF-kappaB with a relative maximum at 0.5 Gy. The induction by NF-kappaB of TGF-beta1 in endothelial cells might contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties of low-dose ionizing irradiation.

Cell Nucleus↗
PubMed2004

[Predictive microbiology and risk assessment].

Predictive microbiology (predictive modelling PM), in spite of its limits and short-comings, may often contribute to a reduction of the problems arising when HACCP systems are established or microbiological risk assessment is done. Having identified the agents which constitute a risk and the contamination rate and density in the raw material, the influences of production steps and storage on these microorganisms have to be examined. Finally, there should be an exposure assessment, i.e. an estimate of the contamination density in the final product at the time of consumption. Should the exposure assessment together with data from dose response assessments reveal a potential for intake of inacceptable numbers of organisms, the risk identified has to be characterized. As a consequence, risk management should result in a modification of the composition of the product and/or of the production process so that the risk does not surpass an acceptable limit. For this approach it is indispensable to have product- and process-specific information on the multiplication of pathogens prior to heat treatment, on reduction of their density by thermal treatment and on growth or dying of organisms having survived heat treatment or penetrated into the product after heat treatment as post-process contaminant. Commonly, challenge tests are conducted to provide such information. But they are time consuming and, as their results are only valid for the specific product tested and the conditions prevailing during the experiment, the have to be repeated if there is any modification of intrinsic or extrinsic factors. At least partially, the PM may replace the challenge tests. The efficiency of the models is rated particularly high if they are used already at the stage of product development when the question has to be answered whether a planned recipe or process of production are already save or have to be modified to become save.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Low-dose radiotherapy (LD-RT) and the modulation of iNOS expression in adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.

PURPOSE: Low-dose radiotherapy (LD-RT) of arthritic joints applied during the peak of the acute inflammatory response improves the clinical and histomorphological development of adjuvant arthritis. The study was undertaken to investigate the cellular composition of the inflammatory infiltrate and the expression of the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory enzymes, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) and haem-oxygenase 1 (HO-1), in response to LD-RT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adjuvant arthritis in female Lewis rats was induced by intradermal injection of heat-inactivated mycobacterium tuberculosis on day 0. Both arthritic hind paws were sham irradiated (group 1) or X-irradiated with either 5 x 1.0 Gy (group 2) or 5 x 0.5 Gy (group 3) from days 15 to 19 after induction (15 animals/group). On days 21 (n=12 joints/group) and 30 (n=18 joints/group), cryostat sections were analysed histologically and immunohistologically after specific staining for macrophages, iNOS, COX-2 and HO-1. RESULTS: A total of 5 x 1.0 Gy or 5 x 0.5 Gy led to a significant reduction of clinical symptoms from days 21 to 29, and a highly significant reduction of cartilage and bone destruction on day 30. Macrophage-positive areas could be detected continuously throughout the periarticular infiltrate, and were slightly reduced after LD-RT on days 21 and 30. This reduction was more pronounced after 5 x 1.0 Gy. Following LD-RT, the iNOS score was reduced by about 45-50% on days 21 (p<0.05) and 30 (p<0.001). In contrast, the HO-1 score was increased by about 50% on days 21 (p=0.08) and 30 (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The clinically and histologically observed prevention of the progression of adjuvant arthritis after LD-RT given during the peak of the acute inflammatory response and the reduction of cartilage and bone destruction in the chronic phase appears to be related to the modulation of iNOS activity by low X-ray doses.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Autonomous nervous system with respect to dressing of cattle carcasses and its probable role in transfer of PrP(res) molecules.

Pathogen prions are widely recognized as the causative agent in bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and other transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. However, more research on the possible transmission mutes of this agent once it has reached the host is needed. There is evidence based on the anatomy and physiology of the autonomous nervous system (ANS), as well as observations for different animal species, that the ANS might be involved in the axonal drainage of pathogen prions toward the central nervous system. In this context, more attention should be paid to the cranial cervical ganglion, the stellate ganglion, the chain of paravertebral ganglia next to the first six thoracic vertebrae, the chain of the paravertebral ganglia next to loin vertebrae 1 through 6, the vagus nerve in the neck region and in the mediastine, and the esophagus (because of its close connection to the vagus nerve). For a more detailed risk analysis with respect to these tissues, the ANSs of animals having shown clinical signs of BSE might be examined to corroborate the evidence presented here. In the meantime, as a precautionary measure, the tissue addressed should be taken out of the human food chain, taken out of animal feed, and handled as if it were specified risk material. It is technically possible to remove these parts during cutting and dressing.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Fibroblasts enhance the invasive capacity of melanoma cells in vitro.

In previous experiments we have shown an enhanced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in fibroblasts obtained from the border of invasive melanoma in comparison to fibroblasts more distant from the tumour. In the study reported here we sought to determine whether melanoma-derived soluble factors are responsible for the stimulation of MMP-1 expression in fibroblasts. By real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we demonstrated that the stimulation of fibroblasts with melanoma cell conditioned medium led to an increased expression of MMP-1 mRNA as well as MMP-1 protein, whereas melanoma cells themselves did not produce detectable amounts of MMP-1 protein. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was detected as an important factor responsible for the enhanced expression of MMP-1 by fibroblasts after stimulation with melanoma cell conditioned medium. In a three-dimensional in vitro invasion assay, we demonstrated that fibroblasts are essential for melanoma cell invasion into a collagen I matrix. These findings support the hypothesis that stromal fibroblasts assist the invasion of melanoma cells through the extracellular matrix by producing elevated amounts of proteolytic enzymes after interaction with soluble factors (e.g. bFGF).

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed2002

The Thy-1/Thy-1 ligand interaction is involved in binding of melanoma cells to activated Thy-1- positive microvascular endothelial cells.

The expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells as well on tumor cells regulates and directs adhesion and transmigration of tumor cells through the endothelial cell barrier as one prerequisite to the formation of metastasis. Thy-1 is an inducible activation-associated cell-adhesion molecule on human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs). In this study we investigated whether the Thy-1/Thy-1 ligand interaction may also play a role in adhesion of melanoma cells to endothelial cells. In situ, a strong Thy-1 expression on endothelial cells in melanoma and melanoma metastases was observed. In vitro, Thy-1 expression was stimulated by melanoma-cell-derived soluble factors, reflecting that Thy-1 expression in melanoma is not only due to a nonspecific inflammatory response. TNFalpha and bFGF were not responsible for this effect. In vitro and in situ a Thy-1 ligand was detected on melanoma cells. In cell-adhesion assays we showed the involvement of the Thy-1/Thy-1 ligand interaction in adhesion of melanoma cells to HDMECs. In summary, the data support that the study of the Thy-1/Thy-1 ligand interaction might give a more detailed insight into the regulation and direction of adhesion of melanoma cells to endothelial cells as one critical step in the formation of tumor metastasis.

Cell Adhesion↗
PubMed2002

Mononuclear cell adhesion and cell adhesion molecule liberation after X-irradiation of activated endothelial cells in vitro.

PURPOSE: Increased expression of cell adhesion molecules on endothelial cells is an important early event in inflammation. Low-dose radiotherapy is very effective anti-inflammatory treatment. The hypothesis that it may act by modulation of cell adhesion molecule expression in activated endothelial cells and the subsequent adhesion of mononuclear cells onto the activated endothelial cells was tested. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EA.hy.926 endothelial cells were irradiated with 0.3-10 Gy X-rays at different times before or after stimulation with TNFalpha. ICAM-1 or E-selectin expression was measured by ELISA and FACS. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated with an activated and irradiated confluent monolayer of endothelial cells 4 h, 12 h or 24 h after stimulation, and adhesion was determined in dynamic and static adhesion assays. RESULTS: In the static adhesion assay, where integrin-mediated adhesion dominates, radiation doses of 0.3-0.6 Gy reduced the adhesion of mononuclear cells onto EA.hy.926-EC in vitro by 25-40% and 15-25% of the control level 4 h and 24 h after stimulation, respectively, but increased adhesion 12 h after stimulation. In the dynamic adhesion assay, where selectin-mediated adhesion dominates, radiation doses of 0.3-0.6 Gy reduced the adhesion events by 40-50% and 30-40% of the control level 4 h and 24 h after stimulation, respectively, and again increased adhesion 12h after stimulation. X-ray doses of < or =5 Gy did not induce ICAM-1 expression, or modulate TNFalpha-induced ICAM-1 expression. E-selectin expression was, however, increased in a dose-dependent way 6 h after irradiation. In contrast, X-irradiation 2-5 h before stimulation decreased the characteristic transient expression of E-selectin after TNFalpha stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Modulation of E-selectin liberation on activated endothelial cells may be one mechanism to decrease leukocyte adhesion after low-dose irradiation in vitro, and could be involved in the therapeutic action of anti-inflammatory radiotherapy.

Cell Adhesion↗
PubMed2002

Anti-inflammatory effect of low-dose X-irradiation and the involvement of a TGF-beta1-induced down-regulation of leukocyte/endothelial cell adhesion.

PURPOSE: Low-dose radiotherapy (LD-RT) is known to exert an anti-inflammatory effect, but the underlying radiobiological and immunological mechanisms remain elusive. In recent studies, we observed a reduced adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to endothelial cells (EC) after LD-RT (0.3-0.7 Gy). This shows that this treatment affects the initial steps of the inflammatory response. To explore the role of inflammatory mediators in this process, we investigated the expression of Transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) after LD-RT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EC were grown to subconfluence and irradiated with single-dose LD-RT. Twenty-hours after irradiation, EC were treated with IL-1beta for 4 h and then incubated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Adherent PBMC were counted when using light microscopy. Expression of the cytokines TGF-beta(1) and IL-6 was measured by ELISA, and mRNA levels were analysed by the RNAse-protection assay (RPA). Surface expression of E-selectin was quantified by flow cytometry. RESULTS: A relative minimum of adhesion was observed after LD-RT between 0.3 and 0.7 Gy. This was paralleled by an expression maximum of TGF-beta(1) and IL-6, as shown by protein and mRNA levels, respectively. Neutralization of TGF-beta(1) by monoclonal antibodies, but not of IL-6, increased PBMC adhesion to EC nearly to control levels. In addition, fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis of irradiated EC demonstrated a down-regulation of E-selectin in the same dose range. CONCLUSION: Low-dose X-irradiation between 0.3 and 0.7 Gy induced a relative maximum of TGF-beta(1) production by stimulated EC. This results in a down-regulation of leukocyte/PBMC adhesion and may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effect of LD-RT.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Use of transcranial duplex sonography in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

The use of transcranial duplex sonography in documenting additional findings by measuring vasospasm and visualising aneurysms in neurosurgical patients is described. Daily measurement of vasospasm using this method enables reassessment of the status of the lesion in the context of the patient's clinical condition. This offers a practical alternative to angiographic investigation in aneurysm patients, provided ultrasound penetration of the cranium is optimal.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Perspectives of veterinary science--from the viewpoint of consumer health protection].

Concerning the causal chain "healthy animal--healthy food--healthy man" there's no doubt that mainly veterinarians are responsible for a safe preharvest area. In the food processing sector, of which economical importance is increasing in inverse proportion to agricultural activity of developed nations, the veterinarians must win through against many other professions. In this competition the specific veterinarian competence to prevent or to control microbiological, parasitological and some chemical hazards should be used. Therefore scientific work in veterinary public health has to concentrate on risk management. Additionally to developing methods for rapid and/or discriminative determination of causative agents the implementation of integrated quality assurance systems is needed in future according to the spirit of "intelligent" food hygiene.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on postoperative morbidity in soft tissue sarcomas.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NeoCT) does not increase morbidity in patients undergoing radical surgery for soft tissue sarcomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 309 patients who presented to The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for definitive surgical management of primary soft tissue sarcomas were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred five patients who received NeoCT were compared with 204 patients who had surgery first (Surg). Patients had extremity sarcomas (71 NeoCT patients and 130 Surg patients) or retroperitoneal/visceral sarcomas (34 NeoCT and 74 Surg). RESULTS: NeoCT patients had larger tumors (median, 12 v 8 cm), more frequently had high-grade tumors (90% v 64%), and were younger (median age 47 v 55 years). The incidence of surgical complications was not different for NeoCT patients than for Surg patients, both in those with extremity sarcomas (34% v 41%) and in those with retroperitoneal/visceral sarcomas (29% v 34%). The most common complications were wound infections and other wound complications. Preoperative radiation therapy, autologous flap coverage, and extremity tumors were associated with increased wound complications. No significant differences in length of hospital stay, rate of readmission, or rate of reoperation for complications were found between the NeoCT and Surg groups. One of the three postoperative deaths in our series occurred in the NeoCT group. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective review, there was no evidence that NeoCT increased postoperative morbidity in patients with soft tissue sarcomas. Prospective, randomized studies are needed to confirm these results.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic↗