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Immediate response of glenohumeral abduction range of motion to a caudally directed translational mobilization: a fresh cadaver simulation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immediate effect of caudal glide translational mobilization on the range of motion (ROM) of passive glenohumeral abduction with a fresh cadaver model to simulate the mobilization movement performed by a physical therapist treating patients with glenohumeral hypomobility. DESIGN: Mechanical simulation of caudal glide mobilization and abduction torque range of motion (TROM) measurement of the glenohumeral joint with 2 material testing systems. Mobilizations were conducted with the glenohumeral joint positioned at a resting position (IGR) and at the end range of abduction (IGE). SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory. CADAVERS: Twenty fresh shoulder specimens from 10 cadavers (mean age, 68 +/- 8 yr). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Changes in TROM of the glenohumeral abduction in response to 5 bouts of caudal glide mobilization. RESULTS: At least 3 repetitions of TROM were required to attain consistent measurements on glenohumeral abduction ROM. Significant differences were found among changes in TROM because of rest, IGR, and IGE (Kruskal-Wallis statistics, (chi2 = 14.58, p = .001). A greater increase in glenohumeral abduction TROM was found after IGE (mean +/- standard error of the mean, 4.38 degrees +/- 0.95 degrees) compared with the rest control (0.03 degrees +/- 0.07 degrees; Mann-Whitney test, p = .001, alpha = .017) or its IGR counterpart (0.26 degrees +/- 0.46 degrees, p = .001, alpha = .017). CONCLUSION: This simulation of caudal glide translational mobilization at the end range using cadaver models improved passive glenohumeral abduction ROM but was ineffective when performed with the shoulder placed in a resting position. The mechanical responses of the glenohumeral joint to translational mobilization in a live patient may be similar, but some caution should be used in generalizing these findings.

Aged↗

Spread of injectate during C6 stellate ganglion block and fascial arrangement in the prevertebral region: an experimental study using donated cadavers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The precise fascial space through which the injectate spreads during stellate ganglion block (SGB) remains unclear. Recent studies using magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography have suggested that the injectate is deposited around and/or within the longus colli muscle during SGB. However, a fascial space, close to the longus colli, is the most likely route of spread. We identified the prevertebral interlaminal space (PVILS), situated between the anterior and posterior laminae of the prevertebral layer of the fascia, as an important route for the spread of the injectate and as a potential pathway to the ganglion. The danger of downward spread of deep infections through this space has previously been recognized. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the 6th cervical vertebra paratracheal approach technique, we performed experimental SGB with 10 mL latex on donated cadavers. Spreading of latex into the PVILS was observed in 45 of 52 (86.5%) cadavers that had been fixed with formaldehyde after death, and 5 of 8 (62.5%) fresh cadavers. In these experiments, the latex usually reached the ganglion via the PVILS (39 of 45 and 5 of 5, respectively). Moreover, after direct injection into the PVILS, latex reached the ganglion in 13 of a further 19 (68.4%) postmortem-fixed donated cadavers. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the PVILS plays a critical role in the spread of injectate as well as being a potential pathway to the stellate ganglion during SGB.

Autonomic Nerve Block↗

A comparison of different embalming fluids on the quality of histological preservation in human cadavers.

There are significant problems in obtaining normal human material for histology for teaching or research purposes. This study shows that tissue from cadavers embalmed for teaching can be used for routine histology. Twelve cadavers embalmed with four different formalin-containing embalming fluids were used (n = 3 per fluid): (1) formalin mix (10% formalin); (2) Dunedin mix (an alcohol-based fluid containing phenol); (3) Michigan mix (a water-based fluid); and (4) phenoxyethanol mix (an alcohol-based fluid containing phenoxyethanol). Tissue blocks of liver, heart, kidney, skin and skeletal muscle were taken from each cadaver, paraffin embedded, sectioned and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H & E), Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS), or Mallory trichrome (Malt). Each section was assigned an overall score based on the histological quality of the cellular components of the tissue. Sections were scored from 1 to 3 (1 = poor, 2 = satisfactory, 3 = good). Satisfactory sections were obtained from all cadavers except those embalmed with the Dunedin mix. The Michigan and phenoxyethanol fluids resulted in consistently good quality sections. No significant differences in tissue morphology were observed between the different stains. The clearest morphology was observed in the skin and skeletal muscle sections, and in tissues embalmed with fluids which do not contain phenol.

Cadaver↗

The influence of the tonsillar gag on efficacy of seal, anatomic position, airway patency, and airway protection with the flexible laryngeal mask airway: a randomized, cross-over study of fresh adult cadavers.

UNLABELLED: We conducted a randomized, controlled, cross-over cadaver study to test the hypothesis that the efficacy of seal for ventilation and airway protection, anatomic position, and airway patency with the flexible laryngeal mask airway (FLMA) are altered by the application of a Boyle Davis (B-D) gag. We also determined the airway sealing pressure (ASP) at which the FLMA prevents aspiration when large volumes of fluid are placed above the cuff. We studied 20 adult cadavers (6-24 h postmortem). Efficacy of seal for ventilation and airway protection, anatomic position, and airway patency were determined with and without a B-D gag (two blade sizes: 8 and 10 cm) for the size 3, 4, and 5 FLMA in random order. Efficacy of seal for ventilation was determined by measuring the ASP at an intracuff pressure of 60 cm H2O. Efficacy of seal for airway protection was determined by flooding the mouth with 55-135 mL of water, reducing intracuff pressure until aspiration was detected fiberoptically and measuring ASP at this intracuff pressure. Anatomic position and airway patency were determined with a fiberoptic scope at an intracuff pressure of 60 cm H2O. In addition, in vivo compliance and ASP for the FLMA were measured in 10 cadavers and 10 paralyzed, anesthetized patients. Efficacy of seal for ventilation and airway protection, anatomic position, and airway patency did not change with the application of a gag for any mask size. The mean (range) ASP at which aspiration occurred when large volumes of fluid were placed above the cuff was 11 (7-15) cm H2O. The ASP for ventilation was always higher than the ASP for airway protection (P<0.0001). The FLMA had similar in vivo compliance and ASP in cadavers and anesthetized patients. We conclude that efficacy of seal for ventilation and airway protection, anatomic position and airway patency for the FLMA are unaffected by the application of a B-D gag in adults. ASP should be >15 cm H2O if there is a maximal risk of aspiration from above the cuff. IMPLICATIONS: The flexible laryngeal mask airway forms an effective seal for ventilation and protection of the airway that is unaffected by the application of a mouth gag that provides surgical access to the oropharynx. The efficacy of the seal should be >15 cm H2O if there is a maximal risk of aspiration from above the cuff.

Aged↗

Cervical spine motion during airway management: a cinefluoroscopic study of the posteriorly destabilized third cervical vertebrae in human cadavers.

UNLABELLED: We conducted a randomized, controlled, crossover study to determine cervical spine motion for six airway management techniques in human cadavers with a posteriorly destabilized third cervical (C-3) vertebra. A destabilized C-3 segment was created in 10 cadavers (6-24 h postmortem). Cervical motion was recorded by continuous lateral fluoroscopy. The following airway management techniques were performed in random order on each cadaver with manual in-line stabilization applied: face mask ventilation (FM), laryngoscope-guided orotracheal intubation (OETT), fiberscope-guided nasal intubation (FOS-NETT), esophageal tracheal Combitube((R)) (Kendall-Sheridan, Neustadt, Germany) insertion (ETC), intubating laryngeal mask insertion with fiberscope-guided tracheal intubation (ILM-OETT), and laryngeal mask airway insertion (LMA). Afterward, maximum head-neck flexion (FLEX-MAX) and maximum head-neck extension (EXT-MAX) without manual in-line stabilization was performed to determine maximum motion. The maximum posterior displacement of C-3 and the maximum segmental sagittal motion of C2-3 were determined. There was a significant increase in posterior displacement for the FM (1.9 +/- 1.2 mm, P: < 0.01), OETT (2.6 +/- 1.6 mm, P: < 0.0001), ETC (3.2 +/- 1.6 mm, P: < 0.0001), ILM-OETT (1.7 +/- 1.3 mm, P: < 0. 01), LMA (1.7 +/- 1.3 mm, P: < 0.01), FLEX-MAX (3.7 +/- 1.9 mm, P: < 0.0001), EXT-MAX (1.8 +/- 1.7, P: < 0.01), however, not for FOS-NETT (0.1 +/- 0.7 mm). Posterior displacement was less for the ILM-OETT and LMA than for the ETC (both P: < 0.04). There were no significant increases in segmental sagittal motion with any airway manipulation other than with FLEX-MAX (-4.5 +/- 4.0 degrees, P: < 0.01). Posterior displacement was similar to FLEX-MAX for the OETT and ETC; however, it was less for the FM, FOS-NETT, ILM-OETT, and LMA (all P: < 0.01). Posterior displacement was similar to EXT-MAX for all airway manipulations other than for FOS-NETT (P: < 0.001). For cervical motion and the techniques tested, the safest method of airway management in a patient with a posteriorly destabilized C-3 segment is FOS-NETT. LMA devices may be preferable to the ETC. IMPLICATIONS: In the cadaver model of a destabilized third cervical vertebrae, significant displacement of the injured segment occurs during airway management with the face mask, laryngoscope-guided oral intubation, the esophageal tracheal Combitube (Kendall-Sheridan, Neustadt, Germany), the intubating and standard laryngeal mask airway; but not with fiberscope-guided nasal intubation. For cervical motion and the techniques tested, the safest airway technique with this injury is fiberscope-guided nasotracheal intubation. Laryngeal mask devices are preferable to the esophageal tracheal Combitube.

Aged↗

Viewpoint: exploring the human interior: the roles of cadaver dissection and radiologic imaging in teaching anatomy.

For a variety of reasons, new radiological imaging techniques are supplanting traditional cadaver dissection in the teaching of human anatomy. The authors briefly review the historical forces behind this transition, and then explore the advantages and drawbacks of each approach. Cadaver dissection offers an active, hands-on exploration of human structure, provides deep insights into the meaning of human embodiment and mortality, and represents a profound rite of passage into the medical profession. Radiological imaging permits in vivo visualization, offers physiologic as well as anatomic insights, and represents the context in which contemporary practicing physicians most frequently encounter their patients' otherwise hidden internal anatomy. Despite its important strengths, radiology cannot simply substitute for cadaver dissection, and the best models for teaching gross anatomy will incorporate both cadaver dissection and radiological imaging.

Anatomy↗

Placement of endosteal implants in the zygoma after maxillectomy: a Cadaver study using surgical navigation.

Endosteal implants facilitate obturator prosthesis fixation in tumor patients after maxillectomy. Previous clinical studies have shown, however, that the survival of implants placed into available bone after maxillectomy is generally poor. Nevertheless, implants positioned optimally in residual zygomatic bone provide superior stability from a biomechanical point of view. In a pilot study, the authors assessed the precision of VISIT, a computer-aided surgical navigation system dedicated to the placement of endosteal implants in the maxillofacial area. Five cadaver specimens underwent hemimaxillectomy. The cadaver head was matched to a preoperative high-resolution computed tomograph by using implanted surgical microscrews as fiducial markers. The position of a surgical drill relative to the cadaver head was determined with an optical tracking system. Implants were placed into the zygomatic arch, where maximum bone volume was available. The results were assessed using tests for localization accuracy and postoperative computed tomographic scans of the cadaver specimens. The localization accuracy of landmarks on the bony skull was 0.6 +/- 0.3 mm (average +/- SD), as determined with a 5-df pointer probe; the localization accuracy of the tip of the implant burr was 1.7 +/- 0.4 mm. The accuracy of the implant position compared with the planned position was 1.3 +/- 0.8 mm for the external perforation of the zygoma and 1.7 +/-1.3 mm for the internal perforation. Eight of 10 implants were inserted with maximal contact to surrounding bone, and two implants were located unfavorably. Reliable placement of implants in this region is difficult to achieve. The technique described in this article may be very helpful in the management of patients after maxillary resection with poor support for obturator prostheses.

Cadaver↗

The effect of airway maneuvers on the unstable C1-C2 segment. A cadaver study.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a cadaver study in which video fluoroscopy is used to measure motion of the unstable spine at C1-C2 during intubation maneuvers. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the amount of motion that occurs at an unstable C1-C2 spinal segment during the use of various intubation techniques using a cadaver model. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In previous work by the authors, a methodology and measurements for the unstable C5-C6 segment in a cadaver model were developed. These studies showed that the most motion was created by a chin lift and jaw thrust and that oral techniques created more motion than nasal intubation. The potential motion that occurs during intubation with instability at C1-C2 is yet unstudied. Therefore, a study to determine the effects of intubation on the spine with an unstable C1-C2 segment was designed. METHODS: Six human cadavers were used for the study. Measurements before and after transoral osteotomy of the odontoid were performed using video fluoroscopy. Pre-intubation maneuvers and oral and nasal intubation were studied. RESULTS: Oral intubation and nasal intubation caused similar diminution of space available for the cord. Chin lift and jaw thrust caused a larger diminution of space available for the cord than either nasal or oral intubation techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Although nasal intubation is the accepted procedure for intubation of the unstable spine, nasal and oral intubation seemed to have the same ability to narrow the space available for the cord in the model in this study. Great care should be taken while performing the chin lift/jaw thrust maneuvers in preparation for intubation, because these pre-intubation techniques caused the most motion and hence narrowed the space available for the cord in the unstable cervical spine.

Cadaver↗

Effects of HLA-A and B matching on success of cadaver grafts at a single center.

The effect of HLA matching on the success of cadaver renal allografts was examined utilizing computerized multifactoral analysis in a large single renal transplant center. One hundred ninety-one consecutive cadaver transplant recipients (from January 1968 to August 1975) were followed from 2 1/2 to 9 years. During the period surveyed we had not utilized the tissue typing results in a prospective manner to select recipients. The data presented attest to the beneficial effect of utilizing well matched cadaver grafts. HLA matching of two or more antigens results in significantly superior 2- and 4-year patient survival and graft function compared to results for cadaver kidneys matched for zero and one HLA antigen. The results are not greatly influenced when age, sex, or time of transplant are controlled. The importance of tissue typing is particularly clear if higher doses of antilymphoblast globulin (ALG) are administered. The risk inherent in advancing recipient age is markedly reduced by better transplant matches. Graft function is also superior in the diabetic patients receiving good HLA matches, but there are too few patients to make these results statistically significant.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Clinical relevance of HLA-DPB locus matching for cadaver kidney retransplants: a report of the Collaborative Transplant Study.

BACKGROUND: Matching for the HLA class I loci A and B and for the HLA class II locus DRB is known to influence the survival rate of kidney transplants. It is unknown whether matching for the HLA class II locus DPB also exerts an influence on graft outcome. METHODS: The influence of matching for the HLA-DPB locus was analyzed based on DNA typing results obtained in more than 3600 first and 1300 repeat cadaver kidney transplants. RESULTS: HLA-DPB mismatches had no deleterious influence on the outcome of first cadaver transplants. However, the influence was statistically significant for retransplants. One-year graft survival rates were 83+/-2% with no mismatch (n=345), as compared with 76+/-2% with one mismatch (n=702, P=0.02), and 73+/-3% with two mismatches (n=258, P=0.003). The deleterious influence of HLA-DPB mismatches was particularly strong in retransplant recipients with >50% reactivity of preformed lymphocytotoxic antibodies, for which the 1-year graft survival rate was 70+/-4% with no mismatch, as compared with 69+/-3% with one mismatch (P=0.05) and 61+/-5% with two mismatches (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that HLA-DPB is a clinically relevant histocompatibility locus in cadaver kidney retransplantation. It is proposed that prospective typing and matching for HLA-DPB should be implemented for cadaver kidney retransplants.

Cadaver↗

Glomerular structure in the normal human kidney: differences between living and cadaver donors.

Glomerular structure has been studied in tissues derived from normal living and cadaver kidney donors. Values obtained in such subjects were considered interchangeable and have been used to define the normal parameters when evaluating the effects of various renal diseases. The present study evaluated glomerular structure by light and electron microscopy in 83 living and 53 cadaver kidney donors. Glomerular basement membrane (GBM) width (356 +/- 52 versus 329 +/- 45 nm), glomerular volume (1.64 +/- 0.47 versus 1.33 +/- 0.39 x 10(6) microm(3)), and mesangial matrix volume per glomerulus (0.15 +/- 0.05 versus 0.12 +/- 0.04 x 10(6) microm(3)) were significantly greater in cadaver compared with living kidney donors, respectively. It is hypothesized that glomerular and extracellular matrix swelling is associated with the cadaver kidney preservation process. This study suggests that the normal values for glomerular structure should be derived only from living kidney donor tissues.

Adolescent↗

Intradiscal pressure study of percutaneous disc decompression with nucleoplasty in human cadavers.

STUDY DESIGN: Intradiscal pressure was measured after percutaneous disc decompression by nucleoplasty in human cadavers with different degrees of disc degeneration. OBJECTIVES: To assess intradiscal pressure change after disc decompression, and to analyze the influence of degeneration on the intradiscal pressure change. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Partial removal of the nucleus has been shown to decompress herniated discs, relieving pressure on nerve roots and, in some cases, offering relief from disc pain. Nucleoplasty, a new minimally invasive procedure using patented Coblation technology, combines coagulation and ablation for partial removal of the nucleus. Coblated channels remove the tissue volume and may decrease the disc pressure. METHODS: Three fresh human cadaver spinal specimens (T8-L5; age, 54-84 years; mean age, 70.7 years) were used in this investigation. The intradiscal pressure was measured at three points: before treatment, after each channel was created, and after treatment using a 25-guage 6-inch needle connected to a Merit Medical Systems Intellisystem Inflation Monitor. The needles were calibrated initially to approximately 30 pounds per square inch. For the control, the change in disc pressure was recorded by the same procedure without using Coblation energy. To evaluate the effectiveness of nucleoplasty, disc pressure changes were compared between treatment with and without Coblation energy. RESULTS: Intradiscal pressure was markedly reduced in the younger, healthy disc cadaver. In the older, degenerative disc cadavers, the change in intradiscal pressure after nucleoplasty was very small. There was an inverse correlation between the degree of disc degeneration and the change in intradiscal pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure reduction through nucleoplasty is highly dependent on the degree of spine degeneration. Nucleoplasty markedly reduced intradiscal pressure in nondegenerative discs, but had a negligible effect on highly degenerative discs.

Aged↗

Venous anatomy of the right colon: precise structure of the major veins and gastrocolic trunk in 58 cadavers.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to describe the precise venous anatomy of the right colon, which is especially important for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. METHODS: Fifty-eight adult cadavers were dissected to define the three major venous tributaries of the right colon: the ileocolic vein, right colic vein, and middle colic vein. Two or three middle colic veins were often present, and the biggest one was designated as the main middle colic vein. The middle colic vein and the right colic vein occasionally formed a common trunk with the right gastroepiploic vein and/or the pancreaticoduodenal vein. This common trunk was defined as the gastrocolic trunk. RESULTS: All 58 cadavers had a single ileocolic vein. All of the ileocolic veins drained into the superior mesenteric vein. The right colic vein was absent in 56.9 percent (33/58), and the other 43.1 percent had a single right colic vein. The right colic vein joined the superior mesenteric vein directly in 56 percent (14/25) and the gastrocolic trunk in 44 percent (11/25). The middle colic vein was the most variable. A single middle colic vein was present in 37.9 percent (22/58), 2 middle colic veins were present in 50 percent (29/58), and 3 middle colic veins were present in 12.1 percent (7/58). The main middle colic vein drained into the superior mesenteric vein directly in 84.5 percent (49/58), whereas 12.1 percent (7/58) drained into the gastrocolic trunk. In two cadavers, there was anomalous drainage of the main middle colic vein to the splenic vein and the inferior mesenteric vein. Forty-three accessory middle colic veins were present in total. These drained into the superior mesenteric vein in 17 cadavers and into the gastrocolic trunk in 23. The gastrocolic trunk was present in 69 percent (40/58), being formed with the right colic vein in 27.5 percent (11/40; 1 was together with an accessory middle colic vein) and with the middle colic vein in 75 percent (30/40; 7 with the main middle colic vein, 23 with the accessory middle colic vein). CONCLUSION: Venous anatomy of the right colon is highly variable. It is especially important to recognize the lack of direct drainage of the right colic vein to the superior mesenteric vein and the high frequency of the presence of plural middle colic veins and the gastrocolic trunk.

Adult↗

Hertel curve: orbital volume increment and proptosis in a cadaver model.

PURPOSE: This study examined the relation between effective orbital volume increment and proptosis induced by an inflatable orbital implant in a human cadaver orbit. METHODS: A 25-ml inflatable latex balloon was inserted between the periorbita and orbital floor in 15 human cadavers. Hertel measurements were taken for each milliliter over a total 7-ml volume increment. Five trials per orbit for 15 cadavers resulted in 525 data points. RESULTS: Average exophthalmos per milliliter of volume increment was plotted over 7 ml, using 1-ml volume increments. The resultant curve, which was termed a Hertel curve, was linear over 7 ml (R > 99%) and had a slope of 0.62 mm per milliliter of volume increment. CONCLUSIONS: An inflatable orbital implant is an effective tool for introducing a specified amount of volume in the cadaver orbit. The predictable relation between proptosis and volume increment (Hertel curve) may be a useful tool for surgeons in planning the size of an implant required to surgically correct enophthalmos.

Blepharoptosis↗

Postmortem computed tomography of cadavers embalmed for use in teaching gross anatomy.

OBJECTIVE: To integrate radiology more fully into the first year of medical school, each student was provided with a computed tomographic (CT) scan of his or her gross anatomy cadaver before dissection. We describe the imaging findings of these embalmed cadavers. METHODS: Eighteen cadavers, embalmed within 2 days of death and stored an average of 8 months, were scanned with multidetector CT. RESULTS: The CT findings provided opportunities for enhanced learning and guidance for the dissection. Specific findings were categorized as postmortem and embalming changes, pathological changes, and iatrogenic changes. Image quality was degraded by beam hardening artifact caused by the arms being placed alongside the body. Differences in attenuation between many soft-tissue structures were reduced, compared with living subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Findings on CT scans of embalmed cadavers show significant differences from CT scans of living patients, due to postmortem state and artifacts of preservation.

Adult↗

Flash x-ray observations of cavitation in cadaver thighs caused by high-velocity bullets.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to record flash x-ray images of cavitation in human cadaver thighs caused by the passage of high-velocity bullets. The images are an initial step for understanding the cavitation process in human tissue and for implementing a better definition of extensive tissue injury. METHODS: Bullets were fired through the mid-thighs of 13 cadaver legs. The bullets were of two calibers, 7.62-mm full metal jacket boat tail with strike velocities in the range of 794 m/s to 880 m/s (10 thighs) and 5.70 mm full metal jacket with velocities in the range of 973 m/s to 992 m/s (3 thighs). Short duration (35 ns) x-ray images were recorded at various selected times after the bullets passed near the femurs. This study was carried out at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology under approved human subject protocols. RESULTS: The cavity sizes and shapes were observed for the two types of bullets and at a number of times during the expansion and collapse of the cavities. As the bullets passed through the thighs, narrow cavities behind the bullets were observed. At later times, large expanded cavities were observed that encompassed the entire mid-thigh region. The observed cavities are at variance with those which were reported previously in gelatin tissue simulants. CONCLUSION: Flash x-ray radiography is an effective technique for the observation of internal cavitation in cadaver thighs caused by high-velocity bullets. These observations suggest that gelatin is not a proven simulant for human cadaver tissue in the study of cavitation subsequent to high-velocity missile impact.

Cadaver↗

Regurgitation and oesophageal rupture with cricoid pressure: a cadaver study.

The efficacy of cricoid pressure was studied in 10 adult cadavers. The oesophageal pressure that would result in regurgitation during measured values of cricoid pressure was determined. Oesophageal pressure, recorded by a 2 mm diameter oesophageal tube, was increased by oesophageal distension with saline, and incremental levels of cricoid force, 20, 30 and 40 Newtons, were applied with a cricoid yoke. With each 10 Newton increment of cricoid force there was a significant rise in the oesophageal pressure required to provoke regurgitation (p < 0.01). Thirty Newtons of cricoid force prevented regurgitation of saline in all cadavers with oesophageal pressures of up to 40 mmHg. Rupture of the oesophagus occurred in three cadavers: one at 30 and two at 40 Newtons of cricoid force, but there was no rupture at 20 Newtons of cricoid force. In the other seven cadavers oesophageal pressures were also studied with a 4.6 mm diameter (14 FG) oesophageal tube, which did not reduce the efficacy of cricoid pressure in preventing regurgitation.

Aged↗

A calcineurin antagonist-free induction/maintenance strategy for immunosuppression in elderly recipients of renal allografts from elderly cadaver donors: long-term results from a prospective single centre trial.

BACKGROUND: With the aim to improve the inferior outcomes in elderly recipients of kidneys from elderly cadaver donors, we applied and investigated a therapeutic regimen consisting of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-free, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)-based immunosuppressive (i.s.) induction/maintenance protocol. In this article, we report the long-term results of this clinical trial. METHODS: A total of 89 recipients (mean age: 63.8 yr) of kidneys from cadaver donors (mean age: 66.8 yr) were consecutively recruited for this 5-yr, prospective, open, single centre, pilot trial. Induction therapy consisted of MMF and steroids in conjunction with a short course (4-10 d) of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (ATG). Maintenance treatment was performed with MMF/steroids or MMF alone under strict therapeutic drug monitoring by aiming target mycophenolic acid (MPA)-trough levels between 2 and 6 mg/mL. RESULTS: Cumulative 5-year patient and renal allograft survival was 87.69% and 69.81%, respectively. Acute rejection episodes occurred in 23.6% (21 patients). Long-term function of the old renal allografts proved to be satisfactory as reflected by serum creatinine-values of 1.53 mg/dL and urea-values of 57.9 mg/dL at 5 yr. CONCLUSION: Application of a nephrotoxicity- and atherogenicity-free, MMF-based i.s. induction/maintenance protocol in elderly recipient of kidneys from elderly cadaver donors leads to improved long-term outcomes which are comparable with data from young recipients who have received allografts from young cadaver donors.

Aged↗