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Background: Percutaneous drainage with alcohol injection for hydatid cysts has been commonly used in the last two decades. Albendazole is the drug of choice in the medical treatment of hydatidosis, and has also been used as an intraoperative scolicidal solution. The side-effects of its local application are not well known and have not been investigated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of the intracystic injections of alcohol and albendazole solutions on the hydatid cysts and hepatobiliary system of rabbits., Methods: There were three groups of eight rabbits: a control group, an alcohol group and an albendazole group. In all groups hepatic hydatidosis was obtained. The control group received no therapeutic procedure. Cyst liquid was aspirated, and alcohol or albendazole solutions were injected in the other two study groups. alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, echinococcus indirect hemagglutination (IHA) tests, and the size and volume of the residual cysts were investigated. Liver was histopathologically evaluated., Results: The ALT, AST, GGT, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were significantly higher in the alcohol group, whereas echinococcus IHA level was highest in the control group than in the study groups. Albendazole had similar effects but of a lesser degree (P < 0.01). After therapy, the cyst volume was greater in the control than in the albendazole group (P < 0.01). In histopathological evaluation hepatocellular necrosis, portal inflammation and fibrosis were most severe in the alcohol group (P < 0.01)., Conclusions: Alcohol and albendazole solutions are effective as scolicidal solutions. Higher scolicidal effect and lesser side-effects on hepatobiliary system are the advantages of albendazole solution., (Copyright 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)

Background: The factors affecting the thermal status in neonates and infants undergoing general anesthesia are not yet investigated in detail. We evaluated the factors leading to intraoperative hypothermia in 60 neonates and infants., Methods: The initial body temperatures and the core temperatures at the 10th, 30th, 60th and 90th minute of anesthesia, as well as at the end of the operation were recorded. The patients were divided into the groups according to the age, type of surgery (minor vs major), operating room (OR) temperatures (low '<23 degrees C' vs high '>23 degrees C') and the initial core temperature of the patients., Results: In 31 neonates and 29 infants, the mean core temperatures decreased 10 min after anesthesia induction. In all neonates and in infants with 'low OR temperature' (<23 degrees C), these decreases continued to the end of the surgery. Except infants undergoing minor surgery, in all patients, the core temperatures at the end of surgery were lower than the baseline temperature. The greatest decrease in core temperatures occurred in neonates undergoing major surgery and with low OR temperature. In low OR temperature, the decrease of core temperature is higher in patients with major surgery. In patients undergoing minor surgery, the decrease of core temperature is more in neonates than infants. Major surgery increased the chance of decrease of the core temperature by 2.66 times and operating room temperature less than 23 degrees C by 1.96 times., Conclusion: The type of surgery and the OR temperature are the main factors for decrease of the core temperature in neonates and infants. In neonates, the core temperatures are less stable, regardless of OR temperature and type of surgery. In high OR temperature, infants can stabilize their core temperature better than neonates.

Primary hemangiopericytoma of the rib is extremely rare and only a few cases have been reported. A 62-yr-old man presented with an aching chest pain and dyspnea. Thoracic computed tomography revealed a homogenous mass expanding the right seventh rib. A diagnosis of hemangiopericytoma was established by percutaneous needle biopsy. Preoperative embolization of the feeding vessels of the tumor was performed in order to prevent perioperative bleeding. There was no significant bleeding during the surgery, where complete resection of the tumor with 7th to 9th ribs with a surgical margin of 5 cm was performed. Postoperative course was uneventful and there has been no recurrence for thirteen months. To our knowledge, there has been no report to apply a preoperative embolization of a primary hemangiopericytoma of the rib.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether tissue coring occurs with 22-G hollow needle and 22-G caudal block needle during caudal injection in children, as well as evaluating the nature of the coring material if it did occur., Methods: Seventy children were randomly allocated to two groups and caudal block was performed with either 22-G hollow (group I) or 22-G caudal block (group II) needle under general anesthesia. The needles and guides were washed with 0.5 ml of 70% ethanol in a sterile tube and were evaluated by a pathologist blinded to the type of needle used, for the type and number of cells., Results: Nucleated cells, which have no mitotic activity, were present in 8.5% in each study group and bloody material was present in 8.5 and 2.8%, in group I and II, respectively. Non-nucleated epidermal cells were detected in 94.2 and 97.1% of the patients in group I and II, respectively. However, cells with mitotic activity from the stratum basale were not detected in any slides., Conclusions: The incidence of transporting nucleated epidermal cells with no mitotic activity from stratum spinosum during puncture for caudal block is low and no differences exist between different types of needle used. However, it may also suggest that transporting nucleated cells with mitotic activity from the stratum basale may be possible during caudal puncture.

Objective: The analgesic effect of bupivacaine/fentanyl with epinephrine given interpleurally after thoracotomy was investigated in a randomized placebo and intravenous controlled study., Design: Prospective clinical study., Setting: University teaching hospital., Participants: Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status II and III patients scheduled for posterolateral thoracotomy with general anesthesia., Interventions: Patients were randomly divided into 4 groups to receive either 0.5% bupivacaine/1.5 microg/kg of fentanyl with 5 microg/mL of epinephrine (n = 15, group IPBF), 0.5 % bupivacaine with 5 microg/mL of epinephrine (n = 15, group IPB), or saline (n = 15, group IPS) in a total volume of 15 to 20 mL in 60 seconds by an interpleural catheter placed at the end of surgery by direct vision. The same volume of bupivacaine 0.25% and 1.5 microg/kg of fentanyl with 5 microg/mL of epinephrine to group IPBF, bupivacaine 0.25% with 5 microg/mL of epinephrine to group IPB or saline to group IPS was injected through the interpleural catheter every 6 hours for 48 hours postoperatively. Intravenous fentanyl (n = 15, group IVF) and interpleural saline groups received 1.5 microg/kg of fentanyl intravenously at the first complaint of pain. All patients also received patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with fentanyl for 48 hours postoperatively. Metamizol sodium was used as a rescue analgesic., Measurements and Main Results: Adequacy of pain relief was evaluated with the "Prince Henry Pain Scale" and visual analog pain scale. Fentanyl consumption via PCA and complications were evaluated for 48 hours. Visual analog scale scores were significantly higher in the interpleural saline group at 4 and 12 hours (6.6 +/- 1.2 and 5.0 +/- 2.1, respectively) postoperatively. Significantly more patients in the IPBF group had lower pain scores during coughing and deep breathing. Fentanyl consumption via PCA device was significantly higher in the intravenous fentanyl group (1,069 +/- 96.9 microg) than the interpleural groups (577.3 +/- 72.2 microg, 651.1 +/- 61.9 microg, and 601.0 +/- 22.6 microg in IPBF, IPB, and IPS groups, respectively)., Conclusion: It is concluded that total fentanyl consumption via PCA decreased in all interpleural groups, but pain during coughing and deep breathing was significantly reduced in only the interpleural bupivacaine/fentanyl with epinephrine group.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the intensity and effectiveness of 0.75 ml.kg-1 bupivacaine 0.25% with the addition of fentanyl or midazolam for caudal block in children undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy., Methods: Seventy-five children were allocated randomly to three groups to receive a caudal block with either 0.25% bupivacaine with fentanyl 1 microg.kg(-1) (group BF) or with midazolam 50 microg.kg(-1) (group BM) or bupivacaine alone (group B) after induction of anaesthesia. Haemodynamic parameters, degree of pain, additional analgesic requirements and side-effects were evaluated., Results: The mean systolic arterial pressure at 10, 20, 30 min after caudal block was higher in group B compared with groups BF and BM. Mean intraoperative heart rate was lower in group BF than the other groups. Adequate analgesia was obtained in all patients (100%) in group BF, 23 patients (92%) in group BM and 21 patients (84%) in group B (P > 0.05). The time to recovery to an Aldrete score of 10 was significantly shorter in group B than group BM (P < 0.05). Although not significant, it was also shorter in group B than group BF. There was no difference in additional analgesic requirements between the groups in the first 24 h. Sedation score was higher in the midazolam group at 60 and 90 min postoperatively than the other groups., Conclusions: Caudal block with 0.75 ml.kg(-1) 0.25% bupivacaine and 50 microg.kg(-1) midazolam or 1 microg.kg(-1) fentanyl provides no further analgesic advantages to bupivacaine alone when administered immediately after induction of anaesthesia in children undergoing unilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Background: Cefoperazone has not been reported to cause vasculitic complications before. Here, we report a case of hypersensitivity vasculitis associated with cefoperazone/sulbactam., Case Presentation: A 13-year-old girl with appendicitis developed hypersensitivity vasculitis on the fifth day of cefoperazone/sulbactam therapy. Hypersensitivity vasculitis resolved gradually after removal of the agent on the seventh day and did not recur. Although hypersensitivity vasculitis has multiple causes, coexistence of hypersensitivity vasculitis and cefoperazone treatment, and the quite resolution of the disease after removal of the drug, strongly favours a causative relationship., Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report of a hypersensitivity vasculitis associated with cefoperazone.

This study was designed to examine the immunohistochemical expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and bcl-2 protein in 45 cases with advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma who had undergone total laryngectomy with unilateral modified radical neck dissection, and the relation of this expression to some prognostic factors such as tumor front grading and neck lymph node metastases. Sections were reevaluated for routine histologic grade, tumor front grading and neck lymph node metastases, and were stained with monoclonal antibodies against PCNA and bcl-2. Significant correlation was present between the severity of PCNA expression and incidence of lymph node metastasis (p<0.05). No correlation was found between the severity of PCNA expression and tumor front grading. Bcl-2 expression did not associate with either parameters. In conclusion, PCNA is important in predicting prognosis and no association is present between the bcl-2 protein expression and prognostic factors.

Subdural hematoma is a rare complication of spinal anesthesia. This patient underwent bilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy under spinal anesthesia 40 days prior to admission. Two days after spinal anesthesia, the patient described a typical postdural puncture headache. Oral analgesics, fluid therapy, and lying flat were recommended. Because of prolonged headache, computed tomography scan was performed and demonstrated chronic subdural hematoma in the left fronto-temporo-parietal region. After surgical drainage, the patient fully recovered. Prolonged headache should be regarded as a warning sign of subdural hematoma.

The effect of the timing of neurorrhaphy on neuromuscular function was studied. The gastrocnemius neuromuscular units of 22 rabbits were used, with repairs performed immediately and 3 weeks after nerve transection. At the end of 3 months, electrophysiological and histological results were compared. The study found that there was a higher rate of neuromuscular function return in primarily sutured nerves (88.0%) than in nerves repaired by secondary suture (63.0%). The histological examination also confirmed a better preserved microscopic structure of the primary repair group.

We assessed the influence of anesthetic technique for cesarean section on neonatal outcome. Thirty parturient women (ASA I/II) were randomly allocated into two groups. In Group GA general anesthesia was induced with 4 mg.kg(-1) thiopental and 1.5 mg.kg(-1) succinylcholine. In group EA epidural anesthesia was performed with 20 ml 0.375% bupivacaine through L(3-4) inter-space. 1-min Apgar scores were significantly higher in group EA (p < 0.001). Neurologic and Adaptive Capacity scores at 2 and 24 h were higher in group EA (p < 0.001). In terms of blood gas values, umbilical arterial pH and pO(2) values were higher in group EA (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). The first breast-feeding intervals were found to be shorter in group EA (p < 0.001). We conclude that in terms of better Apgar and NAC scores, acid-base status and earlier initiation of breast-feeding, the epidural anesthesia may be preferred to general anesthesia in cesarean section., (Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel)

One of the most common causes of pain and disability in the upper limb is inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons. When no significant bony abnormality exists in the surrounding structures, the coracoacromial ligament has been implicated as a possible cause of impingement on the cuff tendons and various morphological variants of the ligament have so far been claimed to be either the cause or the result of impingement. In this study, 110 shoulders from 60 neonatal cadavers that were preserved in a preparation of formaldehyde were dissected. Anatomic variations of coracoacromial ligaments were investigated with metric and histologic analysis. Three main ligament types were identified: quadrangular, broad band and U-shaped. The multiple banded ligament was not found. Histologic analysis showed that in U-shaped ligaments a thin tissue existed in the central part of the ligament close to the coracoid. Comparing our data with the adult measurements of a previous study we suggest that the primordial ligament is broad shaped, but assumes a quadrangular shape due to the different growth rates of the coracoid and acromial ends. We also suggest that broad and U-shaped ligaments account for the primordial and quadrangular and Y-shaped ligaments account for the adult types of the single or double banded anatomic variants respectively. Our results show that various types of the coracoacromial ligament are present at the neonatal period and that the final shape of the ligament should be defined by developmental factors, rather than degenerative changes.

Mandibular osteomyelitis due to Actinomyces group is considered rare in the pediatric population. The initial complaint of the 4-year-old child described here was increased swelling of his cheek and pain. The patient was managed successfully by surgical treatment with antibiotic therapy.

Objective: To compare the hemodynamic and sedative effects of midazolam - with or without fentanyl combination - with placebo in coronary angiography., Design: Prospective, double-blind, randomized study., Setting: University medical centre., Patients: All patients undergoing coronary angiography., Interventions: Demographic data, hemodynamic variables, sedation and anxiety scores, amnesia, patient and cardiologist satisfaction, and adverse effects were evaluated and compared among coronary angiography patients taking midazolam, midazolam and fentanyl, or placebo before the procedure., Main Results: Ninety patients scheduled for coronary angiography were randomly assigned into three groups: a midazolam-placebo group (group MP), a midazolam-fentanyl group (group MF) and a placebo group (group P). Hemodynamic stability was better in each sedation group (groups MP and MF) than in group P. Sedation scores, anxiolysis, and patient and cardiologist satisfaction were not different between the sedation groups., Conclusions: Both techniques of conscious sedation - midazolam and midazolam with fentanyl - are satisfactory for coronary angiography where hemodynamic stability and patient cooperation are required. In such procedures, local anesthesia without sedation may lead to hypertension and increase overall morbidity.

Although the subclavian vein is often used for placement of double-lumen hemodialysis catheters, the risk factors for complications for the patients with chronic renal failure are underestimated. We report a case of a patient with chronic renal failure in whom brachial plexus injury was caused by both a compressive hematoma and direct insertion of a needle resulting from a subclavian vein catheterization attempt for hemodialysis. This case emphasizes the need for determining the coagulation status of the patient especially with chronic renal failure before performing invasive procedures.

A case of secondary syphilis acquired by nonsexual household contact in a prepubertal girl is presented.

Studies on the protective effect of omeprazole, a proton-pump inhibitor, against damage to the rat gastric mucosa induced by strong irritants, are few and contradictory. We have investigated the protective effects of omeprazole and sucralfate against gastric mucosal damage induced by ethanol in rats. The study was performed on 4 groups of 10 rats each. Group A received omeprazole 7 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 7 days. Group B received an equivalent volume of 0.9% sodium chloride i.p. for 7 days, while no drugs were given to groups C and D. After 1 week, following 24 hours of fasting, group A received omeprazole 7 mg/kg, group B received an equivalent volume of 0.9% sodium chloride group C received omeprazole 7 mg/kg i.p. and group D received sucralfate, 100 mg/kg intragastrically (i.g.). 4 hours after groups A, B and C received the last medication and 30 minutes after group D received sucralfate, ethanol 95% was given i.g. All rats were sacrificed 1 hour after ethanol application and their stomachs were removed for macroscopic and microscopic examination. It was found that sucralfate was effective in preventing gastric lesions induced by ethanol. There was a significant difference between the sucralfate group and the other group (p < 0.001). Omeprazole was ineffective in preventing gastric lesions, either given as a single dose or after administration for 7 days. Our results indicate that sucralfate has a protective effect on gastric lesions induced by ethanol and omeprazole applied i.p. has no protective effect.

The use of scolocidal solutions in the hepatobiliary system may result in caustic sclerosing cholangitis. In this study, the effectivenes of a biological metabolite of albendazole, albendazole sulfoxide, on scolices and the hepatobiliary system was evaluated. In the in vitro study, it was found that 100 microg/ml albendazole sulfoxide solution had strong scolocidal effect in 15 min. In the in vivo study, two experimental groups, each consisting of 8 rabbits aged 3-4 months and weighing 2,500 +/- 250 g, 100 microg/ml albendazole sulfoxide and normal saline were given into the biliary tract. ALP, GGT, SGOT and SGPT values on days 7, 30 and 60 were not found to be significantly increased compared to preoperative values. Total bilirubin values were high in the working group 7 and 30 days postoperatively and on day 30 in the control group, returning back to normal levels on day 60 in both groups. Histopathological evaluation of the liver parenchyma and the biliary system on day 60 revealed no differences between the groups. Consequently, albendazole sulfoxide solution may be used intraoperatively for scolocidal purposes.

Persistent median artery was studied in 60 upper limbs of 30 neonatal cadavers. It was found in 12 (20%) specimens while partial atrophy in the distal part of the median artery was detected in 9 (15%) specimens. These findings correlated well with those of other series including the authors' previous study which covered both adults and neonates. There was no significant difference statistically between the authors' current and previous studies (p > 0.05). Therefore both studies were combined. The incidence of persistent median artery in this enlarged series (100 specimens) was 17%. This rate of persistent median artery was higher than those of most other published series. We believe this may be due to evolutionary and racial trends; the neonatal origin of our specimens would be another differing factor. Partial atrophy of the median artery, and the different incidences in neonates and adults raised the possibility that the median artery regresses at a later age, possibly during perinatal and early infancy period.

Intestinal atresia is the most frequently encountered cause of ileus in the neonate. Of all atresias combination of small and large bowel atresias is extremely rare. In 1973, Guttman presented a case with multiple, widespread atresias of small and large bowel, intraluminal calcifications and a hereditary nature. This paper describes the detailed pathological findings of a similar case of multiple intestinal atresias and discusses for the pathogenesis of this rare condition.

Purpose: The effect of antiglaucomatous agents on conjunctiva used for various durations evaluated histopathologically., Methods: Conjunctiva biopsies were taken in 19 Mayis University Faculty of Medicine Ophthalmology Department from 31 eyes of 30 patients who underwent filtration surgery after a period of antiglaucomatous agent use and examined under light microscope. The results were compared with the results of conjunctival biopsies from 10 similar aged patients undergoing retinal detachment of cataract surgery and with no other ocular pathology., Results: Five of the cases were using antiglaucomatous treatment for two months (Group A), four cases for two to 12 months (Group B) and 22 cases for more than 12 months (Group C) before the surgery. Four cases were using a beta blocker only, eight cases beta blocker + sympathomimetic or beta blocker + myotic and the remaining 19 cases were using a combination of beta blocker + sympathomimetic + myotic. Histopathologic evaluation with light microscope showed no pathologic change in group A, but, subepithelial increase of lymphocytes, mast cells, macrophages and fibroblasts in group C., Conclusions: It was detected that subconjunctival inflammatory reaction increases as the number of antiglaucomatous agents and the treatment duration increase. These changes might be considered as risk factors that decrease the success rate of filtration surgery.