Comparative assessment of fingertip replantation in paediatric and adult patients within a single institution

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the outcomes of paediatric and adult fingertip replantation within a single institution. Our retrospective study found no significant difference in the survival rate between the paediatric (10/12) and adult (22/26) groups. At 6 months follow-up, there was no significant difference in sensory recovery between both groups, as measured with Semmes–Weinstein testing, but a significant difference in mean static two-point discrimination testing values between the paediatric (4.0 mm) and adult (6.2 mm) groups. Moreover, the mean time for regaining sensation was faster in paediatric patients (1.3 months) as compared with adult patients (4.1 months). Five children and four adults received erythrocyte transfusion. Paediatric fingertip replantation has similar survival rates, faster and better sensory nerve recovery as compared with adults despite a higher erythrocyte transfusion rate. Although technically demanding, paediatric fingertip replantation is recommended, whenever possible, because of the good outcomes achievable. Level of evidence: IV

Splenic rupture – A rare complication of routine colonoscopy

A 66-year-old female patient presented on our emergency department in hemorrhagic shock with a blood pressure of 70/50 mmHg and a hemoglobin level of 9.1g/dl after routine colonoscopy. The patient had severe abdominal pain and a tense abdomen. Computed tomography showed splenic rupture with haemoperitoneum. By means of volume, erythrocyte transfusion and tranexamic acid the patient became stable in circulation. Control computed tomography after 24 showed no ongoing bleeding. Splenic rupture is a rare complication after colonoscopy and can be treated conservatively.

Effect of ulinastatin on post-operative blood loss and allogeneic transfusion in patients receiving cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: a prospective randomized controlled study with 10-year follow-up

Background: Major bleeding and allogeneic transfusion leads to negative outcomes in patients receiving cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Ulinastatin, a urine trypsin inhibitor, relieves systemic inflammation and improves coagulation profiles with however sparse evidence of its effects on blood loss and allogeneic transfusion in this specific population. Methods: In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 426 consecutive patients receiving open heart surgery with CPB were randomly assigned into three groups to receive ulinastatin (group U, n=142), tranexamic acid (group T, n=143) or normal saline (group C, n=141). The primary outcome was the total volume of post-operative bleeding and the secondary outcome included the volume and exposure of allogeneic transfusion, the incidence of stroke, post-operative myocardial infarction, renal failure, respiratory failure and all-cause mortality. A ten-year follow-up was carried on to evaluate long-term safety.Results: Compared with placebo, ulinastatin significantly reduced the volume of post-operative blood loss within 24 hours (688.39±393.55ml vs 854.33±434.03ml MD -165.95ml, 95%CI -262.88ml to -69.01ml, p<0.001) and the volume of allogeneic erythrocyte transfusion (2.57±3.15 unit vs 3.73±4.21 unit, MD-1.16 unit, 95%CI -2.06 units to -0.26 units, p=0.002). The bleeding and transfusion outcomes were comparable between the ulinastatin group and the tranexamic acid group. In-hospital outcomes and 10-year follow-up showed no statistical difference in mortality and major morbidity among groups. Conclusions: Ulinastatin reduced post-operative blood loss and allogeneic erythrocyte transfusion in heart surgery with CPB. The mortality and major morbidity was comparable among the groups shown by the 10-year follow-up. Trial registration: The trial was retrospectively registered on February 2, 2010. Trial registration number: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Identifier: NCT01060189.