Response of Astrocytes to Blood Exposure due to Shunt Insertion in vitro

The breakdown of the ventricular zone (VZ) with the presence of blood in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been shown to increase shunt catheter obstruction in the treatment of hydrocephalus, but the mechanisms by which this occurs are generally unknown. Using a custom-built incubation chamber, we immunofluorescently assayed cell attachment and morphology on shunt catheters with and without blood after 14 days. Samples exposed to blood showed significantly increased cell attachment (average total cell count 392.0±317.1 versus control of 94.7±44.5, P<0.0001). Analysis of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression showed similar trends (854.4±450.7 versus control of 174.3±116.5, P<0.0001). An in vitro model was developed to represent the exposure of astrocytes to blood following an increase in BBB permeability. Exposure of astrocytes to blood increases the number of cells and their spread on the shunt.

Laparoscopic Jejunostomy as the standard procedure of Jejunostomy tube placement in upper GI and laryngeal cancers: A case series

Background: Laparoscopic enteral-feeding access is the best option for patients with advanced upper gastrointestinal, oropharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers needing to maintain their caloric intake before surgery or during chemoradiotherapy. Methods: During a laparoscopic procedure by a cystostomy catheter system, a jejunostomy tube was placed for 14 patients. All the patients had a 2-month follow-up for complications and performance of the feeding system. Results: Based on the obtained results, there was no internal leak and peritonitis among the subjects. One patient converted to an open procedure due to perforation during the procedure. In three patients, the extraction of the catheter was encountered during the follow-up period and a replacement was required. One case of wound infection and one case of catheter obstruction occurred among the subjects. Catheter obstruction was easily resolved using warm water and pancreatic enzyme irrigation. There was one patient with partial intestinal obstruction who was managed through nonoperative means. No significant bleeding was encountered during the surgery. Conclusion: Laparoscopic jejunostomy with this method is simple and cost-effective and can be performed within an acceptable timeframe with minimum complications. It is the procedure of choice for upper GI and laryngeal cancer patients, those at increased risk of aspiration, and subjects not candidates of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Reference

Omental wrap: Radiographic diagnosis confirmed surgically – Report of two cases in Grenada

Omental wrapping is a common cause of peritoneal catheter malfunction. This diagnosis should be confirmed by radiography before proceeding with surgical omentectomy. We report two cases of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter outflow obstruction from our developing PD program in Grenada, in which contrast studies accurately diagnosed omental wrap, allowing for prompt surgical correction. In both cases, the contrast study indicated the presence of omental wrapping, confirmed at time of surgical correction. Radiographic features of omental wrap are distinctive, which allows for reliable differentiation from other causes of obstruction. Radiographic contrast study reliably diagnoses the cause of peritoneal catheter obstruction, permitting prompt diagnosis and treatment. This is vital for regions with limited access to haemodialysis.

Dynamic Occlusion of Distal Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Catheter after Infusion Port Placement: A New Shunt Malfunction

Shunt failure requiring reintervention remains a common complication of hydrocephalus treatment. Here, we report a novel cause of mechanical shunt obstruction in an adult patient: position-dependent intermittent occlusion via an infusion port catheter. A 51-year-old woman with a grade II oligodendroglioma presented in a delayed fashion following surgery with a pseudomeningocele. She underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement due to communicating hydrocephalus, resolving her pseudomeningocele. Shortly thereafter, she underwent placement of a subclavian infusion port at an outside institution. Her pseudomeningocele returned. Imaging demonstrated close proximity of her port catheter to the shunt catheter overlying the clavicle. Her shunt was tapped demonstrating a patent ventricular catheter with normal pressure. She underwent shunt exploration after her pseudomeningocele did not respond to valve adjustment. Intraoperative manometry demonstrated head position-dependent distal catheter obstruction. Repeat manometry following distal catheter revision demonstrated normal runoff independent of position. Her pseudomeningocele was resolved on follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the only reported case of intermittent, position-dependent distal catheter obstruction. Shunted patients with concern for malfunction following subclavian infusion port placement should be evaluated for possible dynamic obstruction of their distal catheter when the two catheters are in close proximity along the clavicle.

Inflammation and obstruction of distal catheter slits in ventriculoperitoneal shunts: likely role of graphite

OBJECTIVETissue reactions that contribute to obstruction of peritoneal catheters in ventriculoperitoneal shunt systems are not well characterized. Several recent rapid obstructions in children prompted a retrospective quality assurance review.METHODSThe authors conducted a detailed investigation of 22 surgically explanted peritoneal shunt catheters and 8 autopsy cases with documented distal shunt obstruction. Patients’ medical histories were reviewed, and the catheters and/or tissues were subjected to conventional histological and immunohistochemical evaluations. In addition, 3 cases were subjected to electron microscopic examination including elemental analysis.RESULTSThe majority of symptomatic obstructions were associated with distal slit catheters (17 slit, 3 open-end, and 2 unknown type). Among the autopsy cases, deaths were attributed to shunt failure in 2 cases of slit catheter obstruction, 1 case of open-end catheter obstruction, and 1 case of catheter withdrawal from the peritoneal cavity. The early tissue response consisted of a predominantly T lymphocyte accumulation with phagocytosis of graphite particles by macrophages. This is associated with proliferation of fibroblasts, mesothelial cells, and blood vessels, which can grow through the slits and occlude the catheter lumen. As the inflammation subsides after approximately 1 year, the tissue plug becomes collagenized and calcified.CONCLUSIONSThis study, supported by experimental literature in other organ systems, indicates that graphite used to coat the slit openings of distal catheters from ventriculoperitoneal shunts likely predisposes to obstruction. Neurosurgeons and manufacturers should consider the potential negative consequences of this shunt design. The authors concur with previous recommendations that slit-valve distal catheters should not be used for ventriculoperitoneal shunting unless they can be proven safe and efficacious in a controlled trial.

Outcome and Safety of Unplanned-Start Peritoneal Dialysis according to Break-In Periods: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The best timing of peritoneal dialysis (PD) initiation after catheter implantation is still controversial. It is necessary to explore whether there exists a waiting period to minimize the risk of complications. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A systematic review and meta-analysis were searched in multiple electronic databases published from inception to February 29, 2020, to identify cohort studies for evaluating the outcome and safety of unplanned-start PD (&#x3c;14 days after catheter insertion). Risks of bias across studies were evaluated using Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Fourteen cohort studies with a total of 2,401 patients were enrolled. We found that early-start PD was associated with higher prevalence of leaks (RR: 2.67, 95% CI, 1.55–4.61) and omental wrap (RR: 3.28, 95% CI, 1.14–9.39). Furthermore, patients of unplanned-start PD in APD group have higher risk of leaks, while those in CAPD group have a higher risk of leaks, omental wrap, and catheter malposition. In shorter break-in period (BI) group, the risk of suffering from catheter obstruction and malposition was higher for patients who started dialysis within 7 days after the surgery than for patients within 7–14 days. No significant differences were found in peritonitis (RR: 1.00; 95% CI, 0.78–1.27) and exit-site infections (RR: 1.12; 95% CI, 0.72–1.75). However, shorter BI was associated with higher risk of mortality and transition to hemodialysis (HD) while worsen early technical survival, with pooled RR of 2.14 (95% CI, 1.52–3.02), 1.42 (95% CI, 1.09–1.85) and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92–0.99), respectively. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Evidence suggests that patients receiving unplanned-start PD may have higher risks of mechanical complications, transition to HD, and even mortality rate while worsening early technical survival, which may not be associated with infectious complications. Rigorous studies are required to be performed.

Estratégias de prevenção da obstrução em cateteres centrais totalmente implantados em pacientes oncológicos

Objetivo: Analizar las producciones científicas que abordan las estrategias de prevención y atención en la obstrucción de los catéteres venosos centrales totalmente implantados en pacientes con cáncer.Material y método: Esta es una revisión bibliográfica integradora, que se realizó en las bases de datos MEDLINE, LILACS, CINAHL y EMBASE, del 20 de julio de 2019 al 31 de julio de 2019, utilizando los siguientes descriptores: Cateterización venosa central; Obstrucción del catéter y oncología, más el uso de términos libres: catéter completamente implantado y neoplasia.Resultados: En total, se seleccionaron e incluyeron 10 estudios. Después del análisis, surgieron las siguientes categorías de análisis: Estrategias para prevenir la obstrucción en CVC-TI y Atención establecidas en el despacho de CVC-TI; teniendo como principales temas abordados: la comparación entre la eficacia en el uso de heparina y solución salina para el mantenimiento y el intervalo de tiempo entre ellos; métodos de despacho y evaluación de permeabilidad CVC-IT.Conclusión: A pesar de la aparición de nuevas formas posibles de prevención de obstrucciones y estrategias de atención en la eliminación de CVC-IT, la literatura no presenta consenso sobre el uso de soluciones con o sin heparina y el intervalo de tiempo entre el mantenimiento para la efectividad de permeabilidad de estos dispositivos en pacientes con cáncer. Objective: To analyze scientific productions that address prevention and care strategies in the obstruction of central venous catheters that are fully implanted in cancer patients.Material and Method: This is an integrative literature review, which took place on the MEDLINE, LILACS, CINAHL and EMBASE databases, from 20 July 2019 to 31 July 2019, using as descriptors: Central venous catheterization; Catheter obstruction and Oncology, in addition to the use of free terms: Catheter fully implanted and Neoplasia.Results: In total, 10 studies were selected and included. After the analysis, the following analysis categories emerged: Strategies for preventing obstruction in CVC-TI and Care established in clearing the CVC-TI; having as main subjects approached: the comparison between the effectiveness in the use of heparin and saline solution for maintenance and time interval between them; unblocking methods and permeability assessment of CVC-TI.Conclusion: Despite the emergence of new possible ways of preventing obstruction and care strategies for clearing CVC-TI, the literature does not have a consensus on the use of solutions with or without heparin and the time interval between maintenance for the effectiveness of the permeability of these devices in cancer patients. Objetivo: Analisar produções científicas que abordem a prevenção e estratégias de cuidado na obstrução de cateteres venosos centrais totalmente implantados em pacientes oncológicos.Material e Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, que ocorreu nas bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS, CINAHL e EMBASE, no período 20 de Julho de 2019 a 31 de Julho de 2019, utilizando-se como descritores: Cateterismo venoso central; Obstrução de cateter e Oncologia, além do uso dos termos livres: Cateter totalmente implantado e Neoplasia.Resultados: Ao total, 10 estudos foram selecionados e incluídos. Após a análise, emergiram as seguintes categorias de análise: Estratégias de prevenção da obstrução em CVC-TI e Cuidados estabelecidos na desobstrução do CVC-TI; tendo então como principais assuntos abordados: a comparação entre a eficácia no uso da heparina e solução salina para manutenções e tempo de intervalo entre as mesmas; métodos de desobstrução e avaliação de permeabilidade dos CVC-TI.Conclusão: Apesar do surgimento de novas formas possíveis de prevenção de obstrução e estratégias de cuidado na desobstrução dos CVC-TI, a literatura não apresenta consenso sobre o uso de soluções com ou sem heparina e o tempo de intervalo entre as manutenções para a efetividade da permeabilidade desses dispositivos em pacientes oncológicos.