Aspirin treatment prevents inflammation in experimental bifurcation aneurysms in New Zealand White rabbits

BackgroundAneurysm wall degeneration is linked to growth and rupture. To address the effect of aspirin (ASA) on aneurysm formation under various wall conditions, this issue was analyzed in a novel rabbit bifurcation model.MethodsBifurcation aneurysms created in 45 New Zealand White rabbits were randomized to vital (n=15), decellularized (n=13), or elastase-degraded (n=17) wall groups; each group was assigned to a study arm with or without ASA. At follow-up 28 days later, aneurysms were evaluated for patency, growth, and wall inflammation at macroscopic and histological levels.Results36 rabbits survived to follow-up at the end of the trial. None of the aneurysms had ruptured. Patency was visualized in all aneurysms by intraoperative fluorescence angiography and confirmed in 33 (92%) of 36 aneurysms by MRI/MRA. Aneurysm size was significantly increased in the vital (without ASA) and elastase-degraded (with and without ASA) groups. Aneurysm thrombosis was considered complete in three (50%) of six decellularized aneurysms without ASA by MRI/MRA. Locoregional inflammation of the aneurysm complex was significantly reduced in histological analysis among all groups treated with ASA.ConclusionASA intake prevented inflammation of both the periadventitial tissue and aneurysm wall, irrespective of initial wall condition. Although ASA prevented significant growth in aneurysms with vital walls, this preventive effect did not have an important role in elastase-degraded pouches. In possible translation to the clinical situation, ASA might exert a potential preventive effect during early phases of aneurysm formation in patients with healthy vessels but not in those with highly degenerative aneurysm walls.

Is fibroid location associated with hemorrhage and complication rates following laparoscopic myomectomy?

Objective To determine whether hemorrhage and complication rates vary according to location of the dominant fibroid following laparoscopic myomectomy. Background Laparoscopic myomectomy is associated with less postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, shorter hospitalization period, and less febrile complications when compared to conventional laparotomy. Despite the advantages, complications like hemorrhage, blood transfusion, bowel and urinary tract injury and conversion to laparotomy may be seen in laparoscopic myomectomy. We don’t know whether fibroid location effect these complications. Materials & Methods Women, who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy at two different tertiary academic hospitals, were analyzed retrospectively. Only women with at least one intramural fibroid (Monroe type 3, 4 or 5) were included. Patients were categorized according to localization of the dominant fibroid, i.e. anterior uterine wall, posterior uterine wall, and fundus. Change in hemoglobin levels before and after surgery, and complication rates were compared across categories. Results 219 women with mean age of 35.7 +/-6 years were included. There were 81 women with fundal fibroid, 56 with anterior wall, and 72 with posterior wall fibroid. Other 10 women with intraligamentary and isthmic fibroid were excluded. The mean fibroid diameter was 6.7 ± 2.6, 6.6 ± 2.3, and 6.7 ± 2.3 cm in the fundal, anterior and posterior groups, respectively (p=0.9). The median (25 th – 75 th percentile) changes in hemoglobin levels were 1.5 (0.8 – 2.2), 1.3 (0.6 – 2.1), and 1.3 (0.9 – 2) g/dl in fundal, anterior and posterior wall groups, respectively (p = 0.55). There were 5 (6.2%), 5 (8.9%), and 2 (2.8%) complications in fundal, anterior, and posterior wall groups, respectively (p = 0.33). Conclusion Incidence of hemorrhage or complication does not seem to vary depending on fibroid location. However, the sample size was limited, the observed values suggest that fibroid location does not affect hemorrhage and complication rates.

Is fibroid location associated with hemorrhage and complication rates following laparoscopic myomectomy?

Objective To determine whether hemorrhage and complication rates vary according location of the dominant fibroid following laparoscopic myomectomy. Background Laparoscopic myomectomy is associated with less postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, shorter hospitalization period, and less febrile complications when compared to conventional laparotomy. Despite the advantages, complications like hemorrhage, blood transfusion, bowel and urinary tract injury and conversion to laparotomy may be seen in laparoscopic myomectomy. We don’t know whether fibroid location effect these complications. Materials & Methods Women, who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy at two different tertiary academic hospitals, were analyzed retrospectively. Only women with at least one intramural fibroid (Monroe type 3, 4 or 5) were included. Patients were categorized according to localization of the dominant fibroid, i.e. anterior uterine wall, posterior uterine wall, and fundus. Change in hemoglobin levels before and after surgery, and complication rates were compared across categories. Results 219 women with mean age of 35.7 +/-6 years were included. There were 81 women with fundal fibroid, 56 with anterior wall, and 72 with posterior wall fibroid. Other 10 women with intraligamentary and isthmic fibroid were excluded. The mean fibroid diameter was 6.7 ± 2.6, 6.6 ± 2.3, and 6.7 ± 2.3 cm in the fundal, anterior and posterior groups, respectively (p=0.9). The median (25 th – 75 th percentile) changes in hemoglobin levels were 1.5 (0.8 – 2.2), 1.3 (0.6 – 2.1), and 1.3 (0.9 – 2) g/dl in fundal, anterior and posterior wall groups, respectively (p = 0.55). There were 5 (6.2%), 5 (8.9%), and 2 (2.8%) complications in fundal, anterior, and posterior wall groups, respectively (p = 0.33). Conclusion Incidence of hemorrhage or complication does not seem to vary depending on fibroid location. However, the sample size was limited, the observed values suggest that fibroid location does not affect hemorrhage and complication rates.

The Galium acutum and G. asperifolium species complexes in the eastern Himalaya

Critical discussions are presented concerning two species complexes within Galium L. (Rubiaceae). the G. acutum Edgew. and G. asperifolium Wall, groups, with special reference to the E Himalayas. In the G. acutum group, two new species, G. megacyttarion R.R. Mill sp. nov. and G. rebae R.R. Mill sp. nov., are described and G. himalavense Klotzsch & Garcke is reduced to a variety of G. acutum, necessitating a new combination. Within the G. asperifolium group, G. craticulatum R.R. Mill sp. nov. is described, and G. asperifolium and G. sikkimense Gand. regarded as distinct species. The typification of several epithets (G. blinii Lev., G. bodinieri Lév., G. cavaleriei Lév., G. comari Lév. & Vaniot, and G. esquirolii Lév.), which all antedate G. sikkimense, is discussed. Only G. cavaleriei poses a potential threat but it is here maintained separate from G. sikkimense. Brief notes on G. asperifolium sensu stricto and supposedly allied plants of south India (G. asperifolium var. pilosissimum Cufod.) are given.