Albumin and the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio: Biomarkers for the acute phase response following total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: Complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) lead to patient morbidity and cost. While acute phase reactants, such as c-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen, have been used to predict complications following TKA, the extent and duration of changes in albumin levels following TKA are unknown. It is hypothesized that like CRP and fibrinogen, albumin, and the fibrinogen/albumin ratio (FAR) represent useful measures of the acute phase response (APR) following TKA.

The Electric Shock Sign-An Indication of a Partial Digital Nerve Laceration: A Report of Three Cases.

Case: Digital nerves injuries following penetrating injuries, lacerations, and blunt force trauma are common. This case series reports 3 acute cases of partial digital nerve lacerations where patients presented with a similar electric shock-like sensation, the "electric shock sign" radiating distally along the digital nerve distribution. The lancinating pain commonly occurs with active or passive finger extension.

C-Reactive Protein Predicts Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Pediatric Musculoskeletal Infection.

Background: The rate of venous thromboembolism in children with musculoskeletal infections (MSKIs) is markedly elevated compared with hospitalized children in general. Predictive biomarkers to identify high-risk patients are needed to prevent the significant morbidity and rare mortality associated with thrombotic complications. We hypothesize that overactivation of the acute phase response is associated with the development of pathologic thrombi and we aim to determine whether elevations in C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with increased rates of thrombosis in pediatric patients with MSKI.

Do Corticosteroids Attenuate the Peri-Operative Acute Phase Response After Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Background: Following tissue injury, the acute phase response (APR) functions to survive and then repair injured tissue. An exuberant APR, which can be evoked by total knee arthroplasty (TKA), results in a hyper-inflammatory state, leading to pain, nausea, venous thromboembolism, or potentially life-threatening complications. Here, we observed the effects of peri-operative dexamethasone on the APR following TKA by trending C-reactive protein (CRP, mg/L) and fibrinogen (mg/dL).

Vascular Reconstruction in a Neonate after Iatrogenic Injury during Cardiac Catheterization.

As technology and interventional techniques continue to evolve, both the volume and complexity of cardiac catheterizations will increase, leading to a rise in the number of complications. One of the most morbid complications of cardiac catheterization is vascular injury. We report the case of a 31-day-old, 3.

Double-Edged Sword: Musculoskeletal Infection Provoked Acute Phase Response in Children.

The acute phase response has a crucial role in mounting the body's response to tissue injury. Excessive activation of the acute phase response is responsible for many complications that occur in orthopedic patients. Given that infection may be considered continuous tissue injury that persistently activates the acute phase response, children with musculoskeletal infections are at markedly increased risk for serious complications.