Use of a predictive equation for diagnosis of acute gangrenous cholecystitis.

Background: Factors previously identified by multivariate logistic regression that were predictive for gangrenous cholecystitis (GC) were used to develop a predictive equation. Our objective was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of this equation for detecting GC in patients with acute cholecystitis (AC).

Methods: Medical records of patients who presented to a tertiary care hospital with AC were reviewed.

Prognostic factors for the development of gangrenous cholecystitis.

Background: The operative morbidity and mortality for patients with gangrenous cholecystitis (GC) remains high. Our objective was to identify preoperative prognostic factors for GC in order to distinguish this subset of patients with acute cholecystitis (AC).

Methods: From 1/98 to 11/01 the medical records of patients who presented with the diagnosis of AC were reviewed.

The effect of recombinant factor VIIa on noncoagulopathic pigs with grade V liver injuries.

Background: Recombinant Factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has been used to decrease bleeding in a number of settings, including hemophilia, liver transplantation, intractable bleeding, and cirrhosis. It has also been shown to reduce bleeding in coagulopathic pigs with Grade V liver injuries when used as an adjunct to packing. This study was performed to determine if rFVIIa would reduce blood loss after a Grade V liver injury in noncoagulopathic pigs when used as sole therapy.