Derriford Hospital

About: Derriford Hospital is a healthcare organization based out in Plymouth, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Transplantation. The organization has 2892 authors who have published 3137 publications receiving 84438 citations.

Failure of dietary oligofructose to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.

Abstract: Summary Background : Oligofructose is metabolized by bifidobacteria, increasing their numbers in the colon. High bifidobacteria concentrations are important in providing ‘colonization resistance’ against pathogenic bacteria. Aim : To reduce the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in elderly patients. Methods : Patients over the age of 65 taking broad-spectrum antibiotics received either oligofructose or placebo. A baseline stool sample was cultured for Clostridium difficile and tested for C. difficile toxin. A further stool sample was analysed for C. difficile if diarrhoea developed. Results : No difference was seen in the baseline characteristics, incidence of diarrhoea, C. difficile infection or hospital stay between the two groups (n = 435). Oligofructose increased bifidobacterial concentrations (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.69–1.72). A total of 116 (27%) patients developed diarrhoea of which 49 (11%) were C. difficile-positive and were more likely to be taking a cephalosporin (P = 0.006), be female (P < 0.001), to have lost more weight (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.99–2.00) and stayed longer in hospital (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.10–1.40). Amoxicillin (amoxycillin) and clavulanic acid increased diarrhoea not caused by C. difficile (P = 0.006). Conclusion : Oligofructose does not protect elderly patients receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics from antibiotic-associated diarrhoea whether caused by C. difficile or not. Oligofructose was well-tolerated and increased faecal bifidobacterial concentrations.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) – an overview

Abstract: Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare condition that is estimated to affect 1/7,000 – 1/16,000 deliveries (Reyes et al. 1994; Pockros et al. 1984). It is associated with microvesicular fa...

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome

Abstract: Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is a condition caused by direct compression of the popliteal artery as it passes within or exits the popliteal fossa. It is surprisingly uncommon and usually affects young patients, typically men, and often presenting with symptoms of claudication, or more rarely acute limb ischemia, calf cramps, or a picture of compartment syndrome. The diagnosis should be considered early within the differential diagnosis of all patients presenting with these problems in this age group. The key to management of this condition lies in a high index of suspicion. The treatment of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is surgical. When the condition is detected at an early stage surgery may be limited to release of the artery alone. However, if the artery has been compressed for some time the resulting intimal damage necessitates bypass of the affected segment. There are numerous reports of thrombectomy with simple vein patching, but the results are inferior to interpositional vein grafting. Reports have also been published of attempts made at endovascular treatment. At present, this mode of management adds little to the definitive treatment of affected limbs and appears limited to use as a bridging procedure in cases presenting with limb ischemia. Unfortunately, an effective clinical screening test does not exist and imaging remains the mainstay in the diagnosis of symptomatic limbs and the screening of asymptomatic limbs. The exact modality of imaging remains unclear, but for the moment duplex scanning, angiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging all appear to have their place.