Intestinal Dysfunction in Acute Peritonitis

Introduction. Acute peritonitis continues to be a significant medical issue because of its high mortality, especially in the terminal phase. The aim of this research is to define the role of lipid peroxidation processes in the disruption of small bowel function among patients with acute peritonitis. Materials and methods. A clinical study included 42 patients with acute peritonitis. The morphofunctional state of the intestine was studied: in the first group (20 patients) with acute serous-hemorrhagic peritonitis, and in the second group (22 patients) with purulent-fibrinous peritonitis. The following methods were used in the study: determination of the oxidation-reduction potential, venous gradient using the Landis method, tissue oxygen diffusion coefficient, blood filling of the small intestinal tissues, lipid extraction from small intestinal tissues, content of diene conjugates and malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase activity. Results. An evaluation of the morphofunctional state of the small intestine in patients with acute peritonitis revealed that the severity of alterations in the homeostasis system depended on the form of the disease. It was found that a key pathogenetic mechanism in acute peritonitis leading to impaired intestinal function was the activation of membrane-destabilizing processes. These processes induce significant disturbances in lipid metabolism, particularly within the lipid bilayer of cellular structures. It was established that membrane-destructive phenomena in acute peritonitis are accompanied by the activation of lipid peroxidation processes and a reduction in the antioxidant potential of enzymes. Discussion and conclusion. In acute peritonitis, activation of lipid peroxidation processes is observed. This leads to impairment of small intestine function on the one hand, and to progression of the disease and complications on the other. The severity of changes in the morphofunctional state of the intestine depends on the severity of peritonitis.