开放微波消融联合椎体成形和钉棒系统内固定治疗胸腰椎转移瘤

目的:探讨开放微波消融联合椎体成形、钉棒系统内固定在胸腰椎转移性肿瘤治疗中的初步临床效果。方法:对2014年1月至2016年1月收治的12例胸腰椎转移癌行开放微波消融联合椎体成形、钉棒系统内固定治疗的患者进行回顾性分析,其中男6例,女6例;年龄30～75岁,平均55.6岁。转移癌类型:肺转移癌5例,乳腺转移癌2例,甲状腺转移癌2例,肾转移癌2例,肝转移癌1例。转移部位:胸椎转移癌7例,腰椎转移癌5例。Tomita预后评分主要集中在3～6分。脊髓神经功能按ASIA分级:C级3例,D级1例,E级8例。术前的VAS评分为8.3±0.4,术后1、3、6个月以及末次随访时采用视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)评价临床效果。结果:12例患者手术出血量500～2 050 ml,平均850 ml。手术时间3.5～5.5 h,平均4.5 h。术中无神经损伤病例。术后发生脑脊液漏3例,经保守治疗后自愈。切口浅表感染2例,经换药后愈合。肺部感染1例。无深部感染、下肢血栓等并发症。术后12例患者均获得随访,时间9～40个月,平均28.6个月。临床症状均有明显改善,下肢运动功能不同程度的恢复,ASIA分级2例C级恢复至D级,1例C级恢复不明显,1例D级恢复至E级。1例患者术后10个月死于原发性肝癌。随访期间1例患者局部肿瘤复发。术后第1、3、6个月以及末次随访时VAS评分分别为2.7±0.6、2.5±0.4、2.6±0.5、2.5±0.5,与术前比较明显改善(P0.05)。结论:开放微波消融联合椎体成形、钉棒系统内固定治疗胸腰椎转移瘤效果肯定,术中出血量较少、手术时间较短、术后疼痛缓解明显、肿瘤复发率低。     

后路一期整块全脊椎切除治疗胸腰椎肿瘤

目的:总结后路一期整块全脊椎切除的手术经验、并发症和对神经功能的影响。方法:2006年8月至2007年9月对9例脊柱肿瘤患者进行后路一期整块全脊椎切除术,病理诊断包括4例骨巨细胞瘤,1例尤文肉瘤,1例孤立性浆细胞瘤,3例孤立性骨转移癌。8例患者肿瘤位于胸椎,1例位于腰椎。4例患者术前接受了病椎的选择性节段动脉栓塞。所有病例术前均根据Tomita脊柱肿瘤外科分期进行评估,2例患者为间室内,7例为间室外。对切除的肿瘤标本进行外科边界检查。采用Frankel分级对神经功能进行评价。结果:平均术中失血量5800ml,平均手术时间291min。2例患者获得广泛边界,其他为边缘性边界。1例术后血肿形成,1例脑脊液漏致胸腔积液,1例血肿形成合并脑脊液漏。随访14～36个月,平均25.8个月,在随访期内肿瘤无复发,2例转移癌及1例尤文肉瘤患者带瘤生存,1例转移癌死亡,4例无瘤生存。术后所有病例神经功能均获得改善或保持原有水平。结论:对具有适应证的胸腰椎肿瘤患者进行后路一期整块全脊椎切除手术可以获得满意的局部控制和功能恢复,但仍需要进一步随访并提高技术,减少合并症的发生。     

射频消融与姑息手术治疗胰头癌的临床对比分析

目的 评估术中冷循环射频消融治疗不能切除的胰头癌的有效性和安全性.方法 回顾性分析比较15例使用冷循环射频消融+姑息手术与13例单用姑息手术治疗不能切除的胰头癌患者的术后并发症和生存率.结果 所有患者均获得随访,围手术期死亡率为0.使用冷循环射频消融+姑息手术治疗的患者存活12个月以上10例.最长者已达42个月,中住生存期24.6个月.单用姑息手术治疗的患者中位生存期10.2个月.冷循环射频消融治疗患者术后腰背部疼痛减轻明显.但术后胰瘘、消化道出血等并发症的发生率增加.结论 术中冷循环射频消融治疗不能切除的胰头癌是安全有效的.     

手术治疗高位骶骨肿瘤

目的探讨不同重建技术治疗高位骶骨肿瘤的临床疗效。方法对38例骶骨肿瘤患者采用骶骨肿瘤切除+骨水泥填充+改良Gaveston内固定技术重建。记录术中出血量,休克死亡、骶神经损伤、切口愈合情况及肿瘤术后1年复发等并发症情况。结果手术时间430~720 min,术中出血量平均(2 400±1 656)ml,手术过程中无休克死亡。38例均获随访,时间6~33个月。患者腰骶部疼痛及神经功能有不同程度改善。7例术后出现排尿困难,6个月后恢复;6例术后切口感染延迟愈合;4例术后出现脑脊液漏。2例脊索瘤患者于术后6个月复发,1例转移癌患者3个月复发;1例尤因肉瘤患者13个月复发。2例转移癌患者分别于术后14和20个月因全身衰竭死亡。结论高位骶骨肿瘤切除+骨水泥填充+改良Gaveston内固定技术重建虽然手术时间延长,出血量增加,但腰椎骨盆稳定性重建有利于骨盆和脊柱的稳定性以及神经功能的恢复,术后可早期活动,近期疗效均较满意。     

射频消融联合微创椎体成形术治疗脊柱转移瘤

[目的]探讨经皮多电极射频消融联合球囊扩张椎体成形术治疗脊柱转移瘤的手术方法及疗效.[方法]对25例患者共62个椎体行经皮多电极射频消融及球囊扩张椎体成形术,主要原发瘤包括肺癌10例,肾癌5例,乳腺癌5例,其他肿瘤5例,全部患者均有腰背痛症状,不伴有脊髓压迫症状.术后平均随访通过VAS评分法比较手术前后症状缓解程度.[结果]全部患者于术后48 h内疼痛明显缓解.1例出现骨水泥外漏,但无临床症状.所有病例获得完整随访,术后平均随访24个月,疼痛较术前明显缓解,均无椎体进一步压缩、腰椎滑脱改变,优良率为96％.[结论]经皮多电极射频消融联合球囊扩张椎体成形术治疗脊柱转移瘤创伤小,明显缓解疼痛,显著提高患者的生存质量.     

后路显微镜辅助硬膜内病变切除联合脊柱内固定术治疗硬膜内转移癌疗效分析

目的:探讨后路显微镜辅助硬膜内病变切除联合脊柱内固定术治疗硬膜内转移癌的手术效果。方法:回顾性分析我院骨科2011年1月～2016年1月收治的随访资料完整的硬膜内转移癌患者10例。所有患者均采用后路显微镜辅助硬膜内病变切除联合脊柱内固定术。其中男性6例,女性4例,年龄44～63岁,中位年龄为55岁,原发肿瘤包括肺癌3例,乳腺癌3例,肾癌2例,舌癌和食管癌各1例,肿瘤位于颈椎管内1例,胸椎管内4例,胸腰段2例,腰椎管内3例。硬膜内髓外转移8例,硬膜内髓内转移2例。记录患者的手术时间、术中出血量、术后并发症发生率、生存时间。以视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、椎管内肿瘤McCormick分级及功能状态(karnofsky performance score,KPS)评分分别对患者的术前、术后1个月的转移灶引起的疼痛、术后3个月神经及整体情况进行评估。结果:10例椎管内硬膜下转移癌患者的手术时间为130～260min(180.0±25.4min),术中出血量400～2100ml(1050.0±350.4)ml,术后的生存时间10～19个月(中位生存时间为11个月)。所有患者术后疼痛均有明显的缓解,术后1个月VAS疼痛评分从术前的6.70±0.67分降至1.70±0.67分(P0.05)。术后3个月KPS评分从术前的42.00±4.21分提升至术后的69.00±7.37分(P0.05)。术后3个月McCormick分级9例较术前明显的提升,1例3级患者术后无明显改善,无术后神经症状恶化的病例。术后并发症2例(脑脊液漏1例,术后血肿1例),均为髓内转移患者,分别经保守及二次手术后好转。结论:后路显微镜辅助硬膜内病变切除联合脊柱内固定术治疗硬膜内转移癌,可以提高患者的生活质量,但对于脊髓内转移患者手术应谨慎施行。     

微波消融治疗肾脏肿瘤的适应证选择(附17例报告及文献复习)

目的:探讨微波消融治疗肾脏肿瘤的适应证。方法:自2013年4月~2014年7月应用微波消融治疗肾脏肿瘤患者17例,男13例,女4例,平均年龄59.4(42~83)岁。按适应证将患者分为三组,组一6例(高危不耐受常规手术组),组二9例(明确诊断并行微波消融治疗组),组三2例(微波消融姑息治疗组)。所有患者术中均行肿瘤穿刺活检联合微波消融治疗。结果:组一穿刺结果示肾透明细胞癌5例,病理无法明确1例,平均随访(11.5±3.8)(6~16)个月,未见肿瘤复发和转移,合并尿瘘1例。组二穿刺结果示肾透明细胞癌3例,高分化腺癌1例,错构瘤5例,平均随访(5.6±4.2)(1~11)个月,未见肿瘤复发和转移。组三穿刺结果均为肾透明细胞癌,平均随访(9.5±2.1)(8~11)个月,患者术前腰背部VAS疼痛评分为6~8分,术后为0~2分,随访期间1例出现远处转移、肿瘤进展,另1例出现股骨病理性骨折,肾脏复发灶治愈。三组患者平均住院(4.0±1.0)(2~7)d。结论:微波消融可以安全有效地用于高危不耐受常规手术、肿瘤体积较小且术前肿瘤性质不明确以及晚期肾脏肿瘤患者的姑息治疗,联合穿刺活检还可以明确肿瘤性质,帮助患者制定下一步治疗措施,但远期疗效仍需进一步随访观察。     

脊柱转移癌全脊椎切除术后临床疗效分析

目的 :探索脊柱转移癌全脊椎切除术后临床疗效情况,评估术后新发转移情况。方法 :回顾性分析我院2004年1月~2014年12月行全脊椎切除术治疗的脊柱转移癌患者11例,原发灶为甲状腺癌3例,乳腺癌5例,肾癌1例,肺癌1例,胰腺癌1例。胸腰椎5例,均行全脊椎整块切除,下颈椎及颈胸椎6例,均行全脊椎分块切除。术前Tomita评分,2分3例,3分5例,3分以上3例;术前疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue score,VAS)为7.18±1.19分。所有患者根据脊髓损伤神经功能评分标准(Frankel分级):E级6例,D级4例,C级1例。结果:所有病例手术均顺利完成并获得随访,手术时间358.3±155.9min,手术出血量1850.0±969.8ml;术后1~2周复查均未见手术部位癌残余,术后出现并发症3例,胸膜损伤胸腔积液伴肺不张1例,脑脊液漏及胸膜损伤1例,吸入性肺炎及喉反神经麻痹1例,均保守治疗6周后好转。术后患者疼痛均明显改善,VAS评分降至1.64±0.77分(P0.0001),术后疼痛改善优良率为100%;术后无神经功能损害加重病例,术前有神经功能损害者术后均改善一等级。术后随访18~73个月(平均42.4±16.2个月),死亡4例,均因癌症晚期死亡。随访期内无瘤生存3例(27.3%),术后局部复发4例(36.4%),其中整块切除术后复发1例(20%),分块切除术后复发3例(50%),整块切除术后局部复发率数值较分块切除高(P0.05);术后1年内出现远处新发转移(手术部位外新发转移灶)4例(36.4%),均为骨转移灶。结论:全脊椎切除手术是治疗脊柱转移癌的一种有效手术方式,能明显改善患者疼痛及神经功能;但是术后远处新发转移率较高,需引起重视。     

3D显微镜在脊柱外科手术中的应用

目的探讨3D显微镜在脊柱外科手术中应用的效果。方法回顾性分析自2018-10—2018-12采用3D显微镜辅助手术治疗的14例脊柱外科疾病,6例行颈椎前路减压内固定术(颈椎前路组),6例行腰椎后路减压内固定术(腰椎后路组),2例行椎管内肿瘤切除术(椎管内肿瘤切除组)。结果 14例顺利完成手术,颈椎前路组术中出血量平均75 mL,术后引流量平均21 mL;腰椎后路组术中出血量平均450 mL,术后引流量平均240 mL;椎管内肿瘤切除组术中出血量分别为400 mL与500 mL。均无脑脊液漏、伤口血肿、喉上神经损伤、喉返神经损伤、偏瘫等并发症出现。结论 3D显微镜辅助下行脊柱外科手术可以取得良好的临床效果,术后并发症少,值得临床推广。     

全脊椎切除及脊柱稳定性重建治疗颈胸段脊柱肿瘤的疗效分析

目的 :探讨颈胸段脊柱肿瘤全脊椎切除的手术方式、脊柱重建策略及治疗效果。方法 :回顾性分析我院自2008年1月~2013年12月行全脊椎切除术治疗的颈胸段脊柱肿瘤病例11例,病理诊断包括骨巨细胞瘤5例,骨母细胞瘤1例,Ewing肉瘤1例,浆细胞性骨髓瘤1例,甲状腺滤泡型转移癌2例,前列腺转移癌1例。患者均有不同程度的胸背部疼痛,术前VAS评分为7.45±0.82分;脊髓损伤神经功能Frankel分级B级1例,C级3例,D级6例,E级1例。所有病例术前根据Tomita脊柱肿瘤外科分期评估均为间室外病变。4例C7~T1段肿瘤行一期前后联合入路全脊椎切除,前方钛网、钛板重建;7例T2~T4段肿瘤行单一后路整块全脊椎切除(TES),前方单纯钛网重建。两种术式后方均为钉棒系统重建。观察患者术中术后并发症以及脊柱重建稳定性情况。结果:手术时间298~573min,平均423.9min;术中失血量800~3800ml,平均2077ml。4例术中胸膜破裂,2例术后神经功能一过性下降,7例术中结扎病椎神经根,残留轻度胸前区不适。所有患者均获随访,平均随访34.7个月,1例前列腺转移癌患者死亡,其余均无局部复发。术后患者疼痛明显改善,VAS评分由术前7.45±0.82分下降至术后2.55±0.69分(P<0.05)。术后神经功能2例(术前D级1例,E级1例)保持原有水平,余均获得改善,均未出现内固定失败。结论:全脊椎切除治疗颈胸段脊柱肿瘤可以获得满意的局部控制,缓解疼痛,改善神经功能,应根据肿瘤位于颈胸段脊柱近端(C7~T1)或远端(T2~T4)而制定个体化手术方式及脊柱重建策略。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.     

The analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in patients with chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Background : Ketamine in sub-dissociative doses has been shown to have analgesic and phantom-Limb pain, where conventional treatment has often failed. Chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans often responds poorly to analgesics, and the pain-generating mechanisms are not well understood.
Methods : Eight patients with rest pain in the lower extremity due to arteriosclerosis obliterans were given sub-dissociative doses of 0.15, 0.30, or 0.45 mg/kg racemic ketamine and morphine 10 mg as a 5-min infusion on four separate days in a cross-over, double-blind, randomised protocol. Plasma levels of (S)- and (R)-ketamine and their nor-metabolites were analysed with an enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Pain levels were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results : Individual pain levels were highly variable during and after all the infusions but the pooled pain levels showed a dose-dependent analgesic effect of ketamine with a transient but complete pain relief in all patients at the highest dose (0.45 mg/ kg). Side-effects, mainly disturbed cognition and perception, were pronounced and dose-dependent. Morphine 10 mg had an analgesic peak at 20 min and 5/8 patients had complete pain relief. The remaining 3 patients also had high baseline pain scores, indicating a higher analgesic potency for the 0.30 and 0.45 mg/ kg ketamine doses than for morphine 10 mg.
Conclusion : We have demonstrated a potent dose-dependent analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in clinical ischemic pain. Due to a narrow therapeutic window, this analgesic effect is probably best utilised in combination with other analgesics.