红花黄色素联合低分子肝素预防骨科术后深静脉血栓Meta分析

目的:评价红花黄色素联合低分子肝素预防骨科术后深静脉血栓形成(DVT)的疗效及安全性。方法:全面检索PubMed、EMbase、Cochrane Library、CNKI、维普和万方数据库中收录的红花黄色素联合低分子肝素预防骨科术后DVT的随机对照研究(RCT),检索时限从2000年1月—2018年6月。提取资料进行质量评价,采用Rev Man5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果:共纳入8个RCT,包括624例患者。与对照组相比,联合组显著降低了DVT发生率[RR=0.28,95%CI(0.16,0.51),P0.0001];联合组活化部分凝血活酶时间(APTT)[MD=5.34,95%CI(2.31,8.36), P=0.0005]、凝血酶原时间(PT)[MD=3.09,95%CI(1.75,4.44), P0.00001]显著优于对照组。两组不良反应发生率无明显差异。结论:红花黄色素联合低分子肝素预防骨科术后DVT疗效优于单用低分子肝素。     

低分子肝素联合激素、环磷酰胺治疗难治性肾病综合征的Meta分析

目的评价低分子肝素联合激素、环磷酰胺治疗难治性肾病综合征(refractory nephrotic syndrome,RNS)的疗效。方法电子检索知网、万方、维普、PubMed、EMbase和Cochrane Library数据库,检索时间均从建库至2018年3月,收集低分子肝素联合激素、环磷酰胺治疗RNS的临床随机对照试验(randomized controlled trials,RCT),根据纳入和排除标准筛选文献、质量评价及数据提取后,采用Revman5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果共纳入15篇中文RCT研究,1077例RNS患者,其中试验组542例,对照组535例。Meta分析结果显示,试验组完全缓解率[OR=2.28,95%CI(1.76,2.95),P<0.00001]明显高于对照组,同时实验组24 h尿蛋白定量[MD=-1.14,95%CI(-1.57,-0.72),P<0.00001]、血肌酐[MD=-7.81,95%CI(-8.87,-6.75),P<0.00001]、尿素氮[MD=-1.81,95%CI(-1.88,-1.74),P<0.00001]均明显优于对照组。结论对于我国RNS患者,低分子肝素联合激素、环磷酰胺治疗疗效显著,但仍需要更多高质量的RCT进一步证实。     

丹参多酚酸盐联合低分子肝素预防术后深静脉血栓Meta分析

目的:评价丹参多酚酸盐联合低分子肝素预防术后深静脉血栓的疗效及安全性。方法:全面检索Pub Med、Cochrane Library、EMbase、CNKI、万方和维普数据库中收录的丹参多酚酸盐联合低分子肝素预防术后深静脉血栓(DVT)的随机对照研究(RCT),检索时限均从2000年1月—2017年6月。提取资料进行质量评价,采用Rev Man5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果:共纳入5个RCT,包括623例患者,2篇为骨科手术,3篇为妇科手术;与对照组相比,联合组显著降低DVT发生率(P0.00001),亚组分析显示,联合组降低了骨科手术(P=0.02)及妇科手术DVT发生率(P=0.0003);此外联合组显著降低了D-二聚体水平(P0.00001),两组不良反应发生率无明显差异。结论:丹参多酚酸盐联合低分子肝素预防术后静脉血栓疗效优于单用低分子肝素,但仍需设计良好的大样本RCT对照研究进一步验证。     

全膝关节置换术前使用COX-2抑制剂对术后镇痛效果的Meta分析

目的:采用Meta分析法评价全膝关节置换术前使用COX-2抑制剂对术后镇痛的有效性及安全性.方法:计算机检索PubMed、Cochrane Library、EMBASE、CNKI、CBM、数字化期刊全文数据库有关全膝关节置换术(TKA)术前应用COX-2抑制剂镇痛的随机对照试验(RCT),检索时间从建库至2014年3月15日,同时手工检索图书馆馆藏期刊.按Cochrane系统评价方法选择文献、提取资料并评价纳入研究质量后,采用RevMan 5.2 软件进行Meta 分析.结果:经过筛选共纳入6个RCT文献,合计228例患者.Meta分析结果显示:①有效性:与对照组相比,术前使用COX-2抑制剂镇痛在置换术后12 h疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)[WMD=-0.60,95%CI(-0.83,-0.37),P<0.00001]、24 h的VAS[WMD=-0.74,95%CI(-1.29,-0.19),P=0.008]、48 h的VAS[WMD=-0.43,95%CI(-0.61,-0.26),P<0.00001]均降低.术后试验组在膝关节静息状态下第1天的改良数字疼痛评分(MNPRS)[WMD=-0.50,95%CI(-0.70,-0.30),P<0.00001]、第2天MNPRS[WMD=-0.55,95%CI(-0.65,-0.45),P<0.00001],以及术后膝关节活动状态下第1天MNPRS[WMD=-0.82,95%CI(-1.26,-0.38),P<0.00001]、第2天MNPRS[WMD=-0.71,95%CI(-0.82,-0.60),P<0.00001]均较对照组降低.同时试验组能降低术后第1天[WMD=-1.35,95%CI(-1.92,-0.79),P<0.00001]、第2天[WMD=-1.60,95%CI(-2.68,-0.52),P=0.004]的吗啡需要量.②安全性:术前使用COX-2抑制剂镇痛术能降低置换术后皮肤瘙痒的发生率[RR=0.35,95%CI(0.15,0.84),P=0.02],但在降低术后恶心呕吐[RR=0.83,95%CI(0.54,1.28),P=0.40]、嗜睡[RR=0.63,95%CI(0.05,7.67),P=0.72]发生率方面与对照组比较差异无统计学意义.结论:TKA术前采用COX-2抑制剂能有效提高术后镇痛效果且降低吗啡的需要量,同时也可降低术后皮肤瘙痒的发生率.     

快速康复外科理念在机器人辅助前列腺癌根治术中应用的Meta分析

目的:探讨快速康复外科理念(Enhanced recovery after surgery,ERAS)在机器人辅助前列腺癌根治术(Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy,RARP)中应用的有效性和安全性。方法:计算机检索PubMed、EMbase、Web of Science、中国知网(CNKI)、维普、万方和中国生物医学文献数据库(CBM),搜集机器人辅助前列腺癌根治术中应用快速康复外科理念治疗的回顾性队列研究和随机对照试验(Randomized controlled trial,RCT),检索时限均为建库至2021年2月25日,使用RevMan 5.4软件进行Meta分析。结果:纳入6个RCT和5个回顾性研究,共包括1 418例患者,其中671例患者行ERAS方案,747例行常规护理。Meta分析结果显示,ERAS组具有更短的住院时间[MD=-3.49,95%CI(-4.36,-2.62),P<0.00001],更快的首次肠道排气[MD=-12.66,95%CI(-16.30,-9.03),P<0.00001],更早的下床活动时间[MD=-21.06,95%CI(-27.25,-14.87),P<0.00001]及更低的术后并发症发生率[MD=0.45,95%CI(0.32,0.65),P<0.00001]。而在手术时间[MD=-1.83,95%CI(-8.25,4.59),P=0.58]和术中出血[MD=-17.08,95%CI(-41.34,7.18),P=0.17]方面两组之间差异无统计学意义。结论:在机器人辅助前列腺癌根治术中,ERAS方案相比常规护理方案能使患者快速实现肠道功能恢复和更早下床,降低患者术后并发症发生率,最终使患者早日出院,从而使前列腺癌患者从中获益。受纳入研究数量及质量的限制,该结论仍需更多高质量研究予以验证。     

加速术后康复对腹腔镜胃癌根治术病人应激反应及营养状况的Meta分析

目的系统评价加速术后康复(enhanced recovery after surgery,ERAS)对腹腔镜辅助胃癌根治术病人应激反应及营养状况。方法检索近10年(2008年1月至2019年5月)发表在数据库(CNKI、万方、维普、PubMed、Web of Science、The Cochrane Library、Embase)的随机对照试验(RCTs),严格按纳入和排除标准,最终纳入15篇RCTs文献(855例),并行质量评价和提取数据,采用RevMan(5.3版)软件进行Meta分析。结果ERAS组(425例)较对照组(430例)术后血清白蛋白水平更高[术后第1天:MD=0.73,95%CI(0.09,1.37),P<0.05;第4天:MD=2.43,95%CI(1.92,2.94),P<0.05;第7天:MD=3.85,95%CI(2.74,4.96),P<0.05]。ERAS组术后血清前白蛋白较对照组更高[术后第1天:MD=0.7,95%CI(-3.08,4.47),P<0.05;术后第4天:MD=15.11,95%CI(9.16,21.06),P<0.05;术后第7天:MD=10.89,95%CI(5.38,16.4),P<0.05]。ERAS组较对照组术后C反应蛋白水平更低[术后第1天:MD=-11.55,95%CI(-17.08,-6.02),P<0.05;术后第4天:MD=-14.42,95%CI(-20.72,-8.12),P<0.05;术后第7天:MD=-15.88,95%CI(-21.66,-10.11),P<0.05]。ERAS组较对照组术后白细胞介素6水平更低[术后第1天:MD=-33.21,95%CI(-48.8,-17.55),P<0.05;术后第4天:MD=-21.03,95%CI(-29.55,-12.52),P<0.05;术后第7天:MD=-30.33,95%CI(-48.95,-11.7),P<0.05]。ERAS组较对照组术后排气时间短[MD=-0.93,95%CI(-1.27,-0.59),P<0.05];术后下床时间及住院时间ERAS组也更短(P<0.05)。结论ERAS对腹腔镜胃癌根治术病人,能减轻应激反应,改善病人营养状态,进而加速病人术后康复、缩短住院时间。     

六味地黄丸治疗绝经后骨质疏松症疗效的系统评价和Meta分析

目的系统评价六味地黄丸治疗绝经后骨质疏松症(postmenopausal osteoporosis,PMOP)的疗效。方法系统检索CNKI、CBM、VIP、WanFang、PubMed、Embase、Cochrane图书馆,对纳入研究进行方法学质量评价,并采用Review Manager 5.3软件进行Meta分析。共纳入12篇文献,14个研究。结果Meta分析得出:六味地黄丸+常规治疗方案在治疗PMOP的有效率[OR=1.22,95%CI(1.13~1.32),P<0.00001]、减轻患者疼痛方面[MD=-0.50,95%CI(-0.77^-0.22),P=0.0004]疗效较好,对髋关节骨密度[MD=0.55,95%CI(0.26~0.84),P=0.0002]的改善效果优于常规西药组。而单独使用六味地黄丸及联合单一常规干预措施对腰椎骨密度[MD=0.05,95%CI(0.03~0.07),P<0.0001]改善情况优于常规西药。单独使用六味地黄丸对桡骨骨密度[MD=0.02,95%CI(0.02~0.03),P<0.00001],尺骨骨密度[MD=0.02,95%CI(0.01~0.03),P<0.0001]改善有一定的临床优势。结论六味地黄丸可以提高髋关节、腰椎、尺骨、桡骨的骨密度,并且在提高临床治疗绝经后骨质疏松症的有效率及减轻骨质疏松所造成的疼痛方面具有良好的效果。但在提高股骨颈密度方面证据不足,可能受多种因素影响。同时,六味地黄丸与常规治疗联用具有增强的效果,但联合多种药物时是否对绝经后骨质疏松有明确增效尚待研究。     

桃红四物汤加减预防老年人髋部骨折术后下肢深静脉血栓形成的临床研究

[目的]探讨桃红四物汤在预防老年人髋部骨折术后下肢深静脉血栓形成中的作用。[方法]收集老年人髋部骨折患者186例。其中103例纳入治疗组,术后应用低分子肝素钠皮下注射10 d,同时口服桃红四物汤10 d;83例纳入对照组,术后应用低分子肝素钠皮下注射10 d。定期测量患肢小腿周经,定期行VAS评分,定期采用下肢彩色多普勒检查,凝血酶原时间检查。[结果]患肢肿胀情况治疗组优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),DVT发生率及凝血酶原时间差异无显著统计学意义(P0.05),VAS评分治疗组优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。[结论]桃红四物汤对预防老年人髋部骨折术后下肢深静脉血栓形成有着积极作用,并能有效改善患肢术后疼痛肿胀的情况。     

空心钉与接骨板内固定治疗肱骨大结节骨折疗效的Meta分析

目的:比较空心钉与接骨板治疗肱骨大结节骨折的临床疗效。方法:计算机检索PubMed、EMbase、Cochrane图书馆、万方、中国知网、中国生物医学文献数据库、维普中文网等数据库采用空心钉与接骨板治疗肱骨大结节骨折的临床试验文献。检索时间自2010年1月1日至2020年1月1日。根据纳入与排除标准进行独立文献筛选、质量评价及数据提取。采用Revman 5.2软件对所得数据进行Meta分析。结果:共检索了5篇临床随机对照试验文献及12篇回顾性队列研究文献,共1068例患者,其中空心钉内固定治疗559例,接骨板内固定治疗509例。Meta分析显示,两组方式手术时间[MD=-23.03,95%CI(-29.69,-16.36),P<0.0001],术中出血量[MD=-36.39,95%CI(-53.73,-19.04),P<0.0001],住院时间[MD=-1.86,95%CI(-3.09,-0.64),P=0.003],骨折愈合[MD=-2.23,95%CI(-4.27,-0.18),P=0.03],术后感染发生率[OR=0.17,95%CI(0.03,0.97),P=0.05],内固定失效率[OR=3.56,95%CI(1.29,9.81)P=0.01]比较差异有统计学意义。两种方式术后疼痛模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)[MD=-1.34,95%CI(-2.77,0.09),P=0.07],美国肩肘外科协会评分(American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons,ASES)[MD=0.26,95%CI(-6.43,6.96),P=0.94],Constant肩关节评分[MD=-4.05,95%CI(-8.51,0.42),P=0.08],Constant肩关节评分优良率[MD=-1.30,95%CI(0.46,3.72),P=0.62],Neer肩关节评分优良率[OR=2.04,95%CI(0.97,4.28),P=0.06],总并发症发生率[OR=1.50,95%CI(0.42,5.35),P=0.53],术后疼痛发生率[OR=0.74,95%CI(0.04,14.49),P=0.84]及术后肩峰综合征发生率[OR=0.88,95%CI(0.02,40.63),P=0.95]比较差异无统计学意义。结论:采用空心钉较接骨板治疗肱骨大结节骨折手术时间短,术中出血量少,住院时间短,术后感染发生率更低且更有利于骨折愈合。     

钬激光前列腺剜除术和经尿道前列腺电切术治疗良性前列腺增生疗效和安全性的Meta分析

目的:系统评价钬激光前列腺剜除术(HoLEP)和经尿道前列腺电切术(TURP)治疗良性前列腺增生(BPH)的疗效和安全性。方法:计算机检索PubMed、Embase、The Cochrane Library和Web of Science收集比较HoLEP和TURP治疗BPH的随机对照试验(RCT),检索时限均从建库至2020年6月。由两位评价员独立筛选文献、提取资料并评价纳入研究的偏倚风险后,采用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果:共纳入12项研究,包括1378例患者,其中HoLEP组691例,TURP组687例。Meta分析结果显示,HoLEP组留置导尿时间[MD=-0.80,95%CI(-1.02,-0.58),P0.000 01]、住院时间[MD=-1.07,95%CI(-1.35,-0.80),P0.000 01]、血红蛋白下降程度[MD=-0.39,95%CI(-0.60,-0.17),P=0.000 4]、输血率[RR=0.19,95%CI(0.08,0.44),P=0.000 1]及尿道狭窄发生率[RR=0.48,95%CI(0.26,0.90),P=0.02]低于TURP组;术后12个月及36个月的美国泌尿外科协会前列腺症状评分(AUA-SS)[MD=-0.99,95%CI(-1.59,-0.40),P=0.001;MD=-0.08,95%CI(-0.12,-0.04),P=0.000 2]、术后12个月及24个月的最大尿流率(Q_(max))[MD=0.88,95%CI(0.27,1.49),P=0.005;MD=1.00,95%CI(0.38,1.61),P=0.002]、术后12个月的残余尿(PVR)[MD=-8.95,95%CI(-16.45,-1.45),P=0.02]优于TURP组,但手术时间[MD=16.48,95%CI(11.08,21.89),P0.000 01]高于TURP组。结论:与TURP相比,HoLEP留置导尿时间及住院时间短,安全性高,术后短期及中期随访疗效更佳,输血率及尿道狭窄发生率更低,因此HoLEP治疗BPH具有更好的疗效及安全性。     

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 comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.