先天性多发性关节挛缩症合并脊柱侧凸的临床特征及疗效评价

目的 探讨先天性多发性关节挛缩症(arthrogryposis multiplex congenital,AMC)合并脊柱侧凸的临床特征和手术方式并评估疗效.方法 回顾性分析2001年11月至2006年8月在我院接受脊柱三维矫形手术治疗的AMC合并脊柱侧凸患者14例,男7例,女7例;年龄11～20岁,平均14.3岁.对侧凸类型进行分析并对其手术前后侧凸冠状面和矢状面Cobb角、骨盆倾斜角进行评价.结果 12例为长"C"型胸腰弯,5例合并先天性脊柱侧凸.14例患者主弯冠状面Cobb角术前平均79.1°,术后平均35.9°,平均矫正率为54.6%;10例合并胸椎前凸畸形者矢状位术前胸椎前凸Cobb角平均43.0°,术后胸椎后凸Cobb角平均16.4°;2例合并胸椎后凸畸形者矢状位术前胸椎后凸Cobb角平均91.5°,术后胸椎后凸Cobb角平均54.5°;3例术前骨盆倾斜角平均22.1°,术后平均13.3°.术后随访2.0～4.5年,平均29个月,末次随访时冠状面矫正丢失率平均6.8%.3例发生术中和术后并发症:1例后路矫形时发生大出血(4000m1);1例术后出现短暂性呼吸困难;1例二期后路内同定完成后出现完全性截瘫,术后3个月恢复正常.结论 AMC合并脊柱侧凸弯型以麻痹性神经肌源性长"C"型胸腰弯为主,可合并有先天性脊柱侧凸.脊柱三维矫形可以对AMC合并脊柱侧凸进行有效的矫正,但易发生并发症.     

青少年特发性脊柱侧凸的选择性胸椎融合治疗

目的　探讨青少年特发性脊柱侧凸选择性胸椎融合治疗的适应证。方法　回顾性分析12例行选择性胸椎融合患者术前、术后及随访时的X光像 ,对侧凸类型、侧凸Cobb角、顶椎旋转度、顶椎偏距、侧凸柔韧性、躯干偏移及胸腰段矢状面Cobb角进行测量和分析。患者 12例中男 2例 ,女10例 ,平均年龄 15 1(13～ 18)岁。侧凸均为KingⅡ型 ,其中PUMCⅡb1型 9例 ,Ⅱc3型 3例。所有病例均行选择性胸椎融合 ,平均随访 3 5 (1～ 10 5 )年。结果　手术前后胸弯冠状面Cobb角分别为5 4 0°、19 0° ,平均矫正率 6 2 7% ;腰弯冠状面Cobb角分别为 34 6°、12 5° ,自动矫正率为 6 4 7%。最后随访时 ,胸、腰弯的冠状面Cobb角分别为 18 8°、15 9°;腰弯冠状面Cobb角、顶椎偏距及顶椎旋转度与术后相比无显著变化。术后发生胸腰段后凸 1例 ,最终随访时未见进一步加重。无躯干失平衡现象发生。选择性胸椎融合较后路融合双弯平均减少 3 5个融合节段。结论　对腰弯柔韧性好且度数较小的KingⅡ (PUMCⅡb1和部分Ⅱc3)型特发性脊柱侧凸 ,可安全有效地行选择性胸椎融合     

经后路多点锚定技术治疗Ⅰ型神经纤维瘤病伴营养不良性脊柱侧凸的临床疗效

[目的]探讨经后路多点锚定技术治疗Ⅰ型神经纤维瘤病伴营养不良性脊柱侧凸的临床疗效。[方法]回顾性研究2005年1月~2013年12月本科收治的Ⅰ型神经纤维瘤病伴营养不良性脊柱侧凸23例;年龄10~22岁,平均13.6岁;其中胸弯13例,胸腰双主弯4例,胸腰弯3例,双胸弯2例,腰弯1例;术前冠状面Cobb角48.9°~91.4°,平均68.3°;凸侧Bending相Cobb角40°~79.2°,平均57.4°;柔韧性8.3%~28.1%,平均15.7%;顶椎旋转度2°~3°,平均2.3°;矢状面胸椎后凸Cobb角46.4°~79.6°,平均58.2°,胸腰段后凸Cobb角21.1°~35.7°,平均28.3°。均采用经后路多点锚定技术进行矫形融合固定。[结果]随访12~96个月,平均52个月。术后冠状面Cobb角16.3°~46.7°,平均28.4°;顶椎旋转度1°~2°,平均1.2°;矢状面胸椎后凸Cobb角16.1°~38.3°,平均25.3°,胸腰段后凸Cobb角-4.3°~18.7°,平均8.9°;术后各指标均获得良好的矫正,侧凸矫正率为46.3%~74.1%,平均56.9%。末次随访时侧凸矫正丢失率仅3.1%,无神经系统并发症,仅1例假关节形成。[结论]经后路多点锚定技术治疗Ⅰ型神经纤维瘤病伴营养不良性脊柱侧凸可获得较满意的矫形融合效果。     

女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者自我形象评估的相关影响因素分析

目的:探讨女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS)患者自我形象评估的影响因素。方法:回顾性分析2010年9月～2011年3月在我院就诊的252例女性AIS患者,年龄12～18岁,平均14.5±1.8岁。均摄取患者站立位全脊柱正侧位X线片,并独立填写一份简体中文版SRS-22问卷。在站立位全脊柱正侧位X线片上测量Cobb角、顶椎旋转度、胸椎后凸角、腰椎前凸角、脊柱冠状面力线偏移及脊柱矢状面力线偏移等参数。采用相关分析研究各临床指标与自我形象评分的相关性。结果:患者平均Cobb角35.5°±12.8°;平均顶椎旋转度2.0°±0.7°;平均胸椎后凸角16.2°±9.0°;平均腰椎前凸角51.3°±9.8°;平均脊柱冠状面力线偏移1.2±0.7cm;平均脊柱矢状面力线偏移2.4±1.5cm;平均体重指数18.3±2.2;平均自我形象评分16.7±2.8分。胸弯和胸腰弯/腰弯的自我形象评分均与主弯Cobb角有相关性(r分别为-0.171,-0.225,P均<0.05);其中大角度胸弯组呈显著相关(r=-0.484,P=0.005)。而其他参数与患者自我形象评估均无明显相关性(P均>0.05)。结论:女性AIS患者的自我形象主要受主弯Cobb角的影响,其中大角度胸弯患者的自我形象受主弯Cobb角的影响最大。     

重度成人特发性脊柱侧凸脊柱-骨盆矢状面特点分析

【摘要】 目的：探讨重度成人特发性脊柱侧凸患者脊柱-骨盆矢状面平衡特点。方法：本研究纳入79名正常志愿者（正常组）、83例轻中度成人特发性脊柱侧凸患者（Cobb角<60°）以及69例重度成人特发性脊柱侧凸患者（Cobb角>80°）,再根据主弯部位分为胸弯组及胸腰弯/腰弯组,测量各组冠状面参数包括主弯Cobb角、冠状面偏移（CB）以及顶椎偏移（AVT）,矢状面参数包括矢状面偏移（SVA）、胸椎后凸角（TK）、胸腰后凸角（TLK）、腰椎前凸角（LL）、骨盆入射角（PI）、骨盆倾斜角（PT）和骶骨倾斜角（SS）、骨盆厚度（PTH）、骶骨股骨距离（SFD）、骶骨骨盆角（PRS1）、PI与LL差值（PI-LL）、PT与PI比值（PT/PI）以及C7铅垂线与骶骨中心距离（HA-C7PL）。比较各组间冠状面及矢状面参数的特点及各参数间的相关性。相关性分析使用Pearson相关分析。不同疾病组同一参数间的对比研究使用单因素方差分析及两两比较q检验。结果：与正常组相比,重度成人特发性脊柱侧凸患者的LL、TLK、TK及PRS1显著增大,PI、PT、PTH、SFD及PI-LL显著减小,重度胸腰弯/腰弯组的SVA显著增大而SS显著减小,但SVA在平衡范围内。正常组与轻中度胸弯组,冠状面及矢状面参数间无相关性。在轻中度胸腰弯/腰弯组、重度胸弯组及重度胸腰弯/腰弯组,Cobb角与TK、TLK具有相关性。在所有组中,LL与TK、LL与TLK、PI与PT及PI与SS均具有相关性。在正常组、重度胸弯组及重度胸腰弯/腰弯组中,TK与TLK具有相关性。轻中度胸腰弯/腰弯组CB与PT具有相关性;重度胸弯组中,CB与TLK、SS具有相关性;重度胸腰弯/腰弯组,冠状面Cobb角与LL及CB与PT、SS具有相关性。在重度胸腰弯/腰弯组中,LL与SVA具有相关性。在重度脊柱侧凸组中,TK与SVA具有相关性。结论：重度成人特发性脊柱侧凸矢状面排列具有自身特点,表现为TK、TLK、LL的显著增大与PI、PT的显著减小;冠状面参数中冠状面主弯Cobb角与TK、TLK及CB与SS均具有相关性,矢状面参数中TK、TLK与LL三者之间及TK与SVA之间均具有相关性;骨盆发生明显的形态学改变,表现为狭长水平的形态。     

三维矫形内固定治疗成人特发性脊柱侧凸

目的探讨成人特发性脊柱侧凸的治疗方法及临床效果。方法2003年2月～2005年11月,采用脊柱三维矫形技术治疗特发性脊柱侧凸12例,男4例,女8例;年龄21～35岁。其中腰弯5例,Cobb角46～65°;长胸弯4例,Cobb角85～102°;胸腰弯3例,Cobb角96～108°。以疼痛为主要症状8例,以畸形为主要症状4例。无明显神经症状。术前常规摄X线片,均有冠状面上的脊柱侧凸及椎体的旋转,矢状面上的胸腰椎生理曲度的异常改变,MRI检查均无明显的脊柱脊髓异常表现。结果12例术后均无神经损伤及并发症出现。5例腰弯患者Cobb角4～15°,平均纠正率84.7%;矢状面曲度25～40°;身高增长2～4cm。4例长胸弯患者Cobb角28～43°,平均纠正率60.8%;3例胸腰弯患者Cobb角25～34°,平均纠正率71.3%。长胸弯及胸腰弯患者矢状面上交界性后凸全部纠正至正常,胸椎后凸及腰椎前凸均在正常范围之内,增长身高5.0～8.5cm,平均6.6cm。12例获随访7～31个月,均无断钉、断棒、脱钩、脱钉等现象及假关节形成,1年以上复查患者全部骨性融合,纠正丢失5%。结论三维矫形内固定治疗特发性脊柱侧凸,重建躯干平衡,效果满意,术中应用体感诱发电位监护及唤醒试验预防神经并发症的发生。     

经椎弓根截骨矫治成人特发性脊柱侧凸的临床疗效

目的 评价经椎弓根截骨术(PSO)矫治成人特发性脊柱侧凸的临床疗效.方法 回顾分析2001年7月至2007年11月共25例采用脊柱后路PSO治疗的成人特发性脊柱侧凸患者的临床资料.其中男性7例,女性18例;手术时年龄29～48岁,平均35岁.弯曲类型为胸腰双弯9例,胸腰/腰单弯16例.截骨部位均选择在顶椎,其中T11 1例,T12 7例,L1 11例,L2 6例.对比术前、术后及随访时脊柱站立位正侧位X线片判断矫形效果.结果 所有病例手术顺利完成,手术时间220～380 min,平均274 min;术中失血量1500～5000 ml,平均2328ml.腰弯/胸腰弯的侧凸Cobb角术前70°～121°,平均88°;术后矫正至35°～70°,平均43°;矫正率44%.腰弯/胸腰弯的后凸Cobb角术前50°～90°,平均63°;术后矫正至-40°～21°,平均10°;矫正率86%.矢状面的矫形效果明显优于冠状面.手术并发症包括发生神经根损伤3例,术后表现为根性疼痛;无脊髓损伤、迟发性瘫痪、感染和固定失败发生.所有病例随访2～4年,无明显矫形丢失,无躯干失代偿发生,腰背疼痛均得到满意的缓解,患者外观均获得明显改善.结论 PSO矫治成人特发性脊柱侧凸安全有效.     

神经纤维瘤病性脊柱侧凸的治疗

目的回顾性研究45例神经纤维瘤病性脊柱侧凸患者的外科治疗结果,分析侧凸分类与手术效果的关系。方法45例神经纤维瘤病性脊柱侧凸患者,平均年龄14.2岁,平均随访时间6.8年。其中6例为非营养不良型侧凸,39例为营养不良型侧凸。后者按照顶椎位置分为3组:胸弯组、胸腰弯组、单纯腰弯组。根据侧凸类型和位置选择后路脊柱融合或前后路脊柱融合。所有病例行完整的影像学检查,并进行侧弯角度与手术效果之间关系的评估。结果术中平均出血600 m l,平均输血670 m l。在非营养不良组冠状面和矢状面的矫正率分别为61.77%和40.19%,随访平均Cobb角丢失分别为2.9°和5.2°。营养不良组冠状面和矢状面的矫正率胸弯组分别为48.91%和47.74%,随访平均Cobb角丢失分别为4.8°和3.6°;胸腰弯组分别为58.40%和52.00%,随访平均Cobb角丢失分别为6.3°和5.0°。腰弯组冠状面矫正率为65.10%,随访平均Cobb角丢失为12.8°。在45例患者中有6例随访时出现大于10°的角度丢失,3例出现内固定失败,6例进行了共7次翻修手术。结论神经纤维瘤病性脊柱侧凸治疗较为复杂,难度较大。早期积极的手术治疗,是治疗此类侧凸尤其是营养不良型NF-1型侧凸的关键。     

电视辅助胸腔镜下脊柱侧凸矫形融合术

目的:探讨电视辅助胸腔镜下脊柱侧凸矫形融合术的操作技术和初期临床结果。方法:回顾性分析我院2003年3月至2004年1月完成的10例胸腔镜下Eclipse矫形融合术病例,特发性脊柱侧凸9例,先天性脊柱侧凸1例,年龄11￣17岁,平均13.3岁。对手术前后及随访时冠状面和矢状面Cobb角进行测量,并对手术时间、术中出血量、围手术期并发症及初步矫形效果进行分析。结果:手术时间平均6.5h,固定融合节段5￣7个(平均6.3个)椎体,每一节段手术时间0.75￣1.70h(平均1.1h),手术总失血量200～600ml(平均360ml)。手术前后主胸弯冠状面Cobb角分别为44.0°和16.4°,手术矫形率63.2%;手术前后腰弯冠状面Cobb角分别为29.0°和12.9°,自动矫形率54.4%。随访6￣24个月,平均14.7月,随访时胸、腰弯冠状面Cobb角分别为20.1°和19.6°,分别丢失3.7°和6.7°。手术前后主胸弯的顶椎偏距分别为28.6mm和9.6mm,腰弯的顶椎偏距分别为14.1mm和8.6mm。手术前后矢状面上胸后凸的Cobb角分别为12.3°和23.9°。结论:电视辅助胸腔镜下脊柱侧凸矫形融合术具有创伤小,出血少和小切口美容效果,对轻中度侧凸可获得良好矫形效果,但矫形容易丢失。     

先天性多发性关节挛缩症伴脊柱侧凸的影像学特征

【摘要】 目的：探讨先天性多发性关节挛缩症伴脊柱侧凸（arthrogryposis multiplex congenita,AMC）患者的影像学特征。方法：回顾性分析2001年11月~2013年4月我院收治的以脊柱侧凸首诊的41例AMC患者,男21例,女20例,年龄4～28岁（平均15.6±3.9岁）。记录侧凸类型、累及节段数,测量冠状面侧凸主弯Cobb角、骨盆倾斜角和矢状面成角,计算侧凸柔软度,并对合并骨盆倾斜患者的骨盆倾斜角和主弯Cobb角进行相关性分析。结果：本组中7例合并先天性脊柱畸形。单弯37例（90%）,其中胸弯21例,胸腰弯16例;胸腰双弯4例（10%）。主弯平均累及节段数为9±1个,平均Cobb角为80°±29°,平均柔软度（20±11）%。22例（54%）合并骨盆倾斜,倾斜角平均为16°±5°;相关分析示骨盆倾斜角与主弯Cobb角存在显著相关性（r＝0.612,P＜0.05）。矢状面上,胸椎前凸20例（49%）,胸椎后凸减小5例（12%）,腰椎过度前凸24例（59%）。结论：AMC伴脊柱侧凸以单弯为主,畸形较为僵硬,可合并有先天性脊柱畸形,多合并骨盆倾斜,且骨盆倾斜与侧凸严重程度密切关联。典型的矢状面表现为胸腰椎的前凸畸形,而后凸畸形相对少见。     

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.     

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.