病人自控硬膜外镇痛对剖宫产术后妊娠期高血压病人免疫球蛋白的影响

目的探讨病人自控硬膜外镇痛(PCEA)对剖宫产术后妊娠期高血压病人免疫球蛋白的影响。方法择期行剖宫产术的重度妊娠期高血压病人(血压≥160/110 mm Hg),24 h尿蛋白量≥5 g)60例,年龄23～37岁,孕期37～42周,体重60～85 kg,随机分为3组(n=20)：对照组(C组)、单次硬膜外吗啡镇痛组(OTEA组)、PCEA组。麻醉均选择脊椎-硬膜外联合阻滞。PCEA组术毕保留硬膜导管,首次剂量0．125%布比卡因5 ml,安置自控镇痛泵,背景剂量0．5 ml/h,单次剂量2ml,锁定时间30 min,镇痛时间72h。OTEA组术毕硬膜外注射吗啡1．5 mg,C组术毕硬膜外注射生理盐水5ml。分别于麻醉前即刻、术后1、4、7d取母体肘静脉血5ml,采用速率散射比浊法检测IgG、IgM、IgA水平。结果与C组、OTEA组比较,PCEA组术后4、7 d IgG、IgM、IgA升高(P＜0．01)；与C组比较,OTEA组术后4d、IgM、IgA升高,术后4、7d IgG升高(P＜0．01)。结论PCEA可增强剖宫产术后妊娠期高血压病人免疫功能。     

维拉帕米在硬膜外术后镇痛中对吗啡的增效作用

目的　比较硬膜外单独注射吗啡与吗啡加维拉帕米在术后镇痛方面的疗效。方法　2 70例在硬膜外麻醉下行腹部手术的患者 ,随机分为三组 ,吗啡加维拉帕米组 (MV组 )、吗啡 1mg组(M 1组 )、吗啡 2mg组 (M2组 ) ,每组 90例。MV组 :吗啡 1mg +维拉帕米 0 2 5mg +0 9%NaCl稀释到 10ml;M 1组 :吗啡 1mg +0 9%NaCl稀释到 10ml;M2组 :吗啡 2mg +0 9%NaCl稀释到10ml。均于手术结束时由硬膜外导管缓慢注入硬膜外腔。观察 15min后拔除硬膜外导管送回病房。手术后 12、2 4、4 8h记录疼痛评分 (VAS)、平均动脉压和呼吸频率、脉搏血氧饱和度 ,以及尿潴留、恶心、呕吐等不良反应情况。结果　术后 4 8h内MV组镇痛效果明显优于M 1组 (P <0 0 5 ) ,与M2组相近 (P >0 0 5 ) ,但不良反应发生率MV组明显低于M2组 (P <0 0 1)。三组的呼吸循环及脉搏血氧饱和度无显著差异。结论　维拉帕米在硬膜外术后镇痛中对吗啡有增效作用 ,可减少吗啡的用量 ,从而减少吗啡的不良反应 ,并取得良好的术后镇痛效果     

病人白控硬膜外镇痛对剖宫产术后妊娠期高血压病人免疫球蛋白的影响

目的 探讨病人自控硬膜外镇痛（PCEA）对剖宫产术后妊娠期高血压病人免疫球蛋白的影响。方法 择期行剖宫产术的重度妊娠期高血压病人（血压≥160／110mmHg），24h尿蛋白量≥5g）60例，年龄23～37岁，孕期37—42周，体重60～85kg，随机分为3组（n=20）：对照组（C组）、单次硬膜外吗啡镇痛组（OTEA组）、PCEA组。麻醉均选择脊椎．硬膜外联合阻滞。PCEA组术毕保留硬膜导管，首次剂量0．125％布比卡因5ml，安置自控镇痛泵，背景剂量0．5ml／h，单次剂量2ml，锁定时间30min，镇痛时间72h。OTEA组术毕硬膜外注射吗啡1．5mg，C组术毕硬膜外注射生理盐水5ml。分别于麻醉前即刻、术后1、4、7d取母体肘静脉血5ml，采用速率散射比浊法检测IgG、IgM、IgA水平。结果 与C组、OTEA组比较，PCEA组术后4、7d IgG、IgM、IgA升高（P〈0．01）；与C组比较，OTEA组术后4d、IgM、IgA升高，术后4、7d IgG升高（P〈0．01）。结论 PCEA可增强剖宫产术后妊娠期高血压病人免疫功能。     

术后不同镇痛方式对老年患者应激反应和凝血功能的影响

目的 观察两种镇痛方式:硬膜外自控镇痛(PCEA)与静脉自控镇痛(PCIA)对老年患者下肢手术后应激反廊及凝血功能的影响.方法 择期行下肢骨科矫形手术的老年患者40例,ASAⅡ～Ⅲ级,随机分为硬膜外自榨镇痛组(PCEA组)与静脉自控镇痛组(PCIA组),每组20例.所有患者均施行腰麻硬膜外联合麻醉.术后PCEA组自硬膜外腔导管给予硬膜外自控镇痛,PCEA药物配制:罗哌卡因225 mg+吗啡8 mg+氟哌利多5 mg加生理盐水配成100 ml混合液,首次负荷苗吗啡2 mg,背景量2.0 ml/h,PCA量1.5 mL/次,间隔时间15 min;PCIA组给予静脉自控镇痛,PCIA药物配制:芬太尼0.2 mg+曲马多1g+氟哌利多5 mg加生理盐水配成100 ml混合液,首次负荷量为上述混合液10 ml静注,背景量2.0ml/h,PCA 量1.5 ml/次,间隔时间15 min.分别于麻醉前(T0)、术毕(T1)、术后24 h(T2)、术后48 h(T3)各时间点静脉采血检测血浆皮质醇(COR)、血糖(BS)和凝血功能:血浆凝血酶原时间(PT),活化部分凝血活酶时间(AFIT),凝血酶时间(TT)及血浆纤维蛋白原(Fg).于手术后12、24、48 h对两组患者进行视觉模拟疼痛评分(VAS).结果 术后12 h及24 h PCEA组VAS低于PCIA组(P均＜0.05).两组患者术毕到术后48 h(TI到T3)COR及BS与术前(TO)时比较降低(P＜0.05或0.01);而组间比较,T2和T3时PCEA组COR及BS均低于PCIA组(P均＜0.05).凝血功能指标PT、APTT、TT自T1到T3与T0比较,两组均延长(P＜0.05或0.01),而组问比较,T1和T3时两组间差异无统计学意义,而T2时上述三项指标PCEA组较PCIA组延长(P＜0.05).PCEA组纤维蛋白原(Fg)T1至T3较T0时降低(P＜0.05或0.01),而PCIA组T1到T3 Fg较T0时虽然有所降低,但差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);两组间比较,T1和T3时组间差异无统计学意义,仅1、2时PCEA组低于PCIA组(P＜0.05).结论 PCEA和PCIA均能提供有效的术后镇痛,并减轻手术后应激反应和改善凝血功能,但PCEA优于PCIA.     

硬膜外吗啡镇痛对膀胱压的影响

目的　探讨硬膜外腔应用小剂量吗啡术后镇痛对膀胱压的影响。方法　选择联合腰麻硬膜外麻醉行开腹子宫手术的病人 2 7例 ,检测膀胱最大充盈状态下麻醉前及麻醉后 1、3、5小时的膀胱静态压、收缩压及其阻滞平面和排尿感恢复率。结果　麻醉前、后对照组和吗啡组的膀胱静态压基本不变 ;麻醉后膀胱收缩压均下降 ,术后 1小时降低明显 (P <0 0 5 )。术后 5小时吗啡组的膀胱收缩压恢复明显高于对照组 (P <0 0 5 )。术后 3小时、5小时对照组和吗啡组的膀胱排尿感恢复率分别为 33%和 30 %、10 0 %和 6 0 %。结论　硬膜外腔应用吗啡术后镇痛对膀胱收缩压无明显影响 ,而下腹部术后引起的尿潴留不排除与疼痛相关。     

氯胺酮与吗啡超前镇痛对内脏牵拉痛及术后镇痛的影响

目的探讨氯胺酮与吗啡复合液硬膜外超前镇痛对抑制手术内脏牵拉痛的影响及术后镇痛情况的影响。方法60例ASAⅠ~Ⅱ级择期全子宫切除术患者,均于硬膜外麻醉下行全子宫切除术。随机分为两组,每组30例,即Ⅰ组(对照组):术前不施行超前镇痛;Ⅱ组(实验组):切皮前10 min将氯胺酮30 mg与吗啡2 mg用生理盐水稀释成5 ml注入硬膜外腔。所有患者术后均行自控硬膜外镇痛(PCEA)。镇痛药物为0.15%罗哌卡因+5 mg吗啡,共100 ml。观察两组患者术中牵拉反应、术后镇痛情况及并发症。结果Ⅱ组用药对抑制术中牵拉痛的效果明显优于Ⅰ组(P<0.01);Ⅱ组PCEA泵首次触发时间较Ⅰ组显著延长(P<0.01),48 h内有效触发次数显著减少(P<0.01),24 h PCEA泵总用量明显减少(P<0.05),术后并发症无明显差异。结论氯胺酮与吗啡硬膜外超前镇痛能明显抑制术中牵拉痛,提供良好的术后镇痛效果,减少阿片类药物的用量。     

蛛网膜下隙注射吗啡术后镇痛

目的　探讨蛛网膜下隙注射吗啡术后镇痛的临床效果及不良反应。方法　ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级 6 0例择期妇科手术病人 ,随机分为两组 ,每组 30例 ,均采用腰麻 硬膜外联合阻滞。腰麻用药为0 5 %重比重布比卡因 10mg ,然后硬膜外腔置管。研究组于腰麻药中加入吗啡 0 2 5mg ,对照组则于硬膜外腔注射吗啡 2mg。术后行视觉模拟评分 (VAS)、Ramsay镇静评分、BCS(Bruggrmanncomfortscale)舒适评分并观察不良反应发生情况。结果　蛛网膜下隙吗啡组术后完全无痛时间和持续镇痛时间明显长于硬膜外吗啡组 ,VAS评分明显低于硬膜外吗啡组 (P <0 0 5或P <0 0 1)。Ramsay评分和BCS评分明显高于硬膜外吗啡组 (P <0 0 5或P <0 0 1)。蛛网膜下隙吗啡组术后不良反应发生率明显增加 (P <0 0 5 )。结论　蛛网膜下隙注射吗啡镇痛效果确切、持续时间长 ,但不良反应发生率较高于硬膜外吗啡镇痛     

曲马多预镇痛对子宫切除术后自控镇痛效果的影响

目的　研究预先经静脉和硬膜外注射曲马多对妇科病人术后硬膜外自控镇痛 (PCEA)效果的影响。方法　择期硬膜外麻醉下经腹子宫肌瘤摘除术病人 10 0例 ,ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级 ,随机分为C、E1、E2 、V1、V2 组 ,每组 2 0例。C组为对照组 ,E1、E2 组病人分别于切皮前、后 10min硬膜外腔注射曲马多 1mg/kg(2ml) ,V1、V2 组病人分别于切皮前、后 10min ,静脉注射曲马多 1mg/kg(2ml)。术中局麻药均选用 2 %利多卡因。手术结束时采用LCP模式病人自控镇痛 :负荷量 6ml(1mg/kg曲马多 +4mg恩丹西酮 ) +背景输注量 10 0ml(0 5 %曲马多 +0 15 %布比卡因 +0 0 0 8%恩丹西酮 ) +PCA量 ,流速 2ml/h ,PCA量 2ml,锁定时间 15min。分别记录开启泵 (VAS =0 )后 4、8、12、36、72h的VAS评分、Ramsay镇静评分 ,记录总PCA需要量、总舒适评分及并发症。 结果　E1、V1组 8、12、36、72h的VAS评分均显著小于C、E2 、V2 组 (P <0 0 5 ) ,且 72hE1、V1组的VAS评分较C组差异更显著 (P <0 0 1)。E1、V1组优良 (0 +I)舒适评分显著高于E2 、V2 组 (P <0 0 5 )。E1、V1组的PCA需要量显著小于C、E2 、V2 组 (P <0 0 5 )。各组均无明显呼吸抑制发生 ,组间Ramsay镇静评分和恶心呕吐发生率的差异无显著性。结论　手术切皮前 10min预先静脉或硬膜     

帕瑞昔布对剖宫产术后病人不同剂量吗啡硬膜外镇痛效果的影响

目的 评价帕瑞昔布对剖宫产术后病人不同剂量吗啡硬膜外镇痛效果的影响.方法 择期行剖宫产手术的病人300例,ASA分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,年龄20～40岁,体重54 ～ 89 kg,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为6组(n＝50):帕瑞昔布联合常规剂量吗啡PCEA组(P1组)、帕瑞昔布联合中剂量吗啡PCEA组(P2组)、帕瑞昔布联合小剂量吗啡PCEA组(P3组),3组各设置生理盐水联合吗啡PCEA对照组(C1组、C2组和C3组).于手术结束时P1组、P2组和P3组静脉注射帕瑞昔布40 ng,C1组、C2组和C3组给予等容量生理盐水.6组术后行吗啡PCEA,C1组和P1组:负荷量为吗啡2.0mg,镇痛泵药物为吗啡3.0 mg;C2组和P2组:负荷量为吗啡1.5mg,镇痛泵药物为吗啡2.0 mg;C3组和P3组:负荷量为吗啡1.0 mg,镇痛泵药物为吗啡1.5 mg;负荷量中均加入0.15％罗哌卡因8ml,所有镇痛泵中药物均加入罗哌卡因150 mg、格拉司琼3 mg和地塞米松5 mg,用生理盐水稀释至100 ml,背景输注速率2 ml/h,PCA量0.5ml,锁定时间15 min.分别记录术毕～术后24h期间静息状态及活动状态时镇痛有效情况,记录恶心呕吐、皮肤瘙痒、呼吸抑制、低血压和嗜睡等不良反应的发生情况.结果 与C1组或G2组比较,P1组或P2组术后活动状态和静息状态镇痛有效率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);与C3组比较,P3组活动状态镇痛有效率升高(P<0.01),静息状态镇痛有效率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与P1组和P2组比较,P3组恶心呕吐程度和皮肤瘙痒发生率降低(P<0.01),无一例病人发生呼吸抑制、低血压和嗜睡.结论 静脉注射帕瑞昔布40 mg可增强剖宫产术后小剂量吗啡硬膜外镇痛的效果,而对中等剂量或常规剂量吗啡硬膜外镇痛效果无影响.     

罗比卡因用于剖宫产术后硬膜外镇痛对血浆泌乳素的影响

目的　探讨剖宫产术后病人硬膜外连续注射 0 2 %罗比卡因对泌乳素的影响。方法　6 0例健康足月产妇 ,择期在联合椎管内麻醉下施行剖宫产术。术毕随机等分为镇痛组和对照组 :镇痛组行硬膜外镇痛 ,注入 0 2 %罗比卡因 (5ml/h)持续 4 8h镇痛 ;对照组术毕拔出硬膜外导管。采用放射免疫法测定血浆泌乳素 (PRL) ,视觉模拟评分 (VAS)估计镇痛效果。结果　镇痛组VAS明显低于对照组 (P <0 0 1) ,两组术后PRL均较术前明显升高 (P <0 0 1) ,镇痛组PRL高于对照组 ,2 4h具有显著性差异 (P <0 0 5 ) ,4 8h具有非常显著性差异 (P <0 0 1) ;镇痛组初乳时间较对照组提前 (P<0 0 5 ) ,婴儿体重增加明显高于对照组 (P <0 0 5 ) ,镇痛组肠蠕动恢复时间明显快于对照组 (P <0 0 5 )术后生命体征平稳 ,无恶心呕吐、头痛、肢体麻木发生。结论　剖宫产术后罗比卡因硬膜外镇痛效果确切安全 ,能促进PRL分泌 ,初乳时间提早 ,增加婴儿体重。     

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.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.