关节镜下骨隧道缝线固定与空心螺钉固定治疗胫骨髁间棘骨折的疗效对比

目的 观察并比较关节镜下骨隧道缝线固定与空心螺钉固定治疗胫骨髁间棘骨折的临床疗效。方法 对2009年1月至2013年11月期间中国人民解放军武汉总医院通过关节镜手术治疗胫骨髁间棘骨折并获得随访的62例病人的临床资料进行回顾性分析,根据手术固定方法不同分为骨隧道缝线固定组（28例）和螺钉固定组（34例）。比较两组的平均手术时间、膝关节屈伸活动度;采用Lysholm膝关节评分量表、2000国际膝关节评分委员会（International Knee Documentation Committee, IKDC）膝关节主观评价问卷对膝关节功能进行评价;采用轴移试验、Lachman试验评价膝关节稳定性;标准膝关节正侧位X线片评价骨折愈合情况。结果 随访12~32个月,平均16.5个月,两组的平均手术时间相近,且术后病人均未出现膝关节屈伸活动受限。缝线固定组手术前后的Lysholm评分分别为（50.46±4.59）分、（92.25±2.82）分,2000 IKDC膝关节主观评分由术前的（49.29±8.49）分提高到术后的（90.86±3.38）分;螺钉固定组手术前后的Lysholm评分分别为（49.06±3.85）分、（91.76±7.34）分,2000 IKDC膝关节主观评分由术前的（47.00±8.31）分提高到术后的（90.29±2.78）分;术后评分均明显优于术前,差异均有统计学意义（t=-38.802,t=-21.730,t=-44.723,t=-28.102,P均＜0.001）,但两组组间比较,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。两组术后轴移试验结果均为阴性,Lachman试验结果差异无统计学意义（χ²=0.033,P=0.856）。病人末次随访时均达到骨性愈合,未发现骨赘形成及髁间窝撞击表现。结论 关节镜下采用骨隧道缝线固定或空心螺钉固定治疗胫骨髁间棘骨折均可获得牢靠固定,临床疗效理想,骨隧道缝线固定法在处理粉碎骨折及合并半月板损伤的手术操作方面更具优势。     

加速康复外科在关节镜下半月板损伤修复围术期护理中的应用

目的 探讨加速康复外科（enhanced recovery after surgery, ERAS）优化方案在关节镜下半月板损伤修复围术期护理的应用效果。方法 选取2017年1月至6月在北京积水潭医院运动医学科收治的膝关节半月板损伤病人90例,按照随机数字表法分为ERAS组和常规组,每组45例。ERAS组围术期在常规护理方法的基础上,给予改进的ERAS优化护理方案。比较两组病人术后疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue score, VAS）评分、膝关节活动度恢复时间、Lysholm膝关节评分（Lysholm knee score scale, LKSS）、住院时间和费用、术后并发症及术后满意度情况。结果 两组病人术前至术后48 h各时间点的VAS评分均呈下降趋势（F_ERAS组=14.355,F_常规组=5.728,P均＜0.05）,从各个时间点看,ERAS组的VAS评分值显著低于常规组（F_组间=11.937,P_组间=0.001）,不同时间点与分组之间存在交互作用（F_交互=16.571,P_交互＜0.001）;ERAS组术后膝关节活动度恢复至30°、60°、90°及120°时间明显早于常规组（P＜0.001）,且病人住院时间短（t=-5.181,P＜0.001）、住院费用低（t=-3.263,P=0.002）、术后Lysholm膝关节评分更佳（t=10.682,P＜0.001）;ERAS组病人术后恶心、呕吐、尿潴留、关节积液等并发症发生率较常规组低（P＜0.05）,总体满意度明显高于常规组（Z=-2.455,P=0.014）。结论 ERAS优化方案应用于关节镜下半月板损伤修复的围术期护理中效果显著,可明显降低病人术后疼痛程度,缩短住院时间,减少住院总费用和并发症发生率,有效改善病人早期及远期膝关节活动情况,提高病人治疗综合满意度。     

Legion工具在Genesis Ⅱ膝关节假体置换术中的应用

目的 探讨在初次人工全膝关节置换术（total knee arthroplasty, TKA）中应用Legion工具完成Genesis Ⅱ膝关节假体置换术的可行性及临床意义。方法 将中国人民解放军总医院第一医学中心收治的60例单侧内翻型初次TKA病人按随机数字表法分成Legion工具组及Genesis工具组,所有病人均采用Genesis Ⅱ假体,分别采用对应的工具为两组病人完成手术。对病人术前及术后的美国膝关节协会评分（Knee Society Scores, KSS）、最大屈曲角度、术后人工关节被遗忘指数（Forgotten Joint Scores, FJS）及影像学指标进行对比分析。结果 两组病人均获得1年随访,未出现切口相关并发症;术后3个月Legion工具组KSS临床评分及功能评分均高于Genesis工具组［（81.55±4.81）分 vs. （79.05±4.10）分,t=2.165,P=0.035;（84.89±4.60）分 vs. （81.33±5.14）分,t=2.820,P=0.007）］,术后12个月两组KSS评分的差异无统计学意义;术后12个月Legion工具组FJS评分优于Genesis工具组［（94.03±6.50）分 vs. （89.62±6.10）分,t=2.706,P=0.009）］,病人膝关节最大屈曲角度较Genesis工具组大（123.48°±7.63° vs. 108.19°±9.12°,t=2.436,P=0.018）。结论 使用Legion工具行Genesis Ⅱ置换术,可以发挥其简单、精准、微创、个性化的特点,获得更好的临床疗效。     

早期或晚期行关节镜下前交叉韧带重建的临床疗效对比

目的 对比早期或晚期行关节镜下前交叉韧带（anterior cruciate ligament, ACL）重建的临床疗效。方法 选取2015年1月至2016年11月在我院进行关节镜下单束自体腘绳肌腱重建手术治疗ACL的34例病人进行回顾性分析。其中伤后2周内进行重建手术治疗的17例纳入早期重建组,伤后2~6个月内进行重建治疗的17例纳入晚期重建组,对比两组病人的术后疼痛消除时间、肿胀消除时间和关节恢复正常活动的时间等一般临床指标,收集并比较其术前和术后18个月的Lysholm评分、术前国际膝关节文献委员会（the international knee documentation committee, IKDC）膝关节评分。结果 两组病人的手术时间、术中出血量比较,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）;早期重建组的术后疼痛消除时间、肿胀消除时间和关节恢复正常活动时间分别为（34.06±3.27） d、（13.71±2.36） d和（50.18±4.65） d,均显著高于晚期重建组的[（25.29±3.96） d、（9.29±2.91） d和（33.41±3.48） d]差异均有统计学意义（t=7.033,t=4.850,t=1.892,P均＜0.001）;术后18个月,早期重建组的Lysholm评分和IKDC评分分别为（89.00±5.83）分、（90.06±5.03）分,与晚期重建组的（90.94±5.55）分、（91.47±4.23）分相比,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）,且两组病人Lysholm量表各单项评分之间的差异也无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。结论 早期或晚期关节镜下单束自体腘绳肌腱重建手术治疗膝关节ACL损伤的近期临床疗效相近,但晚期重建治疗病人的术后恢复较快。     

带线锚钉结合骨桥内固定治疗后交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折的疗效分析

目的 分析带线锚钉结合骨桥内固定治疗后交叉韧带（posterior cruciate ligament, PCL）胫骨止点撕脱骨折的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2017年1月至2017年6月利用带线锚钉结合骨桥内固定治疗的26例（26膝）PCL胫骨止点撕脱骨折病人的临床资料。其中,男22例,女4例;年龄为17~39岁,平均31岁;病程为1~8 d。术后1年通过后抽屉试验评价膝关节功能;比较其术前术后的膝关节Lysholm评分和Tegner评分。结果 术后1年复查X线,所有病人骨折完全愈合,均未出现感染,后抽屉试验转为阴性。手术前、后的Lysholm评分分别为（24.08±9.50）分、（97.60±1.04）分;Tegner评分分别为（3.15±0.92）分、（8.60±0.32）分;术后分值均显著优于术前,两者比较,差异均有统计学意义（t=2.165,P=0.038;t=2.304,P=0.027）。结论 利用带线锚钉结合骨桥内固定修复PCL胫骨止点撕脱骨折临床效果良好。     

股内侧肌下入路与髌旁内侧入路在老年膝关节置换中应用的初步临床分析

目的 分析比较全膝关节置换术（total knee arthroplasty, TKA）中采用股内侧肌下入路（subvastus approach, SVA）与髌旁内侧入路（medial parapatellar approach, MPA）的早期临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月至2016年8月在本院完成初次TKA的69例病人资料（年龄均超过60岁）,根据手术入路的不同分为SVA组和MPA组,记录并比较两组病人的手术切口长度、手术时间、总出血量、术后可直腿抬高时间、膝关节术后活动度（range of motion, ROM）。采用疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评价病人疼痛情况,采用美国膝关节协会评分（knee society score, KSS）评价病人的膝关节功能。结果 SVA组病人的手术切口长度为（11.48±1.35） cm,与MPA组的（15.24±1.41） cm相比,差异有统计学意义（t=11.041,P＜0.001）;两组间手术总失血量及手术时间比较,差异均无统计学意义（t=0.209,P=0.835;t=1.003,P=0.320）;SVA组病人的术后直腿抬高时间为（1.52±0.62） d,MPA组为（2.61±0.97） d,两组比较,差异有统计学意义（t=5.462,P＜0.001）。术后第3、7天SVA组静息和活动状态下的VAS评分均优于MPA组,两组间比较,除外术后第7天静息状态下的VAS评分,其他时间及状态下的VAS评分差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）。术后第3、7天,MPA组病人的膝关节ROM（89.09°±5.51°、93.03°±7.06°）均小于SVA组（96.36°±4.55°、96.36°±6.53°）,差异均有统计学意义（t=5.842,P＜0.001;t=1.991,P=0.049）。术后2周,MPA组病人的KSS评分为（72.42±4.35）分,小于SVA组病人的（78.79±3.96）分,差异有统计学意义（t=6.214,P＜0.001）。术后第1、3、6、9个月,两组间KSS评分和膝关节ROM比较,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。结论 人工全膝关节置换采用SVA对伸膝装置影响小,可促进置换后关节功能及关节活动度的快速恢复,减少疼痛,提高术后满意度。     

改良Chevron截骨术联合Akin截骨术治疗足母中重度外翻的临床分析

目的 探究改良Chevron截骨术联合Akin截骨术治疗中重度足母外翻的临床效果。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月至2017年1月我院收治的50例中重度足母外翻病人的临床资料,依据手术治疗方式的不同将其分为改良Chevron截骨治疗组（20例,36病足）和联合手术治疗组（30例,50病足,改良Chevron截骨术联合Akin截骨术）。应用美国足踝外科医师协会（American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, AOFAS）踝与后足功能评分系统评价患足功能,采用疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评估两组病人患足疼痛情况,测量两组病人手术前后的足母外翻角（hallux valgus angle, HVA）和第1、2跖骨间角（inter-metatarsus angle, IMA）评价手术效果。结果 联合手术治疗组病人的术中出血量为（33.75±5.27） ml,手术时间为（55.14±12.89） min,均高于改良Chevron截骨治疗组［（12.88±4.75） ml,（27.67±10.12） min］,差异均有统计学意义（t=3.293,P=0.018;t=4.293,P=0.012）。联合手术治疗组术后1周、1个月、1年的VAS评分［（3.24±0.98）分、（2.17±0.45）分、（1.31±0.12）分］均优于改良Chevron截骨治疗组［（3.42±0.74）分、（2.57±0.36）分、（1.88±0.45）分］,差异均有统计学意义（t=2.267,P=0.028;t=2.991,P=0.017;t=2.542,P=0.021）。两组病人术后的HVA、IMA、AOFAS评分、满意度评分、AOFAS优良率比较,联合手术治疗组［12.67°±2.13°、8.31°±1.02°、（81.21±9.24）分、（91.67±4.12）分、88.8%］优于Chevron截骨治疗组［10.42°±3.52°、7.59°±1.33°、（62.22±6.42）分、（75.32±5.91）分、60.00%］,差异均有统计学意义（t=2.742,P=0.037;t=2.984,P=0.029;t=3.342,P=0.012;t=3.943,P=0.007;χ²=7.274,P=0.032）。结论 改良Chevron截骨术联合Akin截骨术治疗中重度足母外翻具有更好的术后效果,值得进一步推广应用。     

出院准备服务在全膝关节置换术病人中的应用

目的 探讨出院准备服务在全膝关节置换术（total knee arthroplasty, TKA）病人中的临床护理效果及意义。方法 将2018年1月至6月我科收治的58例单侧TKA病人纳入对照组,采用常规护理和健康教育;将2018年7月至12月收治的64例单侧TKA病人纳入观察组,在常规护理和健康教育的基础上提供出院准备服务。术前和术后3个月采用美国特种外科医院（Hospital for Special Surgery, HSS）膝关节功能评分标准和健康调查简表（the MOS item short form health survey, SF-36）评价病人膝关节功能和生活质量,出院时调查病人护理服务满意度。结果 术后3个月,观察组HSS膝关节功能评分为（89.56±7.17）分,优于对照组的（77.59±6.03）分,差异有统计学意义（t=9.030,P=0.007）;观察组SF-36评分为（68.29±8.68）分,优于对照组的（51.29±3.55）分,差异有统计学意义（t=5.060,P=0.014）。出院时,观察组护理服务满意度为96.88%（62/64）,明显高于对照组的86.21%（50/58）,差异有统计学意义（χ²=3.920,P=0.012）。结论 实施出院准备服务全面、有效地保证了TKA病人出院后康复训练的连续性,使病人及时、准确地获得膝关节功能锻炼指导,提升了TKA病人的膝关节功能、生活质量和护理服务满意度。     

关节镜手术治疗股骨髁间窝撞击综合征的短期疗效分析

目的 探讨关节镜手术治疗不同原因引起的股骨髁间窝撞击综合征的短期疗效。方法 回顾性分析2016年1月至2017年1月于我院采用关节镜手术治疗并获得随访的52例（58膝）股骨髁间窝撞击综合征病人的临床资料,其中男24例,女28例;年龄为28~65岁,平均（49.8±10.3）岁,单独左膝23例,单独右膝23例,双膝6例;病史为3个月~12年。收集并比较病人手术前后关节屈曲及伸直功能的改善情况和患肢手术前后的膝关节Lysholm评分等指标。结果 本组病例随访6个月以上,膝关节最大屈曲角度由术前的108.0°±10.2°（100°~120°）提高到术后的125.0°±7.9°（120°~135°）,最大伸直角度由术前的16.0°±4.9°（10°~20°）改善为术后的6.2°±3.7°（0°~10°）,膝关节伸、屈角度明显改善,差异均有统计学意义（t=5.938,t=7.142,P均＜0.001）;术后膝关节Lysholm评分为（87.0±9.8）分（82~100分）,较术前的（51.0±11.8）分（41~78分）明显提高,差异有统计学意义（t=2.530,P＜0.05）。结论 采用关节镜手术治疗股骨髁间窝撞击综合征,可明显改善术后膝关节屈伸等功能,临床效果良好。     

关节镜下前交叉韧带袖套状保残重建的疗效研究

目的 探讨关节镜下前交叉韧带（anterior crueiate ligament,ACL）袖套状保残重建术的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析我科2018年3月至2020年1月行关节镜下ACL袖套状保残重建术治疗的30例病人,其中男17例,女13例;年龄为17~43岁。术前及术后2、6、12个月分别采用Lachman试验和前抽屉试验评估膝关节的稳定性;记录Lysholm评分和Tegner运动功能评分,术后12个月时行患膝MRI检查评估重建的ACL。结果 病人随访（14.53±2.48）个月（12~18个月）。术中未出现神经血管损伤病人,术后未出现伤口感染及固定排异反应。术后门诊随访时,前抽屉试验及Lachman试验均为阴性。术后12个月Lysholm评分为（95.5±6.6）分,显著高于术前的（37.9±7.3）分;Tegner功能评分为（6.4±0.8）分,显著高于术前的（1.9±0.5）分,差异均有统计学意义（t=41.482,P＜0.001;t=25.819,P＜0.001）。术后12个月复查MRI显示ACL显影良好。结论 关节镜下ACL袖套状保残重建术安全、微创、并发症少,术后能早期改善病人膝关节功能,值得临床推广。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Intrathecal administration of sameridine to patients subjected to arthroscopic knee joint surgery

Background: Sameridine, a new substance with both local anesthetic and opioid effects, was administered intrathecally for the first time to humans, i. e. in patients subjected to arthroscopic knee joint surgery.
Method: A dose-escalating (10, 15, 20 and 25 mg), open study was performed in 33 patients. Only two patients were included in the 25 mg group.
Results: Sameridine provided good quality of surgical anesthesia in all patients except those receiving 10 mg. The maximum level of sensory block, Th5–Th7, was reached within 30 min with a median duration of 3.6–3.9 h. The motor block was more profound with increasing dose, but never lasted longer than the sensory block. The influence on heart rate and blood pressure was minor and atropine and ephedrine were needed in four patients. No clinically significant ECG-changes were detected and no arrhythmias were recorded. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate did not decrease in a clinically significant way and were not affected by concomitant morphine given i. v. postoperatively. There were few side-effects, the most frequent being mild pruritus (10/33).
Conclusion: Sameridine provided clinically adequate anesthesia for the patients receiving the doses of 15, 20 and 25 mg. Further studies are needed to evaluate the substance and it is of great interest to clinically investigate the opioid component with respect to postoperative analgesia.     

Reduction of Plasma Fibrinogen, Immunoglobulin G, and Immunoglobulin M Concentrations by Immunoadsorption Therapy with Tryptophan and Phenylalanine Adsorbents

Abstract Immunoadsorption (1A) therapy with tryptophan (TR-350) or phenylalanine (PH-350) adsorbents has been used to reduce the concentration of serum antibodies in human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-immunized patients. Other forms of plasma purification have been reported to reduce the level of fibrinogen, which affects the blood properties. In this study we investigated the effects of IA therapy using both adsorbents on plasma fibrinogen and immunoglobulins G and M in 13 patients (8 patients were treated with TR-350, and 5 patients were treated with PH-350). During each session 1 plasma volume (2.8 ± 0.4 L of plasma) was processed through the immunocolumn and then returned to the patient together with the blood cells. Compared with the pretreatment values, the plasma fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM concentrations were significantly reduced after IA therapy (p < 0.01 for TR-350; p < 0.04 for PH-350). There was a positive correlation between the degree of reduction of plasma proteins and the number of IA treatments given. A nonpara-metric test (Wilcoxon's signed-rank test or the Mann-Whitney test) was used for statistical analysis. We conclude from our study that IA therapy effectively lowers the plasma levels of fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM and thus can be considered a valuable alternative to other blood purification methods.