颈椎病颈前路手术后气道阻塞发生情况及危险因素分析

目的调查颈椎病颈前路手术后气道阻塞发生情况并进行危险因素分析。方法纳入2012年1月～2018年1月行前路手术治疗的528例颈椎病患者,记录术后气道阻塞再插管情况,将25例术后发生气道阻塞者设为阻塞组,其余患者设为非阻塞组,调查两组患者病历资料,采用单因素及多因素分析术后气道阻塞的独立危险因素。结果发生气道阻塞的25例中,发生于术后48 h内20例,迟发性气道阻塞5例;单因素分析显示,手术节段数、吸烟史、合并高血压、手术方式、术后肺部感染、年龄、手术史、手术时间差异具有统计学意义(P0.05),性别、合并糖尿病、体重指数、术中出血量、疾病种类差异无统计学意义(P0.05); Logistic回归分析显示,手术节段≥3个(OR=2.876)、吸烟史(OR=2.214)、合并高血压(OR=2.178)、ACCF手术(OR=2.087)、术后肺部感染(OR=2.021)是颈椎病颈前路手术后气道阻塞的独立危险因素。结论手术节段≥3个、吸烟史、合并高血压、ACCF手术、术后肺部感染,均是引起颈椎病颈前路手术后气道阻塞的独立危险因素。     

肺部手术重症患者出现术后心房颤动的危险因素分析及列线图预测模型构建

目的探讨肺部手术重症患者出现术后心房颤动(POAF)的危险因素并构建列线图预测模型。方法纳入首都医科大学附属北京朝阳医院重症医学科2018年1月至2021年12月收治的接受肺部手术患者213例。根据术后7天内是否出现POAF分为POAF组(42例)和非POAF组(171例)。采用logistic回归分析患者出现POAF的危险因素, 并根据危险因素构建列线图预测模型。结果 POAF的发生率为19.7%。二尖瓣反流(OR=4.270, 95%CI:1.380～13.213, P=0.012)、术中使用西地兰(OR=14.619, 95%CI:2.913～73.373, P=0.001)、术中使用儿茶酚胺(OR=3.244, 95%CI:1.144～9.203, P=0.027)、心包切开(OR=6.079, 95%CI:1.362～27.128, P=0.009)及系统淋巴结清扫(OR=5.460, 95%CI:1.770～16.846, P=0.003)是肺部手术重症患者术后7天内出现POAF的独立危险因素。基于上危险因素构建POAF的列线图, ROC曲线下面积为0.801(95%CI:...     

漏斗胸患者Nuss手术后慢性疼痛的危险因素

目的探讨漏斗胸微创矫正术(Nuss手术)后慢性疼痛的危险因素。方法回顾性分析2013年1月至2019年9月择期行胸腔镜Nuss手术患者168例,男130例,女38例。收集患者联系方式、人口学资料、术前合并症、漏斗胸严重程度分级、神经阻滞情况、手术时间和术后24 h VAS疼痛评分。电话随访患者或家属完成术后慢性疼痛情况、术后并发症、对日常生活的影响、是否服用镇痛药物的问卷调查。根据问卷调查结果将患者分为两组:慢性疼痛组(P组)和非慢性疼痛组(N组)。采用多因素Logistic回归分析患者Nuss手术后慢性疼痛的独立危险因素。结果有78例(46.4%)发生了不同程度的慢性疼痛。P组年龄、体重明显大于N组,术前合并症比例、漏斗胸严重程度明显高于N组(P<0.001)。P组术后24 h VAS疼痛评分及术后并发症发生率明显高于N组(P<0.001),对日常生活的影响程度明显大于N组(P<0.001)。多因素logistic回归分析显示,漏斗胸严重程度分级(中度OR=3.043,95%CI 1.235~7.498;重度OR=15.856,95%CI 2.765~90.981)、术后有并发症(OR=3.642,95%CI 1.517~8.743)、术后24 h VAS疼痛评分(每增高1分OR=2.716,95%CI 1.600~4.612)是Nuss手术后慢性疼痛的独立危险因素。结论漏斗胸患者Nuss手术后慢性疼痛存在较高的发病率,漏斗胸严重程度、术后并发症和术后24 h VAS疼痛评分是漏斗胸患者Nuss手术后慢性疼痛的预警因素。     

冠状动脉旁路移植术患者围手术期红细胞输血的危险因素评估

目的分析冠状动脉旁路移植术(CABG)围手术期红细胞输血的危险因素。方法回顾性分析我院2014年1~3月534例行CABG患者的临床资料,并将患者分为体外循环组和非体外循环组。其中体外循环组239例,男185例、女54例,平均年龄(59.1±9.4)岁;非体外循环组295例,男233例、女62例,平均年龄(60.3±8.5)岁。比较两组患者一般术前资料、体外循环相关资料、红细胞输血量等数据,对围手术期红细胞输血危险因素采用多因素logistics回归分析。结果围手术期红细胞输血危险因素为年龄(OR=1.04,95%CI 1.02~1.07,P=0.001)、体重(OR=0.95,95%CI 0.93~0.97,P0.001)、吸烟(OR=0.61,95%CI 0.39~0.94,P=0.027)、术前HCT水平(OR=0.90,95%CI 0.85~0.96,P=0.001)和体外循环(OR=4.90,95%CI 3.11~7.71,P0.001)。而体外循环时,转机参数中的最低血红蛋白(OR=0.63,95%CI 0.47~0.84,P=0.002)是红细胞输血的唯一独立危险因素。结论年龄、体重、不吸烟、术前HCT水平、体外循环为CABG围手术期红细胞输血的危险因素,在转机参数中最低血红蛋白浓度为红细胞输血的危险因素。     

非心脏胸科手术患者异常苏醒的危险因素

目的探讨非心脏胸科手术患者异常苏醒(苏醒期谵妄和苏醒延迟)的危险因素。方法选择全凭静脉麻醉下择期行非心脏胸科手术患者160例,男119例,女41例,年龄18~80岁,ASAⅠ~Ⅲ级,麻醉维持BIS值在30~60。在气管导管拔除后、达PACU后10min和出PACU时采用Riker镇静躁动量表(SAS)评估苏醒程度,SAS评分≥5分为苏醒期谵妄,SAS评分≤2分且持续时间达正常苏醒者清醒时间平均值+3倍标准差者为苏醒延迟。结果 66例(41.3%)患者发生苏醒期谵妄;17例(10.6%)患者发生苏醒延迟。BMI25.0kg/m2(OR=0.825,95%CI 0.747~0.911,P0.001)增加苏醒期谵妄的危险;老年(OR=0.766,95%CI 0.642~0.914,P=0.003)、BMI18.5kg/m2(OR=1.769,95%CI 1.224~2.557,P=0.002)和术中低血压(OR=0.123,95%CI0.018~0.833,P=0.032)增加苏醒延迟的危险。结论高BMI是苏醒期谵妄的危险因素;老年、低BMI和术中低血压是苏醒延迟的危险因素。     

急性Stanford A型主动脉夹层患者行急诊手术后应用连续性肾脏替代治疗的危险因素分析

目的探讨急性Stanford A型主动脉夹层患者行急诊手术后应用连续性肾脏替代治疗(CRRT)的危险因素。方法纳入首都医科大学附属北京安贞医院2015年11月至2018年2月收治的急性Stanford A型主动脉夹层行急诊手术患者527例。根据术后是否行CRRT分为CRRT组(78例)和非CRRT组(449例)。采用二元logistic回归分析患者术后行CRRT的危险因素。结果所有患者中CRRT的使用率14.8%(78/527), 术后30天病死率8.5%(45/527)。术前血肌酐值(OR=1.012, 95%CI:1.005～1.019, P<0.001)、术中悬浮少白红细胞输注量(OR=1.141, 95%CI:1.071～1.216, P<0.001)、术中血小板输注量(OR=1.307, 95%CI:1.084～1.576, P=0.005)、术后胸腔引流总量(OR=1.000, 95%CI:1.000～1.000, P=0.036)及术后气管插管时间(OR=1.004, 95%CI:1.001～1.008, P=0.013)是Stanford A型急性主动脉夹层...     

月经周期不同阶段对妇科腹腔镜手术后恶心呕吐的影响

目的观察月经周期不同阶段对妇科腹腔镜手术后恶心呕吐(PONV)的影响。方法选择2016年3月至2017年2月在北京大学第一医院接受全身麻醉下妇科腹腔镜手术的患者228例。根据患者在手术日处于月经周期的不同阶段分为卵泡期(n=98)、排卵期(n=79)和黄体期(n=51)。收集围术期资料,记录术后0~2h、0~24h内恶心呕吐的发生情况。采用Logistic回归模型分析月经周期不同阶段对PONV发生率的影响。结果术后0~2h有53例(23.2%)患者发生PONV,0~24h有125例(54.8%)PONV。单因素分析显示:月经周期不同阶段PONV发生率差异无统计学意义。多因素Logistic回归分析显示:手术时间1h(OR=3.176,95%CI 1.567~6.436,P=0.001)、PONV史(OR=5.711,95%CI 1.710~19.080,P=0.005)是术后0~2h恶心呕吐的独立危险因素;手术时间1h(OR=2.577,95%CI 1.460~4.549,P=0.001)、术后使用PCA泵(OR=2.671,95%CI 1.224~5.831,P=0.014)、术后应用甲硝唑(OR=2.728,95%CI 1.413~5.267,P=0.003)是术后0~24h恶心呕吐的独立危险因素。结论月经周期不同阶段对妇科腹腔镜手术后恶心呕吐的发生率无明显影响。     

非心脏手术后老年患者术后中性粒细胞与淋巴细胞比率升高增加术后谵妄风险:观察性研究

目的分析老年患者术后谵妄(postoperative delirium,POD)的危险因素,探究术后中性粒细胞与淋巴细胞比率(neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio,NLR)的水平与老年患者POD的关系。方法选取2019年3月至2019年8月全身麻醉下接受非心脏手术后的老年患者531例,年龄≥65岁。使用混淆评估法(the Confusion Assessment Method,CAM)每天2次评估术后3 d内POD发生情况。根据患者是否发生POD分为术后谵妄组和非术后谵妄组。主要观察POD的发生率,并使用多因素Logistic回归分析评估POD的危险因素。同时使用倾向性评分匹配(Propensity Score Matching,PSM)进一步分析POD的危险因素。结果共125例(23.5%)患者发生POD。年龄[比值比(odds ratio,OR)=1.044,95%CI 1.006~1.048,P=0.025]、查尔森合并症指数(Charlson Comorbidity Index,CCI)(OR=1.189,95%CI 1.031~1.370,P=0.017)、Hb(OR=0.988,95%CI 0.977~0.999,P=0.039)、手术时间(OR=1.003,95%CI 1.000~1.005,P=0.043)、拔管时间(OR=1.028,95%CI 1.012~1.044,P=0.001)、术后入ICU(OR=2.222,95%CI 1.308~3.775,P=0.003)、术后NLR(OR=1.027,95%CI 1.000~1.054,P=0.048)是POD的独立危险因素。文化程度(P=0.061)、出血量(P=0.161)、日常生活活动能力量表(Activities of Daily Living,IADL)(P=0.368)两组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。对术后NLR进行受试者工作特征(receiver operating characteristic curve,ROC)曲线分析,得出POD风险增加的术后NLR拐点值为11.85,将术后NLR转换为二分类变量并代入Logistic多因素回归模型,校正影响因素后,结果显示术后NLR拐点值>11.85者POD的风险明显增加[OR=2.019,95%CI 1.292~3.155,P=0.002],同时将混杂因素进行PSM后显示,术后NLR水平升高使POD的发生风险增高(OR=1.033,95%CI 1.007~1.060,P=0.012)。结论对于非心脏手术后的老年患者,术后NLR水平升高增加POD的发生风险。     

结直肠癌患者术后急性肾损伤的相关因素分析

目的分析影响结直肠癌患者术后发生急性肾功能损伤(AKI)的相关因素。方法回顾性分析2018年1月至2021年6月在郑州大学附属肿瘤医院接受结直肠癌手术376例患者的临床资料, 根据改善全球肾脏病预后组织AKI诊断标准将患者分为AKI组(n=29)和非AKI组(n=347), 比较两组患者的人口学信息、围手术期状况、实验室检查结果, 采用多因素Logistic分析结直肠癌患者术后发生AKI的独立危险因素。结果 376例患者中有29例(7.7%)患者术后发生AKI。多因素分析显示:术前合并高血压(OR=3.487, 95%CI:1.081～11.251, P=0.037)、术前贫血(OR=3.158, 95%CI:1.114～8.953, P=0.031)、术中输注晶体量不足(OR=0.998, 95%CI:0.997～0.999, P=0.007)、术中最低平均动脉压值较低(OR=0.915, 95%CI:0.863～0.970, P=0.003)及术后Hb中～重度下降(OR=4.105, 95%CI:1.487～11.335, P=0.006)是结直肠癌患者术后发生AKI的独立危险因素...     

全麻患者术后麻醉重症监护室中新发下肢深静脉血栓的危险因素

目的 筛选全麻术后转入麻醉重症监护室（AICU）的患者新发下肢深静脉血栓（DVT）的危险因素。
方法 回顾性收集2022年5—8月择期行全麻下手术后带气管插管转入AICU的患者192例，男105例，女87例，年龄18～85岁，BMI 18～31 kg/m²，ASA Ⅱ或Ⅲ级。收集患者基线资料、麻醉手术资料及实验室检查资料。根据入AICU 6 h内的超声结果是否有新发DVT将患者分为两组：DVT组和非DVT组。采用多因素Logistic回归分析筛选AICU中患者术后6 h内新发DVT的危险因素及其95%可信区间（CI）。
结果 全麻术后在AICU新发DVT的患者有64例（33.3%），均为小腿肌间静脉血栓（CMVT）。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示，术前心律失常（OR=2.236，95%CI 1.011～4.943，P=0.047）、术前血小板计数高（OR=1.006，95%CI 1.002～1.010，P=0.007）、术前D-二聚体浓度高（OR=1.203，95%CI 1.046～1.383，P=0.010）、术中低血压（OR=1.010，95%CI 1.002～1.019，P=0.020）和术中应用去甲肾上腺素（OR=3.796，95%CI 1.697～8.492，P=0.001）是全麻术后AICU中患者新发DVT的危险因素；阿司匹林规律服用史（OR=0.176，95%CI 0.060～0.518，P=0.002）是其保护因素。
结论 术前心律失常、术前血小板计数高、术前D-二聚体浓度高、术中低血压及术中应用去甲肾上腺素是全麻手术后AICU患者6 h内新发DVT的危险因素。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.