髋部骨折老年患者发生严重术后谵妄的多因素分析

目的探讨髋部骨折老年患者发生严重术后谵妄的危险因素。方法回顾性分析我院骨科2005年1月~2014年12月572例髋部骨折老年患者接受内固定手术的临床资料,对性别、年龄、术前内科合并症、术前卧床时间、手术方式、麻醉方式、手术时间和术中出血量进行单因素分析,多因素logistic回归模型分析髋部骨折老年患者发生严重术后谵妄的危险因素。结果 25例发生严重术后谵妄(25/572,发生率4.4%)。单因素分析结果显示年龄和麻醉方式有统计学差异(P0.05);多因素logistic回归分析显示年龄(OR=1.12,95%CI:1.05~1.19,P=0.001)和全身麻醉(OR=5.03,95%CI:2.10~12.04,P=0.000)是髋部骨折老年患者发生严重术后谵妄的独立危险因素。结论年龄和全身麻醉是髋部骨折老年患者发生严重术后谵妄的独立危险因素。     

老年髋部骨折患者致伤因素分析

目的通过对老年髋部骨折病例分析,了解老年髋部骨折患者致伤因素,为预防髋部骨折提供依据。方法收集北京积水潭医院2015年9月1日至2016年8月31日老年髋部骨折住院病例570例,按照年龄、性别等对致伤因素进行分析。结果老年髋部骨折病例中男性167例(293%),女性403例(707%),平均年龄795岁(60～100岁)。老年髋部骨折患者中949%为低应力骨折,且随着年龄增长脆性骨折比例逐步升高;骨折地点随着年龄增高逐步由户外为主转为室内为主;患者在户外及室内客厅发生髋部骨折的时间段均以白天为主(8:00～20:00),卧室及卫生间发生髋部骨折的时间段均以晚上为主(20:00～6:00);髋部骨折地域不同,摔倒的主要原因亦有不同;570例患者中951%合并基础疾病,随着年龄的增长合并多种基础疾病的比例也逐步升高;多元回归分析进一步得出,存在呼吸系统基础疾病、中重度营养不良以及患者基础疾病数量是髋部骨折后新发急性疾病严重程度的独立危险因素。结论老年髋部骨折致伤原因包括自身因素、药物因素以及环境因素等多方面,医疗工作人员应做好预防摔倒宣教、积极控制基础疾病、纠正骨质疏松,以期降低髋部骨折风险。     

老年髋部骨折术后脑卒中的发生率及其独立危险因素分析

目的探讨老年髋部骨折术后脑卒中的发生率及其独立危险因素。方法回顾性收集临沂市人民医院2019年6月—2022年6月收治的1 296例择期行髋部骨折手术患者的临床资料, 依据术后30 d内是否发生脑卒中分为脑卒中组(30例)和非脑卒中组(1 266例)。单因素分析两组患者的基线资料、术前实验室资料、麻醉相关资料、骨折及手术相关资料, 将单因素分析中P<0.2的因素纳入多因素logistic回归分析, 探讨老年髋部骨折术后脑卒中的发生率及其独立危险因素。结果本研究共纳入1 296例患者, 其中30例术后发生脑卒中, 发生率为2.3%。多因素logistic回归分析结果显示, 老年髋部骨折术后脑卒中的独立危险因素为美国麻醉医师协会(ASA)分级Ⅲ-Ⅳ级[比值比(OR)4.441, 95%置信区间(CI)1.243～15.861, P=0.022]、术前红细胞分布宽度(RDW)(OR 1.057, 95%CI 1.006～1.110, P=0.027)较高、颈动脉斑块(OR 2.760, 95%CI 1.191～6.395, P=0.018)、术中低血压(OR 2.641, 95%CI ...     

老年髋部骨折患者术后2年内再发对侧髋部骨折的危险因素研究

目的探讨老年髋部骨折患者术后2年内再发对侧髋部骨折的相关危险因素。方法回顾性分析2015年5月至2018年4月期间北京积水潭医院创伤骨科采用手术治疗的1962例老年髋部骨折患者资料。男573例,女1389例;首次骨折时的年龄中位数为81(75,86)岁。根据术后2年内是否发生对侧髋部骨折分为两组:对侧髋部骨折组134例,未再发骨折组1828例。记录首次骨折术至发生对侧髋部骨折的时间。应用χ2检验、Mann-Whitney U检验比较两组患者的性别、年龄、行走能力、入院时各项血液检查指标、合并内科疾病、Charlson合并症指数(CCI)、入院至手术时间、入院至出院时间及随访期间并发症等相关指标,以Cox比例风险回归模型确定老年髋部骨折患者术后2年内再发对侧髋部骨折的危险因素。结果老年髋部骨折患者术后2年对侧髋部骨折的累积发病率为6.83%(134/1962),首次骨折术至发生对侧髋部骨折的时间中位数为365(189,611)d。再发对侧髋部骨折的危险因素为女性(RR=2.081,95%CI:1.351~3.207,P=0.001)、合并周围血管病(RR=5.876,95%CI:2.922~11.818,P<0.001)、合并慢性阻塞性肺疾病(RR=3.750,95%CI:1.897~7.413,P<0.001)、逐渐升高的CCI(RR=1.363,95%CI:1.223~1.519,P<0.001)、并发肺炎(RR=3.606,95%CI:2.054~6.332,P<0.001)、并发泌尿系感染(RR=7.670,95%CI:4.441~13.248,P<0.001)、并发下肢深静脉血栓形成(RR=7.389,95%CI:3.992~13.677,P<0.001)。结论女性、合并周围血管病、合并慢性阻塞性肺疾病、逐渐升高的CCI,以及并发肺炎、泌尿系感染、下肢深静脉血栓形成是老年髋部骨折患者术后2年内再发对侧髋部骨折的危险因素。     

日本长崎县中老年妇女跌倒相关疾病与髋部骨折的病例对照研究

目的探讨中老年妇女跌倒相关疾病和髋部骨折的关系。方法研究对象为日本长崎县国民健康保险的参保者。收集45岁以上妇女髋部骨折住院患者1109例,按年龄配比随机抽取1109名其他患者,进行病例对照研究。髋部骨折和跌到相关疾病根据国际疾病分类标准编码第十版(ICD-10)进行判定。卡方检验用于比较两组患者跌倒相关疾病的患病率差,条件Logistic回帰分析用于分析跌倒相关疾病与髋部骨折的关联性。结果 75%以上的髋部骨折患者的年龄大于80岁。髋部骨折患者的视力障碍(14.25%vs.8.66%,P0.001),脑卒中(14.07%vs.9.92%,P=0.002),肌肉骨骼疾病(43.91%vs.38.77%,P0.001),帕金森氏病(5.86%vs.1.53%,P0.001),认知障碍(11.45%vs.4.33%,P0.001)和抑郁症(13.89%vs.5.86%,P0.001)的患病率显著高于对照组。这些疾病的髋部骨折相对危险度分别为:视力障碍1.49(95%CI:1.13,1.98)、脑卒中1.29(95%CI:0.98,1.69)、肌肉骨骼疾病1.29(95%CI:1.08,1.54)、帕金森氏病3.33(95%CI:1.87,5.92)、认知障碍2.46(95%CI:1.72,3.52)和抑郁症2.09(95%CI:1.54,2.85)。合并的跌倒相关疾病越多,髋部骨折风险越大。结论在中老年妇女,跌倒相关疾病与髋部骨折有显著的关联性。积极预防和治疗跌倒相关疾病可能有益于降低髋部骨折的发生危险。     

老年髋部骨折患者合并骨折的临床特征及其危险因素分析

[目的]回顾性分析老年髋部骨折患者合并骨折的临床特征及其危险因素。[方法]通过电子病历系统收集2005年1月～2014年12月本院诊治的老年髋部骨折患者的临床资料,共1 289例纳入本研究。记录包括年龄、性别、合并内科疾病情况、骨折类型和是否合并其他部位骨折等,行描述性统计分析,采用单因素和多因素分析寻找老年髋部骨折患者合并骨折的危险因素。[结果] 1 289例老年髋部骨折患者中合并骨折者107例,占8.30%。尺桡骨、肱骨和胸腰椎体是老年髋部骨折常见合并骨折部位。女性、股骨颈骨折、合并高血压和神经系统疾病的老年患者合并骨折比例显著高于其他患者(P0.05)。逻辑回归分析结果显示,高龄(OR=1.306,P0.05)、女性(OR=2.255,P0.05)、股骨颈骨折(OR=2.146,P0.05)和伴有高血压(OR=2.197,P0.05)是老年髋部骨折患者合并骨折的显著危险因素。[结论]老年髋部骨折患者常合并其他部位骨折,常见的骨折部位为尺桡骨、肱骨和胸腰椎体。老龄、女性、骨折类型和合并高血压是老年髋部骨折患者合并骨折的危险因素。     

老年髋部骨折术后对侧髋部再骨折的危险因素分析

目的 :探讨老年髋部发生二次骨折的相关风险因素,为预防对侧髋部再骨折提供临床依据。方法 :回顾性分析2008年12月至2014年2月378例老年髋部初次骨折患者的资料,男175例,女203例;年龄60~90岁,平均(75.53±8.04)岁;股骨颈骨折125例,股骨粗隆间骨折253例。术后随访12~36个月,平均24.9个月,32例患者发生对侧髋部再骨折,男13例,女19例;年龄72~95岁,平均(81.25±5.94)岁;股骨颈骨折7例,股骨粗隆间骨折25例。根据患者术后有无对侧髋部再骨折分为骨折组和无骨折组,比较两组患者的年龄、性别、初次骨折类型、内固定方式、卧床时间、骨质疏松情况、合并内科疾病情况、术后功能锻炼、治疗的依从性、生活环境(农村/城市)和末次随访时Harris评分,对于P0.05的因素进行多因素Logistic回归性分析。结果:骨折组与无骨折组的年龄、骨质疏松情况、合并内科疾病情况、术后功能锻炼、医疗依从性及末次随访时Harris评分比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。多因素Logistic分析结果显示:骨质疏松(OR=6.793,P=0.001),高龄(OR=4.170,P=0.002),合并内科疾病(OR=3.828,P=0.005),术后功能锻炼(OR=0.297,P=0.005)以及医疗依从性(OR=0.295,P=0.007)是老年髋部骨折术后对侧髋部再骨折的主要危险因素。结论:老年髋部骨折术后对侧再骨折主要危险因素是高龄、骨质疏松、合并内科疾病、术后功能锻炼和医疗依从性。术后需加强抗骨质疏松治疗、积极治疗内科疾病,坚持功能锻炼,以预防髋部再次骨折的发生。     

老年髋部骨折的诊治现状与进展

髋部骨折高发于老年人,据预测,今年我国新发髋部骨折患者可能为163.8万,用于髋部骨折的医疗费用达到850亿元,将带来巨大的社会和经济负担。髋部骨折具有极高的致死率和致残率,术后1个月内病死率接近10%,1年内病死率达36%。存活患者中约11%的患者卧床不起,16%的患者需要长期护理,80%的患者1年后需要助行器行走。因此,老年髋部骨折已成为危害严重的全球性公共卫生问题,一直是创伤骨科治疗的重点与难题。     

老年髋部骨折患者术后心血管并发症的危险因素分析

目的探讨老年髋部骨折患者住院期间术后新发心血管并发症的危险因素。方法回顾性分析本院骨科2005年1月至2015年12月收治的髋部骨折患者693例,男257例,女436例,年龄65~103岁,BMI 16.5~33.1 kg/m2,ASAⅡ~Ⅳ级,分别收集患者的人口学资料、术前合并症、卧床时间、手术方式、麻醉方法、手术时间和出血量,采用多因素Logistic回归模型分析老年髋部骨折患者住院期间术后新发心血管并发症的危险因素。结果 46例患者(6.64%)在住院期间发生术后心血管并发症,包括心绞痛25例(3.61%)、心律失常19例(2.74%)、心力衰竭5例(0.72%)、心肌梗死4例(0.58%)和心源性猝死2例(0.29%)。单因素分析显示,年龄、心脏疾病、脑血管疾病、高血压、糖尿病、肾功能不全和全麻方式是老年髋部骨折患者住院期间新发术后心血管并发症的相关危险因素(P0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示年龄(OR=1.11,95%CI 1.06~1.17,P0.001)、心脏疾病(OR=1.98,95%CI 1.02~3.85,P=0.045)、脑血管疾病(OR=2.14,95%CI 1.06~4.32,P=0.033)、高血压(OR=2.61,95%CI 1.23~5.51,P=0.012)、糖尿病(OR=2.06,95%CI 1.04~4.09,P=0.039)和肾功能不全(OR=17.42,95%CI 3.69~82.80,P0.001)是髋部骨折患者住院期间术后新发心血管并发症的独立危险因素。结论年龄、心脏疾病、脑血管疾病、高血压、糖尿病和肾功能不全可作为老年髋部骨折患者住院期间新发心血管并发症的预警因素。     

多学科医护协作模式在老年髋部骨折围术期的应用研究

目的探讨多学科医护协作模式在老年髋部骨折围术期的应用效果。方法回顾分析2014年1月1日—2016年1月1日收治且符合选择标准的489例老年髋部骨折(股骨颈骨折和股骨转子间骨折)患者临床资料,其中279例患者采用多学科医护协作诊疗模式(观察组),210例患者采用传统创伤骨科诊疗模式(对照组)。两组患者性别、年龄、致伤原因、骨折类型、骨折分型、受伤至入院时间及Charlson指数比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。比较两组手术治疗率、手术患者术前等待时间和住院时间,以及围术期并发症发生率。结果观察组252例(90.32%)、对照组169例(80.48%)患者接受手术治疗,两组手术治疗率差异有统计学意义(χ~2=9.703,P=0.002)。观察组术前等待时间及住院时间分别为(5.39±2.47)、(10.56±3.76) d,较对照组的(6.13±2.79)、(12.27±3.11)d明显缩短(t=-3.075,P=0.002;t=-5.330,P=0.000)。观察组及对照组呼吸系统并发症发生率分别为30.56%、46.15%,心血管系统并发症发生率分别为51.19%、69.23%,脑血管疾病发生率为11.11%、20.12%,下肢深静脉血栓形成发生率分别为25.40%、40.24%;观察组上述各种并发症发生率均明显低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论应用多学科医护协作诊疗模式可以提高老年髋部骨折患者手术率,缩短术前等待时间和住院时间,降低围术期并发症发生风险。     

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.