关节镜下膝前交叉韧带与后交叉韧带联合重建

[目的]探讨膝关节双交叉韧带损伤的临床特点,评估关节镜下前交叉韧带(ACL)与后交叉韧带(PCL)联合重建的技术和效果。[方法]自2001年9月~2005年2月,13例病人(13膝)经关节镜检查证实ACL和PCL均断裂,其中5膝伴后内侧角(PMC)、内侧副韧带损伤(MCL),4膝伴后外侧角损伤(PLC),2膝伴外侧半月板破裂,1膝伴内侧半月板损伤,3膝伴腘动脉损伤,2膝伴腓总神经损伤。7例病人于损伤后急性期入院,2膝于急性期行腘血管探查修复,4膝行膝后内侧角、内侧副韧带修复。13例病人于伤后4~12周在关节镜下行自体移植物单束ACL和PCL联合重建术,其中4例同期后1/2股二头肌腱重建后PLC,1例同期阔筋膜PMC、MCL重建。[结果]本组术后早期均未发生严重并发症。术后随访10~39个月,平均(21.85±9.28)个月,Lysholm膝关节功能评分为75~95分,平均(86.54±6.89)分。国际膝关节文件编制委员会(IKDC)综合评定由术前显著异常(D级)13例,改进为随访时正常(A级)3例、接近正常(B级)8例、异常(C级)2例。13例病人中,11例恢复至伤前运动水平,2例运动水平较伤前减低。[结论]膝关节双交叉韧带损伤多伴有其它重要结构损伤,需妥善处理合并损伤。关节镜下自体移植物联合单束重建ACL和PCL创伤小、手术操作精细,术后膝关节功能恢复满意。     

膝关节多韧带损伤的临床研究

目的探讨膝关节多韧带损伤的诊断与治疗方法并评价其治疗效果。方法治疗51例单侧膝关节多韧带损伤,其损伤类型：21例前交叉韧带（ACL）＋内侧副韧带（MCL）,1例ACL＋后外侧复合体（PLC）,4例后交叉韧带（PCL）＋MCL,6例PCL＋PLC,6例ACL＋PCL＋MCL,3例ACL＋PCL＋PLC,8例ACL＋PCL,2例PCL＋髌腱。14例急性Ⅲ度MCL和3例急性Ⅲ度PLC损伤行切开手术,原位缝合,外固定制动3周,再行关节镜下其他韧带手术。2例Ⅲ度慢性MCL和3例Ⅲ度慢性PLC损伤行切开韧带重建术,并同期行关节镜下ACL或PCL重建术。在总共39条ACL损伤中,20条行关节镜下自体Hamstring腱ACL重建术,17条行关节镜下自体骨-髌腱-骨（BPB）重建ACL术,2条行同种异体肌腱重建ACL;在总共29条PCL损伤中,19条行关节镜下自体Hamstring腱PCL重建术,2条行同种异体肌腱重建PCL,另8条急性损伤经固定后由Ⅲ度变为〈Ⅱ度损伤,故未特别治疗。其中,17例ACL＋PCL损伤处理方法为：4例先行PCL重建,二期再行ACL的重建,7例同期自体Hamstring腱重建PCL、自体BPB重建ACL,2例为同种异体肌腱同期重建ACL和PCL,4例仅做ACL重建术。1例髌腱完全性断裂原位修复,另1例部分性髌腱损伤者未治疗。4例合并腓总神经损伤均未做特别治疗。结果平均随访2.4年（9个月～5年）。术后Lysholm评分平均为86.3（51～100）,Tegner活 动评分为5.2（2～8）,均较术前显著增加（P〈0.001）。1例外翻试验为2＋,2例Lachman试验或轴移试验≥2＋,6例应力后沉征或后抽屉试验2＋,4例内翻试验或反轴移试验2＋。其余的对应各种体格检查均为≤1＋。4例合并腓总神经损伤者,术后3例自行恢复,1例未恢复。结论在多韧带损伤中,≤Ⅱ度的MCL或者PLC损伤应采用保守治疗,Ⅲ度损伤者应尽早手术原位修复内侧副韧带及其关节囊或PLC,以利于后期进行其他重要韧带的治疗。交叉韧带或关节内重要组织可二期在?     

膝关节多韧带损伤后关节镜下前后交叉韧带重建2—10年随访结果

该文对35例膝关节多韧带损伤后关节镜下前交叉韧带(ACL)、后交叉韧带(PCL)重建后进行了2～10年的随访。其中19例为ACL、PCL和后外侧不稳定,9例为ACL、PCL和内侧副韧带(MCL)不稳定,6例为ACL、PCL、MCL和后外侧不稳定,1例为ACL、PCL不稳定。所有ACL、PCL术前都为Ⅲ度松弛,术前术后都采用Lysholm、Tegner和HSS膝关节韧带等级评定、KT-1000关节活动度测量法、应力X线成像和体检进行比较。     

36例膝关节多发韧带损伤一期修复功能重建的近期疗效观察

[目的]探讨关节镜下一期重建前、后交叉韧带联合有限切开修复内侧副韧带Ⅲ度损伤恢复膝关节稳定和功能的疗效。[方法]2008年5月~2012年9月,收治36例膝关节前交叉韧带(anterior cruciate ligament,ACL)、后交叉韧带(posterior cruciateligament,PCL)损伤及合并内侧副韧带(medial collateral ligament,MCL)Ⅲ度损伤的患者。男25例,女11例;年龄18~61岁,平均43岁。交通事故伤12例,扭伤11例,砸伤8例,高处坠落伤5例。损伤至手术时间7~26 d,平均8 d。。膝关节Lysholm评分为(16.57±7.89)分,国际膝关节文献委员会(IKDC)评分为(19.87±9.42)分,关节活动范围为(31.2±25.8)°。伴膝关节脱位6例,半月板损伤9例。关节镜下采用自体腘绳肌腱重建ACL,LARS人工韧带重建PCL,有限切开修复内侧副韧带。[结果]患者术后均获随访,随访时间为24~28个月,平均25.6个月。术后2年Lysholm膝关节功能评分为(89.23±6.08)分,关节活动范围为(122.6±10.3)°,IKDC评分为(90.32±5.26)分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(P0.001)。[结论]对于膝关节多发韧带损伤,一期关节镜下重建ACL和PCL,同时配合有限切开修复MCL,创伤小,膝关节的稳定性恢复好,关节粘连发生率明显降低,可获得较好的近期疗效。     

膝关节多发韧带损伤早期关节镜下重建与修复

[目的]探讨膝关节多发韧带损伤早期关节镜下重建断裂的前交叉韧带(anterior cruciate ligament,ACL)、后交叉韧带(posterior cruciate ligament,PCL)、修复后外侧复合体(posterolateral corner,PLC)或后内侧韧带结构(posteromedial complex,PMC)的临床疗效。[方法]2010年1月~2015年1月共收治21例膝关节脱位多发韧带损伤急性期(伤后3周以内)的患者。男16例,女5例;年龄23~64岁,平均36.5岁;伤后2周内手术8例,伤后2~3周内手术13例。手术方式均采用健侧股四头肌、半腱肌、股薄肌肌腱于关节镜下重建ACL/PCL,修复PLC或PMC。[结果]21例患者随访3~24个月,平均20.2个月。3例出现轻微关节僵硬,3例出现轻微关节疼痛。14例运动功能恢复至伤前运动水平,其余7例不需要辅助可独立行走。IKDC评级由术前C级5例,D级16例,改进至末次随访A级11例,B级10例。Lysholm膝关节功能评分由术前36.2~45.1分,平均41.3.6分,改进为末次随访时的60.3~96.5分,平均86.6分,两者差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。[结论]膝关节脱位合并多发韧带损伤后早期采用健侧半腱肌、股薄肌、股四头肌肌腱于关节镜下重建断裂的ACL、PCL,修复PLC、PMC、关节囊等软组织,同时处理受伤膝关节的其他合并伤,住院时间短,费用少,近期疗效良好。     

关节镜下修复重建膝关节脱位合并多发韧带损伤的疗效观察

目的 探讨关节镜下重建断裂的前交叉韧带(anterior cruciate ligament,ACL)和后交叉韧带(posteriorcruciate ligament,PCL)及修复膝关节内部结构,治疗膝关节脱位合并多发韧带损伤的临床疗效.方法 2003年7月-2006年8月,收治24例膝关节脱位患者,采用关节镜下重建ACL和PCL,修复内侧副韧带(medial collateral ligament,MCL)、外侧副韧带(lateral collateralligament,LCL)和其他膝关节损伤结构.男19例,女5例;年龄20～69岁,平均42岁.均为单膝损伤,其中左膝11例,右膝13例.于伤后4h～6个月入院.ACL、PCL、MCL及LCL损伤8例,ACL、PCL及MCL损伤12例,ACL、PCL及LCL损伤4例.合并腓总神经损伤1例,内侧半月板损伤3例,外侧半月板损伤7例.评估患者术后并发症、膝关节活动范围和手术前后症状改善情况,Lysholm评分评估手术前后膝关节功能情况.结果 术后患者均获随访11～36个月,平均25个月.4例出现轻微关节僵硬,3例出现轻微关节疼痛,均未作特殊处理.11例(45.8%)运动功能恢复至伤前运动水平;13例(54.2%)显著改善,不需要辅助独立行走.24例Lachman试验、膝内外翻应力试验及前、后抽屉试验均为阴性,胫骨前后移动均<5 mm.1例腓总神经损伤者感觉运动恢复良好.Lysholm膝关节功能评分术前(41.8 ±4.3)分,术后(87.0±6.0)分:关节活动范围术前(87.5±12.5).术后(125.0 ±9.2)°术前、后比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 膝关节脱位后关节镜下重建ACL、PCL和修复其他膝关节结构是治疗膝关节脱位的一种有效方法.     

膝关节多发韧带损伤一期修复与重建

目的：探讨膝关节多发韧带损伤关节镜下重建前交叉韧带（anteriorcruciateligament,ACL）和后交叉韧带（posteriorcruciateligament,PCL）,及同期修复内副韧带（medialcollateralligament,MCL）、后外侧复合体（posteriorlateralcomplex,PLC）的手术方法及临床疗效。方法：2009年6月。2011年12月,30例病人（31膝）膝关节多发韧带损伤患者采用自体或同种异体肌腱关节镜下重建ACL和PCL,铆钉缝合修复内侧副韧带,铆钉缝合修复或部分股二头肌腱修复后外侧复合体,术后早期功能锻练。根据国际膝关节文献委员会（InternationalKneeDocumentationCommittee,IKDC）评分和Lysholm膝关节功能评分表对患膝功能进行评估。结果：30例病人（31膝）例随访18—30个月,平均24个月。患者在0和200应力测试时稳定性均完全恢复,IKDC评分入院时均为显著异常（D级）,术后随访时正常（A级）18例（58．0％）,接近正常（B级）10例（32．3％,）,异常（C级）3例（9．7％）。Lysholm评分由术前平均（48．7±4．5）分提高到（87．6±2．6）分,差异有统计学意义（t=-8．432,P〈0．01）。所有患者膝关节功能较术前明显改善。结论：关节镜下一期重建ACL、PCL,同期行关节外韧带修补或重建具有损伤小,能早期功能锻炼,能有效恢复关节功能,治疗效果满意。     

膝关节脱位多韧带损伤Ⅰ期修复重建的临床观察

目的:探讨关节镜下Ⅰ期异体肌腱重建并结合关节外微创技术治疗膝关节脱位合并多发韧带损伤的临床疗效。方法:2008年1月至2012年1月共收治48例膝关节脱位患者,排除腘血管损伤,采用关节镜下Ⅰ期重建前后交叉韧带,并结合关节外微创技术修复膝关节韧带损伤。男38例,女10例;年龄20～59岁,平均35.6岁;左膝22例,右膝26例;伤后至手术时间2 d～2周。前交叉韧带(ACL)、后交叉韧带(PCL)、内侧副韧带(MCL)及后外侧复合体(PLC)损伤2例,ACL、PCL及MCL损伤36例,ACL、PCL及PLC损伤10例。合并腓总神经损伤4例。比较术前及末次随访时Lysholm 评分以评价膝关节功能。结果:所有患者获得随访,时间12～30个月,平均(18.2±6.3)个月,患者关节活动度和稳定性明显改善,Lysholm评分由术前40.3±4.1提高为随访时87. 0±6.4.结论:关节镜下应用同种异体肌腱Ⅰ期重建膝关节脱位并多韧带损伤,能较好地恢复关节稳定性,保留关节功能。术前训练指导及术后个体化康复是膝关节功能恢复的关键。     

有关膝关节复合韧带损伤诊治中的一些问题

膝关节复合韧带损伤最常见的为膝关节前交叉韧带(ACL)合并内侧副韧带(MCL)损伤,其次是后交叉韧带(PCL)合并MCL损伤;ACL合并外侧副韧带(LCL)和ACL合并PCL及MCL损伤。随着目前交通事故的增多和竞技体育运动的普遍开展,膝关节复合韧带损伤亦日趋常见。然而,复合韧带损伤的诊断与治     

应用异体跟腱重建膝交叉韧带10年随访

20年来,关节镜下应用各种材料重建膝交叉韧带的外科技术在我国得到迅速广泛开展,但术后10年以上长期随访报道较少见.自1996年1月至1998年6月,我院对28例患者施行关节镜下同种异体跟腱膝交叉韧带,包括前交叉韧带(ACL)和后交叉韧带(PCL)重建术,9例(11膝)获得10年随访,随访率33.3%.其中6例(7膝)重建ACL,同时1膝重建受损的MCL,2膝行半月板缝合,1膝行半月板部分切除;3例(4膝)重建PCL.10年随访显示疗效良好,优良率81.8%.现报告如下.     

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.