顺德地区中小学生特发性脊柱侧弯患病率调查报告

目的 了解广东省顺德区青少年特发性脊柱侧凸的流行情况,为临床治疗和预防提供依据。方法 2007年3月～2009年12月对顺德区13所医疗卫生监控学校的13247 名中小学生进行特发性脊柱侧凸普查。结果 检出特发性脊柱侧凸94例（患病率0.71%）,其中男27例、女67例,男性患病率显著低于女性（0.37% vs 1.11%,P＜0.01）。初中组的患病率明显高于小学组和高中组（χ2分别为13.58、16.97,P值均＜0.01）,但小学组与高中组的患病率无显著性差异（χ2=0.41,P＞0.05）。结论 顺德区青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患病率为0.71%,女性患病率显著高于男性,初中组变化尤为明显,应重点进行监测。     

小角度青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者弯型的性别差异

目的:探讨小角度青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS)患者弯型是否存在性别差异.方法:274例AIS患者,女性213例,年龄13～18岁(15.3±1.4岁),Risser征3～5(3.7±0.6),Cobb角10°～40°(26.7°±6.1°);男性患者61例,年龄14～18岁(15.7±1.0岁),Risser征3～5(3.5±0.5),Cobb角10°～40°(25.9°±5.9°).对所有患者拍摄前后位全脊柱X线片,然后对X线片检查结果进行分析.并测量冠状面侧凸Cobb角和躯干偏移距离.对不同性别间测量结果进行统计学分析.结果:小角度AIS患者不典型弯型脊柱侧凸的发生率为8.8%,其中男性小典型弯型脊柱侧凸的发病率为16.4%,明显高于女性的6.6%(P<0.05).两组均以单胸弯最为常见,各种典型弯犁在两组中的分布没有显著性差异(P>0.05).在胸弯中,胸椎左侧凸的发生率为3.4%,其中男性患者胸左侧凸的发病率为10.7%,明显高于女性的1.7%(P<0.05).在冠状面上,男性患者的躯干失平衡率为28.3%,明显高于女性的20.1%(P<0.01).结论:小角度AIS各种典型弯型脊柱侧凸的分布没有性别差异.但男性患者小典型弯型脊柱侧凸和冠状面躯干失平衡的发生率明显高于女性患者.     

北京市中小学生脊柱侧凸患病率调查报告

目的:了解北京市中小学生脊柱侧凸的患病率。方法:2005年3月～2006年1月对北京市12个区县、73所医疗卫生监控点学校的57581名中小学生进行了脊柱侧凸普查,首先由学校校医或疾病控制中心的体检医师在学校对学生进行初步体格检查,再由骨科医师对阳性或可疑阳性者进行复查;对医师检查阳性或可疑阳性者到医院行X线摄片检查。结果:共检出脊柱侧凸患者64例(Cobb角≥10°),患病率为0.11%。其中特发性脊柱侧凸59例,占92.19%,女性52例,男性7例,女性患病率显著高于男性(χ2=36.147,P<0.001);先天性脊柱侧凸4例,神经肌肉源性脊柱侧凸1例。结论:北京市中小学生脊柱侧凸的患病率为0.11%,女性患病率明显高于男性。对青少年进行脊柱侧凸普查可以早期发现、及时矫治,对防治脊柱侧凸具有积极意义。     

哈尔滨市青少年脊柱侧凸普查与支具治疗结果分析

[目的]调查哈尔滨市青少年脊柱侧凸的患病率及类型,分析支具治疗的临床效果。[方法]于2005年10月～2009年10月对哈尔滨市城乡32所中、小学校6～16岁的24 362名中、小学生进行脊柱侧凸普查,统计患病率情况。根据特发性脊柱侧凸患者Cobb角大小不同,给予热塑支具治疗(Cobb角20°～40°)。每6个月复查1次,摄站立位全脊柱正侧位X线片,分析治疗结果。[结果]第一检结果阳性1 240名(5.09%),第二检阳性518名(2.13%),其中497名进行第三检,全脊柱正侧位X线片示Cobb角≥10°者423名,患病率为1.74%。特发性脊柱侧凸116例(Cobb角20°～40°)进行热塑支具治疗,支具治疗病例平均随访38个月,84例(72.4%)治疗有效,32例(27.6%)出现脊柱侧凸进展,治疗无效。Cobb角20°～30°组的矫正效果优于Cobb角30°～40°组,两组比较有显著差异(P<0.05)。[结论]通过普查,可以早发现、早诊断青少年脊柱侧凸,以便及时选择适当的方法进行治疗。热塑矫形支具治疗青少年特发性脊柱侧凸能够取得较好疗效,侧凸柔软性好,Cobb角较小,则矫正效果好。     

西安市青少年脊柱侧凸患病率调查及其防治

目的:调查西安市儿童脊柱侧凸的患病率,为脊柱侧凸的防治及建立陕西省脊柱侧凸监控中心提供依据。方法:分别于2002年4～5月、2003年4～5月对西安市城乡25725名7～15岁的中、小学生进行脊柱侧凸普查,采用“三检筛选”普查方法,即体检、波纹照像(Moiretomography)和X线摄片,统计患病率情况并对脊柱侧凸患者进行相应的处理。结果:体检阳性者1389例,男性702例,女性687例;波纹照像阳性者607例,男性295例,女性312例;X线摄片Cobb角≥10°者343例,患病率为1.33%(343/25725)。对10例Cobb角>40°者进行了手术治疗。结论:通过普查,可以早发现、早诊断青少年脊柱侧凸,以便及时防治。     

青少年发育不良性腰椎滑脱症合并脊柱侧凸的临床分析

目的:对青少年发育不良性腰椎滑脱症患者合并脊柱侧凸的情况进行调查并对侧凸情况做术后随访。方法:回顾性分析2007年3月~2017年10月于我院行滑脱复位固定融合手术治疗的28例青少年发育不良性腰椎滑脱症患者,滑脱节段均为L5,依据Meyerding滑脱分度将其分为重度滑脱(Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ度)组与轻度滑脱(Ⅰ、Ⅱ度)组。以术前全脊柱正侧位X线片评估两组患者有无脊柱侧凸(Cobb角≥10°诊断为脊柱侧凸)、滑脱情况(滑脱程度、Dubousset腰骶角)以及脊柱-骨盆矢状位参数(骨盆入射角、骶骨倾斜角、骨盆倾斜角)。青少年腰椎滑脱合并的脊柱侧凸分为特发性侧凸和痉挛/疼痛性侧凸两大类,其中痉挛/疼痛性侧凸又分为单纯痉挛性侧凸和"滑脱性"侧凸两种,"滑脱性"侧凸主要由滑脱椎体的旋转造成。对有侧凸的患者测量其末次随访时的侧凸角度以了解侧凸改善情况。结果:发育不良性重度腰椎滑脱15例,年龄12.5±2.6岁,男2例,女13例;轻度滑脱者13例,年龄14.5±2.6岁,男6例,女7例,两组年龄、性别比例及各脊柱-骨盆矢状位参数均无统计学差异(P0.05)。重度滑脱组的Dubousset腰骶角明显小于轻度滑脱组(55.6°±17.0°vs.83.3°±18.4°,P0.05)。28例患者中合并脊柱侧凸者14例,其中重度滑脱组合并脊柱侧凸13例,轻度滑脱组中仅1例符合脊柱侧凸诊断,两组合并侧凸比例有统计学差异(86.7%vs.7.7%,P0.001)。重度滑脱患者术前冠状位平均Cobb角明显大于轻度滑脱患者(18.1°±13.0°vs.4.6°±3.7°,P=0.001)。重度滑脱组中脊柱侧凸的构成情况:特发性侧凸5例,Cobb角11.6°~52.6°,平均30.2°±17.0°;痉挛/疼痛性侧凸8例,其中单纯痉挛性侧凸4例(Cobb角12.5°~17.5°,平均14.8°±2.1°),"滑脱性"侧凸4例(Cobb角11.2°~12.6°,平均11.9°±0.6°)。对13例重度滑脱伴侧凸患者进行术后随访,其中12例获得随访,随访时间为1~100个月(23.8±28.7个月),末次随访时单纯痉挛性侧凸的平均矫正率为92%,特发性脊柱侧凸的平均矫正率为7.5%,"滑脱性"脊柱侧凸的平均矫正率为4%。结论:青少年发育不良性腰椎滑脱症患者中,重度滑脱患者合并脊柱侧凸的比例高于轻度滑脱者,发育不良性重度腰椎滑脱与脊柱侧凸可能具有相关性,其中单纯痉挛性侧凸在滑脱复位固定融合术后可大部分自发矫正。     

性别对青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者支具治疗效果的影响

目的:比较男、女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS)患者支具治疗的效果,探讨性别因素对支具治疗效果的影响。方法:2003年7月~2009年7月在我院完成支具治疗的男性AIS患者19例(A组),初诊时平均年龄14.0±2.0岁,平均主弯Cobb角28.8°±5.7°,初始Boston支具治疗6例,Milwaukee支具治疗13例;随机抽取同时期完成支具治疗的女性AIS患者57例(B组),初诊时平均年龄13.0±1.4岁,平均主弯Cobb角29.4°±6.1°,初始Boston支具治疗17例,Milwaukee支具治疗40例。定义末次随访时Cobb角大于初诊6°或治疗期间建议行矫形手术者为侧凸进展。结果:两组初诊时Risser征(P=0.786)、Cobb角(P=0.790)、弯型分布(P=0.350)和应用支具类型分布(P=0.350)等无显著性差异。A组和B组平均支具治疗时长分别为2.1±0.7年和2.5±0.9年,平均依从性分别为84.4%±7.6%和87.1%±5.7%。A组患者中发生侧凸进展8例(42%),其中需手术治疗者6例(32%);B组中侧凸进展12例(21%),其中需手术治疗者10例(18%)。男性患者侧凸进展比例高于女性,但统计学差异不明显(P=0.071)。两组中,生长发育状态低下、侧凸Cobb角大及主胸弯型患者侧凸进展比例高。结论:支具治疗可有效控制多数AIS患者的侧凸进展,女性患者支具治疗效果可能好于男性患者。     

支具治疗女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸畸形加重的危险因素分析

目的:观察支具治疗女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸的畸形变化情况并分析侧凸畸形进展的危险因素。方法:对65例接受支具治疗的女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者进行随访。在随访期间连续测量记录患者的Cobb角、侧凸类型、月经初潮与否、坐高、站高、Risser分级、顶椎旋转度等。分析初诊时和末次随访时侧凸变化情况,并从上述多项参数中筛选引起侧凸加重的危险因素。结果:65例获得随访,时间12～60个月,平均24.1个月。初诊年龄10～16岁,平均13.7岁。末次随访时17例(26.15%)患者侧凸进展超过5°,初诊时原发弯Cobb角>35°,顶椎旋转度≥Ⅲ度的患者,侧凸明显进展的百分率较高(P<0.05)。通过Logistic逐步回归分析,发现初诊时原发弯Cobb角>35°,顶椎旋转度≥Ⅲ度,年身高增长>30mm的患者,是侧凸进展到5°以上的危险因素。结论:初诊时原发弯Cobb角值,顶椎旋转度及身高增长速度是预测女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸进展的重要因素,借助Risser分级预测侧凸进展并不可靠,初始原发弯Cobb角>35°、顶椎旋转度≥Ⅲ度、年身高增长>30mm的患者,侧凸进展的危险性较高。     

广东省青少年脊柱侧凸患病率调查报告

目的 :了解广东省青少年脊柱侧凸患病率。方法 :对广州、韶关、中山、珠海等市城乡的 875 4 6名 7～ 18岁在校学生应用三检法 (体检、波纹照相、X线照片 )进行脊柱侧凸患病率普查 ,并测量其身高、坐高、体重等生长发育数据。受检者的脊柱照片采用Coob法进行测量 ,Coob角≥ 10°者诊断为脊柱侧凸。结果 :经三检诊断为脊柱侧凸者6 5 3人 ,脊柱侧凸患病率为 7 5‰ ,其中男性患病率 6 1‰ ,女性患病率 9 0‰ ,男 /女 =1/ 1 4 8。特发性脊柱侧凸6 33人 ,占 96 9%。结论 :脊柱侧凸在青少年中有较高的患病率 ,应大力提倡开展青少年脊柱侧凸的普查工作 ,提高我国青少年保健水平。     

中山市青少年脊柱侧凸防治网的建立及临床意义

目的探讨青少年脊柱侧凸防治网对脊柱侧凸综合防治的成效及临床意义。方法我单位于1997年6月至1998年6月采用"三检筛选"普查方法对广东省中山市城乡26所中、小学18 329名7~15岁中、小学生进行了脊柱侧凸普查,并建立了由医院、学校、家庭组成的脊柱侧凸防治网络。对三检阳性者建立档案,纳入脊柱侧凸患儿动态数据库,对确诊的患儿根据Cobb角大小有选择性地进行了宣教、体操、牵引、支具、手术等治疗方法,指导、督促并定期复查追踪,对发现的新病例及时反馈到中心并进行跟踪治疗。结果 1997年至今入库患者共计594例,剔除各种原因失访患者61例,共随访脊柱侧凸患者533例。将患者按5°Cobb角10°、10°≤Cobb角20°、20°≤Cobb角40°、Cobb角≥40°分组并采取阶梯治疗的方式,前三组病情进展率分别为2.60%、6.55%、5.43%,最后一组实施手术治疗,亦取得了满意的矫形效果。结论青少年脊柱侧凸防治网能够有效控制患者的侧凸进展。     

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.