罗哌卡因复合地佐辛在臂丛神经阻滞中的应用

目的:观察罗哌卡因复合地佐辛行臂丛神经阻滞对麻醉和镇痛效果的影响.方法:将90例需臂丛神经阻滞行肱骨切开复位内固定术的患者随机均分成A、B、C 3组(每组30例),局麻药均为0.33%罗哌卡因30 mL,A组不用地佐辛,B组在局麻药中加地佐辛0.1 mg/kg,C组阻滞完成后即静脉注射地佐辛0.1 mg/kg.结果:B组感觉与运动神经阻滞起效时间快于A、C组(P<0.01),镇痛持续时间长于A、C组(P<0.01),术中、术后VAS疼痛评分低于A、C组(P<0.05,P<0.01);C组不良反应的发生率高于A、B两组.结论:罗哌卡因复合地佐辛行臂丛神经阻滞,可缩短阻滞起效时间,增强阻滞效果和延长镇痛时间,不良反应少.     

甲磺酸罗哌卡因和盐酸罗哌卡因肌间沟臂丛神经阻滞的比较

目的 观察0.596%甲磺酸罗哌卡因和0.5%盐酸罗哌卡因在超声引导下行肌间沟臂丛神经阻滞的效果.方法 60例上肢手术行肌间沟臂丛麻醉的患者,随机均分成两组:A组给予0.596%甲磺酸罗哌卡因30 ml;B组给予0.5%盐酸罗哌卡因30 ml.比较两组感觉及运动阻滞起效时间、阻滞程度、运动恢复时间、镇痛持续时间和不良反应.结果 A组尺神经感觉阻滞起效时间显著快于B组[(38.30±14.65)min vs.(48.03±22.34)min](P<0.05).注药60 min A组尺神经感觉完全阻滞29例(96.7%),显著多于B组的20例(66.7%)(P<0.05).结论 0.596%甲磺酸罗哌卡因的尺神经感觉阻滞优于0.5%盐酸罗哌卡因.     

罗哌卡因复合右美托咪定对臂丛神经阻滞的影响

目的观察罗哌卡因复合右美托咪定对行喙突入路臂丛神经阻滞的影响。方法择期上肢手术患者60例,随机分成罗哌卡因组(R组)和右美托咪定复合罗哌卡因组(RD组),每组30例。患者在喙突内下2 cm处,在神经刺激器引导下给予药物,R、RD组分别给予罗哌卡因200 mg及罗哌卡因200 mg复合右美托咪定1 μg/kg,容量均为40 ml。记录患者手术侧臂丛感觉和运动阻滞起效时间、感觉和运动阻滞持续时间。记录患者给药前、给药后15、30、60、90、120 min的HR、SBP、DBP及SpO2。同时记录RD组给药前和给药后30 min非手术上肢的镇痛评分。记录两组患者不良反应发生情况。结果 R组感觉、运动阻滞起效时间明显长于RD组,感觉、运动的阻滞持续时间明显短于RD组(P0.01);R组给药后30、60、90、120 min的HR明显快于、MAP明显高于RD组(P0.05)。RD组给药前和给药后30 min非手术上肢的镇痛评分差异无统计学意义。RD组中有7例患者出现HR减慢,需要阿托品处理。结论罗哌卡因复合右美托咪定行臂丛神经阻滞可缩短臂丛神经的感觉、运动阻滞起效时间,延长感觉、运动阻滞持续时间。     

相同浓度不同容量罗哌卡因超声引导锁骨上臂丛神经阻滞对膈肌麻痹的影响

目的观察超声引导锁骨上臂丛神经阻滞(supraclavicular brachial plexus block,SCBPB)使用相同浓度不同容量罗哌卡因对膈肌麻痹的影响。方法选择拟行右上肢骨折术后取内固定装置术的患者72例,男32例,女40例,年龄18~65岁,ASA I或II级。随机分为两组:0.375%罗哌卡因20ml组(A组)和0.375%罗哌卡因30ml(B组),每组36例。所有患者在超声引导下行锁骨上臂丛神经阻滞,记录臂丛各主要神经根的感觉阻滞、运动阻滞的起效时间和持续时间,并观察两组患者不良反应的发生情况。采用M型超声测量阻滞前、阻滞后30min时两组平静呼吸和用力呼吸的膈肌移动度,通过观察膈肌移动度的变化来反映膈肌麻痹情况,并计算膈肌麻痹率。结果两组患者感觉阻滞起效时间、感觉阻滞和运动阻滞持续时间差异均无统计学意义。B组运动阻滞起效时间明显短于A组(P0.05)。阻滞后30min A组和B组分别有12例(33.3%)和22例(61.1%)患者出现膈肌麻痹,B组膈肌麻痹率明显高于A组(P0.05)。结论 0.375%罗哌卡因20 ml与30ml在超声引导下行锁骨上臂丛神经阻滞均可达到理想的臂丛阻滞效果,0.375%罗哌卡因20 ml引起膈肌麻痹较少。     

布托啡诺复合局麻药用于臂丛神经阻滞的临床观察

目的研究布托啡诺复合利多卡因和左旋布比卡因用于臂丛神经阻滞的镇痛效果。方法选择上肢手术患者40例,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机均分为两组,A组:0.06%布托啡诺+1%利多卡因+0.375%左旋布比卡因20 ml,B组:1%利多卡因+0.375%左旋布比卡因20 ml。分别记录两组麻醉起效时间、痛觉消失时间、镇痛持续时间,同时采用VAS评分评价镇痛效果。结果 A组镇痛持续时间明显长于B组(P<0.05)。A组麻醉后4、6、8 h静息VAS评分显著低于B组(P<0.05)。结论布托啡诺复合利多卡因和左旋布比卡因用于臂丛神经阻滞能够延长麻醉镇痛持续时间。     

1%甲哌卡因与0.5%罗哌卡因用于肌间沟臂丛神经阻滞锁骨骨折术中的比较

目的观察1%甲哌卡因与0.5%罗哌卡因用于肌间沟臂丛神经阻滞锁骨骨折术中麻醉效果的比较。方法择期行肌间沟臂丛神经阻滞锁骨骨折成年患者30例,ASAⅠ~Ⅱ级,随机分为2组(n=15);1%甲哌卡因组(M组)和0.5%罗哌卡因组(R组)。两组均在神经刺激仪引导下,以肌间沟入路行臂丛神经阻滞,M组和R组分别注入1%甲哌卡因25 mL和0.5%罗哌卡因25 mL。观察两组血流动力学,感觉、运动阻滞起效及恢复时间,术后VAS评分,不良反应及麻醉满意度。结果与R组比较,M组感觉、运动阻滞起效时间缩短,阻滞恢复时间缩短(P0.05),术后6 h、12 h的VAS评分增加(P0.05)。结论 1%甲哌卡因与0.5%罗哌卡因行肌间沟臂丛神经阻滞,均能满足锁骨骨折手术。采用1%甲哌卡因较0.5%罗哌卡因起效更快,且感觉、运动恢复更早,利于早期活动,但术后镇痛效果不如0.5%罗哌卡因。     

罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼或地佐辛连续股神经阻滞在全膝关节置换术后镇痛中的应用

目的观察罗哌卡因与罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼或地佐辛连续股神经阻滞(FNB)在全膝关节置换术(TKA)术后镇痛中的效果。方法择期行单侧TKA患者60例,采用统一麻醉和手术方案,术后FNB自控镇痛48h,持续剂量2ml/h,总量100ml。随机将患者均分为三组:罗哌卡因组(R组):0.225%罗哌卡因;罗哌卡因复合地佐辛组(D组):0.15%罗哌卡因含地佐辛10 mg;罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼组(S组):0.15%罗哌卡因含舒芬太尼1μg/kg。记录三组患者术后1、3及7d静息状态下VAS(RVAS)评分、主动功能锻炼时VAS(AVAS)评分和被动功能锻炼时VAS(PVAS)评分;记录其他镇痛药物用量、不良事件发生情况。结果术后1、3、7d三组患者RVAS评分,术后1、7d的AVAS评分和术后1d的PVAS评分明显低于术前(P0.05);术后3d,S组与D组RVAS评分明显高于R组(P0.05)。三组术后恶心呕吐及谵妄发生率差异无统计学意义。结论罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼或地佐辛用于FNB,可提供良好的TKA术后镇痛效果,且不增加不良反应;但0.15%罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼或地佐辛不及0.225%罗哌卡因镇痛维持时间长,复合地佐辛这一现象更明显。     

罗哌卡因复合芬太尼肋间神经阻滞麻醉效果及对术后镇痛的影响

目的观察罗哌卡因复合芬太尼用于乳腺区段切除手术中肋间神经阻滞效果及术后镇痛作用。方法选择ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级择期行乳腺肿块区段切除术的患者60例,随机分为两组,每组30例。肋间神经使用0.375%罗哌卡因(Ⅰ组)或0.375%罗哌卡因+芬太尼2μg/ml(Ⅱ组)。观察两组麻醉起效时间、阻滞完善时间、麻醉维持时间、术后24 h镇痛效果及不良反应,记录麻醉期间RR、MAP、HR及SpO2的变化。结果与Ⅰ组比较,Ⅱ组麻醉起效时间和麻醉阻滞完善时间缩短(P<0.05)、维持时间延长(P<0.01);术后4、8、12 h VAS评分Ⅱ组降低(P<0.01)。两组患者生命体征、不良反应发生率差异无统计学意义。结论芬太尼可增强罗哌卡因肋间神经阻滞麻醉的效果,延长术后镇痛时效。     

不同配伍罗哌卡因腋路臂丛神经阻滞在手及前臂手术中的麻醉效果

目的观察超声引导不同配伍罗哌卡因腋路臂丛神经阻滞麻醉效果,寻求最佳有效配伍。方法选择择期手及前臂手术患者200例,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,随机分为四组。所有患者入手术室后均监护ECG,SPO2,心率和NIBP,持续吸氧。神经阻滞顺序:桡神经、尺神经、正中神经和肌皮神经。A组0.3%罗哌卡因复合0.5%利多卡因30 mL;B组0.25%罗哌卡因加地塞米松5 mg复合0.5%利多卡因30 mL;C组0.25%罗哌卡因复合0.5%利多卡因30 mL;D组0.25%罗哌卡因复合1%利多卡因30 mL。观察各组起效时间、感觉阻滞效果及术中呼吸、心率、血压、动态心电图等变化。结果感觉阻滞效果:C组与其他组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05);A,B,D组间比较差异无统计学意义。即罗哌卡因浓度≥0.25%产生感觉阻滞效果差异无统计学意义。起效时间:D组与其他组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05);A,B,C组间比较差异无统计学意义。术中监护,未发现心律失常及药物不良反应。结论 0.25%罗哌卡因+1%利多卡因臂丛神经阻滞适用于上肢手术,镇痛效果满意,不仅可满足手术麻醉,还可减轻患者术后疼痛。     

芬太尼与曲马多复合罗派卡因在腋路臂丛神经阻滞中镇痛作用的临床观察

目的观察芬太尼与曲马多复合罗派卡因在腋路臂丛神经阻滞中的镇痛效果。方法60例AsAI～Ⅱ级择期前臂及手部手术患者,随机分为三组（每组20例）。A组用药为0．25％罗派卡因40ml,B组用药为0．25％罗派卡因40ml加曲马多1．5mg／kg。C组用药为0．25％罗派卡因40ml加芬太尼1．5ug／kg。各组均行腋路臂丛神经阻滞。记录首次感觉疼痛的时间、镇痛持续时间及麻醉后4h,8h,12h,16h,24h的疼痛评分（VAS）。结果B,C组麻醉后首次感觉疼痛的时间、镇痛持续时间均明显长于A组,其中C纽又长于B组,三组患者麻醉后8h,12h,16h疼痛评分（VAS）差异有显著性（P〈0．05）。结论芬太尼与曲马多复合罗派卡因在臂丛神经阻滞中的镇痛作用优于单纯罗派卡因,且芬太尼复合罗派卡因优于曲马多复合罗派卡因。．     

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.