罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼或芬太尼硬膜外分娩镇痛的效果

目的比较罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼或芬太尼实施硬膜外自控镇痛(PCEA)分娩的效果。方法选取2017-01—06间在长葛市妇幼保健院足月分娩的100例产妇,均实施硬膜外自控镇痛。随机分为2组,各50例。S组给予罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼镇痛;F组采用罗哌卡因联合芬太尼镇痛。比较2组镇痛效果。结果产程各时点S组疼痛VAS评分明显低于F组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。2组产程时间、剖宫产率、器械助产率、新生儿1min APgar评分、缩宫素使用率、产后出血量及不良反应发生率比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼PCEA用于分娩,镇痛效果佳、安全有效。     

产程潜伏期蛛网膜下腔注射舒芬太尼联合罗哌卡因混合舒芬太尼病人自控硬膜外镇痛的效果

目的评价产程潜伏期蛛网膜下腔注射舒芬太尼联合0．1％罗哌卡因混合舒芬太尼病人自控硬膜外镇痛（PCEA）的效果。方法80例单胎、足月、有分娩镇痛要求的初产妇，ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级，随机分2组（n=40），潜伏期组（L组）于产程潜伏期（宫口开0．5～2．5cm）行分娩镇痛，活跃期组（A组）于产程活跃期（宫口开3．0～5．0cm）行分娩镇痛。经L2，3行脊椎-硬膜外联合穿刺，蛛网膜下腔注射舒芬太尼10μg后，硬膜外置管连接PCEA装置，镇痛泵内含0．1％罗哌卡因混合舒芬太尼0．5μg／ml，设定单次剂量5ml，锁定时间10min，无背景剂量。镇痛期间持续监测产妇血压、心率、呼吸频率、脉搏血氧饱和度、胎儿心率及宫缩强度，记录镇痛情况、产程、催产素使用情况、阴道出血量、分娩方式、新生儿Apgar评分及不良反应的发生情况。结果2组产妇循环、呼吸功能指标及胎儿心率均在正常范围；与镇痛前比较，2组镇痛期间VAS评分均降低（P〈0．01）；与A组比较，L组罗哌卡因与舒芬太尼的用量、PCEA有效和总的按压次数较多，总镇痛时间长（P〈0．01），单位时间的罗哌卡因、舒芬太尼用量、VAS评分、产程、分娩方式构成比、催产素使用情况、产后出血量、运动阻滞程度、新生儿Apgar评分、产妇不良反应发生率、胎儿宫内窘迫发生率及新生儿窒息发生率差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论产程潜伏期蛛网膜下腔注射舒芬太尼10μg联合0．1％罗哌卡因混合舒芬太尼0．5μg／ml PCEA可产生安全、有效地分娩镇痛。     

不同浓度罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼在硬膜外阶梯式分娩镇痛中的应用

目的观察不同浓度罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼硬膜外阻滞在产程潜伏期阶梯式分娩镇痛中的效果。方法选择2015年2~4月单胎头位初产妇210例,随机分为七组,每组30例。1组:0.125%罗哌卡因+0.5μg/ml舒芬太尼;2组:0.075%罗哌卡因+0.5μg/ml舒芬太尼(宫口开3cm),0.125%罗哌卡因+0.5μg/ml舒芬太尼(宫口开≥3cm);3组:0.1%罗哌卡因+0.5μg/ml舒芬太尼(宫口开3cm),0.125%罗哌卡因+0.5μg/ml舒芬太尼(宫口开≥3cm);4组:0.15%罗哌卡因+0.5μg/ml舒芬太尼;5组:0.075%罗哌卡因+0.5μg/ml舒芬太尼(宫口开3cm),0.15%罗哌卡因+0.5μg/ml舒芬太尼(宫口开≥3cm);6组:0.1%罗哌卡因+0.5μg/ml舒芬太尼(宫口开3cm),0.15%罗哌卡因+0.5μg/ml舒芬太尼(宫口开≥3cm);7组:0.125%罗哌卡因+0.5μg/ml舒芬太尼(宫口开3cm),0.15%罗哌卡因+0.5μg/ml舒芬太尼(宫口开≥3cm)。观察各组VAS评分、产程时间、产后出血量、Bromage评分以及产后不良反应,同时观察新生儿Apgar评分。结果七组产妇镇痛后各时间点的VAS评分差异无统计学意义。2、3组潜伏期时程较1组明显缩短(P0.05),5、6组较4组明显缩短(P0.05)。4组活跃期时程较1组明显延长(P0.05)。2、3组出血量较1组明显减少(P0.05),5、6、7组出血量较2组明显增多(P0.05),同样也明显多于3组(P0.05)。2、3组产妇运动神经阻滞较1组轻微,且5、6、7组产妇运动神经阻滞较4组也明显减弱(P0.05)。各组产妇产后不良反应及新生儿Apgar评分差异无统计学意义。结论产程潜伏期应用0.075%或0.1%罗哌卡因+0.5μg/ml舒芬太尼,活跃期应用0.125%罗哌卡因+0.5μg/ml舒芬太尼,镇痛效果确切,对产程干扰小,产后出血量少,不影响产妇下肢活动,并且对母婴安全无明显影响。     

产妇产程潜伏期罗哌卡因混合舒芬太尼硬膜外分娩镇痛的效果

目的观察产妇产程潜伏期和活跃期罗哌卡因混合舒芬太尼硬膜外分娩镇痛的效应，评价潜伏期镇痛的可行性。方法120例无产科及硬膜外阻滞禁忌症的单胎孕初产妇，随机分为2组。潜伏期组（L组）：当进入产程、但宫口〈3cm进行镇痛；活跃期组（A组）：当宫口≥3cm进行镇痛。硬膜外穿刺成功后，两组分别单次给予0．1％、0．15％罗哌卡因与0．5μg／ml舒芬太尼混合液10—15ml。30min后行硬膜外自控镇痛，药物为0．1％罗哌卡因和0．5μg／ml舒芬太尼的混合液，PCA量6ml，锁定时间20min（L组）、15min（A组）。行VAS评分和运动神经阻滞分级，记录产后产妇的不良反应，对新生儿行Apgar评分。结果两组镇痛后VAS评分均降低，与A组比较，L组镇痛前VAS评分降低，镇痛后20、30min VAS评分升高，下肢麻木发生率升高，镇痛前催产素使用率及镇痛后催产素追加率降低（P〈0．05）。两组产程、剖宫产率和器械助产率及镇痛满意度的优良率差异无统计学意义（均超过95％）（P〉0．05）。结论产妇产程潜伏期0．1％罗哌卡因混合0．5μg／ml舒芬太尼硬膜外分娩镇痛安全、有效。     

硬膜外罗哌卡因联合舒芬太尼或芬太尼用于潜伏期分娩镇痛的效果比较

目的比较硬膜外罗哌卡因联合舒芬太尼或是芬太尼用于潜伏期分娩镇痛的治疗效果。方法抽取本院于2016年2月至2016年12月收治的要求分娩镇痛的90例妇女作为实验对象。分成试验组和对照组两组,均45例。其中,试验组医治使用罗哌卡因以及舒芬太尼进行麻醉,对照组则予以罗哌卡因以及芬太尼进行麻醉。比较两组的治疗结果。结果医治后,患者的疼痛VAS评分,各个时间段试验组的疼痛VAS评分比对照组低,且试验组产妇的满意程度明显比对照组高,P0.05。组间患者的分娩方式以及产程时间,新生儿出生5分钟的时候Apgar的评分、产后的出血量以及缩宫素使用率差别没有统计学上的意义,P0.05。患者在镇痛期间的头晕、低血压、恶心呕吐以及皮肤瘙痒等比较没有差别,P0.05。结论将硬膜外罗哌卡因联合舒芬太尼应用在患者的潜伏期分娩镇痛的医治,临床效果理想,患者满意度较高,应用前景广。     

0.15%罗哌卡因硬膜外给药用于分娩镇痛中爆发痛的治疗效果

目的比较不同浓度罗哌卡因单独或复合舒芬太尼硬膜外给药抑制分娩镇痛中爆发痛的临床效果。方法选择成功施行硬膜外分娩镇痛后,第一产程中出现爆发痛的初产妇60例,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,足月单胎,随机分为0.15%罗哌卡因的追加组(A组)和0.08%罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼0.4μg/ml的追加组(B组),每组30例。记录产妇VAS评分、改良Bromage评分、追加次数、罗哌卡因、舒芬太尼用量及缩宫素使用例数、产程时间、分娩方式、不良反应等。结果与B组比较,A组爆发痛给予追加剂量20min后VAS评分明显降低,追加次数明显减少,舒芬太尼用量明显减少,皮肤瘙痒、尿潴留等不良反应发生率明显下降;两组改良Bromage评分均为0,缩宫素使用例数、产程时间、分娩方式差异无统计学意义。结论0.08%罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼0.4μg/ml背景输注8ml/h的情况下,0.15%罗哌卡因抑制分娩镇痛后第一产程中出现的爆发痛的效果明显优于0.08%罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼0.4μg/ml,且不良反应少。     

甲磺酸罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼用于分娩硬膜外自控镇痛

目的观察甲磺酸罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼硬膜外自控镇痛（PCEA）用于分娩镇痛的效果。方法选择120例ASAI或Ⅱ级初产妇，随机分为舒芬太尼组（A组）、芬太尼组（B组）、无镇痛组（N组），每组40例。A组和B组采用PCEA，N组不给镇痛药物。A组：舒芬太尼0．2．g／L＋0．1％甲磺酸罗哌卡因；B组：芬太尼2μg／L＋0．1％甲磺酸罗哌卡因。观察各组不同时段视觉模拟评分（VAS）和不良反应，同时记录三组产程时间、分娩方式、催产素使用情况、产后出血量、新生儿Apgar评分。结果A、B两组和N组在PCEA15、60min及宫口开全时VAS差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05），PCEA5min，A、B两组VAS差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05），两组Bromage评分、不良反应差异无统计学意义。三组产程时间、分娩方式、产后出血量、新生儿Apgar评分均差异无统计学意义。结论甲磺酸罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼或芬太尼分娩镇痛效果好，对母婴无明显不良影响。     

罗哌卡因联合舒芬太尼用于分娩镇痛对镇痛效果和产程的影响

目的探讨罗哌卡因联合舒芬太尼用于硬膜外分娩镇痛对视觉模拟评分(VAS)及产程的影响。方法选择无麻醉禁忌证、无经阴道分娩禁忌且自愿接受硬膜外自控镇痛(PCEA)的初产妇150例,均分成两组:芬太尼组(F组),0.125%罗哌卡因 2μg/ml芬太尼;舒芬太尼组(S组),0.125%罗哌卡因 0.5μg/ml舒芬太尼。另外设置对照组(D组,n=50)未接受PCEA的初产妇。结果S组VAS小于F组(P<0.05);两组均无明显运动阻滞。第一产程F、S组短于D组(P<0.05),但第二产程延长(P<0.05);F、S组的助产率、剖宫产率和D组比差异无统计学意义,三组新生儿1、5minApgar评分差异无统计学意义。结论罗哌卡因联合舒芬太尼用于分娩镇痛具有起效快,镇痛作用强,维持时间长等特点。罗哌卡因联合阿片类药物用于硬膜外分娩镇痛能缩短第一产程延长第二产程,增加缩宫素使用率但不增加剖宫产率和产钳助产率。     

产妇分娩时舒芬太尼或芬太尼混合罗哌卡因病人自控硬膜外镇痛的效应

目的比较产妇分娩时舒芬太尼或芬太尼混合罗哌卡因病人自控硬膜外镇痛(PCEA)的效应。方法无产科及硬膜外阻滞禁忌证的阴道分娩单胎初产妇120例,随机分为2组(n：60)：舒芬太尼混合罗哌卡因PCEA组(S组)和芬太尼混合罗哌卡因PCEA组(F组)。当产妇宫口开至3cm时,L_(2,3)间隙硬膜外穿刺置管,S组硬膜外注射0．15%罗哌卡因和0．5μg/ml舒芬太尼混合液试验剂量5 ml,随后追加上述混合液10 ml,30min后以0．1%哌卡因和0．5μg/ml舒芬太尼的混合液行PCEA；F组混合液中以2μg/ml芬太尼替代0．5μg/ml舒芬太尼,其他用药情况均与S组同。两组PCA剂量为6 ml,锁定时间为15 min。记录产妇视觉模拟疼痛评分(VAS)、下肢运动神经阻滞程度、生命体征、产程、分娩方式、不良反应及新生儿Apgar评分。结果两组镇痛期间VAS评分均降低,S组镇痛20～60 min VAS评分均低于F组。两组镇痛起效时间、达最高镇痛平面的时间、最高绝对平面、PCA实际按压次数、有效按压次数差异均无统计学意义。S组皮肤瘙痒的发生率高于F组,舒芬太尼、芬太尼用量分别为16±8、(70±28)μg,比率为1：4．4。两组产程和分娩方式构成比差异无统计学意义。结论产妇分娩时等效剂量的舒芬太尼或芬太尼混合罗哌卡因PCEA均可提供良好的镇痛效果。     

硬膜外舒芬太尼分娩镇痛的效应随机、多中心研究

目的 采用随机、多中心方法探讨硬膜外舒芬太尼分娩镇痛的有效性和安全性.方法 分娩单胎孕初产妇240例,自愿接受分娩镇痛,无产科及硬膜外阻滞禁忌证,年龄＜35岁,孕周＞37周,体重＜100 kg,随机分为2组(n=120)舒芬太尼混合罗哌卡因组(S组)和芬太尼混合罗哌卡因组(F组).当产妇宫口开至3 cm时,L2,3间隙硬膜外穿刺置管,S组硬膜外注射0.15%罗哌卡因和0.5 μg·ml-1舒芬太尼混合液试验剂量5 ml,观察5 min确认导管在硬膜外腔后追加上述混合液5～10 ml,30min后以0.1%罗哌卡因和0.5 μg·ml-1舒芬太尼混合液行病人自控硬膜外镇痛.F组混合液以2 μg·ml-1芬太尼替代0.5 μg·ml-1舒芬太尼,其他用药情况均与S组同.两组PCA剂量均为6 ml,锁定时间均为15 min.于镇痛前、镇痛10、30、60 min行视觉模拟评分(VAS)和运动神经阻滞分级(采用改良Bromage分级法测定),记录镇痛起效时间、首次PCA时间、镇痛药物用量、低血压、镇痛不良反应、镇痛满意度、生命体征、产程、分娩方式及新生儿Apgar评分.结果 与镇痛前比较,镇痛期间两组VAS评分降低(P＜0.05),镇痛效果满意;镇痛10、30和60 min两组收缩压和舒张压均降低(P＜0.05),心率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与F组比较,S组首次PCA时间延迟约14 min,PCA用量和有效次数减少(P＜0.05),S组皮肤瘙痒发生率增高(P＜0.05).PCA用量舒芬太尼6 μg,芬太尼36 μg,用量比1∶6.两组产后镇痛满意度优良率(分别为95%和93.5%)、镇痛起效时间、VAS评分、镇痛后催产素使用率、产后失血量、产程、剖宫产率、器械助产率及新生儿产后1、5 min Apgar评分差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 舒芬太尼混合罗哌卡因硬膜外分娩镇痛安全有效,舒芬太尼镇痛持续时间长于芬太尼,效价为芬太尼的6倍.     

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.     

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.