无痛病房规范化疼痛管理在腹股沟疝术后的应用效果

目的 探讨无痛病房规范化疼痛管理对行腹股沟疝术后疼痛控制的效果.方法 回顾性研究淮南市第一人民医院普外科2015年1月-2016年1月收治的成人腹股沟疝患者44例,其中无痛病房(研究组)22例,普通病房(对照组)22例.研究组采用无痛病房规范化的疼痛管理,对照组采用传统镇痛模式.比较两组患者术后疼痛评分、下床活动时间、肠道通气时间、夜间睡眠时间、疼痛控制满意度、住院天数、住院费用间的差异.结果 术后疼痛评分:研究组术后3h、术后ld、术后2d的疼痛评分分别为(3.46±0.56)分、(2.72±0.21)分、(2.20±0.43)分,对照组术后3h、术后ld、术后2d的疼痛评分分别为(4.48±1.52)分、(3.55±0.40)分、(2.80±0.40)分,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).睡眠时间:研究组手术当日、术后ld、术后2d的睡眠时间分别为(5.23±0.98)h、(6.57 ±0.54)h、(7.50±0.54)h,对照组手术当日、术后ld、术后2d的睡眠时间分别为(4.35±1.28)h、(5.17±0.45)h、(6.72±0.61)h,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).研究组疼痛控制满意度为86.4％,高于对照组50.0％(P＜0.05).研究组首次下床时间、肛门通气时间、住院天数分别为(10.5±2.0)h、(16.8±2.1)h、(6.6±1.4)d,对照组首次下床时间、肛门通气时间、住院天数分别为(15.9±3.0)h、(22.6±3.3)h、(7.5±1.2)d,两组差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).但两组住院总费用无差异,分别为(9 568.7±266.2)元和(9 815.9 ±251.4)元.结论 无痛病房规范化疼痛管理能降低腹股沟疝患者术后疼痛程度,提高睡眠质量,加快肛门通气,提高患者住院满意度.     

经皮椎间孔镜治疗腰椎管狭窄症的可行性及安全性分析

【摘 要】目的 观察并探讨经皮椎间孔镜（Transforaminal endoscope,TE）治疗腰椎管狭窄症（Lumbar spinal stenosis,LSS）的价值。方法 选择自2012年6月至2014年1月在本医院住院治疗的LSS患者96例,按照随机分组法将96例患者分为两组,观察组和对照组各48例,观察组给予经TE手术治疗,而对照组仅给予传统手术。治疗前及治疗后随访,统计两组患者手术时间、术中失血量、卧床时间,及患者术前和术后3个月的VAS疼痛评分、腰椎运动功能障碍（Oswestry disability index,ODI）指标,对两组患者综合疗效进行评价。结果 观察组手术时间、术中失血量、卧床时间分别为（98.6±21.8）min、（20.8±7.2）ml和（5.0±1.4）d,对照组为（117.4±31.6）min、（99.4±28.5）ml和（14.7±4.3）d;两组治疗前的VAS评分、ODI指标相比,差异不具有统计学意义（p＜0.05）,治疗后3个月,观察组VAS评分和ODI指标为（2.5±0.8）分和（23.1±6.4）%,对照组为（3.4±1.0）分、（28.5±7.6）%,两组相比,差异具有统计学意义（p＜0.05）;治疗后,观察组总有效率为87.5%（42/48）,对照组为70.8%（34/48）,两组相比,差异具有统计学意义（p＜0.05）。 结论 经TE治疗LSS具有手术时间短,术中失血少的优势,且能明显缓解LSS患者的疼痛,改善腰椎功能,疗效显著,是安全有效的疗法。     

经脐单孔与三孔法腹腔镜胆囊切除术治疗结石性胆囊炎效果比较

目的：观察并评价经脐单孔腹腔镜胆囊切除术与三孔法腹腔镜胆囊切除术对结石性胆囊炎（CC）的治疗效果。 方法：选择2012年12月—2014年12月入院手术的CC患者64例,随机将患者分为单孔组（32例）和三孔组（32例）。单孔组接受经脐单孔腹腔镜胆囊切除术,而三孔组接受三孔法腹腔镜胆囊切除术。术后统计两组患者的手术时间、术中失血量、术后24 h疼痛VAS评分、住院时间、肠胃功能恢复时间、切口疤痕满意度,统计并发症的发生情况。 结果：单孔组与三孔组手术时间、术中失血量、术后24 h疼痛VAS评分比较,差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）;单孔组住院时间、肠胃功能恢复时间、切口疤痕满意度分别为（2.1±0.4）d、（33.8±4.2）h和（94.2±3.4）分,三孔组为（3.9±0.8）d、（46.4±8.7）h和（82.4±2.5）分,两组间差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）;单孔组并发症发生率分别为3.1%（1/32）,三孔组为6.3%（2/32）,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。 结论：经脐单孔腹腔镜胆囊切除术治疗CC患者术后胃肠功能恢复快、切口美观,并不增加并发症发生率。     

耳穴贴压在肩袖损伤住院患者关节镜术后早期疼痛管理中的应用

目的探讨耳穴贴压在肩袖损伤住院患者关节镜术后早期疼痛管理中的应用效果。 方法选取2018年1月至2019年10月在北京大学人民医院创伤骨科行肩关节镜治疗的肩袖损伤患者共84例,对照组42例采取常规镇痛措施;观察组42例在常规镇痛的基础上于入院后给予患者进行耳穴贴压。采用视觉模拟评分法（visual analogue scale,VAS）评估两组患者术后24 ~ 72 h的疼痛改善情况。 结果观察组术后48 h的静息VAS评分和活动VAS评分较术后24 h的VAS评分改善均优于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）;观察组术后72 h的静息VAS评分和活动VAS评分较术后24 h的VAS评分改善均优于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论中医耳穴贴压能有效辅助减轻肩袖损伤住院患者关节镜术后的早期疼痛,操作简便,值得在临床推广。     

苍龟探穴针法对肩关节炎患者肩功能及生活质量的影响

目的：探讨苍龟探穴针法对肩关节炎患者肩功能及生活质量的影响。方法：选取 2015 年 6 月—2017 年 6 月我院收治的肩关节炎患者 100 例,依据治疗方法分为苍龟组和对照组,每组 50 例,对照组给予常规关节松动及针法治疗,苍龟组给予常规关节松动及苍龟探穴针法治疗,比较两组疼痛视觉模拟评分法（VAS）、Constant-Murley 肩功能评分法（CM）中的肩关节功能项（ROM）和日常生活能力项（ADL）、治疗疗效。结果：苍龟组和对照组治疗后 VAS 评分 （[ 0.63±0.10）分、（1.01±0.16）分 ] 明显低于治疗前 [（3.20±0.44）分、（3.17±0.42）分 ],苍龟组治疗后 VAS 评分明显低于对照组,苍龟组和对照组 ROM、ADL 评分 [（32.47±3.43）分、（16.04±1.61）分和（27.67±3.01）分、（13.72±1.43）分 ] 明显高于治疗前 [（12.14±4.73）分、（5.68±0.60）分和（12.27±4.81）分、（5.74±0.61）分 ],苍龟组治疗后 ROM、ADL评分明显高于对照组,差异有统计学显著差异（P<0.05）;苍龟组治疗有效率为 94.00%,明显高于对照组的 80.00%,差异有统计学显著差异（P<0.05）。结论：苍龟探穴针法治疗可有效改善肩关节炎患者的疼痛症状及肩功能,有利于提高患者的治疗疗效及生活质量,值得临床推广。     

腹腔镜疝修补与普通平片疝修补临床比较分析

目的：对比腹腔镜疝修补术与普通平片疝修补术治疗腹股沟疝的临床疗效。 方法：对100例接受腹腔镜疝修补术患者（腹腔镜组）及100例应用普通平片疝修补术患者（对照组）的腹股沟疝患者手术时间、术中出血量、术后第2天疼痛评分、恢复活动时间及住院时间进行比较,并进行随访,观察对比两组患者术后1年疝复发及手术相关并发症发生情况。 结果：腹腔镜组手术时间为（46.16±15.16）min,对照组为（46.75±12.51）min,两组比较无统计学差异（P>0.05）;术后第2天疼痛评分[ （2.15±0.67）分vs. （3.31±1.01）分]、恢复活动时间[（157.71±58.61）h vs.（178.61±45.69）h]、住院时间[（5.15±1.78）d vs. （7.71±2.01）d]腹腔镜组均低于对照组（P<0.05）;1年内复发率腹腔镜组为2.00%,对照组为9.00%（P<0.05）;手术相关并发症发生率腹腔镜组为7.00%,对照组为18.00%（P<0.05）。 结论：腹腔镜疝修补术可显著提高腹股沟疝的治疗效果。     

耳穴贴压配合穴位贴敷在上消化道肿瘤术后的应用

目的：探究耳穴贴压配合穴位贴敷在上消化道肿瘤术后的应用效果。方法：选取前期行常规干预的上消化道肿瘤手术患者 51 例作为对照组,另选取近期行耳穴贴压配合穴位贴敷干预的 51 例作为观察组,对比两组不良反应发生率、疼痛改善率及康复指标。结果：观察组不良反应总发生率为 2%,低于对照组的 16%（P ＜ 0.05）,观察组术后第 6 d 疼痛改善有效率为 88%,高于对照组的 63%（P ＜ 0.05）,观察组术后排气时间为（33.17±11.24） h、排便时间为（46.21±5.38） h,肠鸣音康复时间为（23.41±11.18） h,均优于对照组的（42.05±10.18） h、（61.64±5.87） h 及（41.16±10.52） h（P ＜ 0.05）。结论：对上消化道肿瘤术后患者行耳穴贴压配合穴位贴敷干预,可有效降低不良反应发生率,提高疼痛改善率,改善术后康复指标。     

射频治疗对关节镜下半月板部分切除术早期疗效的影响

目的 探讨半月板部分切除术后使用射频汽化修整残留半月板对病人术后膝关节预后的影响。方法 前瞻性地纳入60例病人,随机分为两组,观察组（26例）病人采用膝关节镜下半月板部分切除+射频修整术,对照组病人（34例）采用膝关节镜下单纯半月板部分切除术。对比两组病人术后48 h伤口引流量及疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评分;采用膝关节Lysholm评分标准评估膝关节功能,记录并比较两组病人术前及术后6个月随访时的Lysholm评分。结果 观察组和对照组病人的术后引流量分别为（51.15±22.69） ml、（63.24±23.45） ml,VAS评分分别为（1.45±0.50）分、（1.62±0.55）分,两组间比较,差异均无统计学意义（t=0.264,P=0.610;t=0.259,P=0.613）;所有入组病人术后的Lysholm评分为（91.58±5.78）分,均优于术前的（73.53±4.52）分,差异有统计学意义（t=8.012,P=0.005）;观察组及对照组术后的Lysholm评分分别为（90.00±5.54）分、（92.79±5.75）分,差异无统计学意义（t=0.219,P=0.641）。结论 关节镜下行半月板部分切除术的出血量与使用射频汽化仪无关,无论是否使用射频汽化修整残留半月板,病人术后膝关节的功能都能得到较好的恢复。     

系统腰腹肌功能锻炼对经皮椎间孔镜靶向穿刺定位治疗 LDH 术后功能恢复的临床研究

目的：评价功能锻炼在腰椎间盘突出症（lumbar disc herniation,LDH）术后的时效性及对腰椎功能恢复的影响。方法：将纳入标准的 100 例患者随机分为治疗组和对照组各 50 例,治疗组在经皮椎间孔镜靶向穿刺定位治疗后给予系统腰腹肌功能锻炼,对照组给予直腿抬高练习和背伸肌适度锻炼,随访 1 年;分别于术前及术后１ d、3 月、6 月及 1 年采用VAS、ODI 评分和术后 1 年的腰背部不适例数、腰椎稳定性进行对比。结果：两组术后不同时间点腰痛、腿痛 VAS 评分、ODI 评分术均低于术前（P<0.05）,两组术前、术后 1 d 腰痛、腿痛 VAS 评分、ODI 评分比较,差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）;治疗组腰痛 VAS 评分术后 3 月 [(1.31±0.42) 分 vs (2.01±1.03) 分 ]、术后 6 月 [(0.67±0.32) 分 vs (1.58±0.74) 分 ]、术后 1 年 [(0.41±0.17) 分 vs (1.37±0.64) 分 ] 均低于对照组（P<0.05）;治疗组腿痛 VAS 评分术后 3 月 [(1.31±0.42) 分 vs (2.01±1.03) 分 ]、术后 6 月 [(0.67±0.32) 分 vs (1.58±0.74) 分 ]、术后 1 年 [(0.41±0.17) 分 vs (1.37±0.64) 分 ] 均低于对照组（P<0.05）;治疗组 ODI 评分术后 3 月 [(10.14±1.07) 分 vs (12.33±1.28) 分]、6 月 [(8.21±0.14) 分 vs (10.34±0.75)分 ]、1 年 [(7.92±0.05) 分 vs (9.28±0.42) 分 ] 均低于对照组（P<0.05）。术后 1 年,两组腰椎曲度、前凸指数、骶骨倾斜角方面与术前比较差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）;治疗组术后 1 年前凸指数 [(2.52±0.27) cm vs (2.32±0.58) cm]、骶骨倾斜角 [(31.08±4.81)° vs (28.19±3.05)° ] 均高于对照组（P<0.05）。两组术后 1 年腰腿部不适阳性率比较,P<0.05。结论：经皮椎间孔镜靶向穿刺定位治疗 LDH 术后给予系统腰腹肌功能锻炼,可明显缓解疼痛不适,维持腰椎的稳定性,降低复发率,且症状随系统功能锻炼次数的增加改善越明显。     

虚挂线疗法治疗肛瘘 64例医疗报告

目的:探讨虚挂线疗法治疗肛瘘的临床疗效及安全性。方法:将 64例肛瘘患者按随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组各 32例,观察组采用虚挂线疗法治疗,对照组采用切开法治疗,观察并比较两组的临床效果。结果:术后第 1天观察组 VAS评分( 5.47±0.51)分,术后第 14天(3.94±0.50)分,与对照组相比差异无统计学意义( P>0.05);术后第 7天观察组 VAS评分( 5.28±0.52)分,术后第 10天(4.47±0.67)分,明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义( P<0.05);观察组创面愈合时间( 28.78±2.04)天,与对照组相比明显缩短( P<0.05);肛门功能评分( 0.88±0.61)分,明显低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:虚挂线疗法治疗肛瘘,对患者伤害更小,创面愈合时间短,可以有效保护肛门功能,缓解疼痛。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.