六岁以下患儿气管插管全身麻醉后呼吸系统不良事件的相关因素分析

目的分析6岁以下患儿行气管插管全身麻醉后呼吸系统不良事件的相关影响因素。方法收集普、胸、泌、骨及矫形外科患儿267例,对术前评估中所有可能造成麻醉后呼吸系统不良事件的因素进行定义和记录,包括:性别、年龄6岁、体重、术前住院日、手术实施季节、术前是否合并轻、中度上呼吸道感染症状、手术操作部位是否对呼吸具有潜在影响及麻醉维持时间。不良事件包括:咳嗽多痰、SpO2静息状态下95%、腋窝T38℃、舌后坠、气管导管移位、屏气、喉痉挛、支气管痉挛。对影响不良事件的相关因素进行二元逻辑回归分析OR值。结果年龄1岁的患儿,1种呼吸系统不良事件的发生率增加(OR=2.66,95%CI:1.50~4.71),2种及以上呼吸系统不良事件的发生率增加(OR=2.44,95%CI:1.29~4.60);术前合并上感症状的患儿,1种呼吸系统不良事件的发生率增加(OR=2.81,95%CI:1.47~5.39),2种及以上呼吸系统不良事件的发生率增加(OR=2.57,95%CI:1.31~5.03),而其余因素对发生呼吸系统不良事件的影响无统计学意义。结论年龄1岁及术前合并上感仍是发生麻醉后呼吸系统不良事件的独立危险因素;性别、体重、术前住院日、季节、手术部位及麻醉维持时间等独立因素并不增加不良事件的发生。     

9985例右美托咪定滴鼻镇静行无创检查患儿的回顾性分析

目的回顾性分析患儿使用右美托咪定滴鼻镇静术行无创性检查的安全性和有效性。方法通过提取本院手术麻醉电子病历系统中的数据,回顾性分析2017年6月至2018年4月在本院镇静镇痛中心行无创性检查的患儿9 985例,年龄≥3个月,体重5～10 kg,右美托咪定滴鼻剂量为1.5～2.5μg/kg,体重10 kg的患儿滴鼻剂量为2.5～3μg/kg,如果镇静失败,可追加一次1μg/kg。统计镇静成功率和不良事件的发生率。结果起始剂量镇静成功8 237例(82.49%),总成功率为94.27%。总计有271例(2.71%,95%CI 2.40%～3.03%)患儿发生不良事件,其中心动过缓有231例(2.31%,95%CI 2.02%～2.61%),为主要不良事件,未发生一例心跳呼吸骤停及死亡。结论右美托咪定滴鼻镇静可安全有效地用于患儿无创性检查。     

心包积液患儿围术期不良事件的危险因素分析

目的回顾性分析心包积液患儿围术期不良事件的影响因素。方法我院2009年1月至2014年7月手术治疗的心包积液患儿157例,麻醉期间不良事件定义为诱导后出现低氧、低血压或心律失常。应用单因素和多因素Logistic回归分析不良事件的危险因素。结果有38例(24.2%)患儿发生不良事件(A组),其中一般不良事件31例(81.6%),严重不良事件7例(18.4%)。A组术前合并胸腔积液、呼吸困难、奇脉、心房/心室压迫、较高ASA分级及入手术室时呼吸急促、心动过速、低氧、低血压明显多于无不良事件组(N组)(P0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,术前呼吸困难(OR=6.8,95%CI 1.4~12.4)、入手术室时低氧(OR=5.5,95%CI 1.1~15.9)、入手术室时低血压(OR=3.4,95%CI 1.2~9.1)及心房/心室压迫(OR=6.3,95%CI 1.8~22.1)是不良事件的独立危险因素。结论对存在危险因素的心包积液患儿应警惕其麻醉期间发生不良事件。     

老年髋部骨折术后脑卒中的发生率及其独立危险因素分析

目的探讨老年髋部骨折术后脑卒中的发生率及其独立危险因素。方法回顾性收集临沂市人民医院2019年6月—2022年6月收治的1 296例择期行髋部骨折手术患者的临床资料, 依据术后30 d内是否发生脑卒中分为脑卒中组(30例)和非脑卒中组(1 266例)。单因素分析两组患者的基线资料、术前实验室资料、麻醉相关资料、骨折及手术相关资料, 将单因素分析中P<0.2的因素纳入多因素logistic回归分析, 探讨老年髋部骨折术后脑卒中的发生率及其独立危险因素。结果本研究共纳入1 296例患者, 其中30例术后发生脑卒中, 发生率为2.3%。多因素logistic回归分析结果显示, 老年髋部骨折术后脑卒中的独立危险因素为美国麻醉医师协会(ASA)分级Ⅲ-Ⅳ级[比值比(OR)4.441, 95%置信区间(CI)1.243～15.861, P=0.022]、术前红细胞分布宽度(RDW)(OR 1.057, 95%CI 1.006～1.110, P=0.027)较高、颈动脉斑块(OR 2.760, 95%CI 1.191～6.395, P=0.018)、术中低血压(OR 2.641, 95%CI ...     

高龄患者术后严重并发症的危险因素分析

目的 探讨高龄患者择期手术后严重并发症的危险因素。
方法 选择行骨科、妇科、胃肠外科手术的患者332例，男123例，女209例，年龄≥80岁。根据患者是否发生术后严重并发症分为两组：严重并发症组和对照组。记录一般情况、术前合并症、实验室检查、手术和麻醉情况。采用多因素Logistic回归分析术后发生严重并发症的危险因素。
结果 有43例（13.0%）患者发生术后严重并发症。与对照组比较，严重并发症组BMI和术中最低MAP值明显降低，ASA分级、改良Goldman分级、合并控制不良糖尿病比例明显升高，手术开始时间明显延迟（P<0.05）。Logistic回归分析显示，术后严重并发症的危险因素为BMI降低（OR=1.145，95%CI 1.042～1.261，P=0.016）、ASA分级升高（OR=3.587，95%CI 1.210～10.632，P=0.021）、改良Goldman分级升高（OR=7.175，95%CI 2.355～21.861，P=0.001）、控制不良的糖尿病（OR=2.202，95%CI 1.041～4.657，P=0.039）、手术开始时间延迟（OR=2.611，95%CI 1.242～5.491，P=0.011）和术中最低MAP值降低（OR=1.068，95%CI 1.116～1.119，P=0.009）。
结论 高龄患者择期手术后严重并发症发生的独立危险因素为BMI降低、ASA分级和改良Goldman分级升高、控制不良的糖尿病、手术开始时间延迟、术中最低MAP值降低。     

艾司氯胺酮用于患儿术前镇静的半数有效剂量

目的 应用改良序贯法研究艾司氯胺酮在患儿术前镇静的半数有效剂量（ED50）。
方法 选择2021年1—2月择期全麻下行短小手术（＜1 h）的患儿23例,男12例,女11例,年龄2～6岁,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级。术前于手术准备间内静脉注射艾司氯胺酮,待起效后与家属分离,行麻醉诱导,评估用药后镇静效果。采用改良序贯法测定其用于患儿术前有效镇静的剂量,起始剂量为0.5 mg/kg,剂量梯度设定为0.05 mg/kg,当患儿Ramsay镇静评分≥2分、Funk神经行为评分≥3分且麻醉诱导评分为4分时为镇静成功（阳性）,则下一例患儿在上一例患儿给药剂量基础上降低0.05 mg/kg,反之任一指标达不到相应评分时则为镇静失败（阴性）,下一例患儿在上一例患儿给药剂量基础上升高0.05 mg/kg,直至出现连续7个阳性和阴性拐点交替之后研究结束。采用概率单位回归分析法计算其术前用药的ED50、95%有效剂量（ED95）和95%可信区间（CI）。记录患儿术后苏醒时间和麻醉期间恶心呕吐、喉痉挛、支气管痉挛、呼吸道梗阻、呼吸抑制等不良反应的发生情况。
结果 艾司氯胺酮用于患儿术前有效镇静的ED50为0.580 mg/kg（95%CI 0.559～0.602 mg/kg）,ED95为0.618 mg/kg（95%CI 0.598～0.678 mg/kg）。患儿无一例发生恶心呕吐、喉痉挛、支气管痉挛、呼吸道梗阻、呼吸抑制等不良反应。
结论 艾司氯胺酮静注用于2~6岁患儿入手术室前镇静的ED50为0.580 mg/kg（95%CI 0.559～0.602 mg/kg）。     

直肠癌术后严重并发症的危险因素分析

目的探究直肠癌保肛术后30d严重并发症的危险因素。方法回顾性分析中山大学附属第六医院2010年1月至2014年10月间接受直肠癌保肛手术的956例病人的临床病理及并发症资料,采用单因素和多因素Logistic回归模型分析直肠癌保肛手术术后30d内严重并发症(Clavien-Dindo分级≥Ⅲ级)的危险因素。结果 956例病人中严重并发症发生率为6.3%(60/956)。按Clavien-Dindo并发症分级:Ⅲa级36例,Ⅲb级12例,Ⅳa级5例,Ⅳb级5例,Ⅴ级2例。单因素Logistic回归分析显示,术前合并症(OR=1.781、95%CI为1.04~3.048、P=0.035),术前白蛋白(OR=6.979、95%CI为3.057~15.930、P0.001),术中估计出血量(OR=2.386、95%CI为1.375~4.138、P=0.002),术中输血(OR=2.698、95%CI为1.088~6.695、P=0.032)与直肠癌术后严重并发症的发生有关。Logistic多因素回归分析显示,术前存在合并症(OR=2.051、95%CI为1.160~3.627、P=0.014),术前白蛋白(≤35g/L)(OR=4.652、95%CI为1.776~12.182、P=0.002),术中估计出血量(150ml)(OR=2.131、95%CI为1.190~3.816、P=0.011)是直肠癌术后严重并发症发生的独立危险因素。结论术前存在合并症、低白蛋白血症及术中出血量大是直肠癌术后30d内发生严重并发症的危险因素。     

胫骨平台骨折切开复位内固定术后短期不良结果的影响因素分析

目的分析影响胫骨平台骨折切开复位内固定术后短期不良结果的因素。方法回顾性分析自2009-07—2013-12采用切开复位内固定治疗的186例SchatzkerⅣ型胫骨平台骨折,记录术后短期不良事件、住院时间延长、30 d内再住院及感染发生情况,并采用Poisson回归模型分析年龄、性别、BMI、ASA分级、合并症、吸烟史、功能状态、开放性骨折、骨折移位程度、手术时间对术后短期不良结果发生率的影响。结果 23例(12.4%)术后出现严重不良事件,11例(5.9%)出现轻微不良事件,14例(7.5%)出现感染并发症,39例(20.9%)住院时间延长,9例(4.8%)30 d内再住院。多元分析得出,严重不良事件发生率与男性(RR=2.2,P=0.015)、ASA≥3级(RR=3.6,P0.001)显著相关,轻微不良事件发生率与ASA≥3级(RR=3.8,P0.001)、糖尿病(RR=1.9,P=0.012)、吸烟史(RR=1.8,P=0.016)显著相关,术后感染发生率与男性(RR=3.0,P=0.010)、ASA≥3级(RR=3.3,P=0.005)、肺部疾病(RR=2.9,P=0.018)、吸烟史(RR=2.8,P=0.012)独立相关,住院时间延长与年龄≥60岁(RR=2.1,P=0.014)、ASA≥3级(RR=2.0,P=0.001)、肺部疾病(RR=1.8,P=0.001)、糖尿病(RR=1.6,P=0.025)、手术时间≥178 min(RR=1.6,P=0.031)独立相关,30 d内再住院与ASA≥3级(RR=3.9,P=0.024)、糖尿病(RR=2.9,P=0.030)、非独立功能状态(RR=8.1,P=0.001)独立相关。结论高ASA分级是导致胫骨平台骨折切开复位内固定术后短期发生不良结果的高危因素,男性、吸烟史及肺部疾病也是影响术后短期结果的危险因素。     

区域麻醉和全身麻醉用于老年下肢骨折患者术后康复的比较

目的比较区域麻醉和全身麻醉对老年单侧下肢骨折术后康复的影响。方法回顾本院2017年5月至2018年4月间行单侧下肢骨折手术的老年患者116例,男35例,女81例,年龄65～98岁,ASAⅠ—Ⅳ级。根据麻醉方式分为区域麻醉组(RA组,n=50)和全身麻醉组(GA组,n=66),记录两组患者性别、年龄、ASA分级、骨折部位、术前1 d Barthel评分和分级等术前基线资料;术式、手术时间和失血量等手术相关资料,ICU停留时间、术毕至下床活动时间、术后住院时间、术后3 d Barthel评分和分级等术后康复相关资料,建立3个Logistic回归模型记录2种麻醉方式老年单侧下肢骨折术后Barthel的评分。结果 RA组年龄明显大于GA组(P0.05)。两组性别、ASA分级、骨折部位、术式、手术时间和失血量、ICU停留时间、术毕至下床活动时间、术后住院时间,术前1 d Barthel评分和分级等差异均无统计学意义。术后3 d RA组Barthel评分明显高于GA组(P0.05),Barthel分级为III或IV级的比例明显低于GA组(P0.05)。采用二元Logistic回归进一步调整潜在混杂因素,分析麻醉方式与术后3 d Barthel分级的关联强度,建立3个回归模型以去除潜在混杂因素影响后,RA组患者出现术后3 d Barthel分级为Ⅲ级或Ⅳ级的危险明显低于GA组(P0.05)。按照模型1调整年龄因素后OR=0.235, 95%CI 0.103～0.538,P=0.001;按照模型2调整年龄和性别因素后OR=0.207, 95%CI 0.087～0.490,P0.001;按照模型3调整年龄、性别和ASA分级因素后OR=0.210, 95%CI 0.088～0.498,P0.001。结论老年患者行单侧下肢骨折手术时,与全身麻醉比较,区域麻醉更有助于患者提高Barthel评分,有助于早期康复。     

低出生体重患儿开胸心脏术后机械通气时间延长的危险因素分析

目的分析低出生体重患儿开胸心脏术后机械通气时间延长的危险因素。方法选择2003年6月至2018年3月在本院行开胸心脏手术的低出生体重(≤2.5 kg)患儿121例,男80例,女41例,手术日龄3～84 d,出生体重1.05～2.50 kg,手术日体重1.13～2.70 kg,ASAⅢ或Ⅳ级。根据术后机械通气时间分为两组:机械通气7 d的延长组(PMV组,n=40)和≤7 d的非延长组(N-PMV组,n=81)。收集两组患儿一般情况和术前、术中和术后资料,采用单因素相关分析和二元逐步Logistic回归分析观察影响机械通气时间延长的危险因素。结果与N-PMV组比较,PMV组深低温停循环时间明显延长(P0.05),术前机械通气、术后延迟关胸、再次气管插管、非计划再次手术明显增多(P0.05),术后24 h乳酸浓度最大值明显升高(P0.05),术后贫血、术后败血症明显增多(P0.05)。二元逐步Logistic回归分析显示,术后败血症(OR=26.511,95%CI 1.326～530.217,P=0.032)和术后延迟关胸(OR=6.573,95%CI 1.293～33.401,P=0.023)是低出生体重患儿开胸心脏术后机械通气时间延长的独立危险因素。结论低出生体重患儿开胸心脏术后造成机械通气时间延长的原因较多,术后败血症和延迟关胸是机械通气时间延长的独立危险因素。     

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.