不同麻醉方法对全髋置换术患者的血液流变学的影响

目的：对比研究单纯全麻醉与硬膜外加全麻对全髋转换术患者的血液流变学的影响。方法：１６例ＡＳＡＩ￣Ⅱ行,行择期全髋置换术患者随机分为两组。Ⅰ组为全麻组,Ⅱ组为硬膜外加全麻组,诱导前硬膜外给２％利多卡因５ｍｌ,有平面后行全麻诱导,全麻用药与Ⅰ组相同,术中用利多卡因硬膜外阻滞,每５０ｍｉｎ给药６￣８ｍｌ,术后２４ｈ内用０．５％布比卡因镇痛,Ⅰ组术后肌注哌替啶镇痛。结果：两组血液流变学的主要差异：Ⅱ组的血     

乳腺癌患者术前化疗及不同麻醉方法对血液流变学的影响

目的：观察乳腺癌患者术前化疗及不同麻醉方法对血液流变学的影响。方法：选择60例乳腺癌患者，分为A、B两组，每组30例。A组为化疗组，术前接受过三个疗程的化疗；B组为非化疗组，术前未给予化疗。A组又随机分为两个亚组，每组15例：AI为单纯全麻组；AⅡ为全麻复合硬膜外组。所有病例均于麻醉前，A组再于麻醉后1小时各抽取外周静脉血5ml置入密封试管中送做各项血液流变学指标检测。结果：A组麻醉前红细胞变形指数降低，刚性指数及全血粘度升高。与B组相比有显著差异（P＜0．05）。AⅡ组，红细胞变形指数增加，全血粘度、血浆粘度、红细胞压积和红细胞聚集指数均较麻醉前下降（P＜0．01）；而A I组只有全血粘度、红细胞压积降低。结论：乳腺癌患术前化疗后存在红细胞变形力下降为特征的血液流变学变化。全麻复合硬膜外麻醉能明显改善血液流变，是此类患者麻醉的良好选择。     

羟乙基淀粉200/0.5和羟乙基淀粉130/0.4术前急性高容量血液稀释对结肠癌根治术患者血液流变学的影响

目的 评价6%羟乙基淀粉(HES)200/0.5和6%HES 130/0.4术前急性高容量血液稀释(AHH)对结肠癌根治术患者血液流变学的影响.方法 择期在全麻下行结肠癌根治术患者40例,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,随机分为2组(n=20),麻醉诱导期间于30 min内静脉输注15 ml/kg HES 200/0.5(Ⅰ组)或HES 130/0.4(Ⅱ组),AHH结束后开始手术.分别于麻醉诱导前(基础状态,T0)、AHH后即刻(T1)、AHH结束后1 h(T2)和术后1 h(T3)时抽取静脉血样,检测全血粘度、血浆粘度、红细胞聚集指数、血小板聚集指数和红细胞压积(Hct).结果 与T0时比较,Ⅰ组T1时全血低切粘度和红细胞聚集指数降低,T1-3时全血中切粘度、全血高切粘度、血浆粘度、血小板聚集指数和Hct降低,Ⅱ组T1-3时全血低切粘度、全血中切粘度、全血高切粘度、血浆粘度、红细胞聚集指数和Hct降低(P<0.05);与Ⅰ组比较,Ⅱ组T2,3时全血低切粘度和红细胞聚集指数降低,T1-3时血小板聚集指数升高(P<0.05).结论 6%HES 200/0.5与6%HES 130/0.4(15 ml/kg)术前AHH均能改善结肠癌根治术患者围术期血液流变学,其中6% HES 130/0.4的效果较好.     

宫颈癌患者术前辅助化疗和不同麻醉方法对血液流变学的影响

目的观察术前辅助化疗宫颈癌患者和不同麻醉方法对其血液流变学的影响。方法选择60例宫颈癌患者,分为A、B两组,每组30例。A组为化疗组,术前接受过三个疗程的化疗;B组为非化疗组,术前未给予化疗。A、B组又随机分为两个亚组,每组15例:A1、B1组行全麻复合硬膜外麻醉;A2、B2组行单纯全麻。所有患者均于麻醉诱导前5min、麻醉诱导后60min、手术结束时分别抽取外周静脉血5ml行血液流变学各项指标的检测。结果与B组比较,术前A组红细胞变形指数(EDI)降低、刚性指数(ERI)及全血粘度升高(P0.05)。与麻醉诱导前5min比较,麻醉诱导后60min、手术结束时A1、B1组EDI增加,血浆粘度(ηP)、Hct和红细胞聚集指数(EAI)均明显降低(P0.01);而A2、B2组Hct降低。结论宫颈癌患者术前辅助化疗后存在以红细胞变形力下降为特征的血液流变学变化。全麻复合硬膜外麻醉能明显改善血液流变参数,可为临床提供参考。     

硬膜外阻滞和全身麻醉对Ⅱ型糖尿病患者血液流变学的影响

目的：研究Ⅱ型糖尿病患者和非糖尿病患者在连续硬膜外阻滞和全身麻醉下的血液流变学变化。方法：46例患者实施连续硬膜外阻滞或全身麻醉，其中24例Ⅱ型糖尿病患者，22例非糖尿病患者，根据麻醉方式的不同随机分为四组，比较麻醉前后血液流变学的变化。结果：麻醉后糖尿病患者：（1）硬膜外阻滞组麻醉全血低切和高切粘度、低切和高切还原粘度较麻醉前降低；（2）全麻组血液流变学指标与麻醉前相比无显著性差异；（3）硬膜外阻滞组的全血高切粘度比全麻组低。结论：连续硬膜外麻醉使Ⅱ型糖尿病患者的血液粘滞性降低，有益于患者脏器的血流灌注。     

全麻复合硬膜外麻醉用于腹腔镜胆囊切除术的体会

目的观察全麻复合硬膜外麻醉用于腹腔镜胆囊切除术的效果。方法选择ASAⅠ~Ⅱ级择期行腹腔镜胆囊切除手术患者50例。随机分为单纯全麻组(A组)和全身麻醉复合硬膜外麻醉组(B组)。每组25例,A组用咪唑安定0.1 mg/kg,维库溴铵0.1 mg/kg,芬太尼4μg/kg,丙泊酚1~2 mg/kg行全麻诱导。B组于全麻前于T8~9椎间隙穿刺成功后向头端置管4 cm。用2%利多卡因做试验量,确定硬膜外麻醉平面后,按A组方法行全麻诱导插管,两组插管后麻醉机维持呼吸。VT8~10 ml/kg,RR 12~14次/min,I∶E=1∶2,麻醉维持:A组术中1%~2%安氟醚吸入,间断静推维库溴铵、芬太尼维持麻醉。B组经硬膜外导管给予1%利多卡因8~10 ml不等,并用0.5%~0.8%安氟醚吸入,间断静注维库溴铵维持麻醉。术中记录两组患者麻醉维持用药量、术毕清醒时间、患者自主呼吸恢复吸入空气SpO2达90%的时间,两组患者诱导前(T1)、CO2气腹前(T2)和CO2气腹后5 min(T3),放气后5 min(T4)的MAP、HR和PETCO2。结果两组患者术中麻醉维持用药量相比较差异有统计学意义。B组安氟醚吸入浓度明显低于A组(P<0.05)。B组维库溴铵用量只有A组的52%,B组术毕清醒只需13 min,和A组24 min相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组患者不同时点MAP,HR,PETCO2与T1比较,A组在T3时MAP,HR显著增高(P<0.05)。而B组各时点MAP,HR差异无统计学意义。组间比较,A组T3时MAP,HR显著高于B组同时点(P<0.05)。两组T3时PETCO2显著高于T1时(P<0.05)。结论全麻复合硬膜外麻醉能减轻腹腔镜胆囊切除术的应激反应,使各项生命体征更加平稳,是腹腔镜胆囊切除术理想的麻醉方法。     

连续腰麻与腰硬联合麻醉用于老年人下肢手术的比较

目的比较连续腰麻(CSA)、腰-硬联合麻醉(CSEA)用于高龄患者下肢手术的临床效应。方法择期下肢骨科手术患者60例,70~98岁,ASAⅡ~Ⅳ级,分为CSA组(Ⅰ组)和CSEA(Ⅱ组)两组,每组30例。两组以0.1ml/s速率蛛网膜下隙注入0.4%罗比卡因1.0~1.2ml,60min后Ⅰ组蛛网膜下隙、Ⅱ组硬膜外腔分别追加0.6~0.8ml或5~6ml维持麻醉。比较两组患者痛觉、运动阻滞的异同及不良反应。结果两组蛛网膜下隙用药后镇痛效果满意,阻滞平面均未超过T10。Ⅱ组硬膜外腔用药后8例(26.6%)患者出现痛觉阻滞不全、9例(30%)阻滞平面超过T10、6例(20%)血压下降≥30%,显著多于Ⅰ组(P<0.01);Ⅰ组罗比卡因和麻黄碱的用量显著小于Ⅱ组(P<0.01)。Ⅱ组1例患者硬膜外导管误入蛛网膜下隙,2例无脑脊液回流。结论CSA、CSEA均可用于高龄患者下肢手术;但CSA术中镇痛效果确切,用药量小,对血液动力学影响轻微。     

硬膜外阻滞复合全身麻醉在胸腔手术中的应用

<正> 自2000年1月至今,我院对40例择期胸腔手术患者采用了硬膜外阻滞复合全麻,均取得良好效果,现报告如下: 1 资料与方法 1.1 一般资料:择期胸腔手术患者40例,男27例,女13例,年龄40～68岁,ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级,采用硬膜外阻滞复合全身麻醉(A组);另选40例手中种类、年龄、性别均与A组类同患者,采用单纯静脉麻醉进行对照(B组)。 1.2 麻醉方法:术前30min肌注鲁米那0.1g和阿托品0.5mg。A组先行于T_(6-8)作硬膜外穿刺置管,注入1％利多卡因为试验量,观察无腰麻症状后注入1.6％利多卡因10ml,出现麻醉平面后,再行全麻诱导插管,以1％普鲁卡因、芬太尼、琥珀胆碱复合液维持麻醉,每隔30～45min经硬膜外导管注入1.6％利多卡因5ml。术毕向硬膜外腔注入吗啡3mg+氟哌啶3mg+生理盐水10ml行术后镇痛。B组单用静脉麻醉,方法同     

气管内硬膜外联合麻醉下的超前镇痛

目的研究气管内硬膜外联合麻醉下,硬膜外给药时间不同、全麻诱导药物不同对术后镇痛产生的影响。方法开腹行切除肝癌、胃癌的病人120例,随机分为A、B、C、D4组,每组30例。A组:在T8-9经硬膜外注入1%利多卡因和0.25%布比卡因混合液6～8ml,再经硬膜外注入含吗啡2mg、氟哌利多2.5mg的生理盐水10ml;全身麻醉诱导药物为芬太尼3μg·kg-1,异丙酚1～1.5mg·kg-1,琥珀胆碱2mg·kg-1。B组:诱导药物中不使用芬太尼,用利多卡因1～1.5mg·kg-1代替,术中也不使用芬太尼,其余条件同A组。C组:在T8-9行硬膜外穿刺,之后行全身麻醉诱导,诱导药物为芬太尼3μg·kg-1,异丙酚2～2.5mg·kg-1,琥珀胆碱2mg·kg-1,必要时可加芬太尼2～3μg·kg-1。切皮后90min,经硬膜外注入1%利多卡因和0.25%布比卡因6～8ml,再经硬膜外注入含吗啡2mg、氟哌利多2.5mg的生理盐水10ml。D组:诱导药物中不使用芬太尼,用利多卡因1～1.5mg·kg-1代替,术中也不使用芬太尼,其余条件同C组。分别于术毕后4、8、24、48h观测VAS、镇痛药消耗量、恶心、呕吐、骚痒等指标。结果A组的药物消耗量最少、镇痛效果最好;B组和C组次之;D组的药物消耗量最大,镇痛效果最差。结论硬膜外复合气管内麻醉时,硬膜外麻醉与芬太尼同时使用,术后镇痛效果最好。     

妇科手术病人不同麻醉方法绩效的比较

目的 比较妇科手术病人单纯全麻和硬膜外复合全麻的绩效.方法 择期妇科手术病人30例,年龄18～64岁,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,随机分为2组(n=15):单纯全麻组(G组)和硬膜外复合全麻组(EG组).EG组硬膜外注射2%利多卡因试验剂量3 ml.两组静脉注射地塞米松、氟哌利多、芬太尼、异丙酚和琥珀酰胆碱麻醉诱导,气管插管后机械通气.G组吸入七氟醚及间断静脉注射芬太尼维持麻醉;EG组吸入七氟醚及间断硬膜外注射利多卡因和丁卡因维持麻醉;两组静脉注射维库溴铵维持肌松.术毕入PACU,G组采用病人自控静脉镇痛;EG组采用病人自控硬膜外镇痛.记录苏醒时间、拔管时间和PACU停留时间;记录七氟醚、芬太尼、肌松药和血管活性药物用量;于术后6、24、48 h时记录静息状态和活动状态的VAS评分以及镇痛泵实际按压次数和有效按压次数;记录术后不良反应的发生情况;计算麻醉有关费用.结果 与G组比较,EG组拔管时间和PACU停留时间缩短,七氟醚和芬太尼用量减少,术后6 h时实际按压次数和有效按压次数减少(P＜0.05或0.01),苏醒时间、各时点镇痛效果、不良反应发生率和麻醉总费用差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 与单纯全麻相比,妇科手术病人硬膜外复合全麻麻醉药物用量少,术后早期镇痛效果好,且麻醉总费用相当.     

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.