后路广泛松解全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗成人特发性胸腰椎/腰椎侧凸

[目的]回顾性分析后路广泛松解全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗成人特发性胸腰椎/腰椎侧凸的疗效.[方法]2005年1月～2008年6月,通过后路广泛松解全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗成人特发性胸腰椎/腰椎侧凸患者,27例获得随访.术前冠状面主凸cobb角为48.6°(42°～63°),侧凸平均柔韧度34.2%.术后平均随访27.4个月(24～36个月),通过影像学检查对手术矫形效果和躯干平衡情况进行分析,末次随访时进行患者主观疗效评价.[结果]所有患者术后外观明显改善.冠状面主凸平均Cobb角矫正率为62.1%.末次随访冠状面Cobb角平均丢失2.3°.冠状面平衡由术前平均26 mm矫正为术后平均8 mm.腰椎前凸cobb角由术前平均36.7°增加为39.6°.[结论]后路广泛松解全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗成人特发性胸腰椎/腰椎侧凸可以获得良好的冠状面和矢状面矫形,重建躯干的平衡,主客观疗效满意.     

后路全椎弓根螺钉系统治疗青少年特发性脊柱侧凸疗效分析

目的 探讨采用单纯后路全椎弓根螺钉系统治疗青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(AIS)的疗效.方法 2002年4月至2006年7月,连续收治121例AIS患者,其中男性28例,女性93例;年龄10～20岁,平均15.5岁.全部患者采用后路全椎弓根螺钉系统治疗.手术前后在脊柱X线片上测量冠状位Cobb角,矢状面胸椎后凸和腰椎前凸角,最下端融合椎冠状面成角,锁骨角及双肩高度差.骶骨中垂线与融合下端椎、顶椎及C,中垂线平均距离,融合近端交界区后凸角,对以上指标进行对比分析并观察并发症发生情况.结果 平均融合(11.0±1.5)个椎体.冠状面平均矫正率近胸弯为41.8%,主胸弯为70.8%,胸腰.腰弯为74.0%;矢状面各指标无明显改变.主弯顶椎偏移及双肩平衡均得到良好恢复.术后随访36～54个月,未发现假关节形成,且无明显矫形丢失;1例患者出现附加现象,4例患者出现术后近胸弯失代偿,15例患者出现近端交界性后凸.结论 后路全椎弓根螺钉系统治疗AIS能获得良好的矫正率,并发症少,疗效满意.     

单平面椎弓根螺钉矫正Lenke 5型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸顶椎旋转

目的对单平面椎弓根螺钉和万向椎弓根螺钉矫正Lenke 5型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(AIS)顶椎旋转的效果进行对比分析。方法回顾性分析2010年1月—2013年12月收治的72例应用万向/单平面椎弓根螺钉行后路三维矫形植骨融合内固定术的Lenke 5型AIS患者的临床资料,其中使用万向椎弓根螺钉治疗(A组)43例,使用单平面椎弓根螺钉治疗(B组)29例。记录手术前后腰椎侧凸Cobb角和腰椎前凸角,并计算侧凸矫正率。术前使用Nash-Moe法评估顶椎旋转程度,术后根据Upasani等提出的X线椎体旋转分级标准评价顶椎去旋转的效果。结果所有患者均顺利完成手术。2组患者术前侧凸Cobb角及腰椎前凸角差异无统计学意义(P 0.05);2组术后2周及1年侧凸Cobb角及腰椎前凸角均较术前显著改善,差异有统计学意义(P 0.05);A组术后1年侧凸矫正率为79.2%,B组为81.4%,差异无统计学意义(P 0.05)。2组患者术前顶椎旋转程度差异无统计学意义(P 0.05);术后2周及1年顶椎去旋转程度B组优于A组,差异有统计学意义(P 0.05)。结论两种椎弓根螺钉都能很好地矫正Lenke 5型AIS患者冠状面侧凸,单平面椎弓根螺钉在矫正及维持顶椎去旋转效果方面优于万向椎弓根螺钉。     

置钉密度与Lenke1型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸矫正率的相关性

[目的]回顾性分析全椎弓根螺钉矫形治疗Lenke 1型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸矫正率与置钉密度间的相关性.[方法]2007～2009年,56例行后路全椎弓根螺钉矫形内固定的Lenke 1型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者纳入回顾性研究.测量术前、术后影像学资料,分析侧凸矫正率与置钉密度的相关性.[结果]所有患者无手术相关的严重并发症发生.主胸弯角度由术前平均53.4°±11.7°矫正为18.4°±10.5°(P<0.05),冠状面平均矫正率为66.8%.胸椎后凸由术前31.8°±4.39°降至22.3°±3.13°(P<0.05).平均置钉密度为1.56 (1.0～2.0).矢状面胸椎后凸的减小与冠状面Cobb角的矫正度数和矫正率明显相关(P<0.05).置钉密度与侧凸矫正率无相关性.[结论]椎弓根螺钉系统治疗胸椎特发性侧凸可以获得良好的冠状面矫形,但会造成矢状面胸椎后凸减小.置钉密度与侧凸的矫正率无相关性.     

一期后路全脊椎切除术治疗重度僵硬性胸腰椎畸形的并发症分析

目的 分析一期后路全脊椎切除、椎弓根螺钉固定矫治重度胸腰椎畸形的并发症.方法 2000年2月至2009年2月通过一期后路全脊椎切除治疗重度胸腰椎畸形患者54例,男性23例,女性31例;年龄16～58岁,平均28.3岁.侧凸畸形9例,冠状面主弯Cobb角平均91.7°;侧后凸畸形22例,冠状面主弯Cobb角平均101.5°,后凸角平均69.4°;角状后凸畸形21例,后凸角平均72.2°;圆弧状后凸2例,后凸角平均93.6°.采用主弯区顶椎全脊椎切除、全节段椎弓根螺钉内固定和360°植骨融合术.对临床结果进行评估,统计并分析并发症发生情况.结果 平均切除椎体1.4个,手术时间平均470 min,术中出血量平均4180 ml.随访时间12～66个月,平均26个月.末次随访侧凸畸形平均矫正61.4°(67%);侧后凸畸形中侧凸平均矫正59.7°(56%),后凸平均矫正42.3°(59%);角状后凸平均矫正48.5°(71%);圆弧状后凸平均矫正62.7°(67%).共有17例患者出现21例次并发症(38.9%),其中早期神经系统并发症5例次(9.3%),包括1例完全性脊髓损伤.非神经系统并发症早期11例次(20.4%),后期5例次(9.3%).结论 一期后路全脊椎切除治疗胸腰椎脊柱畸形可以取得较为满意的畸形矫正结果,但其潜在的严重并发症不可忽视.     

改良PSO截骨治疗成人特发性僵硬性脊柱侧弯

目的：评价经后路改良PSO截骨治疗成人特发性僵硬性脊柱侧弯的安全性及早期临床疗效。方法2009-05-2012-04采用经后路顶椎区改良PSO截骨、凸侧部分肋骨头颈段切除及椎弓根螺钉固定矫正治疗成人特发性僵硬性脊柱侧弯患者17例。测量患者术前术后X线片冠状面及矢状面Cobb角, C7中垂线与骶骨中垂线距离,C7铅垂线与骶骨后上缘间的水平距离（SVA间距）以及身高指标来评价侧后凸畸形的纠正和植骨融合情况。结果后凸Cobb角术前平均为50°,术后15°;侧凸Cobb角术前平均为90°,术后18°;C7中垂线与骶骨中垂线距离术前平均4.2 cm,术后0.7 cm;SVA间距术前平均4.1 cm,术后1.5 cm。术前术后比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。结论经后路改良PSO截骨、椎弓根螺钉固定矫正治疗成人特发性僵硬性脊柱侧弯,能有效矫正畸形和恢复脊柱冠、矢状面平衡,早期结果令人满意。     

中国青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者胸椎椎弓根形态学三维CT分析

目的 总结中国青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者胸椎椎弓根形态学特点,与其他人种特发性脊柱侧凸患者胸椎椎弓根形态比较,为手术中胸椎安全置钉提供参考.方法 回顾性分析2007年7月至2012年6月期间56例于我院行术前CT扫描三维重建的青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(右胸弯)患者的资料,男10例,女46例;年龄10～18岁,平均14.8岁.Lenke分型:Ⅰ型28例、Ⅱ型12例、Ⅲ型14例、Ⅳ型2例.术前主胸弯Cobb角平均为55°(36°～90°).测量其胸椎两侧椎弓根在矢状面、冠状面、轴面的置钉长度、椎弓根宽度及角度等形态学指标,总结其变化规律,并与文献报道的其他人种数据进行对比.结果 主胸弯顶椎区凹侧椎弓根宽度小于凸侧,椎弓根置钉长度大于凸侧,椎弓根尾倾角度小于凸侧.椎弓根矢状面宽度自头端向尾端逐渐增加,平均值范围为0.68～1.36 cm;轴面椎弓根宽度平均值范围为0.30～0.70 cm.冠状面椎弓根最小径略小于轴面椎弓根宽度,平均值范围为0.28～0.67 cm.结论 与欧美人种相比,中国特发性脊柱侧凸患者椎弓根宽度较小.顶椎区凹侧置钉难度大、风险高,建议使用直径3.5 mm椎弓根螺钉或采用极外侧置钉法.     

腰椎后路椎间融合(PLIF)固定矫形治疗症状性退变性腰椎侧凸

目的总结腰椎后路减压、椎间植骨融合(PLIF)手术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸的疗效及安全性。方法通过总结我科近五年治疗31例退变性脊柱侧凸患者,年龄56～77岁,平均63.7岁,其中男性14例,女性17例,随访12～24个月,平均15个月。术前评估包括详细体格检查,腰、腿痛VAS评分,ODI评分;影像学检查包括站立位腰椎正侧位片、腰椎MRI;所有患者均行腰椎后路减压,退变间隙椎间撑开、植骨、椎弓根螺钉内固定术,术后1、3、6、12个月随访,复查VAS、ODI及X线平片。结果术前腰、腿部VAS评分分别为6.5分和4.7分;ODI术前评分为57.7%;术前腰椎侧凸Cobb角平均为22.8°,腰椎生理前凸角为20.7°。末次随访腰、腿部VAS评分为3.3分和2.4分;ODI评分为30.3%;腰椎侧凸Cobb角平均为9.8°,腰椎生理前凸角为32.1°;以上差异均有统计学意义。未发生椎弓根螺钉断裂及松动,有7例相邻上位间隙进一步发生退变,但患者功能提高,未再手术;无神经瘫痪、深部感染及死亡等严重并发症。结论腰椎退变性侧凸经腰椎后路减压椎间融合矫形椎弓根螺钉内固定既可以矫正不对称性退变,又可以去除疼痛源,恢复腰椎生理前凸,具有手术相对安全、椎弓根螺钉固定牢固等优点,是提高患者功能的有效治疗方法。     

成人胸腰段或腰段脊柱侧凸合并Chiari畸形和脊髓空洞症的三维矫形及融合策略

[目的]探讨合并Chiari畸形和脊髓空洞症的成人胸腰段或腰段脊柱侧凸的三维矫形及融合策略.[方法]回顾性研究2002年1月～2008年5月本科收治的13例合并Chiari畸形和脊髓空洞症的成人胸腰段或腰段脊柱侧凸,全部采用后路椎弓根螺钉系统三维矫形,并根据侧凸结构性特点选择内固定及融合节段.测量术前、术后、末次随访时冠状面Cobb' s角、侧凸矫正率、骨盆倾斜、顶椎旋转度、顶椎偏距、躯干偏移、矢状面胸椎后凸角和腰椎前凸角.[结果]冠状面Cobb' s角从46.8°减少到9.2°,侧凸矫正率80.7%;骨盆倾斜从9.9°减少到3.2°;顶椎旋转度从1.9°减少到0.3°;顶椎偏距从3.6 cm减少到0.8 cm;躯干偏移从16.8 cm减少到1.6 cm;胸椎后凸角从18.2°增加到23.5°;腰椎前凸角从37.4°增加到41.8°.术后平均随访22.2个月,无明显矫形丢失、躯干失平衡、假关节形成,且未发生原有神经症状加重及新的不可逆性神经功能损害.[结论]后路椎弓根螺钉系统三维矫形及融合术治疗合并Chiari畸形和脊髓空洞症的成人胸腰段或腰段脊柱侧凸效果满意.     

连续置钉或间隔置钉矫治LenkeⅠ型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸的效果

目的:对比后路间隔置钉或连续置钉矫治LenkeⅠ型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸的效果。方法:将2004年1月～2006年6月期间收治的32例LenkeⅠ型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者随机分成两组,一组手术方法为后路矫形侧连续置入椎弓根螺钉进行矫形(连续置钉组);另一组手术方法为后路矫形侧均间隔一个椎体置入椎弓根螺钉进行矫形(间隔置钉组)。记录所有患者冠状面和矢状面的术前侧凸Cobb角、术后侧凸Cobb角、术后侧凸矫正率并进行两组间比较分析。结果:两组患者术中均无神经脊髓损伤。胸椎侧凸冠状面、矢状面Cobb角连续置钉组术前分别为62.7°±12.7°、28.3°±11.6°;术后分别为14.5°±6.9°、20.5°±10.7°;间隔置钉组术前分别为63.9°±10.9°、28.1°±10.8°,术后分别为14.7°±6.4°、21.0°±10.3°;连续置钉组和间隔置钉组术前C7铅垂线与S1椎体后缘的距离分别为-3.3±6.1cm、-4.4±4.8cm,术后分别为1.4±3.3cm、0.9±3.0cm。两组患者术前及术后冠状面、矢状面侧凸Cobb角及C7铅垂线与S1椎体后缘距离无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:间隔置钉和连续置钉矫正LenkeⅠ型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸效果相比较无统计学差异。     

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.