后路病灶清除植骨融合内固定手术治疗跳跃性脊柱结核的疗效分析

【摘要】 目的：总结跳跃性脊柱结核的临床特点,探讨一期后路病灶清除植骨融合内固定手术治疗跳跃性脊柱结核的疗效。方法：回顾性分析2016年7月~2022年5月我院手术治疗的31例跳跃性脊柱结核患者的临床资料,其中患者男18例,女13例,年龄49.5±27.5岁。其中2处病灶24例,3处病灶7例。对每例患者明确责任椎,确定手术病灶、融合节段、内固定方式,以制定个体化手术方案,随访29.7±14.7个月（15～85个月）。记录患者手术时间、术中出血量,并记录术中及术后并发症情况;术前和术后1个月、3个月、1年及末次随访的红细胞沉降（ESR）和C-反应蛋白（CRP）;术前及术后1周、1个月、3个月、1年及末次随访的疼痛视觉模拟评分（VAS）;术前及术后1周、末次随访时病灶后凸Cobb角;记录术前及末次随访时美国脊髓损伤协会（ASIA）分级;末次随访时采用Bridwell骨愈合标准分级以评估术后结核活动性、症状改善、畸形矫正及骨愈合。结果：31例患者中20例（65.4%）只有1处病灶出现临床症状,23例（74.2%）以疼痛为主诉入院,15例（48.4%）在病程中只有疼痛症状,而11例（35.5%）只有1处病灶出现疼痛症状,18例（58.1%）患者初诊时至少有1处病灶漏诊。所有患者手术顺利,手术时间280.0±52.2min（165～330min）,失血量567.7±332.0mL（150～1000mL）。术后出现脑脊液漏4例,切口感染3例,经对症处理后痊愈;所有结核病灶均治愈,未出现复发。术前及术后1个月、3个月、1年、末次随访时ESR为41.5±26.3mm/h、16.3±13.4mm/h、12.5±6.3mm/h、11.4±5.2mm/h、9.2±3.1mm/h;CRP为32.8±23.2mg/L、7.3±5.6mg/L、6.2±4.1mg/L、5.1±3.7mg/L、2.8±2.3mg/L;术前及术后1周、1个月、3个月、1年、末次随访时VAS评分为6.4±2.4分、2.4±1.7分、2.3±1.3分、1.6±0.9分、0.9±0.7分、0.4±0.3分。术后各个时间点CRP、ESR、VAS评分较术前均有显著改善（P＜0.05）。术前Cobb角25.7°±4.9°,术后1周15.4°±2.1°,末次随访时17.1°±2.3°,术后均较术前有统计学差异（P＜0.05）;10例存在术前神经功能损伤患者,末次随访时1例术前A级患者恢复至C级;4例术前B级患者1例恢复至C级,3例恢复至D级;5例术前C级患者2例恢复至D级,3例恢复至E级;术后6～12个月42处植骨病灶均获得骨融合,末次随访时34处病灶Bridwell Ⅰ级愈合,8处病灶Bridwell Ⅱ级融合。结论：对跳跃性脊柱结核患者,明确责任椎及各处病灶病变特点,一期后路病灶清除植骨融合内固定手术治疗安全且高效,能得到满意的疗效。     

脊柱结核病灶清除单节段植骨融合内固定的适应证及疗效

【摘要】 目的：探讨病灶清除单节段植骨融合内固定治疗脊柱结核的适应证及疗效。方法：2003年6月～2009年6月共收治单运动节段脊柱结核患者41例,术前常规抗痨2～4周后行病灶清除、单节段植骨融合、器械内固定术,术后应用超短程化疗方案。随访观察患者的后凸Cobb角、血沉（ESR）及C-反应蛋白（CRP）的变化情况,结合植骨融合、Frankel分级进行综合评价。结果：随访12～78个月,平均29.2个月。术前、术后、末次随访时后凸Cobb角分别为21.7°±9.8°、9.5°±8.4°和11.3°±9.1°     

n-HA/PA66复合人工椎体支撑植骨在后路胸腰椎结核手术中的应用及临床疗效观察

[目的] 通过病例回顾性分析研究，探讨后路胸腰椎结核手术中n-HA/PA66复合人工椎体支撑植骨的临床疗效。[方法] 回顾性分析2011年10月～2014年10月本科室收治并进行手术的胸腰椎结核(T5～S1)患者39例，平均年龄47.6岁。其中胸椎结核9例，胸腰段结核19例，腰椎结核11例，对患者的手术时间、术中出血量及手术前后脊柱后凸角（Cobb角）、VAS 评分、ESR、ASIA 分级、植骨融合情况等进行统计，评价手术治疗的效果及远期疗效。［结果］39例患者中，1例失访，38例均得到随访，随访时间12～24个月，平均17个月，所有患者手术均无神经功能损伤等严重并发症，无结核复发，切口均甲级愈合。手术时间平均( 176±30.5)min，术中出血量平均(800 ± 80. 5)ml；术前术后Cobb角、VAS 评分、ESR等差异均有统计学意义(p<0.05) 。所有患者末次随访示全部植骨融合，ASIA分级较术前明显改善。［结论］后路胸腰椎结核病灶清除n-HA/PA66复合人工椎体支撑植骨具有手术时间短，并发症少，矫形效果明显，融合率高，是一种安全、有效的策略。     

不同入路内固定手术对老年胸腰椎结核患者脊柱后凸畸形矫正效果的影响

目的探讨前后不同入路手术对老年胸椎结核患者脊柱后凸畸形矫正效果的影响。方法采用一期病灶清除、自体骨植骨、内固定术治疗老年胸腰椎结核患者68例,包括前入路组37例和后入路组31例,比较两组手术情况及手术前后的血沉(ESR)、C反应蛋白(CRP)指标;中位随访时间28个月,观察Cobb角度、ASIA分级变化及结核复发率。结果两组手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间、术后并发症发生率及术后3个月、末期随访ESR、CRP水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);后入路组术后3个月、末次随访的Cobb角显著低于前入路组(P0.05),术后3个月Cobb角矫正率高于前入路组,末次随访Cobb角丢失率低于前入路组(P0.05);两组末次随访时ASIA分级、结核复发率差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论前入路或后入路病灶清除、植骨融合、内固定术取得取得良好的效果,但后入路在后凸畸形矫正及维持上更具优势。     

一期后路病灶清除植骨融合内固定术治疗下腰椎结核

目的探讨一期后路病灶清除植骨融合内固定术治疗下腰椎结核的可行性及临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2009年12月—2013年12月本院收治的18例下腰椎结核并椎旁/椎管脓肿患者的临床资料。记录手术前后患者红细胞沉降率(ESR)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、病变节段Cobb角、疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分及美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)分级等指标,术后定期随访相关影像学检查以评估手术疗效。结果 18例患者均顺利完成手术,术中及术后无严重并发症发生。术后随访36~60(47.3±8.2)个月。术后3个月及末次随访时ESR、CRP、Cobb角及VAS评分均较术前明显改善,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。神经功能障碍者术后均得到不同程度恢复,末次随访时术前ASIA分级C级8例恢复至D级、E级各4例,D级6例均恢复至E级。所有患者均在术后9~18(13.2±2.1)个月获得植骨融合,无内固定松动、断裂及假关节形成。结论一期后路病灶清除植骨融合内固定术治疗下腰椎结核安全有效、并发症少,患者术后生活质量明显提高。     

胸、腰椎椎体结核病椎置钉短节段内固定的疗效分析

 目的 总结胸、腰椎椎体结核前路一期病灶清除、椎体间植骨融合、病椎置钉短节段内固定的疗效,并探讨其安全性和有效性。方法 2009年6月至2013年11月,行前路一期病灶清除、椎体间植骨融合、病椎置钉短节段内固定治疗胸、腰椎椎体结核患者46例,男25例,女21例;年龄13~69岁,平均39.6岁。病变节段为T6~L4(均≤ 3个节段)。术前Frankel分级：B级3例、C级6例、D级4例、E级33例。术前后凸Cobb角平均为16.34°±3.19°。术前红细胞沉降率为19~81 mm/1 h。术前均行胸、腰椎CT平扫及二维重建,测量残余椎体冠状位及矢状位前、中柱最低有效残留高度,当最低残留有效高度>10 mm时,结合术中测量选择合适的内固定器械行前路病灶清除、植骨融合、病椎置钉内固定。对手术前后Cobb角、视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、红细胞沉降率、Frankel分级行统计分析,并观察内植物稳定性和植骨融合情况。结果 46例患者随访12~48个月,平均26个月。所有患者结核中毒症状均消失,红细胞沉降率为0~15 mm/1 h。末次随访Frankel分级：D级2例、E级44例。术后1周后凸Cobb角平均为4.16°±2.71°,末次随访平均为4.52°±1.29°;VAS评分由术前(6.85±1.22)分,恢复至术后1周(4.79±0.95)分,末次随访时(2.26±0.93)分;红细胞沉降率由术前(41.25±1.61) mm/1 h,恢复至术后1周(17.36±6.82) mm/1 h,末次随访时(10.67±0.72) mm/1 h。术后6个月植骨融合优44例、良2例。结论 胸、腰椎椎体结核残余椎体有效高度>10 mm时行病椎置钉短节段内固定安全且可靠。     

一期侧前方入路病灶清除植骨双钉棒系统内固定治疗胸腰椎脊柱结核

目的探讨前路一期侧前方入路病灶清除、自体髂骨植骨融合、双钉棒系统内固定治疗胸腰椎脊柱结核的临床疗效。方法对35例胸腰椎脊柱结核患者术前常规抗结核治疗2~3周,待全身状态改善后均采用一期前路结核病灶清除、髂骨椎间植骨融合、双钉棒内固定手术。术后继续系统抗结核治疗12~18个月。记录手术时间、术中出血量、并发症、植骨融合情况,比较术前、术后3个月及末次随访时VAS评分、Cobb角、ESR、CRP,观察末次随访时脊髓神经功能ASIA分级改善情况。结果手术时间120~225 min,术中出血量450~1 060 ml。术中及术后无严重并发症发生。患者均获得随访,时间12~22个月。术中切除病灶组织经病理检查均符合结核改变。末次随访时患者结核症状均消失,ESR及CRP恢复正常。植骨融合时间8~12个月。随访期间患者无移位、松动、断裂等并发症发生。末次随访神经功能ASIA分级:1例B级者恢复至C级,4例C级者3例恢复至D级、1例恢复至E级,18例D级者均恢复至E级。结论在全身有效标准化抗结核治疗基础上,一期前路结核病灶清除、髂骨植骨融合、双钉棒内固定手术治疗胸腰段脊柱结核疗效满意,有利于神经功能恢复,可矫正后凸畸形,恢复脊柱生物力学稳定性。     

后路全脊椎截骨矫形联合钛网支撑治疗脊柱结核角状后凸畸形的临床疗效观察

目的 探讨后路全脊椎截骨矫形联合钛网支撑治疗脊柱结核角状后凸畸形的临床疗效及安全性。方法 回顾性分析2012年1月至2015年1月于我科采用后路全脊椎截骨矫形联合钛网支撑治疗的19例胸腰椎脊柱结核角状后凸畸形病人的临床资料,观察术前、术后及末次随访时病人的脊柱后凸Cobb角、矢状面平衡、Frankel分级、疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue score, VAS）评分及并发症。结果 所有病人手术均顺利完成,术后随访24~36个月,平均32个月。术后Cobb角矫正至11.4°±4.4°（5°~20°）;末次随访时为11.8°±4.7°（6°~20°）,均较术前显著改善,差异有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）,但二者间比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。术后VAS评分为（2.3±1.1）分（1~4分）,末次随访时VAS评分为（2.5±1.3）分（1~5分）,均较术前显著改善,差异有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）,但二者间比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。术后及末次随访的侧位片上C₇铅垂线距S1后上缘的距离均为（9.0±4.2） mm,与术前相比有明显改善（P＜0.05）。术前Frankel B级2例,1例恢复到C级、1例恢复到D级;术前Frankel C级5例,4例恢复到E级、1例恢复到D级;术前Frankel D级12例,9例恢复到E级、3例仍为D级。后凸畸形及局部后背疼痛已明显好转,无其他并发症及病情恶化情况。所有病人在随访期间未见内固定及钛网松动和脱出现象。结论 后路全脊柱截骨术联合钛网支撑治疗脊柱结核角状后凸畸形具有良好的临床效果,但因畸形严重、手术难度高仍伴有神经并发症的风险。     

老年脊柱结核患者的临床特点和术式选择

 目的 总结老年脊柱结核患者的临床特点,探讨老年脊柱结核患者手术方式的选择策略。方法 2005年10月至2010年10月采用6种手术方式治疗老年脊柱结核患者151例,69例患者纳入研究,男36例,女33例;年龄60~83岁,平均68.3岁。62例（171例次）合并有其他疾病。记录患者的临床表现、发病部位及影像学表现。统计误诊、误治的发生情况。在治疗前、术后1周及末次随访时采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analog scale, VAS)进行对比分析,对伴有脊髓神经损害患者采用Frankel分级评价术后脊髓神经功能改善情况。结核临床治愈判定采用脊柱结核治愈标准。结果 所有患者均有不同程度的局部疼痛,VAS评分平均为（8.2±1.4）分,严重疼痛者（VAS评分7分以上）42例（60.9%）。72.5%的患者无明显结核中毒症状,68.1%的患者有脊髓神经损害表现,43.5%的患者无椎旁脓肿或腰大肌脓肿。腰椎结核发病率最高（78.3%,54/69）,双椎体结核最常见（59.4%,41/69）。均有轻、中度的后凸畸形,Cobb角平均为20.4°±4.3°。误诊率为30.4%（21/69）,误治率为13.0%（9/69）。获得平均27个月随访,结核临床治愈67例,2例窦道形成,迁延未愈。融合节段（4.1±0.6）个,骨融合时间（5.9±1.7）个月。术后后凸畸形矫正9.5°±3.6°,末次随访时矫正角度丢失7.2°±2.3°。5例伴有脊髓神经损害者术后Frankel分级至少提高了1级。术后肺部感染5例（其中死亡1例）,心功能不全5例,脑梗死2例,内固定松动2例,窦道形成5例,药物性肝损害5例,药物性皮疹6例,术后神经功能损害加重1例。结论 老年脊柱结核患者起病隐匿,多合并其他疾病,易导致误诊、误治。手术方式的选择应遵循个体化及微创的原则,术中固定节段应适当延长。     

一期侧前方入路病灶清除植骨融合内固定联合局部闭式冲洗引流治疗腰椎结核伴椎旁脓肿

【摘要】 目的：探讨一期侧前方入路病灶清除植骨融合内固定联合局部闭式冲洗引流治疗腰椎结核伴椎旁脓肿的有效性。方法：我院自2006年1月~2012年12月收治腰椎结核并椎旁巨大脓肿的患者18例,男8例,女10例;年龄21~65岁,平均44.6岁。病变累及节段：L1~L2 1例,L2~L3 9例,L3~L4 7例,L4~L5 1例。脓肿范围：L1~L3 1例,L2~L4 6例,L2~L5 3例,L3~L5 5例,L3~S1 3例。17例伴神经功能障碍,Frankel分级C级3例,D级14例。术前Barthel指数50~75分,平均65±10分;JOA评分12~23分,平均18±4分。血沉（ESR）57±16.2mm/h;C反应蛋白（CRP）22.4±5.6mg/L。椎管狭窄率（35.0±13.1）%,脊柱后凸Cobb角为25.3°±7.1°。均在全身抗结核药物治疗下行一期侧前方入路病灶清植骨融合内固定,术后应用异烟肼生理盐水持续局部闭式冲洗引流,并继续全身抗结核治疗12~24个月（平均18个月）。比较术前、术后神经功能Frankel分级、Barthel指数（BI）、腰椎JOA评分以及术前、术后、随访时Cobb角、椎管狭窄率、ESR和CRP水平。结果：手术时间2.5~5.0h（平均3.0h）,术中出血270~750ml（平均450ml）,均未发生严重术中或术后并发症;术后异烟肼生理盐水持续局部闭式冲洗引流时间10~16d（平均14d）。随访时间12~30个月,平均20个月。1例C级患者恢复至D级,2例恢复至E级;13例D级患者恢复至E级,1例无变化;1例E级患者术后无神经损害。术后BI为75~90分,平均85±5分,15例达到显效（83.3%）;JOA评分17~29分,平均23±5分,17例达到显效（94.4%）。椎管狭窄率纠正至（1.4±3.5）%,脊柱后凸Cobb角为8.7°±2.6°,平均纠正16.6°。ESR及CRP在术后3个月内均恢复至正常,X线显示获得骨性融合时间为4~12个月（平均6个月）;术后1年随访期内脊柱后凸畸形矫正有1°~4°丢失;所有病例至末次随访时均未见复发。结论：在全身规范抗结核药物治疗的前提下,一期侧前方入路病灶清除、植骨融合内固定联合局部闭式冲洗引流术治疗腰椎结核伴椎旁脓肿安全有效,临床效果确切,是治疗腰椎结核伴椎旁脓肿的有效方法。     

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.     

Reduction of Plasma Fibrinogen, Immunoglobulin G, and Immunoglobulin M Concentrations by Immunoadsorption Therapy with Tryptophan and Phenylalanine Adsorbents

Abstract Immunoadsorption (1A) therapy with tryptophan (TR-350) or phenylalanine (PH-350) adsorbents has been used to reduce the concentration of serum antibodies in human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-immunized patients. Other forms of plasma purification have been reported to reduce the level of fibrinogen, which affects the blood properties. In this study we investigated the effects of IA therapy using both adsorbents on plasma fibrinogen and immunoglobulins G and M in 13 patients (8 patients were treated with TR-350, and 5 patients were treated with PH-350). During each session 1 plasma volume (2.8 ± 0.4 L of plasma) was processed through the immunocolumn and then returned to the patient together with the blood cells. Compared with the pretreatment values, the plasma fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM concentrations were significantly reduced after IA therapy (p < 0.01 for TR-350; p < 0.04 for PH-350). There was a positive correlation between the degree of reduction of plasma proteins and the number of IA treatments given. A nonpara-metric test (Wilcoxon's signed-rank test or the Mann-Whitney test) was used for statistical analysis. We conclude from our study that IA therapy effectively lowers the plasma levels of fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM and thus can be considered a valuable alternative to other blood purification methods.     

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.     

The analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in patients with chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Background : Ketamine in sub-dissociative doses has been shown to have analgesic and phantom-Limb pain, where conventional treatment has often failed. Chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans often responds poorly to analgesics, and the pain-generating mechanisms are not well understood.
Methods : Eight patients with rest pain in the lower extremity due to arteriosclerosis obliterans were given sub-dissociative doses of 0.15, 0.30, or 0.45 mg/kg racemic ketamine and morphine 10 mg as a 5-min infusion on four separate days in a cross-over, double-blind, randomised protocol. Plasma levels of (S)- and (R)-ketamine and their nor-metabolites were analysed with an enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Pain levels were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results : Individual pain levels were highly variable during and after all the infusions but the pooled pain levels showed a dose-dependent analgesic effect of ketamine with a transient but complete pain relief in all patients at the highest dose (0.45 mg/ kg). Side-effects, mainly disturbed cognition and perception, were pronounced and dose-dependent. Morphine 10 mg had an analgesic peak at 20 min and 5/8 patients had complete pain relief. The remaining 3 patients also had high baseline pain scores, indicating a higher analgesic potency for the 0.30 and 0.45 mg/ kg ketamine doses than for morphine 10 mg.
Conclusion : We have demonstrated a potent dose-dependent analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in clinical ischemic pain. Due to a narrow therapeutic window, this analgesic effect is probably best utilised in combination with other analgesics.     

Intravenous endotoxin does not increase tissue extravasation of albumin in rats

Background : It is unclear whether activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) increases or decreases the extravasation of plasma.
Methods : Chloralose anaesthetised male Wistar rats received E. coli lipopolysacharide (LPS), 3 mg kg^-1 i.v., or the corresponding volume of saline, 3 or 5 h before the end of the experiment. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Tissue clearance of radio-labelled albumin, during the last 2 h of each experiment, was determined by a double-isotope method. In separate animals, the serum concentration of nitrite and nitrate was determined, 5 h after LPS or the solvent.
Main Results : LPS initially decreased MAP and lastingly increased HR. In the 3-h LPS animals (n=8), tissue plasma clearance was lower in the heart and calf muscle and increased only in diaphragm, compared to corresponding control animals (n=8). In the 5-h LPS rats, clearance was lowered (n=8) in the entire gastrointestinal tract and in testes, compared to controls (n=8). The serum nitrite/nitrate concentration was higher in animals given LPS (n=6) than in controls (n=6).
Conclusion : After LPS, tissue clearance of albumin was not increased in any major tissue, in spite of increased serum levels of NO end products. Apparently, after activation of iNOS, the augmented release of NO is not necessarily associated with increased albumin extravasation.     

The multiply injured child

Blunt trauma is the principal cause of childhood death in many developed countries. This review outlines the differences between adults and children with respect to resuscitation and treatment of orthopaedic injuries in a child with polytrauma. Recent advances in techniques of fracture stabilization are reported.     

Adrenaline markedly improves thoracic epidural analgesia produced by a low-dose infusion of bupivacaine, fentanyl and adrenaline after major surgery: A randomised, double-blind, cross-over study with and without adrenaline

Background: Basic pharmacological research indicates that there are synergistic antinociceptive effects at the spinal cord level between adrenaline, fentanyl and bupivacaine. Our clinical experience with such a mixture in a thoracic epidural infusion after major surgery confirms this. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects on postoperative pain intensity, pain relief and side effects when removing adrenaline from this triple epidural mixture. Methods: A prospective, randomised, double-blind, cross-over study was carried out in 24 patients after major thoracic or abdominal surgery. Patients with only mild pain when coughing during a titrated thoracic epidural infusion of about 10 ml · h^?1 of bupivacaine 1 mg · ml^?1, fentanyl 2 μg · ml^?1, and adrenaline 2 μg · ml^?1 were included. On the 1^st and 2^nd postoperative days each patient was given a double-blind epidural infusion, at the same rate, with or without adrenaline. The effect was observed for 4 h or until pain when coughing became unacceptable in spite of a rescue analgesic procedure. Rescue analgesia consisted of up to two epidural bolus injections per hour and i.v. morphine if necessary. All patients received rectal paracetamol 1 g, every 8 h. Fentanyl serum concentrations were measured with a radioimmunoassay technique at the start and end of each study period. Main outcome measures were extent of sensory blockade and pain intensity at rest and when coughing, evaluated by a visual analogue scale, a verbal categorical rating scale, the Prince Henry Hospital pain score, and an overall quality of pain relief score. Results: The number of hypaesthetic dermatomal segments decreased (P <0.001) and pain intensity at rest and when coughing increased (P <0.001) when adrenaline was omitted from the triple epidural mixture. This change started within the first hour after removing adrenaline. After 3 h pain intensity when coughing had increased to unacceptable levels in spite of rescue analgesia (epidural bolus injections and i.v. morphine). Within 15–20 min after restarting the triple epidural mixture with adrenaline, pain intensity was again reduced to mild pain when coughing. Serum concentration of fentanyl doubled from 0.22 to 0.45 ng · ml^?1 (P <0.01), and there was more sedation during the period without adrenaline. Conclusions: Adrenaline increases sensory block and improves the pain-relieving effect of a mixture of bupivacaine and fentanyl infused epidurally at a thoracic level after major thoracic or abdominal surgery. Serum fentanyl concentrations doubled and sedation increased when adrenaline was removed from the epidural infusion, indicating more rapid vascular absorption and systemic effects of fentanyl.     

Utilisation des médicaments prokinétiques en réanimation : indications et limites ?

Enteral feeding is often limited by gastric and intestinal motility disturbances in critically ill patients, particularly in patients with shock. So, promotility agents are frequently used to improve tolerance to enteral nutrition. This review summaries the pathophysiology, presents the available pharmacological strategies, the clinical data, the counter-indications and the principal limits. The clinical data are poor. No study demonstrates a positive effect on clinical outcomes. Metoclopramide and erythromycin seems to be the more effective. Considering the risk of antibiotic resistance, the first line use of erythromycin should be avoided in favor of metoclopramide.