微刺激周期和自然周期体外受精／卵胞浆内单精子注射一胚胎移植治疗的对照研究

目的 探讨在高龄、反复体外受精（IVF）失败、优质胚胎率低下、或卵巢功能减退患者,比较使用克罗米芬微刺激周期和自然周期IVF/卵胞浆内单精子注射（ICSI）治疗中的临床参数指标的差异.方法 将月经第2天窦卵泡直径〈8 mm,雌二醇（E2）〈290 pmol/L的患者分为微刺激周期组43例,从第3天开始服克罗米芬50 mg至取卵日,第8天B超监测,酌情增加人绝经期促性腺激素（HMG）注射;自然周期组43例为对照组.两组均在卵泡直径〉15 mm,E2值1,100 pmol/L时,22：30肌注达菲林0.2 mg.在内膜达8～14 mm时行胚胎移植.否则实行胚胎的玻璃化冷冻,待日后进行自然周期移植.结果 与自然周期相比,克罗米芬周期提高了取卵成功率和优质胚胎率,降低卵母细胞早排率和周期取消率.但移植周期妊娠率、胚胎种植率均无显著性差异.结论 克罗米芬微刺激周期和自然周期对于卵巢功能低下患者的体外受精周期,具有相似的治疗效果.但是克罗米芬微刺激周期在所获得的卵母细胞质量等指标上略胜一筹.     

微刺激周期和自然周期体外受精/卵胞浆内单精子注射-胚胎移植治疗的对照研究

目的探讨在高龄、反复体外受精(IVF)失败、优质胚胎率低下、或卵巢功能减退患者,比较使用克罗米芬微刺激周期和自然周期IVF/卵胞浆内单精子注射(ICSI)治疗中的临床参数指标的差异。方法将月经第2天窦卵泡直径8 mm,雌二醇(E_2)290 pmol/L的患者分为微刺激周期组43例,从第3天开始服克罗米芬50 mg至取卵日,第8天B超监测,酌情增加人绝经期促性腺激素(HMG)注射;自然周期组43例为对照组。两组均在卵泡直径15 mm,E_2值1,100 pmol/L时,22:30肌注达菲林0.2 mg。在内膜达8～14 mm时行胚胎移植。否则实行胚胎的玻璃化冷冻,待日后进行自然周期移植。结果与自然周期相比,克罗米芬周期提高了取卵成功率和优质胚胎率,降低卵母细胞早排率和周期取消率。但移植周期妊娠率、胚胎种植率均无显著性差异。结论克罗米芬微刺激周期和自然周期对于卵巢功能低下患者的体外受精周期,具有相似的治疗效果。但是克罗米芬微刺激周期在所获得的卵母细胞质量等指标上略胜一筹。     

反复体外受精-胚胎移植治疗失败患者采用微刺激方案妊娠结局

目的 探讨接受常规超促排卵体外受精(IVF)≥2周期失败,年龄≤38岁的患者,采用克罗米芬微刺激周期治疗的临床结局.方法 既往治疗周期表现为卵巢反应低下71周期(A组),优质胚胎率低下98周期(B组).将月经第3天窦卵泡直径＜8 mm,雌二醇(E2)＜280 pmol/L的患者,从第3天开始口服克罗米芬50 mg/d至取卵日,第8天B超监测,酌情增加人绝经期促性腺激素(HMG)注射.两组均在优势卵泡直径＞15 mm,平均每个优势卵泡E2≈1,100 pmol/L时,于当天20:30促性腺激素释放激素激动剂(GnRH-a)肌注0.2 mg诱发排卵,34～36 h后采卵；在内膜厚度达8～14mm时行胚胎移植；否则实行胚胎的玻璃化冷冻,待以后进行自然周期移植.结果 A组,优质胚胎率62.48％、临床妊娠率28.57％、每取卵周期临床妊娠率14.08％；B组分别为73.39％、45.90％及28.58％.两组优质胚胎率、妊娠率、流产率(A、B两组分别为20.08％和34.58％)无统计学差异.结论 对于多次使用常规超促排卵治疗失败的患者,使用微刺激方案是比较好的选择.     

自然周期体外受精取卵前卵母细胞提早排出的预测因素分析

目的分析卵巢低反应患者自然周期体外受精(IVF)方案中发生取卵前卵母细胞提早排出的相关因素,探讨预测和预防卵母细胞在取卵前提早排出的相关指标。方法实施自然周期IVF/卵胞浆内单精子注射(ICSI)治疗的患者共378个周期,自月经第3天B超监测窦卵泡直径,基础卵泡刺激素(FSH)、黄体生成索(LH)、雌二醇(E_2)值;第8¹1天B超监测卵泡直径;当卵泡直径>14 mm时,监测血LH、E_2、孕酮(P)水平,当E_2≈1,100 pmol/L时,肌注0.2 mg促性腺激素释放激素激动剂(GnRH-a)诱发排卵(trigger),3411天B超监测卵泡直径;当卵泡直径>14 mm时,监测血LH、E_2、孕酮(P)水平,当E_2≈1,100 pmol/L时,肌注0.2 mg促性腺激素释放激素激动剂(GnRH-a)诱发排卵(trigger),34³6 h后取卵。分析各项临床指标与卵母细胞在取卵前提早排出发生的相关性。结果取卵前卵母细胞提早排出与基础E_2值、"trigger"日P、LH值有关,与患者年龄、基础LH、FSH值和卵泡直径无关。结论自然周期取卵时机的选择应根据患者基础E_2值及监测P、LH水平进行预测和监控。     

自然周期不同LH水平下取卵时机及授精方式对胚胎实验室参数的影响

目的比较自然周期不同血清黄体生成素(LH)水平下取卵时间的差异以及获卵率和取卵后优质胚胎形成率,并探讨不同授精方式下优质胚胎的形成情况。方法回顾性分析2016年1月至2019年10月在昆明市第一人民医院甘美医院生殖遗传中心行自然周期IVF/ICSI助孕患者的518个周期。根据HCG日血清LH水平分为5组:LH<10 U/L组,10 U/L≤LH<15 U/L组,15 U/L≤LH<20 U/L组,20 U/L≤LH<30 U/L组和LH≥30 U/L组;根据HCG日卵泡直径分为3组:卵泡直径<14 mm组,14 mm≤卵泡直径<18 mm组,卵泡直径≥18 mm组;根据授精方式分为2组:IVF组和ICSI组。分别比较不同LH水平组和不同卵泡直径组的取卵时间、获卵率、正常受精率及优质胚胎率等;比较不同授精方式下的取卵时间、正常受精和优质胚胎形成情况。结果不同LH水平组取卵后的正常受精周期率无统计学差异(P>0.05),而LH<10 U/L组的优质胚胎形成周期率显著高于LH≥30 U/L组(60.16%vs.48.08%,P<0.05);不同LH水平组取卵时间有显著性差异(P<0.01),随LH水平的升高取卵时间逐渐缩短;随着LH水平升高,获卵率呈下降趋势,但无显著性差异(P>0.05)。不同卵泡直径组取卵后的正常受精周期率、优质胚胎形成周期率等均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。IVF组和ICSI组的正常受精周期率和优质胚胎形成周期率亦无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论自然周期取卵时间应当根据患者情况采取个性化方案,授精方式对正常受精和优质胚胎形成没有明显的影响。     

微刺激结合未成熟卵母细胞体外成熟培养治疗多囊卵巢综合征不孕

目的 探讨微刺激方案结合未成熟卵母细胞体外成熟培养(in vitro maturation,IVM)治疗多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)不孕的临床应用价值. 方法 对2010年1月至2011年8月在陕西省妇幼保健院生殖中心就诊的有体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)指征同时合并PCOS的部分不孕患者,给予妈富隆及二甲双胍预处理后采用小量尿入绝经期促性腺素(HMG)促排卵(微刺激),在卵泡直径达14 mm、内膜厚度≥7 mm时注射入绒毛膜促性腺激素(hCG) 10,000 IU,36h后取卵,卵子体外培养,成熟后行卵胞浆内单精子注射(ICSI)受精,48～72 h后行胚胎移植.以同期进行常规IVF治疗的PCOS不孕患者作为对照组. 结果 IVM 31周期,2周期因卵泡优势化取消取卵,29个取卵周期微刺激时间6～11 d,HMG用药量6～26支,≥10 mm卵泡共297个,获卵262枚,IVM培养时间8～31 h.移植24周期,中度及以上卵巢过度刺激综合征(OHSS)发生率6.9％(2/29).获卵率、卵子的成熟率、受精率分别为88.2％(262/297)、86.6％ (227/262)、68.7％(156/227),新鲜周期种植率、妊娠率及临床流产率分别为29.2％ (14/48)、50％(12/24)和8.3％ (1/12).同期行常规IVF治疗的PCOS不孕患者共144周期,45.1％(65/144)因中度及以上OHSS取消移植,新鲜移植周期妊娠率及流产率分别为45.6％(36/79)和41.7％(15/36).两组妊娠率无显著差异,IVM组严重OHSS和自然流产发生率显著下降. 结论 PCOS不孕患者经妈富隆及二甲双胍预处理后采用微刺激+ IVM助孕可获得与常规IVF相似妊娠率及更好的妊娠结局,同时可避免严重OHSS的发生风险,可以替代常规IVF作为PCOS不孕症的一种有效治疗手段.     

HCG注射日不同卵泡直径比例分布对IVF/ICSI结局的影响

目的分析HCG注射日直径≥16mm的卵泡占≥14mm卵泡群的比例对IVF/ICSI结局的影响,探讨HCG扳机的最佳时机。方法回顾分析2014年1月1日至2015年12月31日在本中心接受短效长方案促排卵的IVF/ICSI治疗周期,符合纳入标准的共2 391周期。根据HCG日卵泡群直径分布的不同,以直径≥16mm的卵泡占直径≥14mm卵泡群的比例分为三组:高比例组(75%)、中比例组(50%~75%)、低比例组(≤50%),比较三组患者临床和实验室指标。结果三组患者的年龄、体重指数(BMI)、基础FSH比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);基础窦卵泡数(AFC,双侧)在高比例组[(14.65±4.07)]显著低于低比例组[(16.10±4.38)]及中比例组[(15.26±4.22)](P0.05);高比例组获卵数[(9.43±4.36)]显著低于低比例组[(12.62±5.28)]和中比例组[(11.00±4.28)](P0.05),且全胚冷冻率(39.73%)也显著低于低、中比例组(分别为57.88%和43.38%)(P0.05);三组的受精率、优质胚胎率、临床妊娠率、多胎妊娠率、异位妊娠率和中重度OHSS的发生率均无显著差异(P0.05);流产率在低比例组(1.61%)显著低于中、高比例组(分别为10.48%和15.17%)(P0.05)。结论 HCG日直径≥16mm的卵泡占≥14mm卵泡群不同的比例分布并不显著影响IVF/ICSI的实验室指标和临床妊娠率。     

卵母细胞体外成熟技术在多囊卵巢综合征不育妇女中的应用

目的评价未成熟卵母细胞体外成熟(IVM)技术对多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)不育患者的治疗效果。方法对2004年1月至2005年8月PCOS不育患者在本中心行IVM或常规体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)、卵胞浆内单精子注射(ICSI)的周期作回顾性分析。分为无药物刺激的IVM观察组共48例、68个周期,与IVF/ICSI组39例、42个周期,比较两组的获卵数、受精率、卵裂率、种植率、临床妊娠率、流产率、卵巢过度刺激综合征(OHSS)及多胎发生率。结果IVM组与IVF/ICSI组比较,IVM组未采用卵泡刺激素(FSH),IVF/ICSI组FSH用量为(25±6.2)支;受精率分别为70.7%及63.9%(P<0.01);卵裂率分别为87.9%及99.4%(P<0.01);OHSS分别为0及7.1%(P<0.05),差异均具统计学意义。两组的获卵数、种植率、妊娠率、流产率、多胎率差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论IVM技术对难治性PCOS不育患者是一种较为节约,且不发生OHSS的有效辅助生育技术。     

两侧卵巢获卵数差异率与体外受精-胚胎移植结局的关系

目的探讨左右两侧卵巢获卵数差异率与体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)结局的关系。方法回顾性分析2013年1~6月在我院生殖医学中心行常规IVF或卵胞浆内单精子注射(ICSI)的502个新鲜移植周期的临床资料,以左右两侧获卵数差异率0.4为界值分为≥0.4组和0.4组,比较两组患者左右两侧卵巢的获卵数及差异率,分析临床结局。结果两组患者的年龄、基础卵泡刺激素(FSH)、基础黄体生成素(LH)、基础雌二醇(E2)、体重指数(BMI)比较,均无统计学差异(P0.05),具有可比性;两组患者人绒毛膜促性腺激素(HCG)日子宫内膜厚度、HCG日E2值、ICSI比例、卵子成熟率、受精率、卵裂率、优质胚胎率等比较,亦无统计学差异(P0.05)。差异率0.4组,HCG日E2水平(9 264.3±7 587.7)pmol/L,平均获卵数(12.7±5.8)个,种植率与临床妊娠率分别为42.6%和70.6%,均显著高于差异率≥0.4组[HCG日E2水平(7 165.5±4 500.8)pmol/L,平均获卵数(7.7±4.1)个,种植率27.6%,临床妊娠率46.4%](P0.01)。结论左右两侧获卵数的差异率与IVF-ET成功率的关系独立于年龄和供移植的优质胚胎率,提示该差异率或许可以作为预测IVF周期成功率的一个指标。     

高孕激素下促排卵方案用于FSH升高DOR患者的临床效果观察

目的 探讨高孕激素下促排卵(PPOS)方案应用于FSH升高的卵巢储备功能减退(DOR)患者的临床结局,旨在探索DOR患者最优的控制性促排卵(COH)方案。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月至2016年1月在我中心诊断为DOR行IVF/ICSI-ET助孕的患者的临床资料,共264个周期。根据促排卵方案的不同对研究对象进行分组,采用PPOS方案的117个周期为PPOS组,采用克罗米芬(CC)微刺激方案的147个周期为CC组。比较两组的Gn用量、平均Gn天数、促排过程中血清激素水平的变化、获卵数、优胚率、顶级优胚率、临床妊娠率等。结果 PPOS组患者促排过程中LH最高值[(3.92±0.23)vs.(8.56±0.45)U/L]、HCG日E2水平[(4 703.76±3 149.46)vs.(7 021.02±4 249.32)pmol/L]、HCG日LH水平[(2.52±1.74)vs.(7.49±6.41)U/L]均显著低于CC组(P0.05);PPOS组的Gn用量及用药天数显著高于CC组(P0.05);PPOS组的优胚率(82.63%vs.69.51%)及顶级优胚率(28.39%vs.20.98%)显著高于CC组(P0.05);两组HCG日直径14mm的卵泡数、获卵数、成熟卵母细胞数、正常受精数、卵裂数、可利用胚胎数等比较均无显著性差异(P0.05),两组的FET临床妊娠率比较无显著性差异(P0.05)。结论 对于FSH升高的DOR患者,行PPOS方案促排卵能有效抑制早发LH峰,但临床妊娠率与CC微刺激方案比较无显著性差异。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Anesthésie générale chez l’enfant : quid des pratiques en 2010 ?

Introduction

The practice of pediatric anesthesia requires a regular update of scientific knowledge and technical skills. To provide the most adequate Continuing Medical Education programs, it is necessary to assess the practices of pediatric anesthesiologists. Thus, the objective of this survey was to draw a picture of the current clinical practices of general anesthesia in children, in France.

Material and methods

One thousand one hundred and fifty questionnaires were given to anesthesiologists involved in pediatric cases. These questionnaires collected information on various aspects of clinical practice relative to induction, maintenance, recovery from general anaesthesia and also classical debated points such as children with Upper Respiratory Infection (URI), emergence agitation, epileptoid signs or anaesthetic management of adenoidectomy. Differences in practices between CHG (general hospital), CHU (teaching hospital), LIBERAL (private) and PSPH (semi-private) hospitals were investigated.

Results

There were 1025 questionnaires completed. Fifty-five percent of responders worked in public hospitals (CHG and CHU); 77% had a practice that was 25% or less of pediatric cases. In children from 3 to 10 years: 72% of respondents used always premedication and two thirds performed inhalation induction in more than 50% of cases. For induction, 53% used sevoflurane (SEVO) at 7 or 8%. Respondents from LIBERAL used higher SEVO concentrations. Tracheal intubation was performed with SEVO alone (37%), SEVO and propofol (55%) and SEVO with myorelaxant (8%), 93% of respondents used a bolus of opioid. For maintenance, the majority of respondents used SEVO associated with sufentanil; desflurane and remifentanil were more frequently used in CHU. Two thirds of respondents used N₂O. Depth of anesthesia was commonly assessed by hemodynamic changes (52%), end tidal concentration of halogenated (38%) or automated devices based on EEG (7%). In children with URI, 98% of respondents used SEVO for anesthesia. To control the airway 42% used a tracheal tube, 30% a laryngeal mask and 20% a facial mask. Emergence agitation was an important concern for two thirds of respondents, while epileptoid signs were considered as important by only 20%. Eighty-nine percent of respondents practiced anesthesia for adenoidectomy. Anesthesia was induced by inhalation of SEVO 7–8% (41%), 6% (39%) or 4% (12%), 66% put an intravenous line (less frequently in LIBERAL). 67% of the responders managed adenoidectomy without any device to control the airway (more frequently in LIBERAL), 32% administrated a bolus of opioid (less frequently in LIBERAL).

Discussion

This survey demonstrated that the practices regarding general anesthesia in children are relatively homogenous. Most of the differences appeared between LIBERAL and the others structures; the anaesthetic management for adenoidectomy illustrates these findings.     

Intérêt d’une rééducation précoce pour les patients neurologiques

Rehabilitation improves the functional prognosis of patients after a neurologic lesion, and tendency is to begin rehabilitation as soon as possible. This review focuses on the interest and the feasibility of very early rehabilitation, initiated from critical care units. It is necessary to precisely assess patients’ impairments and disabilities in order to define rehabilitation objectives. Valid and simple tools must support this evaluation. Rehabilitation will be directed to preventing decubitus complications and active rehabilitation. The sooner rehabilitation is started; the better functional prognosis seems to be.