腰椎后路单节段融合术后早期功能康复的临床意义

目的:探讨腰椎后路单节段融合术后早期功能康复对患者功能恢复及并发症的影响。方法:回顾性研究2016年10月～2017年12月因腰椎退行性疾病行腰椎后路单节段融合手术(posterior lumbar interbody fu sion,PLIF)病例,将患者分为早期康复组和对照组。早期康复组患者术后第1天在腰围保护下离床活动,同时拔除尿管,更改引流为常压引流袋,在康复师指导下行早期功能锻炼;对照组患者术后卧床休息,维持负压引流,拔除引流管后进行自行功能锻炼。主要观察指标包括腰椎Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)及疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS),围手术期并发症、引流量及引流时间,以及住院时间。结果:本研究共纳入113例单节段PLIF病例,其中2017年6月前手术患者均行传统康复措施,纳入对照组,之后手术患者均进行早期康复锻炼并纳入早期康复组。早期康复组52例,女性占61.5%(32例),患者平均年龄52.4±15.9岁(23～78岁)。对照组61例,患者平均年龄55.0±11.2岁(21～76岁),女性患者占54.1%(33例)。两组患者手术时间(118.79min vs术中出血量(306.56ml vs 307.73ml,P0.05)无显著统计学差异。术后两组拔管时间(3.00d vs 3.15d)及总引流量(390.77ml vs 374.75ml)均无明显统计学差异(P0.05),两组患者术后1个月、3个月、6个月和1年随访ODI和VAS评分无明显统计学差异(P0.05)。早期康复组出现1例再手术,1例术后腹胀便秘,对照组出现2例下肢静脉血栓形成,2例泌尿系感染,4例腹胀便秘,两组围手术期相关并发症发生率(3.8%vs 13.1%,P0.05)及平均住院时间(8.7±3.2d vs 10.2±2.7d,P0.01)比较,差异具有统计学意义。结论:腰椎单节段融合术后早期在康复师指导下进行离床活动及主动功能锻炼可降低围手术期卧床相关并发症风险,减少住院时间,但对总引流量、拔管时间、临床疗效及疼痛改善无明显影响。     

加速康复外科理念在肝囊型包虫病围手术期治疗中的应用体会

目的 探讨加速康复外科理念在肝囊型包虫病患者围手术期应用的安全性、有效性。方法回顾性分析2017年1月至2018年1月青海省人民医院包虫病诊疗中心行根治性手术治疗的92例肝囊型包虫病患者临床资料。按围手术期处理方法分为加速康复组（n=42）和传统康复组（n=50）,比较两组患者术中出血量、术中输血量、术后并发症发生情况、首次通气时间、拔除腹腔引流管时间及术后住院时间等指标。结果 与传统康复组相比,加速康复组手术并发症发生率[23.8%（10/42） vs 82.0%（41/50）,χ2 =30.35,P=0.001]更低,术后首次通气时间[15（12,20）h vs 35.5（27,45）h,Z=-7.728,P＜0.001]更早,术后住院时间[4（3,5）d vs 15（12,18）d,Z=-8.254,P＜0.001]更短,差异均具有统计学意义。结论 加速康复外科理念在肝囊型包虫病患者围手术期的应用安全有效,不仅可有效降低手术并发症发生率,而且可明显缩短患者的术后住院时间。     

加速康复外科理念在腹腔镜结直肠恶性肿瘤手术中的应用

目的:探讨加速康复外科(ERAS)理念在结直肠恶性肿瘤患者腹腔镜手术围手术期实施的有效性和安全性。方法:将45 例结直肠恶性肿瘤患者分为加速康复外科组(ERAS 组)和对照组,其中ERAS 组24 例,围手术期采用加速康复外科方法处理,对照组21 例,围手术期采用传统方法处理,比较两组在术后康复指标、疼痛评分及并发症等方面的差异。结果:两组患者年龄、性别、体质指数(BMI)等一般资料差异无统计学意义。与对照组相比,加速康复外科组患者术后首次排气时间提前[(2.71±0.23)d vs(4.17±0.15)d]、术后第1 天血糖更稳定[(6.23±0.32) mmol/L vs(8.17±0.53) mmol/L]、术后第1 天疼痛评分更低[(1.42±0.19) vs(2.75±0.18)]、导尿管留置时间缩短[(1.73±0.21) d vs(4.00±0.28) d]、腹腔引流管留置时间缩短[(4.14±0.23) d vs 7.69±0.31) d]、术后住院d 数更短[(6.92±0.28) d vs(9.58±0.56) d],差异均有统计学意义(P <0.05),且并未增加术后并发症发生率。结论:以加速康复外科理念为基础的一系列治疗措施能够促进结直肠恶性肿瘤患者的术后康复。     

单侧双通道内镜下腰椎融合术治疗腰椎退行性疾病的初步研究

【摘要】 目的：探讨单侧双通道内镜下腰椎融合术（unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion,ULIF）治疗单节段腰椎退行性疾病的临床疗效。方法：回顾性分析2018年8月~2020年5月收治的76例单节段腰椎退行性疾病患者,其中ULIF治疗35例（ULIF组）,微创经椎间孔入路腰椎融合术（minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion,MIS-TLIF）治疗41例（MIS-TLIF组）。其中ULIF组男16例,女19例,平均年龄50.94±12.12岁;MIS-TLIF组男19例,女22例,平均年龄53.44±14.37岁。记录并对比两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、术后住院时间、并发症,术前、术后2周、术后3个月、末次随访时腰痛及腿痛视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale,VAS）和Oswestry功能障碍指数（Oswestry disability index,ODI）,以及末次随访时融合率和改良Macnab评分。结果：所有患者均顺利完成手术。与MIS-TLIF组相比,ULIF组术中出血少（52.03±11.48ml vs 134.46±18.63ml,P＜0.05）,术后住院时间短（8.43±1.88d vs 9.98±1.96d,P＜0.05）。两组患者术后VAS评分及ODI较术前均明显下降,术后2周ULIF组腰痛VAS评分为3.06±1.41分,显著低于MIS-TLIF组的4.10±1.64分,且术后2周ULIF组ODI为（32.20±4.32）% ,显著低于MIS-TLIF组的（37.11±4.72）%,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。末次随访时ULIF组融合率88.6%,MIS-TLIF组融合率为90.2%,两组差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。末次随访时ULIF组改良MacNab标准优良率91.4%（32/35）,MIS-TLIF组为87.8%（36/41）,两组差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论：相较于MIS-TLIF,ULIF治疗腰椎退行性疾病具有术中出血量少、术后早期腰痛轻、术后住院时间短、早期功能恢复快的优点。     

加速康复外科护理在直肠癌保肛患者中的应用研究

目的：探讨基于加速康复外科理念的护理措施在直肠癌保肛患者中的应用效果。方法：纳入 119 例直肠癌保肛患者,分为两组,对照组接受常规护理,观察组接受基于加速康复外科理念的护理措施,比较两组患者术前术后焦虑情况、术后恢复质量、术后并发症发生率、术后进食时间和住院时间。结果：观察组患者术后焦虑情况（42.1±5.12）分 vs（49.5±8.21）分、收缩压（125±15.3）mmHg vs（131±9.2）mmHg、疼痛情况（6±2.3）分 vs（4.5±1.7）分、无法接受指令（6.9% vs 21.3%）和恶心呕吐（17.2% vs 34.4%）均明显优于对照组,有统计学差异（P<0.05）。观察组患者的术后并发症发生率（6.9% vs 21.3%）、进食时间（4.8±1.5）天 vs（6.3±1.1）天和住院日（9.1±1.9）天 vs（14.8±2.3）天均明显优于对照组,有统计学差异（P<0.05）。结论：加速康复外科护理措施可以有效减少直肠癌保肛患者的焦虑情况,促进其术后康复。     

腹腔镜疝修补与普通平片疝修补临床比较分析

目的：对比腹腔镜疝修补术与普通平片疝修补术治疗腹股沟疝的临床疗效。 方法：对100例接受腹腔镜疝修补术患者（腹腔镜组）及100例应用普通平片疝修补术患者（对照组）的腹股沟疝患者手术时间、术中出血量、术后第2天疼痛评分、恢复活动时间及住院时间进行比较,并进行随访,观察对比两组患者术后1年疝复发及手术相关并发症发生情况。 结果：腹腔镜组手术时间为（46.16±15.16）min,对照组为（46.75±12.51）min,两组比较无统计学差异（P>0.05）;术后第2天疼痛评分[ （2.15±0.67）分vs. （3.31±1.01）分]、恢复活动时间[（157.71±58.61）h vs.（178.61±45.69）h]、住院时间[（5.15±1.78）d vs. （7.71±2.01）d]腹腔镜组均低于对照组（P<0.05）;1年内复发率腹腔镜组为2.00%,对照组为9.00%（P<0.05）;手术相关并发症发生率腹腔镜组为7.00%,对照组为18.00%（P<0.05）。 结论：腹腔镜疝修补术可显著提高腹股沟疝的治疗效果。     

负压引流措施对腹腔镜经腹腹膜前疝修补术后临床血清肿发生率的影响

目的探讨负压引流管对减少腹腔镜经腹腹膜前疝修补术（TAPP）患者术后血清肿发生率的影响。 方法收集2017年2月至2018年2月,鄂尔多斯市第二人民医院接受TAPP术式的成人单侧腹股沟疝患者50例。引流组患者26例,将十字形负压引流管放置于疝补片与腹膜之间,经过腹膜外从同侧戳卡孔引出接负压;对照组患者24例,未放置引流管。对比分析引流组与对照组患者的手术时间、术后住院时间、术后血清肿发生率。 结果50例患者中直疝11例、斜疝39例。引流组平均手术时间[（69.04±3.49）min]较对照组[（64.38±3.41）min]长,但差异无统计学意义（P=0.345）。引流组术后平均住院时间与对照组相仿[（1.69±0.09）d vs（1.71±0.09）d],差异无统计学意义（P=0.904）。术后短期（2 d）,引流组的血清肿发生率明显低于对照组[2（7.69%）vs 8（33.33%）],差异有统计学意义（P=0.032）;引流组与对照组术后长期（7、14 d）的血清肿发生率比较,差异无统计学意义[7 d：2（7.69%）vs 5（20.83%）,P=0.181;14 d：0 vs 1（4.17%）,P=0.302]。 结论负压引流可减少TAPP术后早期血清肿的发生,对长期血清肿的发生无明显影响。     

大隐静脉主干高位结扎剥脱联合属支硬化剂治疗下肢静脉曲张

目的：研究利用大隐静脉主干高位结扎剥脱联合属支泡沫硬化剂治疗下肢静脉曲张的临床效果,探讨治疗下肢静脉曲张的有效方法。 方法：将80例下肢静脉曲张的患者随机分成治疗组和对照组,对照组采用常规大隐静脉主干高位结扎剥脱+属支点式剥脱术的方法治疗,治疗组在对照组基础之上改用属支泡沫硬化剂治疗,对两组在手术时间、术中出血量、术后VAS疼痛评分、术后下床活动时间、住院时间、术后并发症进行比较。 结果：治疗组手术时间、术中出血量、术后VAS疼痛评分、术后下床活动时间、住院时间分别为（40.3±13.4）min、（25.8±8.4）mL、（2.3±0.5）分、（1.3±0.5）d、（2.5±0.5）d,均显著低于对照组的（100.4±20.3）min、（82.1±14.9）mL、（5.1±0.87）min、（2.5±0.8）d、（6.5±1.5）d（P<0.05）;治疗组术后发生血栓性静脉炎4例,淋巴肿胀1例,对照组发生血栓性静脉炎1例,皮下血肿3例,切口感染1例,淋巴肿胀2例;治疗组并发症总发生率为12.5%,对照组为17.5%,两组间差异无统计学意义（χ2=0.392,P=0.531）。 结论：利用大隐静脉高位结扎主干剥脱联合属支泡沫硬化剂治疗下肢静脉曲张具有降低手术时间、减少术中出血量、恢复时间快等优点。     

开放式与腹腔镜下腹股沟疝修补术治疗132例腹股沟疝患者临床疗效研究

目的:比较开放式腹股沟疝无张力修补术(OTFH)与经腹腔腹膜前腹腔镜疝修补术(TAPP)的临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析2019年1月—2020年12月于我院住院的腹股沟疝患者132例,按照不同术式分为研究组和对照组,研究组(n=69)采用TAPP术式,对照组(n=63)采用OTFH术式。分别比较两组手术时间、出血量、术后下床时间、疼痛评分、住院时间、住院费用、并发症及复发情况。结果:研究组手术时间、术后下床时间、疼痛评分、住院时间均小于对照组,分别为(46.7±6.3)min vs(37.8±3.6)min、(1.3±0.4)d vs(2.2±0.6)d、(3.5±0.8)分vs(5.4±0.8)分、(6.4±2.2)d vs(8.5±3.2)d,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);研究组住院费用高于对照组[(1.9±0.4)万元vs(1.0±0.3)万元],差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);研究组与对照组术中出血量、并发症及复发情况比较[(21.2±2.3)mL vs(21.6±2.0)mL、(6/69)vs(10/63)、(4/69)vs(5/63)],差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。结论:OTFH和TAPP两种术式均为安全、有效的手术方法。与OTFH相比,TAPP术后患者能获得较好的受益。但其远期复发情况可能需要更长时间的随访。     

术前短程放疗联合根治性前切除术治疗中晚期直肠癌：附130例报告

目的：探讨术前短程放疗后行根治性前切除术治疗直肠癌的手术安全性及临床疗效。 方法：选取2008年9月—2010年9月收治的中晚期直肠癌130例,按治疗方式的不同分为观察组45例和对照组85例,其中观察组接受术前短程放疗+直肠癌根治性前切除术;对照组直接接受根治性前切除术。观察并对比两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、术中淋巴结清扫数目及意外损伤发生情况、术后肛门排气时间、住院时间及并发症发生情况,随访观察盆腔局部复发率及1年和3年生存率。 结果：术前短程放疗的毒副反应较轻;观察组与对照组手术时间[（169.7±53.3）min vs. （158.6± 46.3）min]、术中出血量[（222.3±155.2）mL vs. （209.6±123.1）mL ]、术中淋巴结清扫数目[(8.5± 3.2)个 vs. （9.3±5.8）个]、术后排气时间[（67.8±47.3）h vs. （65.4±38.9）h]、术后住院时间[（13.2±10.3）d vs. (12.7±10.9）d]、术中意外损伤发生率[2.2% vs. 2.4%]、术后并发症的发生率(22.2％ vs. 20.0％)比较均无统计学差异（P>0.05）;观察组与对照组术后局部复发率[11.1％ vs. 37.6％]、术后３年生存率 [57.4% vs. 34.5%]比较差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论：直肠癌短程放疗后行根治性前切除手术安全可靠,可显著降低术后局部复发率,提高远期生存率。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

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.     

Systemic analgesia adapted to the children's condition

A concept of balanced analgesia using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), opioids, and corticosteroids can also be used in patients with pre-existing illnesses. NSAIDs are the most effective treatment for acute pain of moderate intensity in children; however, these drugs should be avoided in patients at increased risk for serious side effects, e.g. patients with renal impairment, bleeding tendency, or extreme prematurity. NSAIDs can be given with minimal risks to the younger child with mild to moderate asthma, and, in these patients, the use of steroids can be encouraged; in addition to their antiemetic and analgesic action, a beneficial effect on asthma symptoms can be expected. In the non-intubated child with cerebral trauma, exaggerated sedation caused by opioids and increased bleeding tendency caused by NSAIDs must be avoided. In neonates and small infants, the oral administration of sucrose or glucose is helpful to minimize pain reaction during short uncomfortable interventions.     

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.