腰椎后路减压融合术并发脑脊液漏的多因素分析

【摘要】 目的：探讨腰椎后路减压融合术并发脑脊液漏的危险因素,为临床预防脑脊液漏的发生提供依据。方法：回顾2001年1月～2011年12月收治的758例因腰椎管狭窄症行腰椎后路减压融合术患者的病史及随访资料,以是否并发脑脊液漏将患者分为两组,记录患者的年龄、性别、吸烟饮酒史、有无合并糖尿病、体重指数（body mass index,BMI)、既往手术史、病程、手术方式、手术节段数、最低手术节段及术中有无调整螺钉位置。将上述可能与并发脑脊液漏相关的因素先行单因素分析,筛选出有统计学差异的因素再行多因素Logistic回归,分析其与腰椎后路减压融合术并发脑脊液漏的关系。结果：758例患者中99例并发脑脊液漏,脑脊液漏的发生率为13.1%（99/758）,首次手术脑脊液漏的发生率为10.3%（66/638）,翻修手术为27.5%（33/120）。99例并发脑脊液漏患者中,45例术中即发现硬膜损伤或脑脊液漏,54例（54.5%）为迟发性脑脊液漏,术中未发现硬膜损伤或脑脊液漏,迟发性脑脊液漏出现时间为术后1～9d。单因素分析结果显示两组病例在年龄、吸烟、病程、翻修手术、手术节段数、最低手术节段方面差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;多因素Logistic回归分析显示,年龄（OR=2.153, 95% CI=1.045-4.433）、吸烟（OR=1.615,95% CI=1.015-2.572）、翻修手术（OR=3.386,95% CI=2.047-5.603）、手术的节段数（OR=2.503,95% CI=1.580-3.966）及最低手术节段（OR=2.391,95% CI=1.085-5.269）是并发脑脊液漏的危险因素（P＜0.05）。结论：年龄、吸烟、翻修手术、手术的节段数及最低手术节段对腰椎后路减压融合术并发脑脊液漏有重要影响。     

人工硬膜治疗脊柱后路手术中脑脊液漏

目的 探讨人工硬膜覆盖硬膜囊漏口治疗脊柱后路手术中脑脊液漏的临床疗效.方法 回顾性分析海军军医大学长征医院2016年1月—2018年12月脊柱后路手术中发生脑脊液漏的101例患者临床资料,根据治疗方案分为对照组(n=56,术中采用明胶海绵覆盖硬膜囊漏口)和试验组(n=45,术中采用可吸收人工硬膜覆盖硬膜囊漏口).观察2组患者术后脑脊液漏发生率、术后并发症发生率、术后48 h引流量、引流管留置时间、切口愈合时间等的差异.结果 对照组术后脑脊液漏发生率为76.79％,术后并发症发生率为32.14％,术后48 h引流量为(352.55±75.11)mL,引流管留置时间为(7.55±2.38)d,切口愈合时间为(15.78±2.36)d.试验组脑脊液漏发生率为15.56％,术后并发症发生率为6.67％,术后48 h引流量为(160.02±50.05)mL,引流管留置时间为(1.87±0.69)d,切口愈合时间为(14.16±1.89)d.试验组术后脑脊液漏发生率、术后并发症发生率、术后48 h引流量、引流管留置时间、切口愈合时间均显著优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 人工硬膜可显著降低术后脑脊液漏及相关并发症发生率,显著缩短引流管留置时间及切口愈合时间,是治疗脊柱后路手术中脑脊液漏的有效手段.     

止血海绵覆盖治疗腰椎后路减压术中硬膜囊撕裂的临床疗效观察

目的 :观察止血海绵覆盖治疗腰椎后路减压术中硬膜囊撕裂导致显性脑脊液漏的临床疗效,探讨其治疗硬膜囊撕裂的疗效。方法:回顾性分析2014年1月～2016年6月在我院行后路腰椎手术治疗的1896例患者资料(初次手术1850例,翻修手术46例),术中发现硬膜囊撕裂86例(初次手术78例,翻修手术8例),其中男35例,女51例,年龄18～72(53.8±8.3)岁,所有硬膜囊破口术中均行缝合修补。根据是否适用止血海绵覆盖分为两组,A组(46例)术中使用止血海绵覆盖硬膜囊联合明胶海绵加压处理缝合后的硬膜囊破口,B组(40例)术中常规皮下深筋膜覆盖硬膜囊联合明胶海绵覆盖加压处理缝合后的硬膜囊破口。收集患者一般资料、疾病类型、手术时间、硬膜囊撕裂长度、术中失血量,记录两组患者术后脑脊液漏的发生率及其每日引流量、引流管留置时间、起床活动时间、术后脑脊液漏早期并发症情况。术后出现脑脊液漏患者末次随访均复查腰椎MRI,观察术后脑脊液漏远期并发症,是否形成硬膜囊假性囊肿或脑脊液窦道形成。结果 :A组与B组之间性别、年龄、疾病类型、术中硬膜囊撕裂大小、手术时间、术中失血量无统计学差异(P0.05),A组术后脑脊液漏发生率15.2%(7/46)低于B组35.0%(14/40),两组间有统计学差异(P0.05);A组中术后出现脑脊液漏患者引流管留置时间(3.5±1.3d)及平均每日脑脊液引流量(125.0±59.3ml)明显低于B组(10.5±2.1d;329.0±103.1ml),两组间有统计学差异(P0.05);A组中术后出现脑脊液漏患者起床活动时间7.5±1.6d,B组为14.5±2.2d,两组间有统计学差异(P0.05);末次随访时A组出现低颅压性头痛(2/7)、切口渗漏不愈(0/7)、切口感染(0/7)等早期脑脊液漏并发症低于B组(8/14、2/14、1/14)(P0.05)。术后出现脑脊液漏患者术后随访复查腰椎MRI,A组未见明确硬膜外脑脊液囊肿或皮下窦道形成,B组存在硬膜外脑脊液囊肿1例,无皮下脑脊液窦道形成。结论:应用止血海绵覆盖硬膜囊治疗后路腰椎减压术中硬膜囊撕裂导致的显性脑脊液漏有效,可减少脑脊液漏引流管留置时间及引流量,降低术后脑脊液漏的发生率及其相关的早期并发症。     

老年人退变性下腰疾患的手术治疗

目的探讨老年人退变性下腰疾患的手术适应症、内固定及融合节段的选择、围手术期等问题。方法回顾2001年～2005年手术治疗105例退变性下腰疾病,包括腰椎间盘突出,退变性腰椎管狭窄,退变性腰椎侧弯,退变性腰椎不稳,退变性腰椎滑脱,采用腰椎后路减压、椎弓根螺钉系统固定、后路椎体间植骨融合术。结果术后随访3～24月,疗效评定按日本骨科学会(JOA)下腰痛评分法评定,术前平均3.8分,术后平均13.6分。术后平均改善率89%,全组优良率91%.结论老年人退变性下腰疾病的外科治疗中,术前了解患者的精神心理状况,掌握好手术的适应症,合理有效的手术减压、融合、内固定,可提高融合率,缓解症状,使病人早期康复。     

腰椎后路节段减压植骨内固定治疗退变性腰椎侧凸

目的评价腰椎后路节段减压植骨内固定治疗退变性腰椎侧凸的临床效果。方法自2009年9月-2010年12月采用腰椎后路节段减压植骨内固定手术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸53例。根据JOA评分标准评估患者术后神经功能的恢复情况,通过X线片观察腰椎前凸角、侧凸角的改善情况。结果随访3-12个月,平均随访时间8个月。末次随访JOA评分改善率平均为85．2％。优34例,良14例,可5例,优良率90．6％。腰椎侧凸Cobb’S角由术前的（30．5．4-6．1）。矫正到末次随访的（12．3±4．1）;腰椎前凸角由术前的（15.2±4．6）。矫正到末次随访的（32．1±7．3）。无矫正角度明显丢失及内固定物失效。结论腰椎后路节段减压植骨内固定手术是治疗退变性腰椎侧凸的一种有效方法。     

退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄的阶梯性治疗策略

目的退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄多为中老年患者,治疗方法选择复杂。探讨退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄的阶梯性治疗策略及疗效。方法 2005年1月-2009年12月,收治退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄患者117例,根据患者意愿、内科合并症、腰腿痛症状、腰椎侧凸后凸旋转三维畸形、腰椎稳定性的情况(侧方滑移、退变性滑脱),以及脊柱整体平衡状态,阶梯性地选择保守治疗(43例)、后路单纯减压术(18例)、后路短节段融合术(1～2个节段,41例)、后路长节段融合畸形矫正(≥3个节段,15例)方法治疗。比较患者治疗前后腰痛及腿痛的疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)、腰椎前凸角、侧凸Cobb角的变化。结果术后获1年以上随访72例;无死亡及内固定失败。保守治疗19例平均随访19.3个月(1～5年),无症状加重,末次随访时腰痛及腿痛VAS评分、ODI较治疗前明显降低(P<0.05),腰椎前凸角减小、侧凸Cobb角增大,但与治疗前比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。后路单纯减压术12例平均随访36个月(1～5年),末次随访时腿痛VAS评分、ODI较治疗前均明显降低(P<0.05),腰痛VAS评分较治疗前减小,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);腰椎前凸角减小、侧凸Cobb角增大,但进展缓慢,与治疗前比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。后路短节段融合31例平均随访21.3个月(1～3年),术后发生血肿、切口愈合不良、脑脊液漏、浅表感染各1例,经对症处理后治愈;末次随访时腰痛及腿痛VAS评分、ODI较治疗前均明显降低(P<0.05),腰椎前凸角及侧凸Cobb角均明显改善(P<0.05)。后路长节段融合10例平均随访17.1个月(1～3年),术后症状加重1例,经理疗及药物治疗3个月后缓解;术后深部感染1例,经清创切口持续冲洗引流后治愈;末次随访时腰痛及腿痛VAS评分、ODI、腰椎前凸角及侧凸Cobb角均较治疗前明显改善(P<0.05)。结论退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄的治疗应个体化、阶梯性地选择治疗方案。手术治疗以减压为主、矫形为辅,应准确判断症状责任节段、侧凸责任节段、后凸责任节段,防止手术扩大化,积极控制出血,提高手术安全性。     

退变性腰椎管狭窄症的手术治疗

目的探讨退变性腰椎管狭窄症（degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis,DLSS）手术治疗方法。方法回顾性分析2003年1月至2011年1月我院185例退变性腰椎管狭窄症手术治疗病例。其中神经根管狭窄6例,中央管狭窄179例。单节段狭窄者96例,双节段狭窄者55例,3个节段狭窄者34例。采用单纯开窗减压者6例,后路全椎板切除减压、后外侧植骨融合、内固定70例,后路全椎板切除减压、椎体间植骨融合、内固定109例。根据日本矫形外科学会腰腿痛评分系统（15分）进行术前和术后的疗效评价。结果 185例患者获得8～72个月随访,平均随访时间19.5个月。三种手术方法术后平均改善率分别为77.9%、78.8%和79.5%,优45例,良120例,可20例,优良率为89.2%。术后并发脑脊液漏6例。结论根据DLSS患者病情和影像学检查结果,确定狭窄的部位和节段,对神经根管狭窄者,采用单纯开窗减压;对中央管狭窄者,采用全椎板切除减压、椎体间植骨融合和/或后外侧植骨融合、椎弓根系统内固定,尤其是对于合并腰椎节段性不稳定、退变性滑脱、侧弯和后凸者,可获得满意的疗效。     

胸腰椎后路手术并发隐性脑脊液漏治疗经验总结

目的总结胸腰椎后路手术并发隐性脑脊液漏的治疗经验,探讨切口部位引流管留置最佳时间,分析降低脑脊液切口漏出风险的方法。方法回顾性分析2011年1月-2013年1月,胸、腰椎后路手术后发生隐性脑脊液漏的26例患者临床资料。男15例,女11例;年龄36~59岁,平均48.7岁。术后出现头痛19例;恶心5例,其中呕吐3例。23例引流管通畅、术后2 d内无脑脊液从皮肤切口漏出者,于第3天行夹闭引流管试验,其中21例无脑脊液切口漏出并拔管;2例出现脑脊液切口漏出,保守处理后第10天拔管。3例术后2 d内出现脑脊液切口漏出且保守处理无效者,再次手术清创、缝合切口,并留置引流管,术后第3天明确无脑脊液切口漏出后拔管。患者拔管后继续卧床3~5 d。结果患者切口均愈合,愈合时间7~15 d,平均8 d。无1例出现切口感染、持续性脑脊液漏等并发症。拔管后患者头痛、恶心、呕吐等症状均立即缓解。患者均获随访,随访时间12~24个月,平均16个月。6个月时MRI检查示手术部位无1例出现皮下硬脊膜假性囊肿。结论切口缝合质量是预防胸腰椎后路手术并发隐性脑脊液漏的关键因素。在保证缝合质量的前提下,可于术后第3天拔管。拔管前行夹闭引流管试验明确有无脑脊液切口漏出,以减少拔管后脑脊液从手术切口漏出的风险。     

三种不同术式治疗腰椎管狭窄症的临床观察

[目的]探讨三种手术方法治疗腰椎管狭窄症(LSS)的疗效.[方法]采用双侧椎板间开窗减压术治疗LSS 62例(A组);保留棘突韧带复合结构的全椎板切除减压术治疗LSS 54例(B组);保留棘突韧带复合结构的全椎板切除减压+植骨+椎弓根内固定术治疗LSS合并腰椎不稳125例(C组).[结果]经临床、MRI、X线片检查诊断单节段LSS 23例,2节段狭窄107例,3节段98例,4节段13例.241例LSS中合并腰椎不稳125例.术后随访200例,随访时间平均4年4个月,三种手术方法术后平均改善率分别为76.9%、79.0%和78.5%.[结论]三种手术方法的疗效无统计学差异.A、B组减压效果均良好,对腰椎的稳定性影响小.但保留棘突韧带复合结构的全椎板切除减压术术野开阔、操作方便、不易损伤神经,是值得推荐的手术方法.对LSS合并腰椎不稳者,在减压术后需做植骨+内固定,能有效的维持和重建脊柱的稳定,是目前治疗LSS合并腰椎不稳症的较好治疗方法.     

退变性腰椎滑脱症手术治疗

退变性腰椎滑脱症的主要病理改变是椎间盘退变、脊柱运动节段不稳定和相应的神经根受压,导致腰背部疼痛、神经源性跛行和相应的神经支配区出现感觉、运动损害.持续性腰腿痛和(或)神经症状是手术治疗的指征.手术方法包括单纯减压、减压加后路植骨融合、减压加椎体间融合、减压加后路内固定融合和动力性稳定技术等.术前应根据患者病情选择手术方式、术中减压范围并掌握好内固定器械适应证.适度的减压和选择适当的融合节段是预防术后邻近节段退变的关键.植骨材料主要选择自体髂骨.生物材料的近期疗效令人满意,其远期疗效尚需长期随访证实.     

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.