加速康复外科在关节镜下半月板损伤修复围术期护理中的应用

目的 探讨加速康复外科（enhanced recovery after surgery, ERAS）优化方案在关节镜下半月板损伤修复围术期护理的应用效果。方法 选取2017年1月至6月在北京积水潭医院运动医学科收治的膝关节半月板损伤病人90例,按照随机数字表法分为ERAS组和常规组,每组45例。ERAS组围术期在常规护理方法的基础上,给予改进的ERAS优化护理方案。比较两组病人术后疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue score, VAS）评分、膝关节活动度恢复时间、Lysholm膝关节评分（Lysholm knee score scale, LKSS）、住院时间和费用、术后并发症及术后满意度情况。结果 两组病人术前至术后48 h各时间点的VAS评分均呈下降趋势（F_ERAS组=14.355,F_常规组=5.728,P均＜0.05）,从各个时间点看,ERAS组的VAS评分值显著低于常规组（F_组间=11.937,P_组间=0.001）,不同时间点与分组之间存在交互作用（F_交互=16.571,P_交互＜0.001）;ERAS组术后膝关节活动度恢复至30°、60°、90°及120°时间明显早于常规组（P＜0.001）,且病人住院时间短（t=-5.181,P＜0.001）、住院费用低（t=-3.263,P=0.002）、术后Lysholm膝关节评分更佳（t=10.682,P＜0.001）;ERAS组病人术后恶心、呕吐、尿潴留、关节积液等并发症发生率较常规组低（P＜0.05）,总体满意度明显高于常规组（Z=-2.455,P=0.014）。结论 ERAS优化方案应用于关节镜下半月板损伤修复的围术期护理中效果显著,可明显降低病人术后疼痛程度,缩短住院时间,减少住院总费用和并发症发生率,有效改善病人早期及远期膝关节活动情况,提高病人治疗综合满意度。     

关节镜下骨隧道缝线固定与空心螺钉固定治疗胫骨髁间棘骨折的疗效对比

目的 观察并比较关节镜下骨隧道缝线固定与空心螺钉固定治疗胫骨髁间棘骨折的临床疗效。方法 对2009年1月至2013年11月期间中国人民解放军武汉总医院通过关节镜手术治疗胫骨髁间棘骨折并获得随访的62例病人的临床资料进行回顾性分析,根据手术固定方法不同分为骨隧道缝线固定组（28例）和螺钉固定组（34例）。比较两组的平均手术时间、膝关节屈伸活动度;采用Lysholm膝关节评分量表、2000国际膝关节评分委员会（International Knee Documentation Committee, IKDC）膝关节主观评价问卷对膝关节功能进行评价;采用轴移试验、Lachman试验评价膝关节稳定性;标准膝关节正侧位X线片评价骨折愈合情况。结果 随访12~32个月,平均16.5个月,两组的平均手术时间相近,且术后病人均未出现膝关节屈伸活动受限。缝线固定组手术前后的Lysholm评分分别为（50.46±4.59）分、（92.25±2.82）分,2000 IKDC膝关节主观评分由术前的（49.29±8.49）分提高到术后的（90.86±3.38）分;螺钉固定组手术前后的Lysholm评分分别为（49.06±3.85）分、（91.76±7.34）分,2000 IKDC膝关节主观评分由术前的（47.00±8.31）分提高到术后的（90.29±2.78）分;术后评分均明显优于术前,差异均有统计学意义（t=-38.802,t=-21.730,t=-44.723,t=-28.102,P均＜0.001）,但两组组间比较,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。两组术后轴移试验结果均为阴性,Lachman试验结果差异无统计学意义（χ²=0.033,P=0.856）。病人末次随访时均达到骨性愈合,未发现骨赘形成及髁间窝撞击表现。结论 关节镜下采用骨隧道缝线固定或空心螺钉固定治疗胫骨髁间棘骨折均可获得牢靠固定,临床疗效理想,骨隧道缝线固定法在处理粉碎骨折及合并半月板损伤的手术操作方面更具优势。     

Legion工具在Genesis Ⅱ膝关节假体置换术中的应用

目的 探讨在初次人工全膝关节置换术（total knee arthroplasty, TKA）中应用Legion工具完成Genesis Ⅱ膝关节假体置换术的可行性及临床意义。方法 将中国人民解放军总医院第一医学中心收治的60例单侧内翻型初次TKA病人按随机数字表法分成Legion工具组及Genesis工具组,所有病人均采用Genesis Ⅱ假体,分别采用对应的工具为两组病人完成手术。对病人术前及术后的美国膝关节协会评分（Knee Society Scores, KSS）、最大屈曲角度、术后人工关节被遗忘指数（Forgotten Joint Scores, FJS）及影像学指标进行对比分析。结果 两组病人均获得1年随访,未出现切口相关并发症;术后3个月Legion工具组KSS临床评分及功能评分均高于Genesis工具组［（81.55±4.81）分 vs. （79.05±4.10）分,t=2.165,P=0.035;（84.89±4.60）分 vs. （81.33±5.14）分,t=2.820,P=0.007）］,术后12个月两组KSS评分的差异无统计学意义;术后12个月Legion工具组FJS评分优于Genesis工具组［（94.03±6.50）分 vs. （89.62±6.10）分,t=2.706,P=0.009）］,病人膝关节最大屈曲角度较Genesis工具组大（123.48°±7.63° vs. 108.19°±9.12°,t=2.436,P=0.018）。结论 使用Legion工具行Genesis Ⅱ置换术,可以发挥其简单、精准、微创、个性化的特点,获得更好的临床疗效。     

股内侧肌下入路与髌旁内侧入路在老年膝关节置换中应用的初步临床分析

目的 分析比较全膝关节置换术（total knee arthroplasty, TKA）中采用股内侧肌下入路（subvastus approach, SVA）与髌旁内侧入路（medial parapatellar approach, MPA）的早期临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月至2016年8月在本院完成初次TKA的69例病人资料（年龄均超过60岁）,根据手术入路的不同分为SVA组和MPA组,记录并比较两组病人的手术切口长度、手术时间、总出血量、术后可直腿抬高时间、膝关节术后活动度（range of motion, ROM）。采用疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评价病人疼痛情况,采用美国膝关节协会评分（knee society score, KSS）评价病人的膝关节功能。结果 SVA组病人的手术切口长度为（11.48±1.35） cm,与MPA组的（15.24±1.41） cm相比,差异有统计学意义（t=11.041,P＜0.001）;两组间手术总失血量及手术时间比较,差异均无统计学意义（t=0.209,P=0.835;t=1.003,P=0.320）;SVA组病人的术后直腿抬高时间为（1.52±0.62） d,MPA组为（2.61±0.97） d,两组比较,差异有统计学意义（t=5.462,P＜0.001）。术后第3、7天SVA组静息和活动状态下的VAS评分均优于MPA组,两组间比较,除外术后第7天静息状态下的VAS评分,其他时间及状态下的VAS评分差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）。术后第3、7天,MPA组病人的膝关节ROM（89.09°±5.51°、93.03°±7.06°）均小于SVA组（96.36°±4.55°、96.36°±6.53°）,差异均有统计学意义（t=5.842,P＜0.001;t=1.991,P=0.049）。术后2周,MPA组病人的KSS评分为（72.42±4.35）分,小于SVA组病人的（78.79±3.96）分,差异有统计学意义（t=6.214,P＜0.001）。术后第1、3、6、9个月,两组间KSS评分和膝关节ROM比较,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。结论 人工全膝关节置换采用SVA对伸膝装置影响小,可促进置换后关节功能及关节活动度的快速恢复,减少疼痛,提高术后满意度。     

早期或晚期行关节镜下前交叉韧带重建的临床疗效对比

目的 对比早期或晚期行关节镜下前交叉韧带（anterior cruciate ligament, ACL）重建的临床疗效。方法 选取2015年1月至2016年11月在我院进行关节镜下单束自体腘绳肌腱重建手术治疗ACL的34例病人进行回顾性分析。其中伤后2周内进行重建手术治疗的17例纳入早期重建组,伤后2~6个月内进行重建治疗的17例纳入晚期重建组,对比两组病人的术后疼痛消除时间、肿胀消除时间和关节恢复正常活动的时间等一般临床指标,收集并比较其术前和术后18个月的Lysholm评分、术前国际膝关节文献委员会（the international knee documentation committee, IKDC）膝关节评分。结果 两组病人的手术时间、术中出血量比较,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）;早期重建组的术后疼痛消除时间、肿胀消除时间和关节恢复正常活动时间分别为（34.06±3.27） d、（13.71±2.36） d和（50.18±4.65） d,均显著高于晚期重建组的[（25.29±3.96） d、（9.29±2.91） d和（33.41±3.48） d]差异均有统计学意义（t=7.033,t=4.850,t=1.892,P均＜0.001）;术后18个月,早期重建组的Lysholm评分和IKDC评分分别为（89.00±5.83）分、（90.06±5.03）分,与晚期重建组的（90.94±5.55）分、（91.47±4.23）分相比,差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）,且两组病人Lysholm量表各单项评分之间的差异也无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。结论 早期或晚期关节镜下单束自体腘绳肌腱重建手术治疗膝关节ACL损伤的近期临床疗效相近,但晚期重建治疗病人的术后恢复较快。     

带线锚钉结合骨桥内固定治疗后交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折的疗效分析

目的 分析带线锚钉结合骨桥内固定治疗后交叉韧带（posterior cruciate ligament, PCL）胫骨止点撕脱骨折的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2017年1月至2017年6月利用带线锚钉结合骨桥内固定治疗的26例（26膝）PCL胫骨止点撕脱骨折病人的临床资料。其中,男22例,女4例;年龄为17~39岁,平均31岁;病程为1~8 d。术后1年通过后抽屉试验评价膝关节功能;比较其术前术后的膝关节Lysholm评分和Tegner评分。结果 术后1年复查X线,所有病人骨折完全愈合,均未出现感染,后抽屉试验转为阴性。手术前、后的Lysholm评分分别为（24.08±9.50）分、（97.60±1.04）分;Tegner评分分别为（3.15±0.92）分、（8.60±0.32）分;术后分值均显著优于术前,两者比较,差异均有统计学意义（t=2.165,P=0.038;t=2.304,P=0.027）。结论 利用带线锚钉结合骨桥内固定修复PCL胫骨止点撕脱骨折临床效果良好。     

改良Chevron截骨术联合Akin截骨术治疗足母中重度外翻的临床分析

目的 探究改良Chevron截骨术联合Akin截骨术治疗中重度足母外翻的临床效果。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月至2017年1月我院收治的50例中重度足母外翻病人的临床资料,依据手术治疗方式的不同将其分为改良Chevron截骨治疗组（20例,36病足）和联合手术治疗组（30例,50病足,改良Chevron截骨术联合Akin截骨术）。应用美国足踝外科医师协会（American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, AOFAS）踝与后足功能评分系统评价患足功能,采用疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评估两组病人患足疼痛情况,测量两组病人手术前后的足母外翻角（hallux valgus angle, HVA）和第1、2跖骨间角（inter-metatarsus angle, IMA）评价手术效果。结果 联合手术治疗组病人的术中出血量为（33.75±5.27） ml,手术时间为（55.14±12.89） min,均高于改良Chevron截骨治疗组［（12.88±4.75） ml,（27.67±10.12） min］,差异均有统计学意义（t=3.293,P=0.018;t=4.293,P=0.012）。联合手术治疗组术后1周、1个月、1年的VAS评分［（3.24±0.98）分、（2.17±0.45）分、（1.31±0.12）分］均优于改良Chevron截骨治疗组［（3.42±0.74）分、（2.57±0.36）分、（1.88±0.45）分］,差异均有统计学意义（t=2.267,P=0.028;t=2.991,P=0.017;t=2.542,P=0.021）。两组病人术后的HVA、IMA、AOFAS评分、满意度评分、AOFAS优良率比较,联合手术治疗组［12.67°±2.13°、8.31°±1.02°、（81.21±9.24）分、（91.67±4.12）分、88.8%］优于Chevron截骨治疗组［10.42°±3.52°、7.59°±1.33°、（62.22±6.42）分、（75.32±5.91）分、60.00%］,差异均有统计学意义（t=2.742,P=0.037;t=2.984,P=0.029;t=3.342,P=0.012;t=3.943,P=0.007;χ²=7.274,P=0.032）。结论 改良Chevron截骨术联合Akin截骨术治疗中重度足母外翻具有更好的术后效果,值得进一步推广应用。     

出院准备服务在全膝关节置换术病人中的应用

目的 探讨出院准备服务在全膝关节置换术（total knee arthroplasty, TKA）病人中的临床护理效果及意义。方法 将2018年1月至6月我科收治的58例单侧TKA病人纳入对照组,采用常规护理和健康教育;将2018年7月至12月收治的64例单侧TKA病人纳入观察组,在常规护理和健康教育的基础上提供出院准备服务。术前和术后3个月采用美国特种外科医院（Hospital for Special Surgery, HSS）膝关节功能评分标准和健康调查简表（the MOS item short form health survey, SF-36）评价病人膝关节功能和生活质量,出院时调查病人护理服务满意度。结果 术后3个月,观察组HSS膝关节功能评分为（89.56±7.17）分,优于对照组的（77.59±6.03）分,差异有统计学意义（t=9.030,P=0.007）;观察组SF-36评分为（68.29±8.68）分,优于对照组的（51.29±3.55）分,差异有统计学意义（t=5.060,P=0.014）。出院时,观察组护理服务满意度为96.88%（62/64）,明显高于对照组的86.21%（50/58）,差异有统计学意义（χ²=3.920,P=0.012）。结论 实施出院准备服务全面、有效地保证了TKA病人出院后康复训练的连续性,使病人及时、准确地获得膝关节功能锻炼指导,提升了TKA病人的膝关节功能、生活质量和护理服务满意度。     

关节镜手术治疗股骨髁间窝撞击综合征的短期疗效分析

目的 探讨关节镜手术治疗不同原因引起的股骨髁间窝撞击综合征的短期疗效。方法 回顾性分析2016年1月至2017年1月于我院采用关节镜手术治疗并获得随访的52例（58膝）股骨髁间窝撞击综合征病人的临床资料,其中男24例,女28例;年龄为28~65岁,平均（49.8±10.3）岁,单独左膝23例,单独右膝23例,双膝6例;病史为3个月~12年。收集并比较病人手术前后关节屈曲及伸直功能的改善情况和患肢手术前后的膝关节Lysholm评分等指标。结果 本组病例随访6个月以上,膝关节最大屈曲角度由术前的108.0°±10.2°（100°~120°）提高到术后的125.0°±7.9°（120°~135°）,最大伸直角度由术前的16.0°±4.9°（10°~20°）改善为术后的6.2°±3.7°（0°~10°）,膝关节伸、屈角度明显改善,差异均有统计学意义（t=5.938,t=7.142,P均＜0.001）;术后膝关节Lysholm评分为（87.0±9.8）分（82~100分）,较术前的（51.0±11.8）分（41~78分）明显提高,差异有统计学意义（t=2.530,P＜0.05）。结论 采用关节镜手术治疗股骨髁间窝撞击综合征,可明显改善术后膝关节屈伸等功能,临床效果良好。     

关节镜下双隧道技术不可吸收缝线固定治疗前交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折

目的 探讨关节镜下运用双隧道技术不可吸收缝线固定治疗前交叉韧带（anterior cruciate ligament, ACL）胫骨止点撕脱骨折的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析我院2015年5月至2017年6月采用关节镜下双隧道技术不可吸收缝线固定治疗ACL胫骨止点撕脱骨折10例,收集手术时间、术中出血量、前抽屉试验及Lachman试验情况;比较其手术前后的国际膝关节文献委员会（the international knee documentation committee, IKDC）膝关节评分及Lysholm膝关节功能评分;通过X线片评价骨折复位及愈合情况。结果 本组病人术后均未出现严重并发症,前抽屉试验及Lachman试验均为阴性。术后随访12~24个月,平均17.7个月。末次随访时的Lysholm评分和IKDC评分分别为（86.60±5.10）分、（88.40±5.76）分,均较术前显著提高,差异具有统计学意义（t=18.515,P＜0.001;t=20.672,P＜0.001）;复查X线片示骨折复位及愈合满意。结论 关节镜下运用双隧道技术不可吸收缝线固定治疗ACL胫骨止点撕脱骨折,可有效恢复膝关节稳定性,疗效满意。     

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.