3D打印个体化导板与机器人辅助在成人退变性脊柱侧凸椎弓根螺钉置钉中的应用比较

【摘要】 目的：比较3D打印个体化导板与机器人辅助置钉在成人退变性脊柱侧凸（adult degenerative scoliosis,ADS）矫形手术中的应用效果。方法：对2020年1月~2022 年12月在本科室住院接受矫形手术治疗的18例ADS患者进行回顾性分析,其中男性3例,女性15例,年龄46~73岁,平均63.2±8.2岁。共置入椎弓根螺钉236枚,根据辅助置钉方式分为两组,3D打印个体化导板组（3D打印组,11例,置入142枚椎弓根螺钉）和机器人辅助组（机器人组,7例,置入94枚椎弓根螺钉）。术后均进行至少6个月随访。术前测量并比较顶椎旋转角、侧凸Cobb角;术后1周采用Gertzbein-Robbins分类标准对所有椎弓根螺钉进行判断分类,对比两组患者螺钉置入的准确性和满意度;分析比较两组患者的手术时间和并发症发生率。结果：3D打印组年龄（63.6±9.0岁）、性别（男/女：2/9）、平均置钉数量（12.91±3.83枚）、侧凸Cobb角（40.36°±11.82°）、顶椎旋转角（30.27°±7.25°）分别与机器人组[年龄（62.6±7.3岁）、性别（男/女：1/6）、平均置钉数量（13.43±3.60枚）、侧凸Cobb角（38.14°±12.84°）、顶椎旋转角（29.86°±9.65°）]比较,均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。机器人组较3D打印组手术时间长（354.29±53.73min vs. 282.27±73.87min）,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。置钉结果统计,3D打印组共置入142枚椎弓根螺钉,其中A类128枚,B类10枚,C类4枚;机器人组共置入椎弓根螺钉94枚,其中A类86枚,B类5枚,C类3枚;两组患者均未出现D、E两类;3D打印组置钉准确率（90.14%）及满意度（97.18%）,分别与机器人组置钉准确率（91.49%）及满意度（96.81%）比较均无统计学差异（P>0.05）。并发症发生率,3D打印组（36.36%）与机器人组（57.14%）比较无显著差异（P>0.05）。结论：两种辅助置钉方式均可以协助脊柱外科医师进行ADS患者的精准置钉,但3D打印个体化导板置钉用时更短。     

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。     

脊柱侧凸病人矫形术后首次下床活动时间影响因素的单因素分析

目的 观察脊柱侧凸病人矫形术后首次下床活动时间并分析其影响因素。方法 2016年8月至2017年7月采用便利抽样方法选择在我院行脊柱矫形术的病人58例。男18例,女40例;年龄为（15.14±3.39）岁（7~22岁）;脊柱侧凸类型：特发性脊柱侧凸36例,先天性脊柱侧凸10例,神经肌肉型脊柱侧凸12例;Cobb角为54.87°±14.26°。收集病人的一般资料、脊柱侧凸类型、术中情况、术后情况和病人术后首次下床活动时间,并分析术后首次下床活动时间的影响因素。结果 本组58例脊柱侧凸病人矫形术后首次下床活动时间为（5.34±1.19） d;术中出血量、术后疼痛情况、术后是否呕吐为影响脊柱侧凸病人术后首次下床活动时间的因素（P均＜0.001）。结论 在对脊柱侧凸病人进行术后护理时,要根据病人的身体体质、疼痛及术后并发症情况确定病人的首次下床活动时间,适时适当地指导病人下床活动,加速病人康复。     

凹侧撑开预矫形技术治疗重度僵硬性脊柱侧凸的早期研究

目的 研究凹侧撑开预矫形技术治疗重度僵硬性特发性脊柱侧凸的早期疗效和安全性。方法 回顾性分析2020年1月至2022年12月山西医科大学第二医院收治并进行手术治疗的重度僵硬性脊柱侧凸的8例病人的临床资料。手术均采用凹侧撑开预矫形后双侧依次上棒二次矫形的手术方法。分别测量术前、术后及末次随访时的影像学参数包括主弯Cobb角、次弯Cobb角、胸椎后凸角（TK）、腰椎前凸角（LL）、主弯顶椎偏距（AVT）、躯干偏移（TS）。结果 病人随访（9.0±6.3）个月（1~16个月）。术前主弯Cobb角：97.4°±10.0°,次弯Cobb角：55.6°±8.4°,TK：50.4°±20.3°,LL：62.7°±6.3°,AVT：（7.64±1.55） cm,TS：（2.00±1.93） cm;术后即刻主弯Cobb角：25.8°±8.1°,次弯Cobb角：21.0°±12.0°,TK：24.9°±9.6°,LL：31.6°±11.9°,AVT：（2.34±1.45） cm,TS：（1.26±0.63） cm;末次随访主弯Cobb角：21.2°±9.1°,次弯Cobb角：22.4°±16.1°,TK：32.8°±12.0°,LL：37.6°±14.0°,AVT：（2.41±0.81） cm,TS：（1.6±1.4） cm。除TS外,上述其他指标术后即刻、末次随访时的数值与术前比较,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,但术后即刻与末次随访时的数值比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。1例术后7个月出现迟发性感染,遂进行手术清创以及内固定取出术后再愈合。结论 采用凹侧撑开预矫形治疗重度脊柱侧凸能够获得满意的矫形效果,且出血少,术中及术后神经系统并发症发生率低,是一种安全有效且实用的治疗方法。     

3D导航引导与徒手椎板关节突螺钉置钉在单节段腰椎融合手术中的应用比较

目的 比较3D导航引导与徒手椎板关节突螺钉置钉在单节段腰椎融合手术中的疗效。方法 纳入2020年1月至10月我院骨科收治的拟行单节段腰椎融合手术的病人30例,按参与研究的奇偶顺序分为两组,3D导航组15例,行3D导航引导下椎板关节突螺钉置钉,徒手置钉组15例,行徒手椎板关节突螺钉置钉。统计两组病人的术中透视次数、操作时间、术中失血量及24 h引流量,拔除引流管后统计并对比两组的置钉准确性,分别于术后第1、3、7天测量两组的红细胞沉降率（ESR）及C反应蛋白（CRP）水平,同时对比两组的日本矫形外科协会（JOA）评分改善情况及椎间融合情况。结果 两组病人均顺利完成手术,未予以输血。3D导航组的术中透视次数、手术时间、术中失血量及引流量分别为（2.43±0.25）次、（110.86±10.75） min、（150.45±23.46） mL、（83.87±10.63） mL,徒手置钉组分别为（6.52±1.21）次、（152.37±13.45） min、（213.68±34.68） mL、（156.84±15.67） mL,3D导航组各项手术指标均优于徒手置钉组（P＜0.05）;3D导航组的置钉准确性显著优于徒手置钉组（100% vs. 73.33%,P＜0.05）;术后第1、3、7天时,3D导航组的ESR、CRP均较徒手置钉组显著降低（P＜0.05）;末次随访时,3D导航组的JOA改善率为75.00%,稍高于徒手置钉组的72.41%,但两组对比,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。随访期间,两组均达到良好椎间融合,无椎间融合期移位、螺钉断裂、松动或移位等情况出现。结论 3D导航引导与徒手椎板关节突螺钉置钉均可有效改善单节段腰椎融合手术病人的JOA评分,但与徒手置钉相比,3D导航引导下椎板关节突螺钉置钉可改善病人手术指标,提升置钉准确性,降低术后ESR和CRP,可作为腰椎椎板关节突螺钉置钉的优先选择方案。     

脊柱内窥镜下精准减压治疗有根性症状的高龄脊柱侧凸的临床疗效

目的 评价脊柱内窥镜下精准减压治疗有根性症状的高龄脊柱侧凸病人的临床效果。方法 回顾性分析2018年1月至2018年12月在我院行脊柱内窥镜下精准减压手术治疗的16例有根性症状的高龄脊柱侧凸病人的临床资料,其中男9例,女7例;年龄为（77.13±6.04）岁（71~96岁）;9例行侧方椎间孔入路减压神经根松解术,7例行椎板间单侧入路双侧减压神经根松解术。收集病人的手术时间、术后并发症发生情况,收集并比较病人术前、术后6个月随访时的腰痛及下肢痛疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评分和Oswestry功能障碍指数（Oswestry disability index, ODI）。结果 16例病人的手术时间为（138.18±27.16） min,随访时间为（8.31±2.02）个月。术前腰痛、下肢放射痛VAS评分和ODI分别为（6.02±0.77）分、（80.50±5.03）%,术后6个月随访时分别为（2.19±0.98）分、（41.25±7.89）%,手术前后数值比较,差异均有统计学意义（t=12.417,P＜0.001;t=23.453,P＜0.001）。结论 对于有根性症状的高龄脊柱侧凸病人,行脊柱内窥镜下精准减压治疗具有手术效果确切、耐受性好、并发症少等优点,可作为有根性症状的高龄脊柱侧凸病人序贯治疗中一种可选择的方案。     

后路双棒同步异质性去旋转矫治Lenke 1A和2A型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸的下端融合策略及疗效分析

目的 探讨后路双棒异质性去旋转技术在Lenke 1A和2A型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸（adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS）矫治中的临床疗效和远端融合策略。方法 回顾分析我院55例接受后路双棒异质性去旋转矫治的Lenke 1A和2A型AIS病人,所有病人随访1年以上。所有病人在手术前后及末次随访时均拍摄全脊柱正侧位片,测量侧凸Cobb角、顶椎偏距、冠状位平衡、矢状位平衡等参数。分析末次随访时远端叠加现象发生的危险因素。结果 55例病人的随访时间为（48.8±24.8）个月。术前主胸弯Cobb角为50.8°±10.4°,术后矫正至8.2°±4.9°,末次随访时为9.1°±4.9°,矫正率为82.3%±9.2%;术前腰弯Cobb角为28.5°±7.0°,术后矫正至5.1°±3.2°,末次随访时为6.3°±4.1°,矫正率为77.9%±13.6%。末次随访时7例病人出现远端叠加现象,发生率为12.7%。远端融合至最后实质性接触椎（LSTV）-1的病例中,发生远端叠加现象的病人与未发生的病人在手术年龄、Risser征、LSTV与下端椎（LEV）的位置关系方面的差异存在统计学意义（P=0.041,P=0.014,P=0.020）。结论 采用后路双棒同步异质性去旋转矫治Lenke 1A和2A型AIS,可以获得满意矫形效果,有助于重建和维持脊柱平衡,减少尾侧融合节段。对于Lenke 1A和2A型AIS病人,若骨骼成熟度正常,LIV可以选择LSTV-1。若骨骼成熟度低,LSTV与LEV相差两个椎体时,可以选择LSTV-1作为LIV。但在LSTV与LEV相差一个或少于一个椎体时,远端叠加现象的风险增加,LIV应选择LSTV。     

3D打印个性化导板辅助在上颈椎后路椎弓根钉置入中的初步临床应用

目的 探讨3D打印制作个体化颈椎椎弓根螺钉导板辅助上颈椎后路椎弓根钉置入的效果。方法 回顾性分析2013年10月至2018年10月于我院行3D打印导板辅助上颈椎后路椎弓根钉置入内固定治疗的32例颈椎疾病病人的临床资料,寰枢椎骨折15例（Jefferson分型前弓骨折6例、后弓骨折5例、前后弓同时骨折1例、单纯侧块骨折3例）,寰枢椎脱位17例。所有病人术前行颈椎三维CT检查,采用Mimics V17.0对目标椎体进行三维重建,3D打印机打印个体化颈椎椎弓根螺钉导板,在导板辅助下置钉。应用疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评分、日本骨科协会（Japanese Orthopaedic Association, JOA）颈椎神经功能评分评估手术前后病人颈椎疼痛程度、颈椎神经功能,并于术后进行CT复查,判断螺钉置入准确度,术后钉道内倾角和头倾角与术前设计的差异。结果 32例病人均顺利完成手术,术中导板与椎体后方骨性结构均紧密贴合,共置入椎弓根螺钉127枚,其中C₁：64枚,C₂：63枚。寰枢椎骨折组手术时间短于寰枢椎脱位组［（183.21±43.02） min vs. （236.62±54.51） min,P＜0.05］,两组术中出血量［（135.52±50.73） ml vs. （185.85±26.95） ml］的差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。颈椎术后钉道内倾角和头倾角与术前设计的差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。与术前比较,寰枢椎骨折病人和寰枢椎脱位病人术后VAS评分均显著下降（P＜0.05）,JOA评分均显著上升（P＜0.05）。术中未出现并发症,术后并发症发生率为12.50%（4/32）,均经对症治疗后好转。结论 3D打印导板辅助可降低上颈椎后路椎弓根钉置入内固定手术的风险,置钉准确度高,术中损伤小,术后并发症少。     

顶椎区多棒矫形联合远端脊柱后柱截骨治疗重度特发性脊柱侧凸的疗效分析

目的 探讨顶椎区多棒矫形联合远端脊柱后柱截骨术（posterior column osteotomy,PCO）治疗重度特发性脊柱侧凸的临床疗效及安全性。方法 回顾性分析我院2014年2月至2020年2月行后路手术、随访时间超过2年的重度特发性脊柱侧凸（Cobb角≥90°）病人共48例,所有病人均行远端PCO截骨,依据矫形情况分为顶椎区多棒矫形组（21例）和传统双棒矫形组（27例）,在术前、术后和末次随访时进行影像学和脊柱侧凸研究学会-22简明量表调查问卷（Scoliosis Research Society questionnaires-22,SRS-22）评估,比较两组的影像学参数、手术时间、出血量和并发症等,分析其疗效和安全性。结果 双棒矫形组随访（37.2±8.8）个月,多棒矫形组随访（31.6±7.6）个月。传统双棒矫形组手术时间为（430.8±79.1） min,长于多棒矫形组的（331.2±97.3） min,差异有统计学意义（P=0.037）。两组病人术后冠状面和矢状面参数均较术前显著改善,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。末次随访时,多棒矫形组的矢状面矫形丢失显著高于双棒矫形组（3.7°±0.9° vs. 2.3°±1.0°）,椎弓根螺钉拔出发生率显著低于双棒矫形组（4.8% vs. 29.6%）,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 与传统双棒比较,顶椎区多棒矫形技术联合远端PCO截骨具有相似的矫形效果,手术流程更简便,术中螺钉拔出率低,对于重度特发性脊柱侧凸,是一种安全有效的手术方法,但矢状面矫形丢失需要长期随访关注。     

3D打印导向模板辅助下置入空心钉治疗股骨颈骨折的临床研究

目的 探讨3D打印导向模板辅助下置入空心钉治疗股骨颈骨折的临床效果。方法 回顾性分析2015年3月至2017年12月在我院诊断为股骨颈骨折且需手术的病人,根据手术方式不同进行分组,每组40例。观察组采用3D打印导向模板植入3枚空心钉,对照组采用传统置钉导向器植入空心钉。两组病人均在骨科牵引床辅助“C”型臂X线机透视下完成手术,比较两组的置钉时间、术中导针穿针次数、术中X线透视次数和术中出血量。测量观察组术中所用置钉长度,并与术前通过3D打印模型测量所得的结果进行比较。结果 80例病人均顺利完成手术,未造成血管、神经损伤。观察组术中所用置钉长度与术前通过3D打印模型测量所得的结果相比,准确率在95%以上;观察组病人的置钉时间明显短于对照组,术中穿针次数、术中平均透视次数、术中出血量明显少于对照组（P＜0.05）。结论 3D打印导向模板辅助下置入空心钉治疗股骨颈骨折,有利于缩短手术时间,减少术中出血量,提高手术精度,达到良好的手术治疗效果,值得临床推广。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.