腰椎前路椎间融合术临床应用进展

腰椎前路椎间融合术自O’Brien报道以来，目前已成为一种椎间融合的标准技术，广泛应用于椎体滑脱、椎间盘源性疼痛、腰椎失稳等病症的治疗。近年来，腰椎前路椎间融合术在临床应用方面进展很快，小切口术式的临床应用，腹腔镜下手术的开展，使手术趋向微创化；多种内固定器械开始用于临床以增强前路融合的稳定性；椎间融合器自外形到材料等都有很大发展，椎间融合率不断提高，同时，人们对其并发症也有更深刻地认识。本文对腰椎前路椎间融合术的临床应用现状进行综述。     

不同植骨融合术治疗腰椎滑脱症的疗效分析

目的比较腰椎后外侧融合术(PLF)、腰椎后路椎间植骨融合术(PLIF)及腰椎经椎间孔椎间植骨融合术(TLIF)治疗腰椎滑脱症的临床效果。方法 118例腰椎滑脱患者,均予以椎弓根螺钉复位固定后行植骨融合术,其中行腰椎后外侧融合术36例(A组),腰椎后路椎间植骨融合术42例(B组),腰椎经椎间孔椎间植骨融合术40例(C组)。回顾性分析3组患者临床资料,比较3种植骨融合术的融合率及临床症状的改善情况。结果 C组的手术时间、术中出血量均明显低于A组和B组(P<0.05),但C组的植骨融合率明显高于A组和B组(P<0.05);A、B、C组的优良率分别为77.8%、83.3%和95.0%,3组间比较无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论联合椎弓根螺钉系统复位固定,有利于提高植骨融合率,减少并发症;腰椎经椎间孔椎间植骨融合术具有手术时间短、出血量少、椎间融合面积大、融合率高等优点,值得临床推广应用。     

不同植骨融合术治疗腰椎滑脱症的疗效比较分析

目的：比较3种不同植骨融合术治疗腰椎滑脱症的疗效。方法：自2006年1月至2008年12月共收治腰椎滑脱症患者85例,男36例,女49例;年龄38～65岁,平均51.8岁。采用3种手术方法：后外侧植骨融合术32例（A组）、后路椎体间植骨融合术28例（B组）、前路椎体间植骨融合术25例（C组）。疗效评定采用Nakai评分标准,骨性融合标准采用Suk标准判断。结果：所有患者均获得随访,随访时间均不少于2年。A组：优19例,良9例,中4例;B组：优16例,良9例,中3例;C组：优14例,良8例,中3例。A、B、C组的融合率分别为68.8%（22/32）、92.9%（26/28）、92.0%（23/25）。B、C组的椎间隙高度维持及融合率均优于A组（P〈0.05）。结论：对于治疗腰椎滑脱症,前路及后路椎体间植骨融合术在椎间隙高度维持及融合率优于后外侧植骨融合术,但腰椎滑脱症病情及伴随并发症多样化,应具体根据患者滑脱类型、程度、有无椎间盘突出及神经症状等做出相应的选择。     

腹腔镜下腰椎融合术的初步临床应用及近期疗效观察

目的: 探索腹腔镜下腰椎前路融合术。方法: 4例L4~5、3例L5S1 的病人进行了腹腔镜下腹膜外的腰椎前路融合术。融合方法为植入钛的Syncage及自体髂骨于椎体间隙。分析手术过程中的出血量及并发症, 手术后病人的恢复情况。结果: 成功地完成了7例在腹腔镜下腹膜外的下腰椎前路融合术。手术平均时间为1 .5h, 平均出血量为150ml, 没有大血管损伤, 没有内植物脱落。术后5d病人下地活动, 症状消失。结论: 腹腔镜下腰椎前路融合术是一种损伤小、出血少、病人术后恢复快的手术方式。     

腹腔镜辅助腰椎前路椎间融合术治疗腰椎退变性疾病

 目的 探讨腹腔镜辅助腰椎前路椎间融合术治疗腰椎退变性疾病的疗效。方法 2006年 1月至 2009年 6月腰椎退变性疾病患者 37例行腹腔镜辅助腰椎前路椎间融合, 男 22例, 女 15例;年龄 16~55岁, 平均 43.7岁。全部病例行血管造影三维 CT检查、17例行椎间盘造影检查, 确定责任椎间盘为 L5S1 21例, L4-5 11例, L3-4 2例, L2-3 2例, L1-2 1例。 29例经腹腔入路、8例经腹膜后入路行椎间盘切除及椎间融合器融合, 3例以骨盆重建钛板固定。术后 3、6、12个月通过 X线或 CT观察植骨融合情况, 3个月时采用中华医学会骨科学分会脊柱学组腰背痛手术评分评价疗效。结果手术时间 60~140 min, 平均 100 min;术中出血 50~300 ml, 平均 120 ml;住: 时间 7~12d, 平均 8d。 2例经腹腔入路患者出现麻痹性肠梗阻。全部病例随访 6~35个月, 平均 18.7个月。疗效为优 23例、良 11例、差 3例, 优良率 91.9%(34/37)。 23例于术后 3个月、12例于术后 6个月植骨融合;2例术后 6个月时椎间前缘高度丢失 1.3 mm和 1.9 mm, 无明显不适症状, 术后 12个月植骨融合。无内植物松动、脱落等并发症。结论腹腔镜辅助腰椎前路椎间融合术创伤小、卧床时间短、并发症少。经腹腔入路术后肠梗阻相对多见。在选择手术入路时应考虑术者经验和下腰椎前方大血管的解剖位置。     

单纯椎间融合器腰椎前路融合术治疗腰椎退变性疾病

 目的 探讨采用经腹膜外入路单纯椎间融合器腰椎前路融合术治疗腰椎退变性疾病的临床疗效。方法 34例患者, 男 10例, 女 24例;年龄 26~67岁, 平均 52岁。腰椎退变性滑脱 11例, 腰椎间盘源性疼痛 21例, 后路手术后复发前路翻修 2例。 L4, 5间隙 12例, L5S1间隙 20例, L4, 5、L5S1双间隙 2例。 34例患者均行下腹部小切口经腹膜外入路椎间盘切除单纯椎间融合器植骨融合术, 切口长度平均 7 cm, 记录手术时间、出血量和围手术期并发症。采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale, VAS)和 Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index, ODI)评估患者术后症状改善情况。定期复查并摄腰椎 X线片及 CT, 观察脊柱融合情况。结果均顺利完成手术, 手术时间平均 90 min, 失血量平均 200 ml。 1例出现下腔静脉分叉处撕裂, 经修补后完成手术;1例出现腹膜撕裂, 予以修补。均获得 12~60个月随访, 平均 36个月。术后腰痛及下肢痛症状明显缓解, 均恢复正常生活和工作。 VAS评分由术前平均 7分, 降至未次随访时平均 0.5分。 ODI由术前平均 41%, 降至末次随访时平均 6%。除 1例外均未发现椎间融合器移位, 椎间临床融合率 97%。结论腹膜外入路腰椎前路融合不仅创伤小, 还可彻底切除退变椎间盘, 压应力侧大面积植骨, 融合率高, 术后可早期下床, 利于康复和护理。     

颈前路椎间盘切除椎间植骨融合内固定术治疗脊髓型颈椎病疗效分析

目的分析颈前路椎间盘切除椎间植骨融合内固定术治疗脊髓型颈椎病(CSM)的临床疗效。方法回顾性收集76例CSM患者的临床资料,根据前路减压术式不同分为A组和B组各38例,A组行颈椎前路椎间盘摘除融合术,B组行颈前路椎间盘切除椎间植骨融合内固定术。记录两组手术基本情况及颈肩部疼痛、脊髓功能改善效果,根据X线片测量相关影像学指标。结果两组手术时间、颈托保护时间、住院时间比较无统计学意义(P0.05),但B组术中失血量明显少(P0.05),两组均未见严重并发症。两组术前颈肩部视觉模拟疼痛(VAS)评分、日本矫形外科学会(JOA)评分比较无统计学意义(P0.05),术后1、2、6个月两组VAS评分、JOA评分依次显著改善(P0.05),且与A组比较,B组术后1、2个月VAS评分显著较低,术后1、2、6个月JOA评分升高幅度明显较大(P0.05)。两组术前椎间高度、融合节段Cobb角及颈椎曲度比较无统计学意义(P0.05),术后1个月椎间高度、融合节段Cobb角及颈椎曲度均显著增高(P0.05),但A组、B组术后6个月上述影像学指标维持效果比较有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论颈椎前路椎间盘摘除融合术、颈前路椎间盘切除椎间植骨融合内固定术治疗CSM均可取得较好的临床疗效,但后者术后见效更快,更有利于椎间高度、融合节段Cobb角及颈椎曲度的维持。     

SynFrame拉钩在腰椎前路椎体间融合术中的应用

目的:探讨在微创条件下完成腰椎前路椎间融合术的技巧。方法:采用AO多用途脊柱拉钩SynFrame经腹膜外入路完成腰椎前路椎间融合术(ALIF)20例,其中L4/512例,L5/S18例。结果:前路手术时间90～120min,失血量125～200ml,拉钩深度12～18cm,植骨块高度最大25mm,最小12mm,平均17mm,。随访5～24个月,平均10.1个月。患者疼痛消失,动态X线片见椎间植骨全部融合,融合时间2.5～5.5个月,平均2.8个月。未出现大血管损伤、男性交感链损伤等并发症。结论:经腹膜外入路SynFrame拉钩下完成L4/5和L5/S1的椎间融合术创伤小、手术难度降低。     

后路单双枚Cage椎间融合治疗腰椎滑脱临床疗效比较

目的 比较分析经后路单、双枚Cage椎间融合术治疗腰椎滑脱的临床疗效.方法 2004-03-2008-02我院对100例椎弓峡部裂性腰椎滑脱患者进行前瞻性研究,其中9例失去随访.所有患者均行后路椎管减压、椎弓根钉系统内固定和Cage椎间植骨融合术.将患者分为A、B两组,A组47例,为单Cage组;B组44例,为双Cage组.比较两组患者的术后VAS疼痛评分、Oswestry功能障碍评分、Kirkaldy-Willis综合临床疗效、椎间融合率、手术时间、术中出血量和并发症发生率.结果 A、B两组患者VAS疼痛评分、Oswestry功能障碍评分、Kirkaldy-Willis综合临床疗效、椎间融合率、手术时间、术中出血量和并发症发生率比较无显著差异.结论 单枚或者双枚Cage腰椎间融合联合椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗腰椎滑脱,具有相同的融合率和临床疗效,并发症发生率相似.     

内镜下经椎间孔腰椎椎体间融合术治疗退变性腰椎滑脱症

[目的]探讨内镜下经椎间孔入路腰椎椎体间融合术治疗退变性腰椎滑脱症的疗效。[方法]2005年1月～2005年12月,在内镜辅助下经椎间孔入路行腰椎体间植骨融合、椎弓根钉复位内固定术治疗单节段退变性腰椎滑脱症患者17例。男10例,女7例;年龄35～68岁,平均47.6岁。L4椎体滑脱11例,L5椎体滑脱6例;根据Meyerding滑脱分类:Ⅰ度滑脱10例,Ⅱ度滑脱7例。伴有L4、5椎间盘突出7例、椎管狭窄5例,L5S1椎间盘突出4例。[结果]17例手术顺利,手术时间平均160min;术中失血量平均120ml;平均住院时间8d;无神经损伤,无中转开放手术。围手术期发生椎间隙感染1例。17例病人获得随访,时间12～24个月,平均16.2个月。融合率100%。ODI评分术前平均为48.3%,术后3个月平均为16.5%,术后6个月平均为14.0%,优良率97.5%。[结论]内镜下经椎间孔入路腰椎椎体间融合术治疗退变性腰椎滑脱症,手术切口短、创伤小、出血少,术后功能恢复快,临床效果满意。     

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.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.