直接上方入路与后外侧入路在高龄股骨颈骨折半髋置换术中的早期疗效比较

目的:对比分析直接上方入路(direct superior approach,DSA)与后外侧入路(posterior lateral approach,PLA)在高龄股骨颈骨折半髋置换术中的早期临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析2020年1月至 2021 年12月收治的72例接受半髋置换手术老年股骨颈骨折患者的临床资料,其中36例采用微创DSA入路,男10例,女26例,年龄(82.82±4.05)岁;36例采用传统PLA入路,男14例,女22例,年龄(82.79±3.21)岁。比较两组患者围手术期相关指标、不同时间点Harris评分。结果:DSA组手术时间(79.41±17.39) min,比PLA组(98.45±26.58) min更短;切口长度(8.33±2.69) cm,比PLA组(11.18±1.33) cm短;术中失血量(138.46±71.58) ml,比PLA组(173.51±87.17) ml更少;初次下地时间(3.04±0.95) d,比PLA组(4.52±1.10) d更早;住院时长(8.70±1.89) d,比PLA组(10.67±2.35) d短(P<0.05)。两组术前Harris评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),术后1个月DSA组Harris功能和总分高于PLA组(P<0.05),而术后12个月两组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:在半髋置换手术中,DSA入路较PLA入路在手术时间、术中出血量、切口长度、初次下地时间、住院时长以及术后1个月的Harris评分等临床指标更优,在促进高龄股骨颈骨折患者术后早期康复上具有明显优势。     

带旋髂深血管髂骨瓣和股方肌骨瓣移植治疗青壮年GardenⅢ-Ⅳ型股骨颈骨折的比较

目的:对比髋关节前侧S-P入路联合带旋髂深血管髂骨瓣植骨及后侧K-L入路联合带股方肌骨瓣植骨治疗青壮年股骨颈GardenⅢ/Ⅳ型骨折的疗效差异.方法:2004年1月至2011年1月收治46 例青壮年GardenⅢ/Ⅳ型股骨颈骨折患者,其中20例采用前侧S-P入路联合带旋髂深血管髂骨瓣植骨(S-P组),男12例,女8例,年龄(32.1±7.3)岁,骨折GardenⅢ型12例,Ⅳ型8例;26例采用髋关节后侧K-L入路联合应用带股方肌骨瓣植骨(K-L组),男20例,女6例,年龄(37.8±6.9)岁,GardenⅢ型16例,Ⅳ型10例.观察比较两组患者住院观察指标(住院时间、住院总费用、手术时间、术中出血量、术后并发症)、手术质量指标(骨折复位质量、内固定置入质量、骨折愈合时间、骨折不愈合、股骨头缺血性坏死)以及髋关节功能Harris评分.结果:46例患者术后获得随访,时间28~41个月,平均32个月.患者术中出血量:S-P组为(92.3±10.4) ml,K-L组为(132.4±11.2) ml,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);手术时间:S-P组为(81.4±9.2) min,K-L组为(67.1±4.5) min,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).术后S-P组有1例患者出现内科并发症,而K-L组有9例;在骨折愈合时间上,S-P组(83.5±7.3) d,K-L组(103.2±12.6) d,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后30个月两组Harris 评分差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论:采用髋关节前侧S-P入路治疗青壮年Ⅲ/Ⅳ股骨颈骨折,具有解剖清晰、操作便利的特点,与后侧K-L入路相比较,该入路能较好的保留股骨颈残留血供,联合带旋髂深血管髂骨瓣植骨能较好重建股骨颈血供,利于骨折愈合.     

和胃接骨饮对老年股骨转子间骨折内固定术后疗效影响的病例对照研究

目的:观察和胃接骨饮对老年股骨转子间骨折内固定术后疗效的影响。方法:自2010年1月至2012年1月,将90例老年股骨转子间骨折患者按入院时间随机分为试验组和对照组。试验组男18例,女27例;年龄65～89岁,平均(77.8±11.3)岁;伤后至手术时间2～9 d,平均(6.6±2.1) d;Evans-Jensen分型:Ⅰ型17例,Ⅱ型8例,Ⅲ型15例,Ⅳ型3例,Ⅴ型2例;行内固定手术并予口服和胃接骨饮及钙尔奇D治疗,疗程3个月。对照组男16例,女29例;年龄67～91岁,平均(81.2±9.6)岁;伤后至手术时间2～10 d,平均(6.8±2.6) d;Evans-Jensen分型:Ⅰ型15例,Ⅱ型10例,Ⅲ型14例,Ⅳ型4例,Ⅴ型2例;行内固定手术并口服钙尔奇D治疗,疗程3个月。记录并比较两组患者治疗前后髋部VAS评分、骨密度(BMD)值及骨折愈合情况、髋关节Harris评分。结果:所有病例获得随访,时间3～9个月,平均(5.6±2.8)个月。与对照组比较,试验组患者术后VAS评分明显逐渐降低(F=98.138,P<0.01),且术后3个月髋部BMD值明显高于对照组(P<0.05);试验组患者临床骨折愈合率高于对照组(P<0.05),术后3个月试验组患髋Harris评分高于对照组,两组比较差异有统计学意义(t=2.542,P<0.05).结论:和胃接骨饮能提高老年人股骨转子间骨折内固定术后BMD值,同时减轻老年人股骨粗隆间骨折术后疼痛,促进老年人股骨转子间骨折愈合及促进术后髋关节功能恢复。     

加速康复方案在老年转子间骨折治疗中的应用疗效分析

目的：评估老年转子间骨折治疗中应用加速康复方案的临床价值。方法：2016年1月至2018年10月收治80例老年转子间骨折,按处置方案不同分为加速康复组和传统康复组,每组40例,加速康复组男22例,女18例,年龄（78.5±9.1）岁;传统康复组男19例,女21例,年龄（80.6±8.1）岁。比较两组围手术期失血量、并发症发生、入院到手术时间、住院时间、髋关节Harris评分及改良BADL量表评分。结果：80例患者获得12个月以上的随访,平均随访时间（15.4±2.6）个月。加速康复组围手术期总失血量明显低于传统康复组（P<0.001）。两组并发症发生率比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。加速康复组入院至手术时间（1.48±0.51） d,明显低于传统康复组（4.35±1.55） d（t=11.185,P<0.01）;加速康复组住院时间（6.4±1.1） d,明显低于传统康复组（9.9±1.9） d（t=9.958,P<0.01）。术后12个月时,两组髋关节Harris评分比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,改良BADL评分比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论：加速康复方案在老年转子间骨折中的应用是安全有效的,可以减少围手术期出血量,缩短住院时间,加快髋关节功能的恢复。     

微创股骨头置换术与股骨近端防旋髓内钉治疗高龄粉碎性股骨转子间骨折的疗效比较

目的：探讨微创股骨头置换术与股骨近端防旋髓内钉（proximal femoral nail antirotation,PFNA）内固定术治疗高龄粉碎性股骨转子间骨折患者的临床疗效。方法：2020年4月至2020年10月治疗高龄粉碎性股骨转子间骨折患者76例,分别采用微创股骨头置换术（假体组）与PFNA内固定术。假体组35例,女24例,男11例,年龄（86.2±6.1）岁;PFNA组41例,女28例,男13例,年龄（84.6±5.3）岁。观察比较两组手术时间、术中出血量、术后下地活动时间、住院时间及并发症发生情况,术后1、6、12个月行髋关节功能Harris评分。结果：患者均获得随访,时间13~17（14.3±1.4）个月。假体组手术时间长于PFNA组（P<0.05）;PFNA组出血量少于假体组（P<0.05）;术后下地活动时间假体组明显早于PFNA组（P<0.05）;术后1、6个月假体组的Harris评分高于PFNA组（P<0.05）,术后12个月两组Harris评分比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。假体组并发症少于PFNA组（P<0.05）。结论：高龄粉碎性股骨转子间骨折患者,采用微创股骨头置换术治疗是一种良好选择,有利于术后早期康复,减少并发症,提高生活质量,减轻家属及社会负担。     

老年髋部骨折术后健侧骨折的危险因素分析

目的: 探讨老年髋部骨折术后健侧骨折的发生率及其相关危险因素为预防再次骨折提供依据。方法: 回顾分析2012年6月至2017年6月接受髋关节置换术或股骨近端髓内钉固定术治疗的65岁以上股骨颈骨折或转子间骨折452例患者的临床资料,男168例,女284例;年龄65~97(75.5±7.5)岁;股骨颈骨折191例,股骨转子间骨折261例;按照术后健侧髋部是否存在骨折,分为骨折组和无骨折组,记录两组患者性别、年龄、体质量指数、骨折类型、初次治疗方式、骨密度、医疗依从性、术后是否短期谵妄、伤前是否并存内科疾病及末次随访髋关节Harris评分。应用单因素Logostic回归分析筛选出术后健侧骨折的危险因素,再将有统计学意义的危险因素纳入多因素Logostic回归分析,筛选出老年髋部骨折术后健侧骨折的独立危险因素。结果: 452例患者中42例发生健侧髋部骨折,发生率为9.3%,两次骨折发生相隔时间平均(2.9±2.1)年。单因素Logistic回归分析结果示年龄、骨密度、医疗依从性、术后短期谵妄、伤前合并内科疾病及末次随访髋关节Harris评分差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。多因素Logistic分析显示年龄(OR=4.227)、骨密度(OR=4.313)、合并内科疾病(OR=5.616),以及末次随访髋关节Harris评分分级低(OR=3.891),是老年髋部骨折术后健侧骨折的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。结论: 年龄、骨密度、合并内科疾病以及末次随访髋关节Harris评分分级低是老年髋部骨折术后健侧骨折的主要危险因素,术后3年内要加强内科疾病的治疗,抗骨质疏松,改善髋关节功能,以预防健侧髋部骨折的发生。     

PFNA与DHS治疗高龄不稳定股骨转子间骨折的疗效比较

目的：比较股骨近端防旋髓内钉（proximal femoral nail anti-rotation，PFNA）与动力髋螺钉（dynamic hip screw，DHS）治疗高龄不稳定股骨转子间骨折的临床疗效。方法：2012年1月至2015年12月收治的83例高龄不稳定股骨转子间骨折患者分为采取PFNA治疗的45例与采取DHS治疗的38例。PFNA组中男24例，女21例；年龄82～94（88.35±6.12）岁；病程1.5～10（4.33±1.07） h；交通事故33例，高空坠落10例，跌倒伤2例；Evans-Jensen分型：ⅢA型21例，ⅢB型18例，Ⅳ型6例。DHS组中男20例，女18例；年龄83～95（88.77±5.52）岁；病程1～10（4.37±1.05） h；交通事故27例，高空坠落10例，跌倒伤1例；Evans-Jensen分型：ⅢA型18例，ⅢB型15例，Ⅳ型5例。观察比较两组手术时间、术中出血量、出院时并发症。利用健康调查简表（the Mos 36-item Short Form Health Survey，SF-36）测定术前及术后12个月生活质量。采用Harris评分评价术后12个月髋关节功能。结果：PFNA组手术时间、术中出血量、并发症发生率均明显低于DHS组（P<0.05）；两组患者均获得12个月随访，期间无脱落，两组术后12个月Harris评分、SF-36评分均高于术前（P<0.05），PFNA组均明显高于DHS组（P<0.05）；PFNA组优良率高于DHS组（P<0.05）。结论：与DHS相比，PFNA治疗高龄不稳定股骨转子间骨折操作更为简便、创伤更小、并发症更少、短期优良率与患者生活质量更高，可作为治疗高龄不稳定股骨转子间骨折的优选治疗方法。     

聚焦式体外冲击波联合离心锻炼治疗大转子疼痛综合征

目的：探讨聚焦式体外冲击波联合离心锻炼治疗股骨大转子疼痛综合征的临床疗效。方法：2017年9月至2019年6月,将符合研究标准的53例股骨大转子疼痛综合征（greater trochanteric pain syndrome,GTPS）的患者分为观察组（29例）和对照组（24例）。观察组,男8例,女21例,年龄38~62（49.96±6.39）岁,病程6~13（8.58±1.99）个月,采用聚焦式体外冲击波联合离心锻炼治疗;对照组,男5例,女19例,年龄39~62（52.79±5.86）岁,病程6~14（9.04±2.51）个月,单纯采用离心锻炼治疗。分别使用疼痛视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale,VAS）和髋关节Harris评分评估两组患者治疗前及治疗后1、2、6个月时髋部疼痛缓解程度及髋关节功能恢复情况,比较治疗效果。结果：治疗后1个月,两组VAS、髋关节Harris评分及治疗成功率比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;2个月时,观察组VAS （3.20±0.81）分低于对照组的（3.87±0.61）分（P<0.05）,髋关节Harris评分（81.93±2.43）分与对照组（82.12±2.34）分比较差异无统计学意义（P=0.770）,治疗成功率（58.62%,17/29）高于对照组（29.16%,7/24）（P=0.032）;6个月时,观察组VAS （2.24±0.68）分低于对照组的（3.12±0.53）分（P<0.001）,髋关节Harris评分（85.10±1.75）分高于对照组的（83.66±1.78）分（P=0.005）,治疗成功率（82.75%,24/29）与对照组（62.50%,15/24）比较差异无统计学意义（P=0.096）。结论：聚焦式体外冲击波联合离心锻炼能够显著缓解大转子疼痛综合征患者髋部疼痛症状,改善髋关节功能,安全性可靠,值得在临床实践中应用推广。     

关节镜双后内入路与切开手术治疗急性单纯后交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折早期疗效对比

目的:比较关节镜双后内入路与切开手术治疗急性单纯后交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折的疗效差异。方法:回顾性分析2016年6月至2020年6月经手术治疗的52例急性单纯性后交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折患者的临床资料,按手术方案不同分为两组,关节镜组27例患者行关节镜双后内入路手术治疗,其中男16例,女11例,年龄19~52(34.9±9.2)岁;切开复位组25例患者行膝关节后内侧切口手术治疗,其中男14例,女11例,年龄18~54(33.7±8.4)岁。观察并比较两组患者手术时间、切口长度、术中出血量、住院时间、住院费用、术后愈合情况、并发症以及术后12个月Lysholm、IKDC评分。结果:两组患者均顺利完成手术,无血管、神经损伤。52例均获得随访,时间6~24(15.0±1.7)个月。关节镜组手术时间、住院费用大于切开复位组(P<0.05);关节镜组术中出血量、切口长度、住院时间小于切开复位组(P<0.05);关节镜组和切开复位组术后12个月Lysholm评分分别为(95.9±1.7)分和(86.4±1.2)分,均较术前的(49.1±2.3)分和(48.9±1.1)分显著提高(P<0.05);关节镜组和切开复位组术后12个月IKDC总分分别为(96.9±1.5)分和(87.1±1.4)分,均较术前的(47.6±4.1)分和(48.1±3.9)分显著提高(P<0.05);关节镜组术后12个月膝关节Lysholm、IKDC评分均高于切开复位组(P<0.05)。结论:关节镜双后内入路治疗急性单纯后交叉韧带胫骨止点撕脱骨折,早期效果满意,疗效优于传统开放手术,具有创伤小、恢复快、操作简便等优点。     

带股骨距假体置换与髓内钉治疗高龄股骨转子间骨折的临床疗效对比

目的：分析采用带股骨距假体髋关节置换术与同期行闭合复位防旋股骨近端髓内钉（proximal femoral nail antirotation,PFNA）内固定术治疗高龄患者（≥ 80岁）股骨转子间不稳定型骨折（Evans Ⅲ、Ⅳ型）的临床疗效。方法：回顾分析2016年6月至2018年3月采用假体置换与PFNA治疗的高龄股骨转子间不稳定型骨折患者60例,根据手术方式分为PFNA组与假体组,其中PFNA组男21例,女15例,年龄（84.3±2.9）岁;假体组男10例,女14例,年龄（82.9±2.4）岁。观察比较两组手术时间、术前与术后1 d血红蛋白差值、术后下地活动时间、住院时间及并发症发生情况,术后3、12个月行髋关节功能Harris评分。结果：患者均获得随访,时间12~24（19.3±4.8）个月,假体组1例1年后死于肺癌,随访终止。假体组手术时间长于PFNA组（P<0.05）;术前后血红蛋白差值,假体组与PFNA组无差异（P>0.05）;下地活动时间,假体组早于PFNA组（P<0.05）;并发症出现数量,假体组少于PFNA组（P<0.05）;治疗前假体组与PFNA组Harris评分差异无统计学意义,治疗后两组评分均较治疗前显著升高（P<0.05）,术后3个月随访假体组评分高于髓内钉组（P<0.05）,术后12个月差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。。结论：对高龄不稳定型股骨转子间骨折,尤其骨质疏松严重者,实施带股骨距假体髋关节置换术治疗是一种良好选择,有利于高龄患者术后功能锻炼和早期下地活动,减少并发症,提高生活质量,减轻家属及社会负担。     

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.     

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.     

Intrathecal administration of sameridine to patients subjected to arthroscopic knee joint surgery

Background: Sameridine, a new substance with both local anesthetic and opioid effects, was administered intrathecally for the first time to humans, i. e. in patients subjected to arthroscopic knee joint surgery.
Method: A dose-escalating (10, 15, 20 and 25 mg), open study was performed in 33 patients. Only two patients were included in the 25 mg group.
Results: Sameridine provided good quality of surgical anesthesia in all patients except those receiving 10 mg. The maximum level of sensory block, Th5–Th7, was reached within 30 min with a median duration of 3.6–3.9 h. The motor block was more profound with increasing dose, but never lasted longer than the sensory block. The influence on heart rate and blood pressure was minor and atropine and ephedrine were needed in four patients. No clinically significant ECG-changes were detected and no arrhythmias were recorded. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate did not decrease in a clinically significant way and were not affected by concomitant morphine given i. v. postoperatively. There were few side-effects, the most frequent being mild pruritus (10/33).
Conclusion: Sameridine provided clinically adequate anesthesia for the patients receiving the doses of 15, 20 and 25 mg. Further studies are needed to evaluate the substance and it is of great interest to clinically investigate the opioid component with respect to postoperative analgesia.     

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.