双侧关节突关节切除致椎间盘退变的影像学观察

[目的]探讨新西兰大白兔腰椎关节突关节破坏能否诱发出椎间盘退变的影像学改变。[方法]45只新西兰大白兔，体重2．25～2．95kg，雄性。随机分为骨性手术组和软组织手术组。软组织手术组骨膜下剥离L3至b的椎旁肌肉：骨性手术组完整切除L4、5，双侧下关节突、L5棘突，保留L5、6上关节突。骨性手术组L4、5、L5、6椎间盘为实验组椎间盘，上下相邻的L3、4、L6、7，为自身对照组椎间盘。软组织手术组L4、5、L5、6。椎间盘为实验对照组椎间盘。术后1、2、4及8个月行X线检查。计数不同组别椎间盘退变的异常X线征象发生频数并进行统计分析。[结果]术后1个月，实验组椎间盘开始出现软骨终板钙化。随着时间推移，椎间隙狭窄、椎体边缘骨赘、软骨终板钙化发生频数逐渐增多，与实验对照组、自身对照组比较具有统计学差异。术后8个月，骨性手术组中大部分动物出现以L4、5、或L5、6为中心的角状后凸畸形。[结论]L4、5、L5、6。关节突关节破坏导致椎间失稳，椎间失稳后可以诱发出椎间盘退变的影像学改变。     

双侧关节突关节切除诱发椎间盘退变的磁共振计量分析

[目的]探讨新西兰大白兔腰椎关节突关节破坏诱发出椎间盘退变的核磁共振改变。[方法]30只新西兰大白兔,体重2.25~2.95kg,雄性。随机分为骨性手术组和软组织手术组。软组织手术组仅骨膜下剥离L3~7的椎旁肌肉;骨性手术组完整切除L4、5双侧下关节突和L5棘突,保留L5、L6上关节突。骨性手术组L4、5、L5、6椎间盘为实验组椎间盘,上下相邻的L3、4、L6、7为自身对照组椎间盘。软组织手术组L4、5、L5、6椎间盘为实验对照组椎间盘。术后1、2、4及8个月行核磁共振检查。将实验所得的L3、4、L4、5、L5、6、L6、7T2WI轴位像输入电脑,用KONTRONIBAS2.0全自动图像分析系统分析图像中高信号区域面积占整个椎间盘面积的百分比(面积分数)并进行统计分析。[结果]新西兰大白兔T2WI矢状位像上,髓核呈均一高信号。T2WI轴位像上,髓核高信号区域位于椎间盘中央,占椎间盘横截面积50%左右。养殖1个月与8个月面积分数比较无统计学差异。随着术后时间延长,实验组椎间盘轴位像上面积分数变化显著,自身对照组次之,实验对照组最小,相同时间3组之间比较有统计学差异,相同组别术后不同时间比较有统计学差异。[结论]脊柱失稳可以诱发椎间盘退变。髓核T2WI轴位像上面积分数减小能够较早反映出椎间盘退变。     

腰椎间盘退变动物模型的建立

目的 制备椎问盘退变动物模型.方法 将48只新西兰大白兔随机分为骨性手术组和软组织手术组.骨性手术组L4L5、L5L6为实验组椎间盘,L3L4、L6L7为自身对照组;软组织手术组L4L5、L5L6为实验对照组椎问盘.术后1、2,4及8个月行MRI及分子生物学检查.结果 (1)MRI:兔髓核位于椎间盘中央,占椎间盘横截面积50%左右.术后1、2、4及8个月,3组椎间盘横断面T2高信号区域面积分数均逐渐减小(F=96.2～1544.4,P<0.01);术后相同时间段,实验组面积分数最小,自身对照组次之,实验对照组最高,差异有统计学意义(F=125.7～1850.6,P<0.01).(2)分子生物学:蛋白多糖、胶原为椎间盘主要细胞外基质,术后1、2、4及8个月,3组椎间盘蛋白多糖、Ⅱ型胶原表达量进行性下降(F=148.2～1544.4,P<0.01),Ⅰ型胶原表达量进行性上升(F=94.3～579.6,P<0.01).术后相同时间段,实验组蛋白多糖、Ⅱ型胶原最小,自身对照组次之,实验对照组最高(F=135.5～3520.6,P<0.01);Ⅰ型胶原表达量实验组高于实验对照组、自身对照组(F=7.8～143.1,P<0.01).结论 破坏关节突关节成功制备出椎间盘退变动物模型.     

兔椎间失稳软骨终板退变的实验研究

[目的]通过电镜研究软骨终板在椎间失稳环境下的退变过程,为椎间盘退变的治疗提供新的思路和方法.[方法]取48只6个月龄日本大耳白兔,雌雄不限,体重为(2.5±0.2)kg,随机进行分组,分为对照组和实验组,对照组为21只;实验组为27只;先将实验组兔腰背部皮毛剪除,用安定注射液1.25 mg/kg、氯胺酮0.02 g/kg、阿托品0.125 mg/kg顺次耳缘静脉注射麻醉后,俯卧固定于手术台上,用1%碘伏消毒手术区域,以髂嵴平对椎间隙(即L6.7)为中心,从正中取一长约4 cm纵行切口,切开皮肤及皮下组织,锐性分离,暴露棘突、椎板及上下关节突,将附着于棘突、椎板及小关节的肌肉全部分离开,然后依次切除L6.7棘上及棘间韧带,咬除第6腰椎两侧下关节突,造成椎间失稳,用无菌生理盐水冲洗切口,依次缝合各层组织;术后动物在笼中自由活动.实验组分别在术后2个月、4个月、6个月取材,对照组在相同条件下饲养后2个月、4个月、6个月取材;对椎间盘软骨终板用透射电镜观察软骨终板的结构,以综合判断软骨终板的退变过程.[结果]椎间失稳可导致椎问软骨终板胶原纤维结构由整齐有序、排列紧密向杂乱无章、排列松散退变.[结论]椎间失稳能明显导致椎间软骨终板的退变.     

微创针刺旋切制备兔椎间盘退变模型

目的探讨微创针刺旋切制备兔椎间盘退变(intervertebral disc degeneration,IDD)模型的可行性。方法取40只新西兰大白兔,雌雄不限,体质量(2.9±0.3)kg;随机分为对照组和实验组(n=20)。对照组不予处理;实验组采用18G穿刺针在C臂X线机引导下经皮侧后方穿刺进入L4、5、L5、6椎间盘内,旋切髓核组织以促进椎间盘的退变。术后4、8、12、16周行大体观察、MRI观察并根据Pfirrmann分级法评价椎间盘退变情况,然后处死动物取材行Masson染色和番红O染色观察。结果实验组髓核组织颜色较对照组暗,弹性降低。对照组MRI T2加权像椎间盘信号强度早期未见明显改变,后期略减弱;实验组椎间盘信号强度随时间延长呈减弱趋势。根据Pfirrmann分级法评价椎间盘退变程度,两组随时间延长椎间盘退变程度均逐渐加重(P0.05);两组间比较除术后4周差异无统计学意义(P0.05)外,其余术后各时间点实验组椎间盘退变程度较对照组严重(P0.05)。Masson染色示随时间延长,对照组纤维环出现排列不规整,但结构仍完整;实验组纤维环排列紊乱,甚至出现断裂现象。番红O染色示对照组髓核细胞未见明显减少,实验组髓核细胞明显减少。结论微创针刺旋切法可成功制备兔IDD模型。     

实验性脊柱内固定后相应区域椎间盘超微结构观察

目的　观察脊柱内固定后相应区域椎间盘的超微结构变化。　方法　日本大耳白兔2 4只,随机分成实验组和对照组,每组12只。实验组骨膜下游离T1 0 ～L3棘突和关节突,克氏针制成“L”形,将钢丝横行穿过T1 1、1 2 ,L1、2 的关节突关节,并与置于T1 1 ～L3棘突两旁的克氏针系紧,对相应区域的脊柱行内固定术。对照组未行手术,仅喂养至实验完成。术后6个月,对两组动物摄X线片观察1次,随后处死动物。取两组动物的L1 椎间盘组织(髓核、纤维环内侧及纤维环外侧)行透射电镜观察,对两组T1 2 、L2 椎间盘组织分别行水平面和矢状面透射电镜及扫描电镜观察。　结果　X线片显示,实验组与对照组椎体及椎间隙差别不明显;透射电镜与扫描电镜观察,实验组椎间盘的髓核、纤维环内层细胞的结构改变较纤维环外层早;对照组的髓核、纤维环内层细胞的结构改变与纤维环外层差别不明显。在退变的椎间盘基质中,蛋白多糖颗粒和特殊结构明显减少。髓核与纤维环基质内有蛋白多糖颗粒和一种特殊结构,而特殊结构在髓核与纤维环内层的形态不一致。　结论　脊柱内固定术后6个月,实验组在异常应力环境下发生椎间盘退变。髓核、纤维环内层基质内的特殊结构分布有特殊规律,与蛋白多糖颗粒在椎间盘退变中的生物学行为密切相关。     

成骨蛋白-1对髓核抽吸术后兔腰椎间盘组织病理变化的影响

目的:观察成骨蛋白-1(osteogenic protein-1,OP-1)对髓核抽吸术后兔椎间盘组织病理变化的影响.方法:32只日本大耳白兔,用21号针头行L1/2、L3/4椎间盘后外侧穿刺,抽吸出部分髓核组织,L3/4用微量注射器注射OP-1 25μl作为实验椎间盘(OP-1组),L1/2注射25μl生理盐水作为对照椎间盘(Saline组),L2/3作为正常对照椎间盘(正常组),术后2周、4周、8周、12周分别随机处死8只兔,每只取L1/2、L2/3和L3/4椎间盘,切片,行Masson染色,观察椎间盘组织病理学变化情况.结果:正常对照组椎间盘髓核组织胶原稀疏、排列有序,细胞可呈岛状分布,纤维环胶原纤维排列整齐,无扭曲及无分层现象,术后2周、4周、8周、12周椎间盘组织病理变化不明显.Saline组椎间盘术后2周时髓核部分缺失,胶原排列紊乱,出现大量分布不均匀的无定型颗粒;术后4周髓核组织裂隙形成,出现较多的类软骨细胞,胶原纤维扭曲严重;术后8周髓核组织广泛裂隙,胶原排列极其紊乱,出现介于类软骨细胞及纤维细胞之间的细胞,较明显的分层裂隙,胶原纤维极度扭曲,部分断裂;术后12周凝胶状髓核组织呈现明显纤维化,髓核内出现较多纤维样细胞,类软骨细胞数量明显减少,纤维环出现巨大分层裂隙,伴有部分纤维环断裂.OP-1组椎间盘术后2周髓核胶原排列尚有序,髓核细胞仍较多,纤维环形态接近正常;术后4周髓核组织轻微裂隙,胶原排列紊乱,髓核细胞减少,出现类软骨细胞,内层纤维环胶原纤维轻度扭曲;术后8周髓核组织较多裂隙,胶原扭曲,类软骨细胞增多,内层纤维环胶原纤维明显扭曲,排列紊乱;术后12周时类软骨细胞仍较多,出现少量介于类软骨细胞与纤维细胞之间的细胞,全层纤维环胶原纤维扭曲,排列紊乱,但外层纤维环仍完整,纤维环无巨大裂隙出现.结论;OP-1能延缓后外侧纤维环穿刺髓核抽吸术后兔腰椎间盘髓核细胞及纤维环的退变.     

椎间失稳致兔椎间盘退变磁共振影像计量分析

目的 :探讨由于椎间失稳诱发的椎间盘退变在磁共振成像 (magneticresonanceimaging ,MRI)中的表现。方法 :选用新西兰兔 15只 ,随机分为手术组 9只、对照组 6只 ,手术组沿L3～ 6棘突作后正中切口 ,剥离骶棘肌和关节突附丽肌肉 ,切除棘上、棘间韧带和关节突关节外后 1/ 2 ;对照组作相同皮肤切口即缝合。所有动物在标准条件下饲养 ,分别于术后 2、 4、 8个月行腰椎MRI检查及髓核信号值测量。结果 :术后 2～ 8个月 ,对照组腰椎未见异常 ,而手术组L3～ 6椎间盘则相继出现T2 加权像低信号、腰椎后凸畸形、T1加权像低信号、椎间盘后突和硬膜囊受压等改变。对手术组手术节段及其邻近节段椎间盘髓核信号值的定量分析显示 ,T2 加权像信号值减低在术后 2、 4、8个月均具有统计学意义 ,而T1加权像信号值减低在术后 8个月具有统计学意义 ;T2 信号值减低主要发生于术后 2个月 ,T1信号值减低发生于术后 8个月。结论 :脊柱失稳可诱发椎间盘退变。髓核T2 加权像低信号是椎间盘退变的早期和先发征象 ,T1加权像显示形态改变较好 ,但T1信号值在退变早期变化不明显。     

纤维环穿刺法建立兔椎间盘退变模型

[目的]通过纤维环穿刺法建立兔椎间盘退变模型,分析其特点.[方法]将16只新西兰大白兔随机分为2组.经腹膜外入路暴露X2、3、L3、4椎间隙.A组为纤维环穿刺组,采用16号针头穿刺,B组为假手术对照组.术后2,4,6,8周通过MRI和组织病理学检查观察髓核变性及组织病理情况.[结果)纤维环穿刺组髓核信号强度在术后呈现逐渐降低趋势,髓核面积逐渐缩小,椎间隙高度也逐步下降,从术后4周开始两组差异有统计学意义(p＜0.O5 ).随着时间的进展,纤维环穿刺组髓核内细胞含量逐渐减少.[结论]纤维环穿刺法可成功建立椎间盘退变模型,比较真实地模拟了人类椎间盘损伤后的退变过程.     

纤维环穿刺诱导椎间盘退变动物模型的实验研究

目的：探讨纤维环穿刺诱导椎间盘退变建立动物模型的可行性。方法：新西兰大白兔24只，用持针器夹持18G皮肤穿刺针从左前外侧刺人L3/4、L4/5、L5/6椎间盘的纤维环，深度控制在5mm。术前及术后3、6、10周对造模后的椎间盘及对照的椎间盘（L2／3）行MRI检查，并行免疫组化及组织学观察。结果：术后第3周到第10周，造模后的椎间盘MRI T2WI信号呈现持续减弱趋势，免疫组化及组织学观察发现髓核细胞的数量及Ⅱ型胶原含量较对照间盘进行性减少（P〈0．01）。结论：纤维环穿刺法可以诱导兔椎间盘的缓慢退变，为研究椎间盘的退行性变提供有效的动物模型。     

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.