输尿管软镜激光碎石术治疗肾结石338例报告

目的评价输尿管软镜结合钬激光和FREDDY激光处理不同部位肾结石的有效性,评价影响输尿管软镜碎石成功率的影响因素和手术技巧。方法回顾性分析2002年5月～2007年5月338例输尿管软镜激光碎石术。结石最大直径均〈20mm。288例结石位于上盏、中盏或肾盂内,37例位于下盏,13例位于多个肾盏内。术前均行泌尿系平片（KUB）＋静脉尿路造影（IVU）。放置Terumo导丝后,首先使用F8/9.8Wolf输尿管硬镜探查患侧输尿管。顺利进镜的患者放置输尿管软镜鞘并改用OlympusP3F6.9输尿管软镜。若输尿管硬镜无法顺利进镜,则在放置导丝后留置双J管,2周后行二期输尿管软镜碎石术。使用WOMU-100FREDDY激光或Lumenis钬激光碎石。术后常规留置F7双J管2周。术后第1天拔除导尿管,术后常规静脉给予广谱抗生素2天。2周后拔除双J管,4周后复查KUB或双肾CT平扫,评估结石排净率。残留结石≥4mm为有意义的结石残留。结果一次进镜成功率91.7%（310/338）,余28例进镜失败者在成功留置导丝的前提下放置双J管,2周后成功进镜。329例软镜成功进镜后寻及结石（329/338,97.3%）,其中306例成功碎石（306/329,93.0%）,下盏结石碎石成功率78.0%（32/41）,低于中上盏肾盂内结石的碎石成功率95.1%（274/288）（χ2=13.601,P=0.000）。4周后总结石排净率为87.6%（296/338）,肾中上盏及肾盂内结石术后排净率为90.1%（264/293）,肾下盏结石术后结石排净率为71.1%（32/45）,两者差异有显著性（χ2=12.929,P=0.000）。无输尿管穿孔和出血。平均手术时间为35min（12～55min）。术后肾绞痛11例。无菌血症及急性肾功能不全。术后肉眼血尿1～2天内消失。结论输尿管软镜结合FREDDY激光或钬激光是处理〈20mm肾结石的安全有效的手段。肾中上盏及肾盂内结石较肾下盏结石寻及率高,碎石成功率高,结石排净率高。一期输尿管镜进镜困难的患者可在成功留置双J管2周后二期行输尿管软镜碎石术。     

组合式输尿管软镜联合钬激光治疗肾及输尿管上段结石97例报告

目的探讨组合式输尿管软镜下钬激光碎石术治疗肾结石及上段输尿管结石的疗效。方法我院2012年10月~2016年2月采用组合式输尿管软镜下钬激光碎石术治疗肾及输尿管上段结石97例,7例硬腰联合麻醉,90例采用静脉全麻,组合式输尿管软镜寻及结石后使用220μm光纤,1.2~1.6 J/10~12 Hz(12~20 W)功率钬激光碎石。术后常规留置F6~7双J管和导尿管。术后4周复查B超或KUB或CT,评估清石率。结果 2例因输尿管狭窄迂曲,发生输尿管穿孔,输尿管硬镜下留置双J管2周再次行软镜治疗;6例因输尿管狭窄,先置入输尿管支架管2周后二期行软镜碎石;其余89例进镜顺利。3例下盏结石未寻及,余94例手术时间30~190 min,平均100 min。结石寻及率96.9%(94/97),一次碎石成功率88.6%(86/97)。肾中、上盏结石碎石成功率100.0%(25/25),下盏结石碎石成功率75.0%(9/12),肾盂及多肾盏结石碎石成功率85.1%(23/27)。输尿管穿孔2例,无大出血并发症;术后高热5例,体温38.5~39.3℃,经抗感染治疗2~7 d体温恢复正常。术后住院2~7 d,平均3.3 d。术后4周复查B超或KUB或CT,5例残留结石4 mm,其中3例结石位于肾下盏,2例位于多个肾盏。结论组合式输尿管软镜联合钬激光治疗肾及输尿管上段结石疗效满意。     

ccccc逆行输尿管软镜钬激光碎石术治疗孤立肾肾结石的疗效观察

目的 探讨输尿管软镜钬激光碎石术在治疗孤立肾肾结石中的临床应用价值.方法 回顾分析本院使用奥林巴斯电子输尿管软镜钬激光碎石处理的39例孤立肾肾结石患者的临床资料,其中肾盂肾盏多发性结石20例,孤立肾感染性结石4例,肾盏憩室内结石10例,肾盏嵌顿结石4例,多发性肾乳头黏膜下钙化1例.术中先行输尿管硬镜镜检,留置斑马导丝并放置F12～ 14输尿管扩张鞘后经鞘或直接沿斑马导丝入镜.软镜进入肾盂后首先镜下观察肾盂及上、中、下各盏并定位结石,根据结石位置选用365μm或200μm光纤,功率选择在0.5～1J、15～ 30Hz范围,以表面蚕蚀、周缘穿孔、中央穿孔等方法将结石完全粉碎2mm以内,若患者留置输尿管鞘,则以冲水引流、套石蓝取石等方法将结石取出或部分取出.所有患者常规留置DJ管2周,术后第1d拔除导尿管,术后2周拔除DJ管,术后4周常规复查泌尿系平片（KUB）或双肾CT平扫,评估结石排净率.残留结石≥4mm为有临床意义的结石残留.结果 本组39例患者34例成功置放输尿管鞘,输尿管镜鞘放置成功率87.2％,进镜成功率100％,术中寻找结石成功率100％.一期手术成功碎石33例,结石均排尽或残余结石＜4mm,无需进一步处理.另3例下盏憩室内结石,2例下盏结石,1例肾乳头黏膜下钙化结石/残石均≥4mm,辅助体外冲击波碎石或2期输尿管软镜手术.结论 输尿管软镜对比经皮肾镜,具有微创安全、手术并发症少的特点,而且几乎可以达到肾内集合系统所有位置,结合钬激光适合治疗各类孤立肾肾结石.     

输尿管软镜下钬激光碎石术治疗上尿路结石80例报告

目的评价输尿管软镜下钬激光碎石术治疗上尿路结石的疗效及影响碎石成功率的因素和手术技巧。方法回顾分析2011年10月至2013年4月80例输尿管软镜钬激光碎石病例的临床资料。38例结石位于上盏、中盏或肾盂内,4例位于下盏,10例位于多个肾盏内,15例位于输尿管上段,13例同时位于肾盏和输尿管上段。均为单侧病变,结石最大直径均〈25mm。术中使用输尿管硬镜探查患侧输尿管,放置输尿管导引鞘并换用Storz Flex-X2F7．5输尿管软镜。若输尿管鞘无法插入,可直接在导丝引导下插入输尿管软镜至肾盂。如果软镜仍不能直接插入,则在放置导丝后留置F6双J管,2周后第二次试行输尿管软镜碎石。术后4周复查肾输尿管膀胱摄影（KUB）或双肾CT平扫,评估碎石效果。结果软镜一次进镜成功率96．3％（77／80）;3例输尿管硬镜进镜困难且无法直接插入软镜者,均在成功插入导丝后置入F6双J管,2周后再次尝试,均成功进镜。其中78例成功进行钬激光碎石,另2例结石位于下盏憩室内,软镜未找到结石。总的入镜成功率为100%（80／80）,钬激光碎石成功率97．5％（78／80）,平均手术时间55（30～120）min,结石清除率为87．5％（70／80）,无严重并发症。结论输尿管软镜钬激光碎石是治疗上尿路结石安全有效的方法。其结石排净率高、并发症低,可以作为体外冲击波碎石失败和经皮肾镜碎石术后残留结石的治疗选择。     

电子输尿管软镜钬激光碎石治疗复杂肾结石45例分析

目的探讨电子输尿管软镜钬激光碎石术在治疗复杂肾结石中的临床应用价值。方法回顾分析我科使用奥林巴斯电子输尿管软镜钬激光碎石处理的45例复杂肾结石患者,其中肾盂肾盏多发性结石23例（含10例孤立肾结石）,孤立肾感染性结石4例,肾盏憩室内结石11例,肾盏嵌顿结石4例,多发性肾乳头黏膜下钙化3例。术中先行输尿管硬镜镜检,留置斑马导丝并放置F12～14输尿管扩张鞘后经鞘或直接沿斑马导丝入镜。软镜进入肾盂后首先镜下观察肾盂及上、中、下各盏并定位结石,根据结石位置选用365,μm或200μm光纤,功率选择在0．5～1J、15～30Hz范围,以表面蚕蚀、周缘穿孔、中央穿孑L等方法将结石完全粉碎至2mm以内,若患者留置输尿管鞘,则以冲水引流、套石蓝取石等方法将结石取出或部分取出。所有患者常规留置double-J管2周,术后第1天拔除导尿管,术后2周拔除double-J管,术后4周常规复查泌尿系平片（KUB）或双肾CT平扫,评估结石排净率。残留结石≥4mm为有临床意义的结石残留。结果本组45例患者39例成功置放输尿管鞘,输尿管镜鞘放置成功率86．7％,进镜成功率100％,术中寻找结石成功率100％。一期手术成功碎石38例,结石均排尽或残余结石〈4mm,无需进一步处理。另2例下盏憩室内结石,2例下盏结石,3例肾乳头黏膜下钙化结石／残石均≥4mm,辅助体外冲击波碎石或2期输尿管软镜手术。结论输尿管软镜特别是最新一代的电子输尿管软镜,视野清晰、微创安全,几乎可以达到所有肾内集合系统所有位置,结合钬激光适合治疗各类复杂肾结石。     

组合式输尿管软镜钬激光治疗上尿路结石57例报道

目的 探讨组合式输尿管软镜联合钬激光碎石处理上尿路结石的临床价值.方法 2011年10月~2013年5月,治疗上尿路结石57例.中上组肾盏结石24例,下组肾盏结石14例,肾盂结石12例,输尿管上段结石硬镜碎石术中结石或碎片上移至肾盂7例.其中3例肾上盏结石及2例中盏结石为经皮肾镜术后残余结石.合并脊柱侧弯畸形2例.结石直径9~24 mm,平均16 mm.全麻或硬膜外麻醉,截石位.在斑马导丝引导下置入输尿管导引鞘,组合式输尿管软镜沿鞘上行至肾盂、肾盏寻找结石,使用钬激光碎石.术后常规留置F5双J管4~5周,留置导尿管2~7天.术后2~3天常规复查KUB或B超,了解结石粉碎情况及双J管位置.结果 本组57例中,50例（87.7%）顺利寻及结石并一次碎石成功.碎石成功率,中上组肾盏95.8%（23/24）,下组肾盏64.3%（9/14）,肾盂结石91.7%（11/12）,输尿管上段结石上移100%（7/7）.5例经皮肾镜术后残余结石全部碎石成功.手术时间40~120 min,平均75 min.无输尿管穿孔、撕脱、大出血等并发症.术后高热7例,体温38.5~39.6 ℃,经抗感染治疗3~5天体温恢复正常.术后住院时间3~7 d,平均5 d.术后4周复查KUB或B超并拔除双J管,7例残石碎片3~4 mm,均位于肾下盏,予随诊观察.结论 组合式输尿管软镜治疗上尿路结石,具有微创、疗效确实、并发症少的优点,对于输尿管上段结石上移及经皮肾镜取石术后残余结石的处理可作为很好的补充.     

逆行输尿管软镜钬激光碎石术治疗孤立肾肾结石的疗效观察

目的:探讨输尿管软镜钬激光碎石术在治疗孤立肾肾结石中的临床应用价值。方法：回顾分析本院使用奥林巴斯电子输尿管软镜钬激光碎石处理的39例孤立肾肾结石患者,其中肾盂肾盏多发性结石20例,孤立肾感染性结石4例,肾盏憩室内结石10例,肾盏嵌顿结石4例,多发性肾乳头黏膜下钙化1例。术中先行输尿管硬镜镜检,留置斑马导丝并放置F12～14输尿管扩张鞘后经鞘或直接沿斑马导丝入镜。软镜进入肾盂后首先镜下观察肾盂及上、中、下各盏并定位结石,根据结石位置选用365μm或200μm光纤,功率选择在0.5～1J、15～30Hz范围,以表面蚕蚀、周缘穿孔、中央穿孔等方法将结石完全粉碎2mm以内,若患者留置输尿管鞘,则以冲水引流、套石蓝取石等方法将结石取出或部分取出。所有患者常规留置DJ管2周,术后第1天拔除导尿管,术后2周拔除DJ管,术后4周常规复查泌尿系平片(KUB)或双肾CT平扫,评估结石排净率。残留结石≥4mm为有临床意义的结石残留。结果：本组39例患者34例成功置放输尿管鞘,输尿管镜鞘放置成功率87.2%,进镜成功率100%,术中寻找结石成功率100%。一期手术成功碎石33例,结石均排尽或残余结石<4mm,无需进一步处理。另3例下盏憩室内结石,2例下盏结石,1例肾乳头黏膜下钙化结石/残石均≥4mm,辅助体外冲击波碎石或2期输尿管软镜手术。结论：输尿管软镜对比经皮肾镜,具有微创安全,手术并发症少的特点,而且几乎可以达到所有肾内集合系统所有位置,结合钬激光适合治疗各类孤立肾肾结石。     

组合式输尿管软镜联合钬激光治疗肾结石46例报告

目的 探讨组合式输尿管软镜下钬激光碎石术治疗肾结石的安全性和疗效,初步评价组合式输尿管软镜的临床应用价值. 方法 我院2009年12月至2011年5月采用组合式输尿管软镜下钬激光碎石术治疗的肾结石患者46例,男25例,女21例.年龄22 ～ 65岁,平均41岁.结石位于肾中、上盏19例,肾下盏8例,肾盂15例,多肾盏结石4例.结石直径6～31 mm,平均15 mm,其中结石直径＜ 10 mm组8例,10～20 mm组32例,＞20 mm组6例.硬膜外麻醉下,采用组合式输尿管软镜寻及结石后使用200 μm光纤,0.8～1.0 J/15～20 Hz(12～20W)功率钬激光碎石.术后常规留置5～6F双J管和导尿管.评估手术时间、出血量及并发症情况.术后4周复查B超或KUB,评估结石排净率.直径≥4 mm为有临床意义的残留结石. 结果 本组46例中,1例因输尿管狭窄,输尿管软镜无法上行至肾盂而改行PCNL;45例进镜顺利,1例下盏结石未寻及,余44例手术时间45～150 min,平均110 min.结石寻及率95.6％(44/46),一次碎石成功率86.9％ (40/46).肾中、上盏结石碎石成功率为100.0％ (19/19),下盏结石碎石成功率75.0％(6/8),肾盂及多肾盏结石碎石成功率为83.3％(15/18).结石直径＜10 mm组一次碎石成功率为100.0％ (8/8),10 ～ 20 mm组为93.7％(30/32),＞20 mm组为40.0％( 2/5).无大出血、输尿管穿孔等并发症.术后第2天拔除导尿管,术后住院2～5d,平均3d.术后4周复查B超或KUB,5例残留结石≥4 mm,其中2例结石位于肾下盏,3例位于多个肾盏或肾盂. 结论 组合式输尿管软镜联合钬激光治疗肾结石安全、疗效满意.     

输尿管软镜钬激光碎石术治疗上尿路结石(附86例报告)

目的探讨输尿管软镜钬激光碎石术治疗上尿路结石的疗效。方法 2012年10月~2015年11月采用输尿管软镜钬激光碎石术治疗86例上尿路结石,其中肾结石60例,输尿管上段结石26例,结石直径0.8~2 cm。术中输尿管硬镜探查患侧输尿管,留置导丝并引导置入F_(12/14)输尿管软镜外鞘,输尿管软镜通过外鞘进入输尿管上段及肾盂,寻找肾脏各盏结石及输尿管上段结石,连接200μm钬激光高频率低能进行碎石,使结石粉末化(结石2 mm),稍大的结石碎片通过镍钛合金套石网篮取出,术毕留置导丝并撤出输尿管软镜,沿导丝留置双J管。若输尿管软镜不能通过导丝直接插入,留置F_6双J管2周后再行输尿管软镜碎石。术后4周复查CT评估碎石效果。结果 86例手术均获成功,手术时间30~90 min,(50.5±10.6)min。结石清除率93.0%(80/86),其中肾盂及上盏清石率100.0%(25/25),中盏清石率94.4%(17/18),下盏清石率77.8%(7/9),多个肾盏清除率87.5%(7/8),输尿管上段结石清石率92.3%(24/26)。术后住院时间1~5 d,(2.6±0.5)d,术后2周复查KUB及CT平扫,结石清除率96.5%(83/86)。无尿脓毒血症、出血、穿孔及尿外渗等并发症。结论输尿管软镜钬激光碎石术治疗上尿路结石安全可靠,是值得推广的腔内手术方式。     

电子输尿管软镜联合钬激光碎石术治疗肾下盏结石35例

目的 探讨电子输尿管软镜联合钬激光碎石术治疗肾下盏结石的安全性、有效性.方法 我院2011年9月-2013年8月采用电子输尿管软镜下钬激光碎石术治疗肾下盏结石35例.结石直径0.8-2 cm,平均1.3 cm.先将输尿管硬镜置入患侧输尿管,观察输尿管管腔情况并留置导丝,退出输尿管硬镜,将输尿管软镜外鞘沿导丝置入输尿管,将输尿管软镜直视下置入患侧输尿管至肾盂,观察肾盂及各肾盏,寻找到结石,术中使用200 μm光纤,0.8-1.5 J/10-20 Hz（10-30 W）功率碎石.将结石碎成〈0.3 cm的碎石,对于较大结石使用套石网篮将结石取出.结果 31例均一期成功完成输尿管软镜碎石术,4例因输尿管腔较窄,输尿管软镜无法上行,留置双J管1-2周后再次行输尿管软镜手术成功.手术时间30-120 min,平均60 min.围手术期均未发生严重并发症.术后1-6个月随访,无泌尿系结石残留,或残留结石直径＜3 mm.结论 电子输尿管软镜数字图像清晰、视野放大,与钬激光联合治疗肾下盏结石安全、有效,值得在临床上推广使用.     

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.