盐酸罗哌卡因复合盐酸右美托咪定连续髂筋膜间隙阻滞对髋关节置换术后镇痛效果的临床研究

目的应用罗哌卡因复合右美托咪定实施连续髂筋膜间隙阻滞对于髋关节置换术后镇痛的效果。方法纳入本院行髋关节置换手术的患者共90例,随机分为罗哌卡因组(R组)与罗哌卡因复合右美托咪定组(RD组),两组患者均实施全身麻醉,术后予髂筋膜间隙置管连续神经阻滞镇痛。记录术后4,8,12,24,48小时静息与活动时VAS与肌力评分,以及住院时间、帕瑞昔布钠使用情况及不良反应发生率。结果两组患者性别、年龄、ASA分级、手术时间、住院天数差异无统计学意义(P0.05),术后各时点静息状态下VAS与肌力评分差异均无统计学意义(P0.05),在运动状态下,RD组在术后4,8,12及24小时的VAS评分均低于R组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05),术后48小时两组患者活动状态VAS评分差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。R组术后使用帕瑞昔布钠、发生谵妄与PONV的患者例数多于RD组,且差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);两组中发生窦性心动过缓及嗜睡的患者例数差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论本研究证实罗哌卡因复合右美托咪定可以增强连续髂筋膜间隙阻滞的镇痛效果,减少术后不良反应发生率,促进髋关节置换术后患者术后早期活动与康复。     

连续腰丛神经阻滞或连续股神经阻滞用于全膝关节置换术后镇痛的比较

目的 比较连续腰丛神经阻滞或连续股神经阻滞对全膝关节置换术后镇痛的效果.方法 50例择期腰麻下行单侧全膝关节置换的患者使用神经刺激器引导,随机均分为连续腰丛神经阻滞组(CLPB组)和连续股神经阻滞组(CFNB组).术后镇痛负荷剂量0.2％罗哌卡因0.4ml/kg,背景剂量0.2％罗哌卡因5 ml/h,冲击剂量2 ml/15 min,保留镇痛48 h.记录术后6、12、24、48 h时静息状态VAS评分,术后24、48 h膝关节功能锻炼时VAS评分和肌力评分.结果 CLPB组术后各时点静息状态和功能锻炼VAS评分均明显低于CFNB组(P＜0.05),肌力评分两组间差异无统计学意义.两组术后镇痛期间均无明显不良反应.结论 连续腰丛神经阻滞对于全膝关节术后镇痛的临床效果优于连续股神经阻滞.     

关节周围注射罗哌卡因混合液联合股神经阻滞用于膝关节置换术后镇痛

目的:比较连续股神经阻滞联合关节周围注射罗哌卡因混合液与单纯连续股神经阻滞对全膝关节置换(TKA)术后疼痛的影响。方法:选择ASA Ⅰ~Ⅱ级择期在腰硬联合麻醉下行TKA的患者60例,随机分为连续股神经阻滞联合关节周围注射罗哌卡因混合液组(A组)和连续股神经阻滞组(B组)各30例,观察和比较两组术后静息及被动运动时视觉模拟评分(VAS)、肌力分级、患者镇痛满意度、补救镇痛情况、不良反应及术后下肢深静脉血栓形成情况。结果:A组术后8、12、24 h静息VAS评分分别为(1.33±0.49)、(1.40±0.51)、(1.13±0.64),术后4、8、12、24 h运动VAS评分分别为(1.73±0.46)、(1.67±0.48)、(1.93±0.46)、(1.53±0.64),均明显低于B组(P0.05或0.01)。两组肌力均良好,无统计学差异。A组镇痛满意度评分高于B组(P0.05),其中"非常好+很好"占66.7%,B组占40%。两组不良反应发生率、补救镇痛和术后深静脉血栓发生情况差异无统计学意义。结论:连续股神经阻滞联合关节周围注射罗哌卡因混合液法较单纯连续股神经阻滞可更加有效降低全膝关节置换术后的疼痛评分,且病人满意度高。     

右美托咪定复合不同浓度罗哌卡因用于连续股神经阻滞的镇痛效果

目的观察右美托咪定复合不同浓度罗哌卡因对全膝关节置换术(TKA)患者连续股神经阻滞(CFNB)镇痛效果和肌力的影响。方法选择2016年6月至12月期间本院全膝关节置换术患者90例,男16例,女74例,年龄40～80岁,BMI 25.7～31.2 kg/m~2,ASA I或II级,随机分为三组:0.2%罗哌卡因组(R_(0.2)组)、0.15%罗哌卡因组(R_(0.15)组)和0.1%罗哌卡因组(R_(0.1)组),每组30例。R_(0.2)组、R_(0.15)组和R_(0.1)组分别以0.2%罗哌卡因、0.15%罗哌卡因和0.1%罗哌卡因行术后CFNB自控镇痛(PCA),上述罗哌卡因均复合右美托咪定400μg。分别记录术后4、8、12、24、48 h静息和活动时VAS评分、术后48 h内罗哌卡因总量、PCA总按压次数和使用吗啡情况,记录术后12、24、48 h肌力分级情况,术后1、2、3 d符合"四合一标准"出院情况,记录血肿、渗液、跌倒、低血压、心动过缓、恶心呕吐、过度镇静等不良反应发生情况。结果术后4、8、12、24 h R_(0.2)组和R_(0.15)组活动时VAS评分明显低于R_(0.1)组(P0.05)。R_(0.2)组和R_(0.15)组罗哌卡因总量明显低于R_(0.1)组(P0.05),PCA总按压次数明显少于R_(0.1)组(P0.05)。术后12、24 h R_(0.2)组和R_(0.15)组肌力明显低于R_(0.1)组(P0.05),且R_(0.2)组明显低于R_(0.15)组(P0.05)。术后2 d R_(0.2)组和R_(0.15)组出院率明显低于R_(0.1)组(P0.05)。三组患者血肿、渗液、跌倒、低血压、心动过缓、恶心呕吐、过度镇静等不良反应发生情况差异无统计学意义。三组患者均未出现置管部位感染、神经损伤、局麻药中毒等不良反应。结论右美托咪定400μg复合0.15%罗哌卡因连续股神经阻滞,镇痛作用完善,对股四头肌肌力影响轻微,有利于全膝关节置换术患者术后的早期康复锻炼。     

右美托咪定复合罗哌卡因腹横肌平面阻滞对亲属活体肾移植供肾患者术后恢复的影响

目的观察右美托咪定复合罗哌卡因腹横肌平面(TAP)阻滞对亲属活体肾移植供肾患者术后的镇痛效果及早期恢复的影响。方法选择择期行亲属活体肾移植供肾患者40例,男15例,女25例,年龄20~60岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机分为右美托咪定+罗哌卡因组(D组)和单纯罗哌卡因组(C组),每组20例。所有患者术毕在超声引导下行手术侧TAP阻滞。D组给予右美托咪定1μg/kg+0.375%罗哌卡因20ml,C组给予0.375%罗哌卡因20 ml。记录术后2、4、8、24、48h静息、活动时VAS评分和Ramsay评分,记录手术时间、感觉阻滞维持时间、术后首次镇痛泵按压时间、术后24h内有效按压次数、需使用氟比洛芬酯或咪达唑仑例数、患者术后第1天和第2天的尿量、首次排气时间。测定患者术前、术后第2天和术后第5天血清中尿素氮(BUN)和肌酐(Cr)的浓度。结果术后4、8h静息和活动时D组VAS评分明显低于C组(P0.05);两组Ramsay评分差异无统计学意义。D组术后感觉阻滞维持时间明显长于C组、首次按压镇痛泵时间明显长于C组、术后24h内有效按压次数明显少于C组(P0.05);D组使用氟比洛芬酯、咪达唑仑例数少于C组。术后第1天D组尿量明显多于C组、首次排气时间明显短于C组(P0.05)。术后第2天D组BUN、Cr浓度明显低于C组(P0.05)。结论右美托咪定复合罗哌卡因TAP阻滞能增强罗哌卡因的阻滞效果,延长阻滞时间,促进术后恢复。     

罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼或地佐辛连续股神经阻滞在全膝关节置换术后镇痛中的应用

目的观察罗哌卡因与罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼或地佐辛连续股神经阻滞(FNB)在全膝关节置换术(TKA)术后镇痛中的效果。方法择期行单侧TKA患者60例,采用统一麻醉和手术方案,术后FNB自控镇痛48h,持续剂量2ml/h,总量100ml。随机将患者均分为三组:罗哌卡因组(R组):0.225%罗哌卡因;罗哌卡因复合地佐辛组(D组):0.15%罗哌卡因含地佐辛10 mg;罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼组(S组):0.15%罗哌卡因含舒芬太尼1μg/kg。记录三组患者术后1、3及7d静息状态下VAS(RVAS)评分、主动功能锻炼时VAS(AVAS)评分和被动功能锻炼时VAS(PVAS)评分;记录其他镇痛药物用量、不良事件发生情况。结果术后1、3、7d三组患者RVAS评分,术后1、7d的AVAS评分和术后1d的PVAS评分明显低于术前(P0.05);术后3d,S组与D组RVAS评分明显高于R组(P0.05)。三组术后恶心呕吐及谵妄发生率差异无统计学意义。结论罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼或地佐辛用于FNB,可提供良好的TKA术后镇痛效果,且不增加不良反应;但0.15%罗哌卡因复合舒芬太尼或地佐辛不及0.225%罗哌卡因镇痛维持时间长,复合地佐辛这一现象更明显。     

膝关节置换术后两种股神经阻滞镇痛比较

[目的]评价不同镇痛模式在全膝关节置换术后的镇痛效果。[方法]全膝关节置换手术40例,随机分为两种股神经阻滞方法进行术后镇痛,即连续股神经阻滞(连续组)(20例)和单次股神经阻滞联合患者自控静脉镇痛组(单次组)(20例)。连续组术前0.5%罗哌卡因30 ml行股神经阻滞并置管,术后0.2%罗哌卡因连续股神经自控镇痛;单次组术前行0.5%罗哌卡因30 ml单次股神经阻滞,术后0.2μg/kg舒芬太尼自控镇痛。观察指标:记录两组术后4、8、12、24、36及48 h术后静息、主动功能锻炼(AFE)及持续被动功能锻炼(CPM)状态下疼痛VAS评分情况,记录恶心、呕吐、嗜睡不良反应发生率、镇痛泵按压次数及追加哌替啶次数。[结果]术后4、8、12、24h静息VAS评分连续组和单次组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);术后36、48 h静息VAS评分连续组显著低于单次组,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后24 h的AFE和CPM状态下VAS评分比较,两组差异无统计学意义(P0.05);而术后36、48 h,连续组显著低于单次组,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后4、8、12 h按压次数两组差异无统计学意义(P),而术后24、48、36 h连续组按压次数明显低于单次组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后不良反应、追加哌替啶例数连续组明显高于单次组,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。[结论]全膝关节置换术后,连续股神经阻滞镇痛优于单次股神经阻滞联合患者自控静脉镇痛,且前者不良反应少,患者满意度高。     

罗哌卡因复合右美托咪定或地塞米松竖脊肌平面阻滞用于腰椎后路植骨融合内固定术的效果

目的比较罗哌卡因复合右美托咪定或地塞米松竖脊肌平面阻滞(ESPB)在腰椎后路植骨融合内固定术中的临床效果。方法选择2019年10月至2020年10月择期行腰椎后路植骨融合内固定术患者75例,男42例,女33例,年龄35～65岁,BMI 18～35 kg/m~2,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。采用随机数字表法将患者分为三组:罗哌卡因复合右美托咪定组(RX组)、罗哌卡因复合地塞米松组(RS组)和单纯罗哌卡因组(R组)。三组麻醉诱导前均行ESPB,RX组两侧分别注射0.375%罗哌卡因+右美托咪定0.5μg/kg混合液20 ml, RS组两侧分别注射0.375%罗哌卡因+地塞米松5 mg混合液20 ml, R组两侧分别注射0.375%罗哌卡因20 ml。记录术中瑞芬太尼和舒芬太尼用量。记录术后4、8、12、24、48 h静息和翻身时数字评价量表(NRS)评分。记录感觉阻滞持续时间、镇痛泵首次按压时间和补救镇痛例数。记录术后24 h内镇痛满意度及术后当晚睡眠质量。记录术后下肢运动阻滞、穿刺部位血肿、恶心呕吐、低血压、心动过缓、手术部位感染和切口延迟愈合等发生情况。结果与R组比较,术后12、24 h RX组和RS组静息和翻身时NRS评分明显降低(P0.05),感觉阻滞时间和镇痛泵首次按压时间明显延迟(P0.05),补救镇痛率明显降低(P0.05),24 h内镇痛效果及术后当晚睡眠质量满意度评分明显升高(P0.05)。三组穿刺部位血肿和恶心呕吐发生率差异无统计学意义。三组均无一例发生术后下肢运动阻滞、低血压、心动过缓、手术部位感染和切口延迟愈合。结论右美托咪定或地塞米松复合罗哌卡因用于后路腰椎手术竖脊肌阻滞,可以延长感觉阻滞时间,有效控制术后急性疼痛,临床效果相似。     

罗哌卡因复合右美托咪定肋间神经阻滞用于胸腔镜术后镇痛的效果

目的 探讨罗哌卡因复合右美托咪定行肋间神经阻滞对胸腔镜手术患者术后的镇痛效果.方法 拟行胸腔镜手术患者50例,随机均分为两组:右美托咪定组(DEX组),右美托咪定1μg/kg+0.375％罗哌卡因至30 ml;对照组(C组),0.375％罗哌卡因30 ml.观察两组患者术后4、8、12、24和48 h静息状态和躯体活动(如咳嗽)时的疼痛VAS评分及Ramsay镇静评分,并观察两组患者术后镇痛维持时间及术后不良反应发生情况.结果 术后4、8、12 h DEX组静息状态、躯体活动时的VAS评分均明显低于C组(P＜0.01),术后4、8、12 h Ramsay镇静评分DEX组明显高于C组(P＜0.05).DEX组术后镇痛维持时间明显长于C组(P＜0.01),两组均无肋间神经阻滞的相关并发症.结论 1μg/kg右美托咪定可显著增强0.375％罗哌卡因肋间神经阻滞效果,延长胸腔镜术后镇痛时效.     

罗哌卡因复合地塞米松胸椎旁神经阻滞用于Ivor-Lewis食管癌根治术的效果

目的观察超声引导下罗哌卡因复合地塞米松胸椎旁阻滞(TPVB)在Ivor-Lewis食管癌根治术中的应用效果。方法选择择期行Ivor-Lewis食管癌根治术患者60例,男29例,女31例,40～75岁,ASAⅠ—Ⅲ级。采用数字表法将患者随机分为两组:单纯罗哌卡因组(R组)和罗哌卡因复合地塞米松组(RD组),每组30例。全麻诱导前行超声引导下TPVB,R组采用0.5%罗哌卡因15 ml加生理盐水3 ml, RD组采用0.5%罗哌卡因15 ml加地塞米松0.15 mg/kg(用生理盐水稀释到3 ml)。记录镇痛持续时间、术后48 h内镇痛泵有效按压次数及补救镇痛例数,记录术后2、4、8、12、24、48 h静息和咳嗽时VAS疼痛评分,记录术后24 h内不良反应以及术后3个月慢性疼痛的发生情况。结果 RD组镇痛持续时间明显长于R组,术后48 h内镇痛泵有效按压次数明显少于R组,术后2、4、8、12、24 h静息和咳嗽时VAS疼痛评分明显小于R组(P0.05)。两组补救镇痛率和术后24 h内不良反应发生率差异无统计学意义。RD组术后3个月慢性疼痛发生率明显低于R组(P0.05)。结论与单纯罗哌卡因比较,罗哌卡因复合地塞米松可延长食管癌根治术患者胸椎旁神经阻滞持续时间,增强镇痛效果,降低食管癌根治术患者术后慢性疼痛发生率。     

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.