单开门椎间孔扩大术治疗脊髓神经根颈椎病

[目的]探讨颈椎后路单开门联合椎间孔扩大术治疗脊髓神经根颈椎病的临床疗效。[方法]回顾性分析2015年1月～2018年12月手术治疗脊髓神经根颈椎病患者68例。其中颈后路单开门(单开门组)治疗32例,颈后路单开门联合椎间孔扩大术(联合组)治疗36例。比较两组围手术期、随访与影像资料。[结果]两组患者均顺利完成手术。单开门组术后C5神经根麻痹1例,联合组术后无C5神经根麻痹者。单开门组手术时间显著短于联合组(P0.05),但两组术中失血量的差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。随时间推移,两组患者的JOA评分均显著增加,而NDI评分均显著减少(P0.05)。术前两组间JOA和NDI评分的差异均无统计学意义(P0.05),术后3个月及末次随访,联合组的JOA和NDI评分显著优于单开门组(P0.05)。影像方面:相应时间点,两组间SVA C_2～C_7、C_2～C_7Cobb角,以及C_4～_7节段各椎板的开门角度比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。[结论]颈椎后路单开门联合椎间孔扩大术治疗脊髓神经根颈椎病,可有效去除颈髓和神经根的压迫因素,缓解临床症状,而不影响颈椎稳定。     

颈椎间盘切除及椎间孔减压术治疗神经根型颈椎病

目的 探讨颈椎间盘切除及椎间孔减压治疗神经根型颈椎病的方法与效果.方法 自2007年2月～2010年4月对21例神经根型颈椎病行颈椎间盘切除及椎间孔减压、椎间cage植骨、钛板内固定术.按照VAS、NDI评分及融合节段的影像学资料分别对患者治疗前后疼痛的程度、日常生活的影响及颈椎曲度的改变进行疗效评判.结果 17例获得随访,平均19个月.术中均未出现椎动脉损伤、神经根损伤及硬膜破裂的情况.所有患者随访期间均达到骨性融合,钢板无松动.术后1周、终末随访时,VAS、NDI和融合节段曲度较术前均有明显改善(P＜0.05).终末随访与术后1周比较,VAS和融合节段曲度比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),而NDI比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 颈椎间盘切除及椎间孔减压术治疗神经根型颈椎病疗效可靠,减压彻底,术中应避免损伤推动脉.     

显微镜辅助椎板椎间孔切开术治疗神经根型颈椎病

[目的]探讨显微镜辅助微创椎板椎间孔切开术治疗神经根型颈椎病的疗效。[方法]回顾性分析2016年11月～2019年3月本院手术治疗的单节段神经根型颈椎病患者58例。其中30例采用显微镜辅助椎板椎间孔切开术(MAPLF组),28例采用颈前路经椎间隙减压植骨融合内固定术(ACDF组),比较两组围手术期、随访和影像资料。[结果]两组患者均顺利完成手术,除ACDF组1例患者出现短暂一侧肢体麻木,所有患者均无严重并发症。两组患者在手术时间及出血量的差异无统计学意义(P0.05),MAPLF组在手术切口长度、术后住院天数方面显著优于ACDF组(P0.05)。在13～48个月的随访过程中,两组患者疼痛缓解,功能改善。末次随访时两组患者的VAS和NDI评分均较术前显著减少(P0.05);末次随访时MAPLF组的VAS和NDI评分均小于ACDF组,尽管差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访时,依据改良Odom's评价标准,临床结果优良率MAPLF组为86.67%(26/30),ACDF组为85.71%(24/28),差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。影像方面,MAPLF组术后椎间孔处压迫得到了充分解除,颈神经根减压彻底。术后动力位X线片显示MAPLF组手术节段无失稳征象。[结论]采用显微镜辅助椎板椎间孔切开术治疗神经根型颈椎病与传统的ACDF相比,具有微创、保留节段活动功能,且不影响原有节段稳定性的优点。     

前路减压椎间植骨融合内固定术治疗神经根型颈椎病保留钩椎关节的可行性分析

目的研究前路减压椎间植骨融合术(Anterior cervical decompression and fusion,ACDF)治疗神经根型颈椎病术中保留钩椎关节的可行性。方法纳入2014年4月~2016年4月行ACDF治疗的72例神经根型颈椎病患者,将术中保留钩椎关节的32例患者设为观察组,切除钩椎关节的40例设为对照组。随访2年,比较两组患者临床疗效及,植骨融合情况。结果两组术后3个月、6个月、2年的NDI指数、VAS评分均显著低于治疗前,JOA评分显著高于治疗前,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),但组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05);观察组手术优良率为87.50%,对照组为90.00%,组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05);两组吞咽不适、切口感染、慢性疼痛等并发症发生率差异无统计学意义(P0.05);观察组的植骨融合效果略优于对照组,但差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 ACDF手术能显著改善神经根型颈椎病疼痛症状及颈椎功能,保留钩椎关节能获得与切除钩椎关节相同的近期疗效,且手术安全有效。     

颈前路椎间盘切除椎间植骨融合术中保留与切除钩椎关节的疗效比较

目的比较颈前路椎间盘切除椎间植骨融合ACDF术中保留与切除钩椎关节减压治疗神经根型颈椎病的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2012-09—2018-03采取ACDF治疗的43例神经根型颈椎病,26例在术中采取保留钩椎关节椎间撑开减压治疗(保留钩椎组),17例在术中采取部分切除钩椎关节减压治疗(切除钩椎组)。比较2组手术时间、术中出血量,末次随访时JOA评分、NDI评分和JOA评分改善率。结果 43例均获得随访,随访时间平均40.6个月。保留钩椎组手术时间较切除钩椎组短,差异有统计学意义(t=-2.799,P=0.008)。2组术中出血量、末次随访时JOA评分、NDI评分、JOA评分改善率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 ACDF术中保留椎钩关节和切除椎钩关节可以取得同样的临床疗效,而伴有关节增生致神经根管狭窄的神经根型颈椎病患者应切除椎钩关节。     

颈前路经椎间盘显微手术减压治疗神经根型颈椎病

目的探讨颈前路经椎间盘显微手术潜行减压治疗神经根型颈椎病的临床疗效。方法2010年3月至2016年3月,采用颈前路经椎间盘显微手术椎间孔潜行减压治疗的神经根型颈椎病106例,其中男66例,女40例,年龄32~69岁,平均58.32岁。术后定期随访,应用上肢疼痛的视觉模拟评分(VAS评分)与颈椎功能障碍指数评分(NDI评分)对其临床疗效进行评价。计量资料均数的比较采用t检验。结果全部病例无神经根损伤、脊髓损伤、脑脊液漏、伤口感染、椎动脉损伤及食管损伤等并发症发生。106例患者术前上肢疼痛VAS评分为(8.2±0.4)分,术后即刻为(1.5±0.1)分;术前NDI评分为(27.5±1.4)分,术后即刻为(5.4±0.6)分。100例患者获得12~36个月随访,末次随访上肢疼痛VAS评分为(1.2±0.2)分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);末次随访NDI评分为(3.8±0.5)分,与术前比较差异也有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论颈前路经椎间盘显微手术椎间孔潜行减压治疗神经根型颈椎病能取得安全满意的疗效,临床效果良好。     

影响神经根型颈椎病人工颈椎间盘置换术疗效的相关因素分析

目的:探讨影响神经根型颈椎病(cervical spondylotic radiculopathy,CSR)人工颈椎间盘置换术(cervical total disc replacement,CTDR)疗效的因素。方法:回顾性研究2012年5月~2014年5月长征医院骨科收治的接受CTDR的CSR患者45例,随访6个月~2年(1.4±0.5年)。满足以下条件为显效组:(1)末次随访颈部伤残指数(neck disability index,NDI)评分改善(术前NDI评分-末次随访NDI评分)15分;(2)术后末次随访手术节段未出现神经根受损;(3)未出现手术失败及二次手术;(4)随访复查颈椎正侧位、动力位及左右侧屈X线片未见人工椎间盘移位、活动受限及假体相关问题。不满足以上任意一条者为无显效组。比较两组间背景资料及主观变量,分析其手术效果的影响因素,背景资料包括性别、年龄、病程、吸烟史、肌电图确诊神经根受损、受压神经根所支配的肌肉肌力、手术节段数量、术前颈椎活动度(ROM)、手术时间及术中出血量,主观变量包括疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue score,VAS)及NDI。结果:显效组34例,无显效组11例。两组间年龄、病程、吸烟史、肌电图确诊神经根受损例数、术前肌力、术前VAS及NDI评分差异均有统计学意义(P0.05),两组间性别比、术前颈椎ROM、手术节段数量、手术时间、术中出血量比较均无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:患者年龄、病程、吸烟史、肌电图确诊神经根受损、术前肌力、术前VAS及NDI评分可能与CSR患者CTDR的疗效有关。     

保留与切除钩椎关节在颈前路手术的临床效果比较

[目的]探讨颈前路减压植骨融合术(ACDF)中保留与切除钩椎关节减压治疗神经根型颈椎病患者的临床效果。[方法]回顾性分析2010年08月~2015年12月接受1个或者2个节段的颈前路减压椎间植骨融合内固定术的86例神经根型颈椎病患者,根据是否对钩椎关节椎间孔进行部分切除,29例患者列入钩椎保留组,57例患者列入钩椎减压组。采用日本骨科协会评分(JOA)评估治疗分数、颈椎功能障碍指数(NDI)评分、颈部及上肢疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)对治疗效果进行评价并比较。[结果]86例患者均顺利完成手术,术中未出现椎动脉损伤、神经根损伤及硬膜破裂情况。所有患者随访15~85个月,平均(20.2±3.6)个月。所有患者随访期间均达到骨性融合,钢板无松动。两组术后的JOA、VAS、NDI评分均较术前明显改善(P0.05),两组间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。钩椎保留组优27.59%,良55.17%,一般13.79%,差3.45%;钩椎减压组优28.07%,良54.39%,一般14.04%,差3.51%.[结论]神经根型颈椎病患者在颈前路手术中,保留钩椎关节椎间撑开减压可获得与切除钩椎关节减压同样良好的临床效果。因此,神经根型颈椎病患者实施颈前路减压融合术(ACDF)不应常规切除钩椎关节。     

微创前路经上位椎体椎间孔减压术治疗神经根型颈椎病

【摘要】 目的：探讨微创前路经上位椎体椎间孔减压术治疗神经根型颈椎病的有效性。方法：2008年7月~2010年7月12例单侧神经根型颈椎病患者在延边大学医院接受微创前路经上位椎体椎间孔减压术。其中男7例,女5例,年龄为35~68岁,平均49岁。椎间孔狭窄部位：C5/6 4例,C6/7 5例,C7/T1 3例。软性髓核突出3例,钩椎关节骨质增生7例,突出的髓核钙化2例。均行前路手术,术中采用脊柱手术专用显微镜,在病变上位椎体确定钻孔起始部位,利用高速钻石气钻磨出一约6mm直径的通路达到病变区域,减压椎间孔。观察术前及末次随访时上肢放射性疼痛的VAS评分、颈椎功能障碍指数（NDI）及病变水平椎间盘高度。结果：手术时间为56~110min,平均86±6min;术中失血量为40~120ml,平均92±8ml。无椎动脉损伤、贺纳氏综合征、喉返神经损伤等并发症。术后随访时间为12~23个月,平均15.8±1.3个月。术前上肢疼痛VAS评分为8.5±0.5分（7~10分）,末次随访时为1.4±0.2分（0~3分）,两者比较有显著性差异（P<0.05）;术前NDI为26.4±1.3分（22~31分）,末次随访时为4.2±0.6分（3~8分）,两者比较有显著性差异（P<0.05）,改善率为84.1%;术前病变水平椎间盘高度为5.4±0.7mm（4.2~6.1mm）,末次随访时为4.9±0.7mm（3.6~5.8mm）,两者比较无显著性差异（P>0.05）。术后满意度为100%。结论：微创前路经上位椎体椎间孔减压术可减少对椎间盘的损伤,是治疗单侧神经根型颈椎病的有效手术方法。     

颈后路椎板减压联合椎间孔切开术治疗混合型颈椎病的疗效观察

目的探讨颈后路椎板切除减压侧块螺钉内固定联合椎间孔切开术治疗脊髓合并神经根受压的混合型颈椎病疗效。方法 2010年1月-2012年1月,采用颈后路椎板切除减压侧块螺钉内固定联合椎间孔切开术治疗58例混合型颈椎病患者。男31例,女27例;年龄41~72岁,平均52.7岁。病程3~15年,平均5.4年。术前日本骨科协会(JOA)评分为(7.8±1.3)分,疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)为(6.8±1.7)分。椎间盘突出伴黄韧带肥厚37例,椎体后缘骨赘形成11例(骨赘椎管占有率为51.7%±18.1%),颈椎不稳合并椎间盘突出10例。颈椎曲度为(—5.5±12.5)°。螺钉固定节段:C3~7 29例,C4~7 19例,C3~6 10例;共切开椎间孔135个,平均每例2.33个。结果手术时间167~260 min,平均204 min;术中出血量为210~378 m L,平均273 m L。术中无椎动脉、神经根损伤发生。术后1例发生皮下血肿,8例轴性疼痛;均无颈神经根麻痹症状发生。患者均获随访,随访时间2.1~4.3年,平均3.4年。术后2年,JOA评分为(14.1±1.7)分,显著高于术前,比较差异有统计学意义(t=—27.672,P=0.000);JOA评分改善率为68.5%±21.9%。VAS评分为(2.1±1.1)分,较术前显著降低,比较差异有统计学意义(t=15.168,P=0.000)。影像学复查示,1例邻近节段发生退变,但未出现临床症状;随访期间无螺钉松动、无假关节形成。术后5 d及2年颈椎曲度分别为(13.6±5.1)、(13.2±4.8)°,与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后2年11例骨赘椎管占有率为36.5%±10.4%,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=6.921,P=0.000);随访期间骨赘残余压迫逐渐吸收。结论对脊髓合并神经根受压的混合型颈椎病,采用颈后路椎板切除减压侧块螺钉内固定联合椎间孔切开术治疗可获得满意疗效。术中扩大椎板切除(椎板切除和椎间孔切开)能充分缓解脊髓及神经根受压症状,侧块螺钉内固定在纠正颈椎曲度的同时,可进一步降低脊髓及神经根张力。     

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.