微创与传统Chevron截骨治疗轻中度拇外翻的疗效比较

目的:比较微创与传统Chevron截骨法治疗轻中度拇外翻的临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析2019年1月至2021年月2月收治的36例(36足)轻中度拇外翻患者的临床资料,按照手术方法不同分为微创截骨组(微创组)和传统Chevron截骨组(传统组)。微创组16例(16足),男1例,女15例,年龄36~60(49.0±9.5)岁;按照Mann分型标准,轻度9例,中度7例;采用微创截骨结合空心钉固定治疗。传统组20例(20足),男2例,女18例,年龄38~65(50.0±9.2)岁;按照Mann分型标准,轻度11例,中度9例;采用传统Chevron截骨治疗。观察并比较两组患者术前和术后12个月拇外翻角(hallux valgus angle,HVA),第1、2跖骨间角(intermetatarsal angle,IMA),比较术前、术后6周和12个月美国矫形足踝外科协会(American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)前足评分和视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)。结果:36例(36足)患者获得随访,时间14~30(21.00±5.77)个月。术后所有患者伤口Ⅰ期愈合,无感染。术前和术后12个月两组患者HVA、IMA、AOFAS前足评分和VAS比较均差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后6周,微创组AOFAS前足评分、VAS明显优于传统组(P<0.05)。两组术后12个月HVA、IMA、AOFAS前足评分和VAS较术前改善(P<0.05)。结论:与传统Chevron截骨相比,微创截骨创伤小、恢复更快;而远期随访两者疗效相似,均可取得满意的疗效,但微创截骨治疗拇外翻需注意学习曲线。     

微创Chevron-Akin截骨术治疗轻中度拇外翻的早期疗效分析

目的:探讨微创Chevron-Akin(minimally invasive Chevron-Akin,MICA)截骨术治疗轻中度拇外翻的早期临床疗效。方法:自2019年6月至2021年4月,采用MICA截骨术治疗26例(29足)轻中度拇外翻患者,其中男1例,女25例;年龄19~78(38.3±19.5)岁。观察并比较手术前后拇外翻角(hallux valgus angle,HVA),第1、2跖骨间角(intermetatarsal angle,IMA),第1跖骨短缩。末次随访时采用美国骨科足踝外科协会(American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)前足评分系统及视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)评价治疗效果,并记录相关并发症。结果:26例(29足)均获得随访,时间12~33(19.6±5.1)个月。HVA、IMA分别由术前的(32.3±6.6)°、(11.7±3.2)°矫正为术后的(13.0±5.3)°、(6.1±3.2)°,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);第1跖骨短缩(2.7±1.1) mm。AOFAS评分由术前的(55.7±7.4)分提高到术后的(88.5±7.9)分(P<0.01),其中优15足,良11足,可3足。VAS由术前的(6.5±1.5)分改善为术后的(0.7±0.4)分(P<0.01)。结论:MICA截骨术创伤小,术后恢复快,并发症率低,并且能有效改善拇外翻畸形,是治疗轻中度拇外翻的安全可靠手术方法。     

Scarf截骨联合软组织平衡松解治疗重度拇外翻

目的：探讨Scarf截骨联合软组织平衡治疗重度拇外翻的手术疗效。方法：回顾性分析2019年6月至2021年6月采用Scarf截骨联合软组织平衡手术治疗的38例（50足）重度拇外翻患者的临床资料,男6例（8足）,女32例（42足）;年龄29~64（54.7±6.8）岁;左侧26足,右侧24足;病程5~23（12.4±3.9）年。比较手术前后拇外翻角（hallux valgus angle,HVA）、第1、2跖骨间角（intermetatarsal angle,IMA）、跖骨远端关节面角（distal metatarsal articular angle,DMAA）,观察术后并发症发生情况。术前和末次随访时采用美国足与踝关节协会（American orthopedic foot ankle society,AOFAS）评分评价前足功能恢复情况,采用视觉模拟评分法（visual analogue scale,VAS）评价患者疼痛缓解程度。结果：38例患者（50足）均获随访,时间15~23（18.3±3.2）个月。HVA、IMA、DMAA术前分别为（44.61±3.92）°、（18.74±2.51）°、（12.85±2.11）°,末次随访时为（13.45±2.13）°、（7.83±1.36）°、（7.03±1.39）°,手术前后比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。术后无截骨端延迟愈合或不愈合、内固定断裂或松动、拇内翻等并发症发生。VAS、AOFAS评分别由术前的（6.81±2.14）、（43.6±8.4）分,提高至末次随访时的（1.97±0.78）、（87.6±5.2）分,差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）。末次随访时根据AOFAS评分,优20足,良28足,可2足。结论：Scarf截骨联合软组织平衡松解治疗重度拇外翻具有良好的稳定性和矫形效果,但需注意其学习曲线和术后并发症。     

微创截骨手法整复术治疗拇外翻

目的： 探讨微创截骨手法整复术治疗拇外翻的临床疗效。方法： 自2018年1月至2019年5月采用微创截骨手法整复术治疗拇外翻患者31例（42足）,其中男3例,女28例;年龄18~76（50.1±4.9）岁。观察并比较手术前后拇外翻角（hallux valgus angle,HVA）,第1,2跖骨间角（inter metatarsal angle,IMA）,第1,2跖骨长度差变化,术后采用美国矫形骨科学会足踝外科学组（American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS）拇趾-跖趾-趾间关节评分系统进行功能评价。结果： 31例（42足）患者获得随访,时间14~18（15.1±1.2）个月。HVA、IM分别由术前的（38.5±5.4）°、（13.0±1.1）°矫正到术后的（14.3±4.7）°、（9.1±1.5）°（P<0.05）。术前1、2跖骨长度差为2~-4（-0.59±1.80） mm,术后为0~-6（-3.53±1.60） mm,平均第1跖骨短缩2.94 mm,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。AOFAS评分由术前的（57.8±9.7）分提高到术后的（92.1±9.3）分,手术前后比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;其中优23足,良16足,可3足。结论： 微创截骨手法整复术手术时间短、切口小、能够有效纠正拇外翻畸形、改善前足功能,获得良好疗效。     

第1跖趾关节融合结合外侧足趾旋转Weil截骨治疗重度跖内收型拇外翻

目的：探讨第1跖趾关节融合结合外侧足趾旋转Weil截骨治疗重度跖内收型拇外翻临床疗效。方法：回顾性分析自2017年3月至2021年8月接受第1跖趾关节融合结合旋转Weil截骨治疗的重度跖内收型拇外翻患者37例（69足）,男8例（11足）,女29例（58足）;年龄67~83（70.03±2.87）岁;左侧3例,右侧2例,双侧32例。分别于术前、术后6周及末次随访时,采用疼痛视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale,VAS）进行疼痛缓解程度评价。术前及末次随访时采用美国骨科足踝外科学会（American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery,AOFAS）前足评分对患足功能进行评价。并测量手术前及末次随访时拇外翻角（hallux valgus angle,HVA）,第1、2跖间角（intermetatarsal angle,IMA）的变化情况。结果：37例（69足）患者获得随访,时间12~48（22.8±0.6）个月。术后7~10（8.00±1.21）周第1跖趾关节处达到骨愈合,无延迟愈合及不愈合发生。术前HVA （44.30±2.84）°与末次随访（15.20±2.13）°比较,差异有统计学意义（t=65.781,P<0.05）;IMA角与末次随访比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。VAS由术前的（6.73±1.48）分改善至术后6周的（2.78±0.71）分（t=3.279,P<0.05）,与末次随访（1.16±1.12）分比较差异有统计学意义（t=4.859,P<0.05）。AOFAS前足评分由术前的（52.14±5.78）分提高至末次随访时的（86.70±4.86）分;结果优25足,良40足,可4足。结论：采用第1跖趾关节融合结合外侧足趾旋转Weil截骨治疗重度跖内收型拇外翻可以明显缓解患者前足的疼痛及外观,并且稳定了第1序列,明显改善了患者的行走功能。     

旋转Scarf截骨术治疗拇外翻合并第1跖骨旋转

目的：探讨旋转Scarf截骨术治疗拇外翻（hallux valgus,HV）合并第1跖骨旋转的临床疗效。方法：自2018年1月至2019年10月采用旋转Scarf截骨术治疗35例（40足） HV合并第1跖骨旋转畸形患者,其中男5例,女30例;年龄25~76（40.32±5.43）岁。观察并比较手术前后拇外翻角（hallux valgus angle,HVA）,第1、2跖骨间角（intermetatarsal angle,IMA）,第1跖骨远端关节面角（distal metatarsal articular angle,DMAA）,第1跖骨长度（the first metatarsal length,FML）,术后采用美国矫形骨科学会足踝外科学组（American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS）拇趾-跖趾-趾间关节评分和疼痛视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale,VAS）系统进行功能评价。结果：35例（40足）均获得随访,时间12~36（14.35±3.62）个月。HVA、IMA和DMAA分别由术前的（36.32±4.51）°、（14.21±3.22）°和（28.35±4.32）°矫正到术后的（14.32±5.71）°、（5.83±3.97）°和（7.32±2.14）°（P<0.05）。手术前后FML比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。AOFAS评分和VAS分别由术前的（57.00±4.31）分、（6.00±1.21）分改善至末次随访时的（90.31±3.28）分、（1.42±0.83）分（P<0.05）;根据AOFAS评分,结果优23足,良15足,可2足。结论：旋转Scarf截骨术矫正力度大、维度高,能够有效纠正HV合并第1跖骨旋转畸形,改善前足功能,获得良好疗效。     

两种截骨术式治疗中重度拇外翻影像学效果与临床疗效的系统评价

目的：系统评价Chevron截骨术与Scarf截骨术治疗中重度拇外翻的影像学效果和临床疗效。方法：计算机检索PubMed、Embase、Cochrane Library、中国生物医学文献数据库（CBM）、中国期刊全文数据库（CNKI）、万方期刊全文数据库（Wanfang Data）关于Chevron截骨术与Scarf截骨术治疗拇外翻的随机对照研究（RCT）,检索时限从建库至2018年6月。由2名研究者独立按照纳入和排除标准筛选文献,评价纳入文献的偏倚风险和提取相关观察指标后,采用RevMan 5.3.5软件进行Meta分析。比较两种截骨术式术后拇外翻角（HVA）、1-2跖骨间角（IMA）、跖骨远端关节面固有角（DMAA）、美国骨科足踝外科协会评分（AOFAS）、术后切口并发症以及患者满意度。结果：最终纳入6篇随机对照研究文献,共507例（足）患者,92.5%的患者为中重度拇外翻,其中Chevron截骨术261例（足）,Scarf截骨术246例（足）。Meta分析结果显示：Chevron截骨术在矫正HVA方面优于Scarf截骨术[MD=-1.95,95% CI （-2.64,-1.27）,P<0.000 01]。而两种方法在IMA[MD=-0.42,95% CI （-1.04,0.21）,P=0.19],DMAA[MD=0.78,95% CI （-0.72,2.29）,P=0.31],AOFAS评分[MD=2.47,95% CI （-2.38,7.33）,P=0.32],术后切口并发症[RR=1.09,95% CI （0.54,2.20）,P=0.82],患者满意度[RR=1.00,95% CI （0.96,1.05）,P=0.92]方面比较差异无统计学意义。结论：Chevron截骨术操作简单、跖骨短缩少、创伤小,在治疗中重度拇外翻矫正HVA方面优于Scarf截骨术,在IMA、DMAA、AOFAS评分、并发症、患者满意度方面二者效果相似。     

改良Chevron截骨术联合Akin截骨术治疗足母中重度外翻的临床分析

目的 探究改良Chevron截骨术联合Akin截骨术治疗中重度足母外翻的临床效果。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月至2017年1月我院收治的50例中重度足母外翻病人的临床资料,依据手术治疗方式的不同将其分为改良Chevron截骨治疗组（20例,36病足）和联合手术治疗组（30例,50病足,改良Chevron截骨术联合Akin截骨术）。应用美国足踝外科医师协会（American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, AOFAS）踝与后足功能评分系统评价患足功能,采用疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评估两组病人患足疼痛情况,测量两组病人手术前后的足母外翻角（hallux valgus angle, HVA）和第1、2跖骨间角（inter-metatarsus angle, IMA）评价手术效果。结果 联合手术治疗组病人的术中出血量为（33.75±5.27） ml,手术时间为（55.14±12.89） min,均高于改良Chevron截骨治疗组［（12.88±4.75） ml,（27.67±10.12） min］,差异均有统计学意义（t=3.293,P=0.018;t=4.293,P=0.012）。联合手术治疗组术后1周、1个月、1年的VAS评分［（3.24±0.98）分、（2.17±0.45）分、（1.31±0.12）分］均优于改良Chevron截骨治疗组［（3.42±0.74）分、（2.57±0.36）分、（1.88±0.45）分］,差异均有统计学意义（t=2.267,P=0.028;t=2.991,P=0.017;t=2.542,P=0.021）。两组病人术后的HVA、IMA、AOFAS评分、满意度评分、AOFAS优良率比较,联合手术治疗组［12.67°±2.13°、8.31°±1.02°、（81.21±9.24）分、（91.67±4.12）分、88.8%］优于Chevron截骨治疗组［10.42°±3.52°、7.59°±1.33°、（62.22±6.42）分、（75.32±5.91）分、60.00%］,差异均有统计学意义（t=2.742,P=0.037;t=2.984,P=0.029;t=3.342,P=0.012;t=3.943,P=0.007;χ²=7.274,P=0.032）。结论 改良Chevron截骨术联合Akin截骨术治疗中重度足母外翻具有更好的术后效果,值得进一步推广应用。     

可吸收螺钉在拇外翻畸形微创截骨术中的应用分析

目的:探讨可吸收螺钉在拇外翻畸形微创截骨术中的临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析自2019年1月至2020年1月收治的31例拇外翻患者的临床资料,根据术中使用螺钉不同分为可吸收螺钉组(17例)和钛合金空心螺钉组(14例)。其中可吸收螺钉组男1例,女16例;年龄32~72(54.53±12.12)岁;左侧6例,双侧5例,右侧6例;轻度1例,中度11例,重度5例;采用拇外翻微创截骨术+可吸收螺钉固定进行治疗。钛合金空心螺钉组男2例,女12例;年龄18~71(47.57±15.68)岁;左侧4例,双侧4例,右侧6例;轻度1例,中度9例,重度4例;采用拇外翻微创截骨术+钛合金空心螺钉固定进行治疗。观察两组患者并发症情况,分别于术前和术后12个月在足负重位X线片测量并比较两组患者拇外翻角(hallux valgus angle,HVA)和第1、2跖骨间角(intermetatarsal angle,IMA)变化情况,并比较术前和术后12个月美国足踝外科学会(American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)拇趾关节评分系统和视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)。结果:31例患者获得随访,时间13~20(16.61±2.47)个月;可吸收钉组随访时间14~20(16.88±2.80)个月,钛合金空心钉组随访时间13~19(16.29±2.05)个月;两组随访时间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。吸收螺钉组1例出现术口周围出现麻木;钛合金空心钉组3例出现并发症,其中术口周围麻木症状1例,内固定物刺激皮肤症状1例,复发1例;两组并发症比较,差异无统计学意义(χ²=1.651,P=0.199)。两组术前和术后12个月HVA、IMA比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组术前和术后12个月AOFAS评分、VAS比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:与拇外翻微创截骨后使用钛合金空心螺钉进行固定相比,使用可吸收螺钉固定在影像学评价和功能评价上可以达到与钛合金空心螺钉固定水平相当的临床效果。     

改良Ludloff截骨联合Reverdin截骨治疗中重度足母外翻

目的 探讨改良Ludloff截骨联合Reverdin截骨治疗合并第一跖骨远端关节面角（distal metatarsal articular angle, DMAA）增大的中重度足母外翻的疗效分析。方法 回顾性分析自2015年2月至2017年2月我科治疗的DMAA增大的中重度足母外翻病人32例（40足）。其中,男4例（5足）,女28例（35足）;年龄为29~78岁,平均52.4岁。术前行足部负重位X线检查：足母外翻角（hallux valgus angle, HVA）为30°~55°,平均42.4°±3.30°;第一、二跖骨间夹角（intermetatarsal angle, IMA）为13°~24°,平均17.7°±1.9°;DMAA为17°~39°,平均22.6°±1.1°。行患足美国足踝外科协会（American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, AOFAS）评分标准评分为41~87分,平均（68.3±2.9）分。均采用改良Ludloff截骨联合Reverdin截骨。对比手术前后HVA、IMA及DMAA,参照AOFAS评分标准进行手术疗效分析。结果 32例病人术后获得6~18个月随访。所有病人无感染、骨折不愈合、跖骨头坏死及畸形复发等并发症的发生,有1足切口延迟愈合。术后6个月行X线检查,HVA为13.2°±3.1°、IMA为8.1°±1.7°、DMAA为7.6°±1.2°,以上指标较术前减小,差异均有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）。术后6个月AOFAS评分：优29足,良8足,可3足,优良率为92.5%。AOFAS评分为（77.0±3.0）分较术前升高,差异具有统计学意义（t=41.18,P=0.004）。结论 改良Ludloff截骨联合Reverdin截骨治疗合并DMAA增大的中重度足母外翻可以很好的纠正畸形。     

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.     

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.     

The multiply injured child

Blunt trauma is the principal cause of childhood death in many developed countries. This review outlines the differences between adults and children with respect to resuscitation and treatment of orthopaedic injuries in a child with polytrauma. Recent advances in techniques of fracture stabilization are reported.     

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.