远端胰腺切除术后胰瘘发生的危险因素分析

目的:探讨影响远端胰腺切除术后胰瘘发生的相关性因素。方法:回顾2010年2月—2016年5月所实施的100例远端胰腺切除术患者临床资料,对相关因素进行单因素与多因素分析。结果:100例患者中32例(32%)发生术后胰瘘,包括A级胰瘘(无临床意义)18例(18%),有临床意义的胰瘘14例(14%),其中B级胰瘘8例,C级胰瘘6例。单因素分析中,高体质量指数(≥25kg/m~2)与术后胰瘘发生有关(χ~2=4.128,P=0.042),但与有临床意义的胰瘘发生无关(χ~2=1.545,P=0.214),软胰腺质地与胰瘘及有临床意义的胰瘘发生均明显有关(χ~2=4.569,P=0.033;χ~2=11.374,P=0.001)。多因素分析中软胰腺质地是胰瘘及有临床意义的胰瘘发生的唯一独立危险因素(OR=2.476,P=0.043;OR=8.012,P=0.003)。结论:胰腺质地是远端胰腺切除术后胰瘘发生的重要影响因素,对于胰腺质地软者,应采取积极防治措施。     

糖尿病对胰腺癌胰十二指肠切除术后并发症的影响

目的 探讨糖尿病对胰腺癌患者行胰十二指肠切除术后并发症的影响.方法 回顾性研究2005年1月至2012年8月302例行胰十二指肠切除术的胰腺癌患者的临床资料. 结果 302例患者中113例(37.4％)合并糖尿病.术后总的严重并发症发生率为20.0％,胰瘘发生率为13.2％,胃排空延迟发生率为25.8％,各种感染发生率为36.8％,肾功能不全发生率为3.0％,死亡率为3.3％.糖尿病组胰腺质地硬的比例较高(x2=15.175,P＜0.01),胰瘘率较低(x2=7.811,P=0.005);两组间的胃排空延迟、感染、肾功能不全、出血、肺部并发症、心脏并发症和神经系统并发症发生率,以及住院时间和死亡率的差异均无统计学意义(均P ＞0.05).Logistic回归分析显示糖尿病(OR=0.358,P=0.035)和胰腺质地硬度(OR=0.395,P=0.032)是胰瘘发生的保护因素,黄疸(OR =3.819,P=0.010)和术中输血(OR=1.268,P=0.001)是胰瘘发生的危险因素.结论 围手术期血糖控制良好的糖尿病不增加胰腺癌行胰十二指肠切除的手术风险.     

钩突完全切除对胰十二指肠切除术后胰瘘发生率的影响

目的 分析胰十二指肠切除术后胰瘘发生的可能因素,探讨钩突完全切除对降低胰瘘发生率的影响.方法 回顾性分析2004年1月至2009年6月单一手术小组收治并行胰十二指肠切除的68例壶腹周围疾病患者的临床资料.以术后腹腔引流液淀粉酶水平诊断胰瘘并行临床资料分析,对可能造成腹腔引流液淀粉酶异常升高的相关因素:钩突是否完全切除、胰肠吻合方式、胰腺纤维化等进行统计学分析.结果 本组胰瘘发生率为33.8%;单因素分析显示:钩突是否完全切除(P=0.000)及血糖水平(P=0.045)与胰瘘关系密切;多因素分析显示本组病例胰瘘发生的独立危险因素为钩突是否完伞切除(P=0.000,OR=7.771),而胰腺纤维化、吻合方式、疾病类型等均不构成胰瘘发生的独立危险因素.结论 完全切除胰腺钩突能够防止"残留钩突型胰瘘"的发生,进而降低胰十二指肠切除术后胰瘘发生率.     

同一术者169例胰十二指肠切除手术并发症分析

目的 分析胰十二指肠切除术手术并发症及影响胰瘘的危险因素.方法 回顾性研究该院2000年1月至2009年12月同一术者施行的169例胰十二指肠切除术患者资料,分析影响胰瘘的危险因素,比较前5年与后5年间的并发症差异.结果 死亡率2.4％,并发症发生率为34.9％,胰瘘发生率为7.7％;多变量Logistic回归分析提示手术出血量大于400ml(OR=2.87;95％可信区间:1.17～8.19;P=0.048)、胰腺质软(OR=1.95;95％可信区间:0.87～6.19;P=0.032)和胰管直径小于3 mm(OR=3.78;95％可信区间:1.01～10.63;P=0.019)是影响术后发生胰瘘与否的危险因素;前5年与后5年患者临床资料在死亡率、并发症以及主要并发症发生率差异无统计学意义,后5年的再手术率较前5年高、术后住院天数显著延长.结论 手术出血量、胰腺质地和胰管直径是影响术后发生胰瘘与否的危险因素;为减少术后胰瘘的发生,应选用术者熟悉的吻合方式进行胰肠吻合.     

胰十二指肠切除术后胰瘘发生的相关因素分析

目的 探讨胰十二指肠切除术后胰瘘发生的危险因素.方法 回顾性分析2000年5月至2010年5月昆明医学院第二附属医院收治的186例行胰十二指肠切除术患者的临床资料,根据术后是否发生胰瘘将患者分成胰瘘组(39例)和非胰瘘组(147例)进行队列研究.对围手术期可能与胰瘘发生相关的多种因素进行分析,筛选胰十二指肠切除术后胰瘘发生的危险因素.单因素分析采用x2检验或Fisher确切概率法,多因素分析采用Logistic回归模型.结果 186例患者中39例发生胰瘘,其中A级26例、B级10例、C级3例.单因素分析结果显示:术前黄疸时间、术前6个月体质量下降、术前TBil、术前纠正后Alb、术后第3天Alb、胰腺残端游离长度、胰管直径、胰腺质地、腹腔引流管拔出时间是发生胰瘘的影响因素(x2=34.990,20.480,8.212,10.890,13.561,11.505,13.820,4.539,36.590,P＜0.05).多因素分析结果显示:术前黄疸时间＞8周、术前6个月体质量下降≥10％、胰管直径＜3 mm、胰腺质地柔软、腹腔引流管拔出时间＞5d是发生胰瘘的独立危险因素(OR=2.229,3.383,1.437,1.273,11.939,P＜0.05).结论 术前黄疸时间＞8周、术前6个月内体质量下降≥10％、胰管直径＜3 mm、胰腺质地柔软和腹腔引流管拔出时间＞5d将增加患者胰十二指肠切除术后胰瘘的发生率.     

胰十二指肠切除术后胰漏的影响因素分析

目的 探讨影响胰十二指肠切除术(PD)后胰漏发生的相关影响因素.方法 回顾性分析2007年1月至2012年3月323例PD患者的临床资料,其中男性185例,女性138例;年龄27～82岁.根据是否发生胰漏分为胰漏组52例及非胰漏组271例.对围手术期可能产生胰漏的20个相关因素,如年龄、性别、原发疾病、酗酒史、胆管炎、胆红素、清蛋白、血红蛋白等进行单因素分析及非条件Logistic多因素分析.结果 全部323例PD术后总并发症发生率30.3％(98/323),病死率3.7％(12/323),其中胰漏发生率16.1％(52/323),因胰漏死亡7例.单因素分析显示,两组间原发疾病、术前胆红素、术中出血量、输血量、胰腺质地、胰管直径、胰管支架引流方式、专业组差异有统计学意义(x2=4.072 ～9.008,P＜0.05).多因素分析显示:原发病(OR= 2.091,P=0.001)、胰腺质地(OR=7.715,P=0.040)、胰管直径(OR=5.405,P=0.006)、胰管支架引流方式(OR =4.313,P=0.001)及专业组(OR =6.404,P =0.006)是胰漏的独立危险因素.结论 原发疾病、胰腺质地、胰管直径、胰管支架引流方式及专业组是胰漏发生的独立危险因素.手术精准操作,术中放置胰管支架外引流,成立胰腺外科专业组能够有效降低胰漏的发生率.     

横结肠无血管区系膜包裹并缝扎胰腺残端预防术后胰液漏的临床疗效

目的 探讨横结肠无血管区系膜包裹并缝扎胰腺残端预防胰体尾切除术后胰液漏的临床疗效.方法 回顾性分析2011年5月至2014年3月郑州大学附属肿瘤医院收治的69例行胰体尾切除术患者的临床资料.35例患者用丝线间断纵向缝合胰腺残端后采用横结肠无血管区系膜包裹胰腺残端并缝扎作为改良组,34例患者胰腺残端用丝线间断缝合后未做其他处理作为对照组.比较两组患者的胰腺残端处理时间、并发症发生情况、引流管放置时间以及术后住院时间.采用门诊或电话随访,随访时间截至2014年6月.两组均数比较采用t检验,计数资料比较采用x2检验.结果 改良组和对照组胰腺残端处理时间分别为(15.2 ±2.1)min和(13.2 ±3.2)min,两组比较,差异无统计学意义(t=1.565,P＞0.05).改良组患者无胰液漏发生,对照组9例患者术后发生胰液漏,两组比较,差异有统计学意义(x2=9.399,P＜0.05).改良组和对照组患者术后胰腺残端引流管放置时间分别为(6.1±2.2)d和(16.6 ±3.5)d,术后住院时间分别为(12.5±2.5)d和(21.5±3.5)d,两组比较,差异有统计学意义(t=-11.902,-9.853,P＜0.05).63例患者获得随访,随访时间为1～35个月,平均随访时间为15个月.随访期间,15例患者死亡,其余恢复良好.结论 横结肠无血管区系膜包裹并缝扎胰腺残端能有效预防胰体尾切除术后胰液漏并能缩短术后住院时间.     

胰十二指肠切除术后胰瘘发生的危险因素分析

目的:探讨胰十二指肠切除术(PD)后导致胰瘘(PF)发生的危险因素,为临床上PD后PF的防治提供参考。方法:回顾2010年1月—2014年03月期间新疆医科大学附属肿瘤医院收治的122例行PD术患者的临床资料,针对可能与PF相关的14个危险因素进行单因素及多因素Logistic回归分析。结果:全组PF发生率为13.9%(17/122)。单因素分析结果显示,上腹部手术史(P=0.024),术前胆红素(P=0.003)、术中出血量(P=0.023)、术后血红蛋白(P=0.021)、胰腺质地(P=0.046)、胰管直径(P=0.007)为PD后发生PF有意义的因素。多因素分析结果表明,上腹部手术史、胰管直径<3 mm、术后血红蛋白<90 g/L是PD术后发生PF的独立危险因素(OR=4.308、5.052、3.958,均P<0.05)。结论:对于上腹部手术史、胰管直径<3 mm、术后血红蛋白<90 g/L的PD患者,应采取相应的措施,减少术后PF的发生。     

端侧胰管空肠黏膜-黏膜吻合术后胰瘘的危险因素分析

目的 分析胰十二指肠切除术中应用端侧胰管空肠黏膜-黏膜吻合法术后胰瘘的危险因素.方法 回顾性分析我院1994年1月至2008年1月问101例胰十二指肠切除术病例,分析影响胰瘘的术前及术中危险因素. 结果本组胰瘘发生率为9.9%(10/101),单变量分析结果表明术前黄疸程度(χ2=5.814,P=0.016)、黄疸持续时间(χ2=4.17,P=0.041)、胰腺质地(χ2=5.286,P=0.021)、胰管直径(χ2=4.165,P=0.041)、手术失血量(χ2=5.273,P=0.022)是胰瘘发生的危险因素,多因素Logistic回归分析结果表明,胰腺质地(OR=13.355,P=0.023)、术前黄疸程度(OR=12.126,P=0.006)、手术失血量(OR=5.92,P=0.032)是胰瘘发生的独立危险因素.Logistic回归预测方程:P=1/[<1+e-(-6.378+2.592胰腺质地+2.495术前黄疽程度+1.778手术失血量)],此方程预测发生胰瘘的正确性为92.1%.结论 胰腺质地、术前黄疸程度、手术失血最是端侧胰管空肠黏膜-黏膜吻合法术后胰瘘发生的独立危险因素,手术技术提高,减少术中失血量,可降低胰瘘的发生率.     

胰腺星状细胞活跃度在胰十二指肠切除术后胰瘘中的预测价值

背景与目的:胰腺质地是胰十二指肠切除(PD)术后胰瘘(POPF)发生的重要影响因素,但胰腺质地的判断缺乏客观评价标准。研究发现,胰腺星状细胞(PSC)的活化与胰腺的纤维化的发生密切相关,因而其活性可能影响胰腺质地。因此,本研究探讨PSC活跃度预测PD术后临床相关性胰瘘(CR-POPF)的可行性与有效性。方法:前瞻性收集2017年12月—2019年9月中南大学湘雅医院连续收治的101例行PD术患者的切缘处胰腺病理标本。通过免疫组化染色的α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)检测PSC的活跃度,并进行分级。分析PSC活跃度与胰腺质地及CR-POPF发生的关系,以及其他相关临床因素与CR-POPF发生的关系,用ROC曲线评价PSC活跃度预测CR-POPF的效能。结果:101例患者中,41例(40.6%)出现CR-POPF。分析结果显示,随着PSC活跃度等级的升高,CR-POPF发生率呈明显递减趋势,不同的胰腺质地之间,PSC等级的分布具有统计学差异(均P0.001)。相关性分析结果显示,PSC活跃度与胰腺质地的硬度之间存在明显正相关性(r=0.456,P0.001),而与CR-POPF发生率之间则存在明显负相关性(r=-0.539,P0.001)。单因素分析结果显示,胰腺质地、胰腺病理、PSC活跃度分级、术前体质量指数、胰管直径、术前总胆红素、第1天腹腔引流液淀粉酶与CR-POPF的发生密切相关(均P0.05);多元回归分析结果显示,PSC活跃度分级(OR=0.24,95% CI=0.10～0.56,P0.001)和术前总胆红素(OR=1.01,95% CI=1.00～1.01,P=0.008)是CR-POPF的独立危险因素。ROC曲线分析显示,PSC活跃度预测CR-POPF的AUC为0.795(95% CI=0.708～0.881),敏感度和特异度分别为63.3%和87.8%。结论:PSC活跃度等级能较客观、准确地反映胰腺的质地情况,是预测PD术后CR-POPF的有效指标,具有一定的临床应用价值。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

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.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

Intrathecal administration of sameridine to patients subjected to arthroscopic knee joint surgery

Background: Sameridine, a new substance with both local anesthetic and opioid effects, was administered intrathecally for the first time to humans, i. e. in patients subjected to arthroscopic knee joint surgery.
Method: A dose-escalating (10, 15, 20 and 25 mg), open study was performed in 33 patients. Only two patients were included in the 25 mg group.
Results: Sameridine provided good quality of surgical anesthesia in all patients except those receiving 10 mg. The maximum level of sensory block, Th5–Th7, was reached within 30 min with a median duration of 3.6–3.9 h. The motor block was more profound with increasing dose, but never lasted longer than the sensory block. The influence on heart rate and blood pressure was minor and atropine and ephedrine were needed in four patients. No clinically significant ECG-changes were detected and no arrhythmias were recorded. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate did not decrease in a clinically significant way and were not affected by concomitant morphine given i. v. postoperatively. There were few side-effects, the most frequent being mild pruritus (10/33).
Conclusion: Sameridine provided clinically adequate anesthesia for the patients receiving the doses of 15, 20 and 25 mg. Further studies are needed to evaluate the substance and it is of great interest to clinically investigate the opioid component with respect to postoperative analgesia.     

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.