人工颈椎间盘置换术治疗颈椎病的中期疗效观察

目的:观察人工颈椎间盘置换术治疗颈椎病的中期临床效果。方法:2004年10月至2008年2月,对24例颈椎病患者共31个椎间隙行人工颈椎间盘置换术,其中脊髓型颈椎病21例28个椎间隙,神经根型颈椎病3例3个椎间隙;10例12个椎间隙应用Bryan假体,14例19个椎间隙应用Prodisc-C假体。术后随访24～65个月,平均39个月,定期对患者进行JOA评分和Oswestry颈椎功能障碍指数(ONDI)评定,并摄颈椎X线片测量置换节段及其相邻上下节段的活动度。结果:1例术后10个月手术节段椎体前缘骨质增生并融合,活动度丢失。其余患者随访期间置换节段稳定,颈椎生理弧度没有明显丢失;没有假体下沉和明显偏移;术后1个月、2年及末次随访时的JOA和ONDI评分与术前比较有统计学差异(P0.01),术后各时间点两两比较无统计学差异(P0.01)。术后1个月、2年及末次随访时置换节段及其相邻上下节段屈伸、左右侧屈活动度与术前比较无统计学差异(P0.01),术后各时间点两两比较亦无统计学差异(P0.01)。结论:人工颈椎间盘置换术后中期疗效满意,但仍然需要更长期随访结果来进一步评价其功能和对邻近节段的影响。     

颈椎间盘假体置换术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的近期效果观察

目的:观察脊髓型颈椎病患者应用Bryan颈椎间盘假体置换术治疗后的近期效果。方法:2003年12月～2005年5月应用Bryan颈椎间盘假体置换术治疗脊髓型颈椎病患者67例,其中28例合并有神经根型表现。术前和术后6个月时进行JOA评分;并摄颈椎前屈后伸位、左右侧屈位X线片,观察假体稳定性、颈椎置换节段和C3～C7节段的活动度。结果:患者术后症状均明显缓解,围手术期出现食道漏1例,一过性声音嘶哑3例,经处理均痊愈。随访3￣18个月,超过6个月的共计56例,JOA评分由术前平均8.7分(7￣13分)上升至术后平均15.4分(14￣17分);置换节段前后活动范围平均5.78°,左右侧屈活动范围分别为平均3.52°和3.48°;颈椎(C3￣C7)活动度与术前无显著性差异。结论:颈人工椎间盘置换术近期可保持前路减压的良好效果,同时可获得术后即刻稳定性,维持颈椎近正常的活动度。     

人工颈椎间盘假体置换治疗颈椎病的早期临床研究

目的探讨初期应用人工颈椎间盘假体治疗颈椎病的疗效。方法应用Bryan人工椎间盘假体置换治疗脊髓型颈椎病和神经根型颈椎病患者18例（22个节断），术前、术后进行JOA评分比较评价早期治疗效果；术后摄置换节段前屈后伸位，左右侧屈位X线片，观察稳定性和植入节段的活动度。结果随访16～36个月，平均20个月。无伤口感染及假体脱位病例，患者JOA评分由术前平均9．0（7～11）分上升至术后平均15．0（13～17）分，术后3个月置换节段前屈后伸活动范围平均4．8°（4．1°～5．5°），左右侧屈活动范围分别为3．7°（3．4°～4．0°）和3．6°（3．3°～3．9°）。X线片显示颈椎稳定性好，运动功能无明显丢失。结论应用人工颈椎间盘假体置换治疗颈椎间盘疾病早期效果良好。     

颈椎人工椎间盘置换术治疗颈椎间盘疾患的早期临床观察

目的：探讨应用颈椎人工椎间盘置换术治疗颈椎间盘疾患的效果.方法：对45例颈椎间盘疾病患者（脊髓型颈椎病35例、神经根型颈椎病5例、急性颈椎间盘突出症5例）实施前路减压、Bryan人工椎间盘置换术.其中单节段置换35例,双节段9例,3节段1例.结果：所有患者随访1～12个月,平均8个月.脊髓型颈椎病患者术前JOA评分平均8.5分,术后平均15.5分,平均改善率为88%.神经根型颈椎病和急性颈椎间盘突出症患者的临床症状均消失.平均术后住院时间为4.8d（2～6d）,38例术后4周内恢复正常生活和工作,7例在术后2个月内恢复工作.所有病例未见假体移位及神经系统症状加重.有2例分别在术后3个月和11个月时出现假体周围骨桥形成无活动,其余43例在最终随访时各置换节段均保留了活动度.结论：应用Bryan人工椎间盘系统置换治疗颈椎间盘疾患早期效果良好.     

颈人工椎间盘置换术治疗颈椎病的临床研究

目的 探讨Bryan颈人工椎间盘假体置换术治疗颈椎病的临床疗效,同时与颈前路减压植骨融合术相比较,观察两种术式的近期临床疗效.方法 脊髓型和神经根型颈椎病患者共48例,21例（22个节段）行颈前路颈人工椎间盘假体置换术（置换组）,27例（32个节段）采用颈前路减压植骨融合术（融合组）.两组患者分别在术前,术后,术后3、6、12、18个月观察以下指标：JOA评分;摄颈椎前屈后伸位、左右侧屈位X线片,观察置换组的假体稳定性和植入节段及上下临近节段的活动度,观察融合组融合节段的上下临近节段的关节活动度;MRI或CT扫描检查颈人工椎间盘假体位置及有无异位骨化现象.结果 两组术后临床症状缓解,脊髓功能改善,均无并发症.两组JOA评分比较：术后各时间段较术前明显提高（P＜0.01）,两组术后各时间段之间的评分比较无显著差异.术后各时间段随访摄X线片显示：置换组置换节段较术前保留了部分关节活动度,上下临近关节活动度未显著增加,未发现假体偏移或下沉;而融合组临近节段活动度显著高于置换组（P＜0.01）.术后CT或MRI扫描显示：置换组假体位于临近上、下终板骨的中央,未见假体周围异位骨化现象;融合组出现1例下临近节段退变压迫脊髓.结论 与颈前路减压植骨融合术比较,颈人工椎间盘置换术既能良好地达到前路减压目的,又能保持颈椎病变节段的部分活动度和稳定性,且未显著增加上下临近节段活动度,取得了较好的近期临床疗效.     

人工颈椎间盘置换对邻近节段椎间盘的保护作用

[目的]探讨Bryan人工颈椎间盘置换治疗颈椎病和颈椎间盘突出症的临床疗效及对邻近节段椎间盘的保护作用。[方法]回顾分析2004年以来本科收治的254例颈椎病及颈椎间盘突出症患者。117例施行了Bryan人工椎间盘置换术,其中男性55例,女性62例;年龄33~65岁,平均46.6岁,89例行单节段人工椎间盘置换术,6例行双节段人工椎间盘置换术,22例行1节段人工椎间盘置换术和1节段椎间盘切除植骨融合术。137例行颈椎前路减压融合术,其中男性74例,女性63例;年龄29~81岁,平均47.8岁。术后评定患者神经功能恢复情况,测量邻近节段活动度的大小,并进行邻近节段颈椎间盘退变情况的X线评估。[结果]两组患者术后随访时间为6~60个月,平均26.4个月。两组患者术后神经功能均有明显改善,JOA评分平均较术前提高5.6分,平均改善率为62.9%,有效率为100%,两组间无统计学差异(P0.05)。测量邻近节段椎间隙活动度的结果显示融合组较非融合组变化明显,具有统计学意义(P0.05)。椎间盘退变的X线评估结果显示,融合组邻近节段颈椎间盘退变的发生率和严重程度明显高于非融合组,具有统计学意义(P0.05)。[结论]Bryan人工颈椎间盘置换治疗颈椎病和颈椎间盘突出症具有良好的疗效,较传统前路减压融合术,可以较好发挥其对邻近节段椎间盘的保护作用。     

人工颈椎间盘置换术适应证及疗效探讨

目的 依据影像学评价标准及颈前路手术减压方式的选择探讨颈椎人工椎间盘置换手术的适应证.方法 回顾性分析2008年1月至2009年7月具有完整资料的175例行颈前路手术的颈椎病及颈椎间盘突出症病例,行融合手术145例,人工椎间盘置换术30例.依据术前影像学评价标准对患者进行不同手术:(1)椎间隙减压融合术;(2)游离型椎间盘突出超过相邻椎体后缘高度1/2者,先通过椎间隙摘除游离的间盘组织碎块,再通过椎体次全切除确认是否将游离的间盘组织碎块完全摘除;(3)椎体次全切减压融合术;(4)ProDisc-C人工颈椎间盘置换术.单节段病变的脊髓型颈椎病按融合术及人工椎间盘置换术分组,比较两组日本矫形外科协会(Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA)脊髓功能评分,评价两种手术方式疗效;统计并分析术前和术后1、3、6、12个月人工椎间盘置换节段运动范围.结果 单纯椎间盘突出、轻度椎间盘钙化、椎体后缘有较小骨赘形成的颈椎病可以通过椎间隙达到彻底减压行人工椎间盘置换术.椎体后缘有巨大骨赘形成、严重椎间盘钙化、相应椎间隙严重狭窄或融合、后纵韧带骨化、广泛的椎管狭窄需行椎体次全切除才能达到彻底减压.JOA评分平均改善率:融合术者为66.05%,人工椎间盘置换术者为67.13%,差异无统计学意义;人工椎间盘置换节段术后1、3、6、12个月运动范围与术前相比差异无统计学意义.结论 颈椎病及颈椎间盘突出症,只要能通过前路椎间隙达到彻底减压就可行人工椎间盘置换术.单节段脊髓型颈椎病行人工椎间盘置换术和前路植骨融合内固定术近期手术疗效均良好,但人工椎间盘置换术使置换节段的运动范围得到保留.     

人工颈椎间盘置换术治疗颈椎病疗效观察

[目的]探讨人工颈椎间盘置换术治疗颈椎病所致神经或脊髓受损的临床症状及体征的缓解情况,置换节段的稳定性,活动度的维持.[方法]对6例颈椎病患者6个椎间盘实施了颈椎前路人工颈椎间盘置换术,其中神经根型颈椎病3例,脊髓型颈椎病3例.随访时间8～39个月,平均28个月.[结果]6例患者神经、脊髓受损临床症状及体征均得到了明显的恢复和缓解.JOA评分从平均8.2增加到16.3.假体无明显下沉和偏移,置换节段稳定,颈椎活动范围得到了明显恢复.前屈和后伸活动范围平均恢复4.86°(3.3°～6.28°);左右侧屈的活动范围平均恢复3.26°(2.6°～5.1°),3.52°(2.6°～4.8°),颈椎生理弧度无明显丢失,假体节段周围无骨化.无神经及血管损伤等并发症.[结论]6例人工颈椎间盘置换术均取得了满意的近期临床疗效.与当今标准颈前路椎间盘摘除,椎体间植骨融合,钢板螺钉内固定术比较,其最大的优点是病人恢复快,颈椎活动度无明显受损.     

人工椎间盘置换术治疗颈椎病的初步结果

目的 探讨应用PCM人工椎间盘系统治疗颈椎病的初步疗效.方法 自2004年1月起,对26例单节段或多节段以颈椎间盘退变为主的颈椎病患者进行人工颈椎间盘置换术,男18例,女8例,年龄36-57岁,平均48岁;其中单节段置换17例,两个节段及以上置换9例,共33个节段;对术后神经系统功能恢复情况进行JOA评分,对颈椎曲度、人工颈椎间盘及相邻节段的高度、人工颈椎间盘的活动度以及人工颈椎间盘与椎间隙终板界面间的稳定性及治疗效果进行评价.结果 术后随访6-24个月,平均18个月,患者神经系统症状均有不同程度的改善,JOA评分由术前平均8.5分提高到术后的15分,平均改善率为75%.X线和MRI检查示:突出间盘间隙减压充分,生理前凸重建良好,人工椎间盘间隙高度与邻近椎间盘高度相同.颈椎活动大部分接近正常.颈椎正侧位和过屈过伸侧位X线片显示颈椎稳定性好,表明人工椎间盘有很好的适配性,与上下终板嵌合紧密没有放射透光区或移位,随访期间未发现人工椎间盘移位或脱位.结论 人工颈椎间盘置换治疗颈椎病可以获得良好的减压和重建脊柱稳定,为颈椎病的治疗提供了一个新的选择.     

人工椎间盘置换术治疗颈椎间盘疾患的早期观察

目的：探讨人工椎间盘置换术治疗颈椎间盘疾患的早期临床效果.方法：自2004年1月起,对20例单节段或多节段以颈椎间盘退变为主的颈椎病患者进行人工颈椎间盘置换术,男12例,女8例,年龄38～55岁,平均47岁;其中单节段置换14例,两个节段及以上（含两个）置换6例,共28个节段;术后随访6个月至1.5年,对术后神经系统功能恢复情况进行JOA评分,对颈椎曲度、人工颈椎间盘及相邻节段的高度、人工颈椎间盘的活动度以及人工颈椎间盘与椎间隙终板界面间的稳定性及治疗效果进行评价.结果：患者神经系统症状均获得满意改善,影像学随访消失的生理弯曲、后凸畸形均获得满意纠正.置换间隙高度与上下相邻间隙高度相等,颈椎过伸过屈位时置换间隙前高后高变化与相邻椎间隙一致,人工间盘与上下终板间紧密贴合,无透光区、无位移,随访中人工间盘活动度良好,无失稳及脱位发生.结论：颈椎人工颈椎间盘置换手术操作简单,在减压的同时可重建椎间隙高度及生理弯曲,恢复椎间活动度,早期临床疗效良好.     

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.