甲基强的松龙在脊髓型颈椎病围手术期中的应用

目的探讨甲基强的松龙（MP）在脊髓型颈椎病（CSM）对脊髓减压术后神经功能恢复的影响。方法脊髓型颈椎病患者67例,根据MP不同用法随机分为3组。A组21例：术中减压前30 min应用MP 1000mg,静脉输液,术后应用MP 80mg,静脉输液,qd×5d;B组24例：术中减压前30min应用MP 1000mg,静脉输液,术后应用地塞米松10mg,静脉输液,qd×5 d;C组22例：术后应用地塞米松10mg,静脉输液,qd×5d。术前、术后1周、术后6个月按JOA评分进行比较。结果术前3组JOA评分比较差异无显著性（P〉0.05）。术后1周、术后6个月3组JOA评分改善率比较差异皆有显著性（P〈0.05）。结论脊髓型颈椎病患者术中减压前30min和术后应用MP可促进神经功能的恢复。     

甲基强的松龙冲击疗法对手术治疗脊髓型颈椎病近期疗效的影响

目的探讨术中应用大剂量甲基强的松龙(MP)对严重脊髓型颈椎病患者脊髓减压术后近期神经功能恢复的影响.方法2001年6月至2004年12月行前路减压植骨内固定的中重度脊髓型颈椎病患者124例,影像图片证实脊髓横断受压面积≥25%.根据术中是否使用MP分为两组MP组60例,术中脊髓减压前30min左右给予MP 20mg/kg快速静滴,术后20%甘露醇250ml静滴,连续维持3d;对照组64例,术中脊髓减压前30min左右给予地塞米松20mg快速静滴,术后给予20%甘露醇250ml+地塞米松10mg静滴,每日1次,维持3d.观察患者术后1周内脊髓功能恢复情况,按JOA脊髓功能评分标准评定神经功能恢复率,并统计其并发症.结果术后第1天和第3天MP组神经功能恢复率稍好,但两组差异无显著性(P＞0.05);术后第7天,MP组和对照组脊髓神经功能恢复率分别为75.50%±6.18%和61.02%±6.30%,两组存在显著性差异(P＜0.05).两组与糖皮质激素相关的并发症无差异.结论对严重脊髓型颈椎病患者术中脊髓减压前应用大剂量MP冲击治疗能明显提高患者术后近期神经功能恢复率,且不增加与糖皮质激素相关并发症的发生.     

甲基强的松龙在脊髓型颈椎病围手术期的应用

目的观察脊髓型颈椎病患者围手术期应用甲基强的松龙（methyloprednisonlone,MP）预防脊髓神经功能损害的效果,探讨最佳用药方案。方法 2009年3月至2012年3月,36例确认为脊髓型颈椎病的患者随机分为A、B两组。采用颈前路减压植骨融合内固定或一期后、前路椎管减压内固定治疗,手术由同组医师完成。A组20例,减压前30min给予MP 1 000mg冲击,术后第1天起MP按照200mg、200mg、80mg、80mg逐日减量,共应用5d。B组16例,减压前不予冲击,减压即刻80mg及术后80mg/日静推共5d。如果减压后8h内出现脊髓损害加重的情况,立即按第三次全美急性脊髓损伤研究冲击方案执行,并排除血肿压迫等原因。两组手术开始后均给予20%甘露醇125mL静滴,术后按125mL/8h静滴,共4d。对两组术前、术后1周、术后3个月及术后6个月进行脊髓型颈椎病JOA评分。结果 A组有1例,B组有2例减压后8h内出现神经症状加重,按第三次全美急性脊髓损伤研究方案冲击后缓解;两组术前JOA评分比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;术后1周、3个月、6个月两组JOA评分与术前比较均明显提高（P〈0.05）;术后1周JOA评分A组优于B组（P〈0.05）;术后3个月、6个月两组间比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论脊髓型颈椎病围手术期应用MP可预防脊髓神经功能损害,促进近期神经功能恢复。术前宜权衡利弊,术中、术后仔细观察神经功能变化并及时处理,MP冲击应用并无必要。     

大剂量甲基强的松龙在伴有严重脊髓受压的脊髓型颈椎病围手术期的应用

目的:探讨大剂量甲基强的松龙(methylprednisolone,MP)在伴有严重脊髓受压的脊髓型颈椎病患者围手术期应用的价值。方法:选取有严重脊髓受压的颈椎病患者62例,采用颈前路椎体次全切除减压植骨内固定或后路单开门减压椎管扩大成形术治疗。按照围手术期是否使用MP分为MP治疗组和对照组。MP治疗组38例,术中操作达椎前或后路达椎板时静脉给予MP30mg/kg,15min滴完;45min后给予5.4mg/kg/h维持23h,术后第1～3天均按80mg/次静脉滴注,每天2次;术后第4天停用。对照组24例,施行同样减压术,于手术当时开始常规使用地塞米松(DXM)治疗,10mg/次,每天1次,应用3d。比较两组患者术后1周内脊髓功能JOA评分和相关并发症发生率。结果:术前MP治疗组及对照组患者JOA评分分别为6.9±2.3分和7.5±2.7分,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后MP治疗组JOA评分为11.9±3.2分,改善率为49.5%;对照组为9.1±2.1分,改善率为16.8%,两组间比较有显著性差异(P<0.01)。消化道溃疡、感染等并发症发生率两组间均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后对照组中4例出现症状加重,经对症处理后1例完全恢复,2例肢体仍有麻痛感,1例肌力未完全恢复正常。结论:围手术期大剂量使用MP在伴有严重脊髓压迫的颈椎病患者的减压治疗中具有明显改善神经功能的作用,可有效地预防由于手术所造成的神经刺激症状,相关并发症比较少见。     

甲基强的松龙在脊髓型颈椎病外科治疗中的应用价值

目的:探讨甲基强的松龙(MP)的不同剂量和用法对脊髓型颈椎病患者脊髓减压术后神经功能恢复的影响。方法:脊髓型颈椎病患者87例,根据MP不同剂量和用法分为4组,A组:小剂量术后组,22例;B组:大剂量术中组,25例;C组:大剂量术后组,24例;D组:未用MP组,16例。术后近期(1周)、远期(半年)按日本骨科协会(JOA)评分计算4组患者的神经功能恢复率,统计并发症。远期神经功能评分增加按ODOM分级评分。结果:A、D组分别和B、C组比较有显著性差异(P<0.01),A组与D组、B组与C组比较无显著性差异(P>0.05)。4组均未发生创口和肺部感染,B组发生1例胃大部切除吻合口溃疡,C组1例出现黑便。各组远期随访未发现骨质疏松、骨坏死等并发症,植骨融合良好。结论:大剂量MP连续应用能明显提高脊髓型颈椎病患者术后神经功能的恢复率;MP的上述用法是安全的,但对消化道并发症应给予关注。     

甲基强的松龙在颈椎外科的围手术期应用

目的:观察颈椎外科手术围手术期应用甲基强的松龙(MP)对患者脊髓神经功能的影响,探讨最佳用药方案.方法:本组颈椎外科疾患共122例,年龄38-65岁,平均52.6岁.其中男性75例,女性47例.术前患者均伴有不同程度的神经功能损害.手术方式分为单纯前路减压66例,单纯后路减压35例.前后路联合减压21例.122例患者分为4组,A组31例,减压手术前半小时在持续心电监护下静脉滴注MP(30m/kg)30min内滴完(冲击),术后1~3d按3mg/kg静滴MD;B组31例,冲击剂量为MP 20mg/kg,余同A组;C组30例,仅术后1~3d按3mg/kg静滴MP;D组30例,仅术后1~3d每天予地塞米松10mg静滴.4组术后均予20%甘露醇脱水、洛赛克预防消化性溃疡、神经节苷酯营养神经治疗3~5d.对4组患者术后3d、1周、6个月时脊髓神经功能恢复率及并发症情况行统计学分析.结果:4组术前JOA评分无显著性差异(P>0.05).术后3d、1周、6个月时,4组JOA评分均较术前有显著改善(P<0.01);A、B组神经功能恢复率优于C、D组(P<0.01),C组术后1周内优于D组(P<0.05),A、B组问无显著差异(P>0.05).消化道溃疡、感染、心血管衰竭等并发症的发生率4组间无显著性差异(P>0.05).结论:颈椎外科行减压手术时,围手术期使用MP可以改善脊髓神经功能预后,且减压手术前30min冲击剂量联合术后小剂量连续应用有明显优势,优于单独术后小剂量应用;同时消化道溃疡等并发症的发生率未显著增加;冲击剂量选择20mg/kg可能更为合理.     

依达拉奉在脊髓型颈椎病围手术期应用的效果观察

目的:探讨自由基清除剂依达拉奉在脊髓型颈椎病围手术期应用的价值。方法:前路减压、植骨内固定治疗58例脊髓型颈椎病,治疗组30例患者围手术期应用依达拉奉,术前30min静脉滴注(30mg),术后连续使用6d(30mg/次,2次/d);对照组28例,未应用依达拉奉。采用电子自旋共振(electronspinresonance,ESR)检测患者术前30min、减压后30min脑脊液自由基含量;术前及术后1d、1周、3个月采用JOA评分评定神经功能,观察术后症状反跳发生率。结果:脑脊液自由基含量术前两组无明显差异(P>0.05),减压后30min治疗组较对照组明显减少(P<0.05)。术前、术后1d、术后3个月治疗组与对照组JOA评分无明显差异(P>0.05),术后1周治疗组JOA评分优于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗组术后症状反跳的发生率、持续时间均低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:脊髓型颈椎病患者围手术期应用自由基清除剂依达拉奉,能降低脑脊液自由基浓度,减少术后症状反跳,提高术后短期疗效。     

甲基强的松龙在脊柱转移瘤所致恶性脊髓压迫症围手术期的应用

目的：观察围手术期应用甲基强的松龙（MP）对脊柱转移瘤所致恶性脊髓压迫症患者脊髓神经功能恢复的作用。方法：2002年1月～2007年5月，在我院手术治疗的脊柱转移瘤所致恶性脊髓压迫症患者22例，13例采用一期后路椎管减压、肿瘤姑息切除手术治疗，减压前30min给予MP1000mg冲击（用药组），术后第1天起予MP80～120mg静脉点滴，每日2次，共应用3～5d；同期9例未使用MP而其余处理相同的同类型患者作为对照组。对术前、术后1d、术后1周和术后1个月时两组患者的脊髓功能进行ASIA评分。结果：两组患者无围手术期死亡病例，全部病例随访2～27个月，用药组与对照组术前的ASIA评分无显著性差异（P〉0．05），术后1d、1周和1个月时两组ASIA评分有显著性差异（P〈0．05）。结论：对于脊柱转移瘤所致恶性脊髓压迫症患者，围手术期应用MP有利于保护脊髓神经功能。     

甲基强的松龙在发育性颈椎管狭窄合并脊髓型颈椎病围手术期的应用

目的探讨围手术期预防性应用甲基强的松龙(MP)对发育性颈椎管狭窄(DCS)合并脊髓型颈椎病(CSM)患者脊髓减压术后神经功能恢复的影响.方法62例DCS合并CSM患者,根据围手术期是否应用MP分为2组,MP组32例,术中脊髓减压前30min以MP 30mg/kg静滴(15min内滴完),45min后继以5.4mg/kg/h维持用药23h;对照组30例,术中脊髓减压前给予地塞米松15mg静脉点滴,术后地塞米松10mg静滴×3d.术后3d、7d、1个月、6个月和12个月按JOA评分标准评定两组患者的神经功能改善率[(术后JOA评分-术前JOA评分)/(17-术前JOA评分)×100%],观察统计并发症.结果术后3d两组患者神经功能改善率比较无显著性差异(P＞0.05),术后7d时MP组与对照组神经功能改善率分别为(68.43±9.89)%、(49.67±11.45)%,有显著性差异(P＜0.05),术后1个月时分别为(77.32±11.24)%、(61.65±10.42)%(P＞0.05),术后6个月时分别为(81.12±10.42)%、(70.45±9.22)%(P＜0.05),术后12个月时分别为(83.15±8.57)%、(81.77±11.61)%(P＞0.05).术后对照组有4例出现肩痛,MP组无严重并发症出现.结论DCS合并CSM患者围手术期预防性应用MP能提高手术的安全性及术后近期神经功能改善率,未增加严重不良反应的发生.     

脊髓型颈椎病围手术期应用不同剂量甲基强的松龙的疗效观察

目的:探讨不同剂量甲基强的松龙(MP)在脊髓型颈椎病围手术期应用的效果. 方法:2005年10月～2006年10月将80例临床确诊为脊髓型颈椎病(CSM)患者随机均分为A、B、C、D组,每组20例,所有患者均由同一组外科医生行颈椎前路减压植骨融合内固定手术.减压前30min开始静脉滴注MP,A组1000mg、B绀500mg、C组200mg;三组术后第1、2天静脉滴注MP 120mg,1次/日,术后第3、4天静脉滴沣MP 80mg,1次/日,术后第5、6天静脉滴注MP 40mg,1次/日.D组不用糖皮质激素.对各组术前和术后1周、3个月、6个月神经功能进行JOA评分,观察各组消化道症状、精神异常等并发痱发牛情况,并分别进行统汁学分析.结果:A、B、C组术后1周JOA评分与术前比较均明显提高(P＜0.05),D组术后1周与术前比较无显著性差异(P＞0.05),每组术后3个月、6个月与术前比较均明显提高(P＜0.05),每组术后3个月与术后1周比较及术后6个月与术后3个月比较均明显提高(P＜0.05);术前、术后6个月各组JOA评分均无显著性差异(P＞0.05);术后1周、3个月A组、B组与D组比较有显著性差异(P＜0.05),C组与D组比较无显著性差异(P＞0.05),A组、B组与C组比较及A组与B组比较均无显著性差异(P＞0.05).A组10例出现消化道症状,其中2例合并精神症状,2例出现单纯精神症状:B组4例出现消化道症状,其中2例合并精神症状;C组3例出现消化道症状,其中合并精神症状1例:D组未出现消化道症状和精神症状.A组并发症发生例数明显多于其他各组(P＜0.0125),B组并发症发生例数与C组比较无显著性差异(P＞0.0125).结论:CSM患者围手术期采川MP首剂500mg方案与1000mg方案均可促进术后3个月内的神经功能恢复,但首剂500mg方案的并发症较1000mg方案少.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Systemic analgesia adapted to the children's condition

A concept of balanced analgesia using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), opioids, and corticosteroids can also be used in patients with pre-existing illnesses. NSAIDs are the most effective treatment for acute pain of moderate intensity in children; however, these drugs should be avoided in patients at increased risk for serious side effects, e.g. patients with renal impairment, bleeding tendency, or extreme prematurity. NSAIDs can be given with minimal risks to the younger child with mild to moderate asthma, and, in these patients, the use of steroids can be encouraged; in addition to their antiemetic and analgesic action, a beneficial effect on asthma symptoms can be expected. In the non-intubated child with cerebral trauma, exaggerated sedation caused by opioids and increased bleeding tendency caused by NSAIDs must be avoided. In neonates and small infants, the oral administration of sucrose or glucose is helpful to minimize pain reaction during short uncomfortable interventions.     

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.