颈椎椎板成形椎管扩大术结合椎弓根螺钉矫形内固定融合术治疗多节段压迫性颈脊髓病合并退变性颈椎后凸的中长期疗效

【摘要】 目的：观察颈后路椎板成形椎管扩大术结合椎弓根螺钉矫形内固定融合术治疗多节段压迫性颈脊髓病合并退变性颈椎后凸患者的中长期疗效。方法：回顾性分析2008年3月~2019年9月，采用颈后路单开门椎板成形椎管扩大术结合椎弓根螺钉矫形内固定融合术治疗的18例多节段脊髓受压的慢性颈脊髓病合并退变性颈椎后凸患者，其中男11例，女7例，年龄52.3±8.1岁；颈椎后纵韧带骨化症（ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament，OPLL）合并慢性颈脊髓病5例，脊髓型颈椎病13例。减压节段：17例为C3~C7，1例为C3~T1，术中固定融合3.8±1.0个椎体。12例患者出院时（术后2周左右）复查颈椎MRI，11例患者获得随访，随访时间2.1~13.5年（10.5±2.8年）。在术前、出院时颈椎侧位X线片上测量后凸节段Cobb角，在颈椎MRI上测量脊髓前缘角及改良K线，末次随访时在X线片上评估手术固定节段骨性融合及后凸矫形角度丢失情况。术前及末次随访时进行JOA评分及颈痛VAS评分。结果：18例患者术前后凸节段的局部Cobb角为6.6°±6.5°后凸，术后2周为3.8°±8.0°前凸，有显著性差异（P<0.01）； 术前C2~C7颈椎Cobb角为1.3°±9.4°前凸，术后2周为5.8°±7.0°前凸，无显著性差异（P＞0.05）。12例患者颈椎MRI上测量脊髓前缘角术前为11.1°±4.2°后凸，术后2周为1.3°±5.2°后凸，有显著性差异（P<0.01）；C2~C7节段脊髓前缘角术前为6.5°±4.4°后凸，术后2周为1.1°±6.3°前凸，有显著性差异（P<0.01）。7例（39%）患者术后出现C5神经根麻痹，均在术后1~4个月内完全恢复。术后末次随访11例患者颈椎侧位X线片显示手术固定节段均获骨性融合，后凸矫形角度无丢失；颈椎MRI显示脊髓无受压，正中矢状位片显示脊髓前缘角无丢失。11例患者JOA评分术前8.0±2.8分，末次随访时15.6±0.9分，有显著性差异（P<0.01），JOA评分改善率（83±14）%；颈痛VAS评分术前为2.2±3.0分，末次随访时为1.1±1.2分，术前与末次随访时相比无显著性差异（P>0.05）。结论：对于合并有退变性颈椎后凸的多节段受压的慢性压迫性颈脊髓病，采用椎板成形椎管扩大术结合椎弓根螺钉矫形内固定融合术可以获得长期稳定、良好的脊髓功能改善的效果。     

颈前路经椎间隙扩大锥状减压融合术治疗严重椎间隙狭窄颈椎病的疗效观察

【摘要】目的：观察颈前路经椎间隙扩大锥状减压融合术（enlarged anterior cervical intervertebral cone-shape decompression and fusion,EACDF）治疗严重椎间隙狭窄颈椎病的临床疗效。方法：回顾性分析2015年1月~2020年7月采用颈椎前路减压融合手术治疗的135例严重椎间隙狭窄颈椎病患者的临床资料,其中53例患者行颈前路椎体次全切减压融合术（anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion,ACCF）,纳入ACCF组;82例患者行EACDF,术中采用撑开扩大椎间隙、切除椎体部分后缘及部分钩椎关节的扩大减压方式,纳入EACDF组。对比两组间患者的年龄、性别、体质指数（body mass index,BMI）,记录两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、平均住院日,术前和术后即刻、2个月、12个月及末次随访时的颈肩部及上肢疼痛视觉模拟评分（visual analog scale,VAS）、颈椎残障指数（neck disability index,NDI）及日本骨科协会（Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA）评分,测量术前和术后即刻、2个月、12个月及末次随访时的颈椎整体曲度（C2-C7 Cobb角）、手术节段Cobb角、手术节段椎间高度、狭窄节段椎间孔高度及面积。记录两组植骨融合率及手术并发症。结果：两组间年龄、性别、BMI均无统计学差异（P>0.05）,所有患者均顺利完成手术,术后随访24~78个月（47.74±20.36个月）。两组间手术时间、出血量、平均住院日均无统计学差异（P>0.05）。两组术后即刻、2个月、12个月及末次随访的颈痛与上肢痛VAS评分、NDI及JOA评分较术前均有明显改善（P<0.05）;两组间术前颈痛与上肢痛VAS评分、NDI及JOA评分均无明显差异（P>0.05）,EACDF组术后即刻上肢痛VAS评分明显低于ACCF组（P<0.05）,两组间术后2个月、12个月及末次随访时的颈痛与上肢痛VAS评分、NDI及JOA评分均无统计学差异（P>0.05）。EACDF组术后即刻、2个月、12个月及末次随访时的C2-C7 Cobb角、手术节段Cobb角、手术节段椎间高度、狭窄节段椎间孔高度及面积较术前均有明显改善（P<0.05）;ACCF组术后即刻、2个月、12个月及末次随访时的C2-C7 Cobb角、手术节段Cobb角、狭窄节段椎间孔面积较术前均明显改善（P<0.05）,术后即刻手术节段椎间高度、狭窄节段椎间孔高度较术前均明显改善（P<0.05）,但术后12个月和末次随访时的狭窄节段椎间孔高度较术前无明显差异（P>0.05）。两组间术前C2-C7 Cobb角、手术节段Cobb角、手术节段椎间高度、狭窄节段椎间孔高度及面积均无统计学差异（P>0.05）,术后即刻、2个月、12个月及末次随访时EACDF组均明显大于ACCF组（P<0.05）。末次随访时两组均已植骨融合,ACCF组钛网下沉发生率20.75%。结论：相较于ACCF术式,EACDF能够获得一致的临床效果,并且在恢复椎间隙高度、纠正颈椎曲度及减压椎间孔狭窄方面更具优势。     

颈后路经肌间隙入路“升顶式”椎管扩大椎板成形术后早期颈椎矢状面平衡的变化

【摘要】 目的：探讨颈后路经肌间隙入路“升顶式”椎管扩大椎板成形术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病（cervical spondylotic myelopathy，CSM）的早期临床疗效。方法：回顾性分析2013年8月~2020年9月我院采用颈后路椎管扩大椎板成形术治疗的75例多节段CSM患者，其中42例患者采用颈后路经肌间隙入路“升顶式”椎管扩大椎板成形术（升顶组），年龄31~79岁（57.2±10.7岁）；33例患者采用传统“关节囊悬吊法”单开门椎管扩大椎板成形术（悬吊法组），年龄48~82岁（67.2±9.6岁）。所有患者于术后3～14个月门诊随访。收集两组患者的住院相关基本信息；在术前和末次随访时的颈椎X线片上测量颈椎矢状面平衡参数，包括C0-2 Cobb角、C2-7 Cobb角、C2-7矢状面轴向距离（C2-7 SVA）、C7倾斜角（C7-Slope），同时测量颈椎活动度（ROM）；术前和末次随访时采用改良JOA（mJOA）评分、VAS评分和颈椎功能障碍指数（NDI）评估，计算mJOA评分改善率。结果：两组患者性别、术中出血量和平均随访时间差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。升顶组患者年龄和术后住院天数均小于悬吊法组（P<0.05）。两组术前C0-2 Cobb角、C2-7 Cobb角、C2-7 SVA、C7-Slope和颈椎ROM均无统计学差异（P>0.05），末次随访时升顶组C7-Slope和C2-C7 SVA小于悬吊法组（P<0.05），C2-7 ROM大于悬吊法组（P<0.05）。两组末次随访时mJOA和VAS评分与术前比较均有明显改善，差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）；两组间同时间点mJOA和VAS评分比较无统计学差异（P>0.05），mJOA评分改善率亦无统计学差异（P>0.05）。两组末次随访时NDI与术前比较无统计学差异（P>0.05），两组间同时间点比较亦无统计学差异（P>0.05）。结论：与传统颈后路单开门椎管扩大椎板成形术相比，颈后路经肌间隙入路“升顶式”椎管扩大椎板成形术治疗多节段CSM早期可获得相同神经功能改善效果，且在维持颈椎矢状面平衡及颈椎活动度方面更具优势。     

颈后路单开门结合Vertex钉棒系统和Centerpiece 钉板系统内固定治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病

【摘要】 目的：评价颈后路单开门结合Vertex钉棒系统和Centerpiece钉板系统内固定治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的临床疗效。方法：2008年5月~2012年8月对我院因多节段脊髓型颈椎病需行手术治疗的36例患者,入院后随机采用下颈椎侧块螺钉结合棘突椎板螺钉Vertex钉棒系统组合固定椎板成形术或Centerpiece钉板系统椎板成形术,其中16例患者开门侧采用下颈椎侧块螺钉结合棘突椎板螺钉Vertex钉棒系统组合固定（A组）,20例患者采用Centerpiece钉板系统固定（B组）。记录手术时间、术中出血量、手术前后神经功能JOA分值及颈痛VAS分值,观察术后是否出现C5神经根麻痹。在X线侧位片上测量C2与C7椎体后缘切线夹角（α）,以中立侧位X线片的α为颈椎曲度,以过伸过屈位α的差异计算颈椎活动度,颈椎CT片上测量椎板掀开的角度（β）。两组术前一般资料比较均无统计学差异（P>0.05）。结果：两组手术时间和术中出血量比较均无统计学差异（P>0.05）。所有患者切口愈合良好,术中无神经、血管损伤,术后无伤口感染、脑脊液漏发生,A、B组术后各有1例出现严重轴性症状,B组2例术后出现C5神经根麻痹,经治疗后均缓解,A组无C5神经根麻痹出现。A组随访11～23个月,平均18.5±2.7个月;B组随访10～22个月,平均17.9±3.2个月,两组比较无统计学差异（P>0.05）。A组末次随访时JOA分值平均改善率为（55.78±1.23）%,B组为（54.25±1.48）%,两组比较无统计学差异（P>0.05）。A组术后2周颈痛VAS分值增加1.10±0.31,与B组（1.20±0.27）比较无统计学差异（P>0.05）;末次随访时A组VAS分值为2.13±0.16,与术前（3.23±1.28）比较有统计学差异（P<0.05）;末次随访时B组VAS分值为2.07±0.21,与术前（3.35±1.15）比较有统计学差异（P<0.05）。末次随访时A、B组颈椎曲度分别为16.3°±5.7°和15.6°±6.6°,与术前（16.5°±4.1°和15.8°±5.2°）比较均无统计学差异（P>0.05）。A组末次随访时椎板开门角度为45.6°±3.6°,与B组（48.4°±5.4°）比较有统计学差异（P<0.05）。末次随访时,A组平均颈椎活动度减少5.78°±4.35°,与B组减少5.91°±3.16°比较无统计学差异（P>0.05）。结论：采用Vertex钉棒系统和Centerpiece钉板系统实施单开门椎板成形术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病均能取得较好的临床疗效。但采用Vertex钉棒系统实施单开门椎板成形术可能在减少术后C5神经根麻痹发生率上有一定价值。     

凹侧撑开预矫形技术治疗重度僵硬性脊柱侧凸的早期研究

目的 研究凹侧撑开预矫形技术治疗重度僵硬性特发性脊柱侧凸的早期疗效和安全性。方法 回顾性分析2020年1月至2022年12月山西医科大学第二医院收治并进行手术治疗的重度僵硬性脊柱侧凸的8例病人的临床资料。手术均采用凹侧撑开预矫形后双侧依次上棒二次矫形的手术方法。分别测量术前、术后及末次随访时的影像学参数包括主弯Cobb角、次弯Cobb角、胸椎后凸角（TK）、腰椎前凸角（LL）、主弯顶椎偏距（AVT）、躯干偏移（TS）。结果 病人随访（9.0±6.3）个月（1~16个月）。术前主弯Cobb角：97.4°±10.0°,次弯Cobb角：55.6°±8.4°,TK：50.4°±20.3°,LL：62.7°±6.3°,AVT：（7.64±1.55） cm,TS：（2.00±1.93） cm;术后即刻主弯Cobb角：25.8°±8.1°,次弯Cobb角：21.0°±12.0°,TK：24.9°±9.6°,LL：31.6°±11.9°,AVT：（2.34±1.45） cm,TS：（1.26±0.63） cm;末次随访主弯Cobb角：21.2°±9.1°,次弯Cobb角：22.4°±16.1°,TK：32.8°±12.0°,LL：37.6°±14.0°,AVT：（2.41±0.81） cm,TS：（1.6±1.4） cm。除TS外,上述其他指标术后即刻、末次随访时的数值与术前比较,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,但术后即刻与末次随访时的数值比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。1例术后7个月出现迟发性感染,遂进行手术清创以及内固定取出术后再愈合。结论 采用凹侧撑开预矫形治疗重度脊柱侧凸能够获得满意的矫形效果,且出血少,术中及术后神经系统并发症发生率低,是一种安全有效且实用的治疗方法。     

退变性脊柱侧凸的选择性手术治疗

【摘要】 目的 评价选择性手术治疗退变性脊柱侧凸的临床疗效。 方法 2005年1月~2009年9月共手术治疗22例患者。记录所有患者术前、术后3个月及末次随访时的Oswestry功能评分;记录实施内固定治疗患者术前、术后3个月及末次随访时的侧凸Cobb角、腰椎前凸角以及融合时间。 结果 平均随访19个月（8~36个月）。椎管减压3例;椎管减压并内固定植骨融合术19例,其中长节段固定6例。Oswestry功能评分术前为39.25±10.47,术后3个月为13.85±7.73,末次随访时为17.95±6.18。实施内固定的患者侧凸Cobb角术前为21.05°±8.51°,术后3个月为12.13°±4.83°,末次随访时为14.03°±5.25°;腰椎前凸角术前为 14.40°±14.72°,术后3个月为26.62°±11.48°,末次随访时为24.27°±11.03°;术后6个月,均达到骨性融合。上述各组术后3个月及末次随访的数据与术前比较差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。 结论 退变性脊柱侧凸的治疗主要以缓解症状为目的,依据不同的临床及影像学表现制定个体化治定方案能够取得满意的临床疗效。     

后纵韧带骨化症患者术前颈椎矢状位参数对术后疗效的影响

【摘要】 目的：分析后纵韧带骨化症（ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament,OPLL）患者术前颈椎矢状位参数对行单开门椎管扩大成形术患者术后疗效的影响。方法：回顾性分析2015年1月～2017年12月间,于我院诊断为OPLL并行颈后路单开门椎管扩大成形术的患者共181例。统计患者年龄、性别、手术节段、术前及术后1年随访时日本骨科协会（Japanese Orthopedic Association,JOA）评分,术前颈椎正侧位X线片测量颈椎矢状面参数包括C2-C7矢状面轴向距离（sagittal vertical axis,SVA）、头部重心（center gravity of head,CGH）-C7 SVA（CGH-C7 SVA）、C1-C7 SVA、T1倾斜角（T1 slope）。根据患者术后1年时JOA评分改善率采用四分法将改善最高的25%患者作为改善良好组,并将改善最差的25%患者作为改善较差组,使用单因素ANOVA和Logistic回归分析影响预后的矢状位参数指标。结果：OPLL患者术前C1-C7 SVA平均为22.5±9.6mm,C2-C7 SVA平均为25.2±12.5mm,CGH-C7 SVA平均为28.9±17.6mm,术前T1 slope平均为27.3°±9.6°,术前C2-7 Cobb角平均为11.8°±9.4°,平均术前JOA评分为8.7±2.5分。根据术后1年随访时JOA评分改善率进行分组后的术前颈椎矢状位参数分析,结果显示术前C1-C7 SVA、术前T1倾斜角以及术前CGH-C7 SVA（分别为P=0.048、P=0.027、P<0.01）与术后疗效密切相关。利用Logistic回归分析上述相关性指标后发现,仅术前CGH-C7 SVA（OR=1.654,P<0.01）为影响术后疗效的危险因素。结论：术前CGH-C7 SVA水平与行颈椎后路单开门椎管扩大成形术的OPLL患者最终疗效密切相关,术前CGH-C7 SVA大的患者术后疗效较差。     

颈前路经椎间隙行钩椎关节松解治疗退变性颈椎后凸畸形的疗效分析

【摘要】 目的：探讨颈前路减压植骨融合内固定术中行钩椎关节松解治疗退变性颈椎后凸畸形的疗效。方法： 回顾性分析2017年1月~2019年1月在我院行颈前路减压植骨融合内固定术且在术中经椎间隙行钩椎关节松解治疗的41例退变性颈椎后凸畸形患者,其中男17例,女24例;年龄64.8±9.7岁。僵硬性后凸24例,非僵硬性后凸17例,对僵硬性颈椎后凸畸形患者行双侧钩椎关节切除松解。手术节段为2个节段的患者3例（C3~C4,1例;C4~C6,2例）,3个节段患者28例（C3~C6,11例;C4~C7,17例）,4个节段患者10例（C3~C7,10例）。术前及末次随访通过日本骨科学会（Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA）评分、颈椎功能障碍指数（neck disability index,NDI）、颈痛及根性疼痛的视觉模拟评分法（visual analogue scale,VAS）评分评估患者神经功能变化。收集患者术前及末次随访时颈椎X线片,测量C2~C7 Cobb角、手术节段Cobb角及C2~C7矢状位轴向垂直距离（sagittal vertical axis,SVA）。采用配对样本t检验对手术前后神经功能及影像学资料进行统计分析,并统计患者术后并发症发生情况。结果：所有患者手术顺利,手术时间124~210min（162.5±28.6min）,术中出血量70~200ml（121.1±34.2ml）,随访时间35.5±7.7个月（24~48个月）。所有患者术后神经功能均得到明显改善,术前JOA评分10.7±2.4分,末次随访15.6±1.3分,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,改善率（75.5±27.4）%（0~100%）;术前NDI为24.4±7.9分,末次随访8.7±3.9分,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,改善率（65.7±21.4）%（30%~100%）;术前VAS评分4.3±1.9分,末次随访1.9±1.3分,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。患者颈椎矢状面参数明显改善,术前颈椎整体Cobb角（C2~C7）为-16.5°±5.3°,末次随访10.2°±5.1°（P＜0.05）;SVA由术前33.2±13.7mm改善至末次随访时17.5±7.8mm（P＜0.05）;手术节段Cobb角术前为-19.8°±5.7°,末次随访为11.3°±2.2°（P＜0.05）。围手术期并发症4例,颈部血肿1例,声音嘶哑1例,轻度吞咽困难2例,患者经保守治疗后症状缓解;18例患者在末次随访时出现邻近节段退变的影像学表现。结论：采用颈前路减压植骨融合内固定术并在术中经椎间隙行钩椎关节松解治疗退变性颈椎后凸畸形可以获得满意的临床效果,重建颈椎曲度及颈椎矢状位平衡。     

颅底凹陷症患者枕颈融合术中枕颈角和后枕颈角的选择策略

【摘要】 目的：探讨颅底凹陷症患者枕颈融合术中枕颈角（OC2A）和后枕颈角（POCA）的选择策略。方法：回顾性分析2012年1月~2017年1月在我科行枕颈融合术的颅底凹陷症（BI）患者42例;男性15例、女性27例,年龄47.6±10.7岁,身高164.8±11.5cm,体重61.5±8.8kg,体重指数（BMI）22.6±3.1kg/m2;合并寰枕融合13例、寰椎发育不良8例、齿状突畸形5例、寰枕融合+Klippel-Feil（K-F）综合征16例。根据性别和年龄基线匹配纳入84例健康体检者;男30例,女54例,年龄50.6±9.5岁,身高166.1±12.4cm,体重63.8±9.6kg,BMI 22.1±3.9kg/m2。测量健康人群OC2A和POCA,BI患者术前、术后即刻及末次随访时OC2A、POCA和下颈椎前凸角（CSA）,以及术后即刻和末次随访时下颈椎椎间盘和椎体高度比（S值）。获得健康组OC2A和POCA的均值和95%置信区间（95% confidence intervals,95%CI）,根据术后即刻OC2A和POCA选择是否在健康人群95%CI,将BI患者分为正常角度组（OC2A和POCA均在健康人群95%CI）和非正常角度组。获得两组患者术后即刻OC2A和POCA与术前的差值（d-OC2A和d-POCA）;记录两组患者术前和末次随访疼痛视觉评分（VAS）评分、日本骨科协会（JOA）评分、颈椎功能障碍指数（NDI）以及末次随访时下颈椎前凸角丢失度数（dCSA）和S差值（dS）。结果：健康人群OC2A和POCA值分别为14.8°±4.5°和108.1°±8.6°,95%CI分别为8.6°~21.1°和91.2°~121.8°。BI患者术前的OC2A、POCA和CSA分别为5.6°±4.3°、123.8°±10.4°和25.7°±9.5°。BI患者中,正常角度组（n=26）术后即刻OC2A和POCA分别为12.9°±3.2°,111.9°±7.2°,非正常角度组（n=16）术后即刻OC2A和POCA分别为6.1°±2.4°和120.4°±9.4°。正常角度组d-OCA和d-POCA分别为10.6°±3.5°（6.5°~18.8°）和-8.8°±5.2°(-24.0°~5.5°),非正常角度组d-OCA和d-POCA分别为3.8°±4.1°（-4.5°~9.5°）和-6.4°±4.2°（-18.0°~7.8°）,两组之间术后即刻OC2A、POCA以及d-OCA差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。非正常角度组患者末次随访VAS评分、JOA评分和NDI优于正常角度组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;且非正常角度组dCSA和dS值低于正常角度组（P<0.05）。结论：BI患者术前OC2A和POCA与正常人群存在差异,基于患者术前OC2A和POCA的基础值,术中OC2A选择低于正常范围更接近此类患者术前的枕颈区和下颈椎的生物力学环境,可减少术后下颈椎代偿性的异常活动和退变,提高患者临床疗效。     

Bryan颈椎人工椎间盘置换术后长期疗效随访研究

目的：观察评估Bryan颈椎人工椎间盘置换术后长期疗效。 方法：本研究评估我院Bryan颈人工椎间盘置换术后患者长期临床疗效及影像学结果,采用mJOA、VAS、及NDI分别评价术前、术后1周、术后2年及末次随访临床效果并进行比较,末次随访时Odom’s分级评估临床疗效;X线侧位片及颈椎过屈过伸位片上采用Cobb法评估术前术后颈椎曲度、颈椎ROM,MRI T2加权相上根据Miyazaki分级标准评估Bryan人工椎间盘置换术后邻近节段退变,X线及CT上根据McAfee评估标准评价异位骨化（HO）发生情况。 结果：本研究共纳入患者20例,男性15例,女性5例,平均年龄43.85±3.70岁,平均随访时长88.5±16.29月,其中单节段9例,双节段11例,C3/4 2例、C4/5 9例、C5/6 15例、C6/7 5例;（1）mJOA、VAS、NDI评分术后较术前均明显改善,末次随访时Odom’s标准评级优（8例）,良（8例）,可（2例）,差（2例）;（2）FSU Cobb角、C2-7 Cobb角术前分别为2.33±4.08°、18.78±6.68°,末次随访为3.21±6.56°、15.61±6.73°,两者之间均无统计学差异（p=0.405,p=0.082）;FSU ROM术前为8.94±3.19°,术后早期及末次随访分别为9.47±3.81°、9.34±4.13°,术前术后比较均无统计学差异（p>0.05）,而C2-C7 ROM、上下邻近节段ROM术后均下降（p<0.05）;HO发生率为74.2%,其中严重HO（Ⅲ级或Ⅳ级）发生率为22.6%;末次随访时ASD发生率为46.5%,无症状性ASD发生。 结论：Bryan颈人工椎间盘置换术治疗颈椎退变性疾病可以取得持久稳定的临床效果,尽管异位骨化发生率较高,但大部分保留手术节段活动,同时邻近节段仍可见退变,但均无临床症状。     

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.