脊柱后路去松质骨截骨术在脊柱畸形翻修手术中的临床应用

目的探讨脊柱畸形翻修手术中,应用后路去松质骨截骨术(vertebral column decancellation,VCD)的临床效果。方法回顾性分析了2011-2014年采用VCD截骨术进行的17例脊柱畸形返修手术患者临床资料,其中后凸畸形8例,侧后凸畸形7例,侧凸畸形2例。结果(1)17例患者均顺利完成手术,手术时间为4.1-6.3 h,平均(5.2±0.6)h;术中出血量为620-1290ml,平均(823.7±142.6)ml;住院时间为12-17 d,平均(14.1±2.3)d。(2)影像学指标变化:术后7 d,冠状面的Cobb角、双肩相对高度差、顶椎偏距,以及矢状面的Cobb角、胸腰段后凸角、腰前凸角、骶骨倾斜角、矢状面偏距、骨盆倾斜角等与术前比较,均有显著改善(P0.05);且末次随访时与术后7 d相比,无明显差异(P0.05)。(3)所有患者植骨融合部位均获得良好融合,生活质量量有明显改善。结论 VCD技术可有效恢复脊柱的平衡与稳定,获得较佳的三维矫形效果,同时降低了术中神经损伤的发生率,减少了出血量,值得在脊柱畸形的矫正手术与翻修手术中开展应用。     

脊柱去松质骨化截骨术治疗强直性脊柱炎并脊柱后凸畸形

目的探讨脊柱去松质骨化截骨术矫正强直性脊柱炎并脊柱后凸畸形的疗效。方法采用脊柱去松质骨化截骨术治疗28例强直性脊柱炎并脊柱后凸畸形患者。测量患者术前和术后的身高、颌眉角、矢状面失平衡距离和截骨部位后凸角,以评价疗效。结果手术时间128~226 min,术中出血量960~4 580 ml。9例术中出现硬脊膜破裂,经严密缝合裂口并放置引流愈合;3例术后出现肺部感染,经积极抗感染治疗痊愈;4例发生应激性溃疡,经质子泵抑制剂治疗症状消失。患者身高由术前110.6~135.4(122.6±11.2)cm矫正到术后150.6~175.8(160.8±9.66)cm,颌眉角由术前62°~112°(66°±26.3°)矫正到术后5.2°~21.4°(12.3°±6.2°),矢状面失平衡距离由术前12~28(16.6±4.6)cm矫正到术后4.5~13.8(8.6±3.2)cm,Cobb角由术前40°~145°(86.2°±20.3°)后凸矫正到术后-19.2°~21.4°(-2.6°±16.1°)前凸,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。患者均获得随访,时间1~4(2.6±0.5)年。末次随访时,患者后凸畸形均明显改善。结论脊柱去松质骨化截骨术可以有效矫正强直性脊柱炎并脊柱后凸畸形,患者的外观和生活质量均可得到明显改善。     

应用Isola内固定系统矫治重度脊柱侧凸

目的:探讨Isola脊柱内固定系统矫治重度脊柱侧凸的方法并评价其疗效。方法:1998年6月至2003年1月应用Isola脊柱内固定系统治疗重度脊柱侧凸32例,其中特发性脊柱侧凸25例,神经纤维瘤病性脊柱侧凸3例,神经肌肉性脊柱侧凸4例。冠状面主弯Cobb角92.1°±11.4°(75°～116°)。根据不同的侧凸类型、侧凸角度、柔韧性等采用一期前后路联合矫形、分期前后路联合矫形或单纯后路矫形手术,术中运用悬臂技术产生的平移力进行矫形,同时应用椎板下钛缆固定。比较术前、术后冠状面和矢状面的畸形程度,并通过躯干侧移(LT)值分析躯干平衡的重建。结果:随访6~48个月,平均18个月,全组患者术后冠状面矫形效果明显,Cobb角术后与术前相比有显著性差异(P<0.01),主弯平均Cobb角矫正率为53.8%,末次随访冠状面Cobb角平均丢失3.3°±3.8°。矢状面上81.3%的患者恢复了胸椎生理性后凸(30°~50°),84.4%的患者恢复了腰前凸(40°~60°)。术后LT值矫正率为67.1%,与冠状面Cobb角的矫正率呈正相关。结论:应用Isola内固定系统矫治重度脊柱侧凸,利用悬臂技术产生的平移力尤其与椎板下钛缆矫形固定相结合,可获得冠状面上较高的矫正率,同时可获得矢状面的矫正并达到躯干平衡。     

先天性多发性关节挛缩症合并脊柱侧凸的临床特征及疗效评价

目的 探讨先天性多发性关节挛缩症(arthrogryposis multiplex congenital,AMC)合并脊柱侧凸的临床特征和手术方式并评估疗效.方法 回顾性分析2001年11月至2006年8月在我院接受脊柱三维矫形手术治疗的AMC合并脊柱侧凸患者14例,男7例,女7例;年龄11～20岁,平均14.3岁.对侧凸类型进行分析并对其手术前后侧凸冠状面和矢状面Cobb角、骨盆倾斜角进行评价.结果 12例为长"C"型胸腰弯,5例合并先天性脊柱侧凸.14例患者主弯冠状面Cobb角术前平均79.1°,术后平均35.9°,平均矫正率为54.6%;10例合并胸椎前凸畸形者矢状位术前胸椎前凸Cobb角平均43.0°,术后胸椎后凸Cobb角平均16.4°;2例合并胸椎后凸畸形者矢状位术前胸椎后凸Cobb角平均91.5°,术后胸椎后凸Cobb角平均54.5°;3例术前骨盆倾斜角平均22.1°,术后平均13.3°.术后随访2.0～4.5年,平均29个月,末次随访时冠状面矫正丢失率平均6.8%.3例发生术中和术后并发症:1例后路矫形时发生大出血(4000m1);1例术后出现短暂性呼吸困难;1例二期后路内同定完成后出现完全性截瘫,术后3个月恢复正常.结论 AMC合并脊柱侧凸弯型以麻痹性神经肌源性长"C"型胸腰弯为主,可合并有先天性脊柱侧凸.脊柱三维矫形可以对AMC合并脊柱侧凸进行有效的矫正,但易发生并发症.     

单节段脊柱去松质骨截骨与双节段经椎弓根截骨矫正强直性脊柱炎后凸畸形的临床效果比较

目的 :比较单节段脊柱去松质骨截骨(vertebral column decancellation,VCD)与双节段经椎弓根截骨(pedicle subtraction osteotomy,PSO)矫正强直性脊柱炎后凸畸形的临床效果,探索两者之间的差异性。方法 :2007年1月~2013年3月共有33例需行40°~65°截骨的强直性脊柱炎后凸畸形矫形术后患者纳入研究,其中男31例,女2例,年龄19~56岁(35.2±8.9岁),后凸畸形以胸腰段后凸为重,脊柱胸腰段后凸Cobb角42.3°±15.2°,腰段前凸Cobb角4.4°±16.4°。A组15例行单节段VCD,B组18例行双节段PSO,记录手术前后胸椎后凸角、胸腰段后凸角、腰椎前凸角、矢状面垂直轴、骨盆入射角、骨盆倾斜角、骶骨倾斜角、截骨角度、脊柱侧凸研究学会(Scoliosis Research Society,SRS)-22量表评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)、术中出血量及手术时间,比较两组观察指标及其变化量之间的差异。结果 :A组截骨部位分别为T12 1例、L2 6例、L3 8例,截骨角度46.7°~64.2°(53.6°±6.7°);B组截骨部位分别为L1、L3 13例,T12、L2 4例,T12、L3 1例,截骨角度45.1°~63.9°(55.6°±6.0°)。固定节段于截骨部位近端及其远端延伸至少2个椎体,B组截骨部位之间椎体均固定。A、B两组患者术后均未出现神经系统并发症。A、B两组术后胸腰段后凸角、腰椎前凸角、骶骨倾斜角、骨盆倾斜角、矢状面垂直轴、ODI、SRS-功能评分、SRS-疼痛评分、SRS-外观评分、SRS-心理评分、SRS-满意度评分均较术前明显改善(P0.05),A组术后胸椎后凸角与术前相比差异无统计学意义(P0.05),B组术后胸椎后凸角与术前相比变小且差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组观察指标对比,除胸椎后凸角变化量、术中出血量和手术时间两组间有统计学差异(P0.05)外,余均无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:对于需行40°~65°截骨角度的强直性脊柱炎后凸畸形患者,单节段VCD可取得与双节段PSO相似的矫正效果,且术中出血量更少,手术时间更短,在重建矢状面平衡与改善生活质量方面效果满意。     

应用头颅-骨盆环牵引辅助后路截骨治疗重度脊柱侧后凸畸形的临床效果

目的探讨应用头颅-骨盆环牵引辅助后路截骨矫形治疗重度脊柱侧后凸畸形的临床效果。方法回顾分析2014年3月至2018年3月贵州省骨科医院脊柱外科收治的重度脊柱侧后凸畸形患者32例的临床资料。其中男14例,女18例,年龄(17.5±4.8)(14~23)岁。均行Halo骨盆牵引后后路截骨矫形手术治疗。牵引力取患者可承受的极限,牵引时间为(3.2±0.6)(3~4)周,后行后路截骨内固定融合术。对患者治疗前左右侧屈位、牵引后和术后的侧后凸矫正率进行比较。采用SPSS 24.0软件对数据进行统计学处理。结果32例患者均顺利完成手术。行经椎弓根椎体截骨(pedicle subtraction osteotomy,PSO)或邻椎截骨12例、Smith-Petersen截骨(Smith-Petersen osteotomy,SPO)或Ponte截骨20例。未见脊髓与神经损伤并发症发生。治疗前脊柱冠状面Cobb角为(136.8±38.0)°(96°~172°),矢状面Cobb角为(90.4±24.0)°(45°~125°)。患者平卧左右侧屈位侧凸矫正率为(8.9±3.2)%,Halo骨盆牵引后侧凸矫正率为(37.6±4.3)%,后路截骨矫形术后侧凸矫正率为(68.7±4.8)%;牵引后矢状面侧凸矫正率为(30.7±5.6)%,后路矫形术后矢状面侧凸矫正率(60.6±4.3)%;各时间点差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论应用Halo头颅-骨盆牵引辅助后路截骨矫形治疗重度脊柱侧后凸畸形患者,可预测矫形效果,简化手术,降低操作难度,提高畸形矫正率,安全有效。     

马凡综合征伴脊柱畸形患者脊柱-骨盆矢状面的形态特征

目的:探索马凡综合征伴脊柱畸形患者脊柱-骨盆矢状面的形态特征。方法:收集以脊柱畸形来我院就诊的马凡综合征患者35例,男18例,女17例,年龄10~20岁,平均14.4±2.3岁。在站立位全脊柱侧位X线片上测量脊柱及骨盆矢状面参数,包括:(1)胸椎后凸角(thoracic kyphosis,TK),(2)胸腰段后凸角(thoracolumbar kyphosis,TL),(3)腰椎前凸角(lumbar lodorsis,LL),(4)骨盆入射角(pelvic incidence,PI),(5)骨盆倾斜角(pelvic tilt,PT),(6)骶骨倾斜角(sacral slope,SS),(7)矢状面平衡(sagittal vertical axis,SVA)。定义顶椎在T12、L1或者T12/L1椎间盘,后凸角度10°的后凸为胸腰段后凸;顶椎在L1/2椎间盘或以下椎体、椎间盘,后凸角度10°的后凸为腰椎后凸。采用Sponseller分型方法对患者脊柱矢状面形态进行分型,比较不同分型患者脊柱-骨盆矢状面形态。结果:本组患者在冠状面上以胸腰双弯(40.0%)、单胸弯(22.8%)以及三弯(20.0%)最常见,最大Cobb角43°~165°,平均75.2°±26.0°。在脊柱矢状面上,TK为-25°~73°(19.0°±24.1°),其中胸椎后凸正常者(20°≤TK≤50°)10例(28.6%);胸椎后凸增大患者(TK50°)5例(14.3%);胸椎后凸减小者(0°≤TK20°)13例(37.1%);另有7例(20.0%)患者表现为胸椎前凸。TL为-25°~73°(14.0°±19.0°);LL为-17°~70°(37.1°±23.3°);SVA为-9.0~7.2cm(-2.0±4.3cm)。15例(42.9%)患者表现为胸腰段后凸或腰椎后凸(9例ⅡA型,6例ⅡB型),5例患者表现为后凸区明显的椎体楔形变。骨盆矢状面上,PI为25°~74°(40.1°±12.7°);PT为-12°~34°(6.9°±9.6°);SS为14°~68°(33.3°±12.6°)。Sponseller分型Ⅰ型患者TK、LL、PI、SS明显大于Ⅱ型患者,而Ⅱ型患者TL明显大于Ⅰ型患者。未见腰椎滑脱现象。结论:马凡综合征伴脊柱畸形患者脊柱-骨盆矢状面形态差异较大,手术医生应该根据不同分型制定不同的手术策略。     

顶椎楔形截骨术治疗重度僵硬型脊柱侧后凸畸形

目的探讨顶椎楔形截骨术治疗重度僵硬型脊柱侧后凸畸形的临床疗效。方法 2012年5月—2014年10月,采用经后路顶椎楔形截骨术治疗的23例重度僵硬型脊柱侧后凸畸形患者,其中9例为特发性,14例为先天性,侧凸及后凸顶椎均位于同一节段。术前、术后及随访期间分别拍摄站立位脊柱全长正侧位X线片,测量侧凸及后凸Cobb角,评价矫形效果;采用SRS-22问卷评分评定日常生活能力。结果手术时间270～570 min,平均387 min;术中出血量900～2 700 mL,平均1 701 mL。所有患者随访 24个月。侧凸Cobb角术前110.6°±23.4°,术后24个月41.4°±12.0°,矫正率为62.6%。后凸Cobb角术前91.5°±27.8°,术后24个月33.1°±14.7°,矫正率为63.8%。冠状面偏移术前(30.3±17.0)mm,术后24个月(19.6±15.1)mm;矢状面偏移术前(34.0±42.2)mm,术后24个月(10.3±15.9)mm。术后24个月SRS-22问卷各项得分及总分与术前相比均显著改善。所有患者术后12个月截骨部位均获得骨性融合。1例患者术后由于痰液阻塞出现肺不张,8例胸腔积液。1例发生神经系统并发症,术后3个月神经功能恢复至术前水平。结论顶椎楔形截骨术治疗重度僵硬型脊柱侧后凸畸形,矫形效果良好,能够实现冠状面和矢状面平衡的重建。     

单侧生长棒技术治疗早发性脊柱侧凸的近期临床疗效研究

[目的]探讨单侧生长棒技术治疗早发性脊柱侧凸的近期临床疗效。[方法]2005年1月～2011年6月应用三维矫形系统治疗各型脊柱侧凸727例,其中应用椎弓根螺钉系统的单侧生长棒技术治疗的12例早发性脊柱侧凸患儿,测量初次手术前、后,末次术后随访或终末手术后的主弯冠状面Cobb角、柔韧性、侧凸矫正率、胸椎后凸角、腰椎前凸角、躯干偏移、矢状面平衡、T₁～S₁高度和T₁～S₁生长速度。[结果]平均随访28.8（10.9～49.2）个月。初次手术前主弯冠状面Cobb角（72.8±15.7）°、柔韧性（35.34±10.71）%、胸椎后凸角（39.9±15.8）°、腰椎前凸角（46.2±13.8）°、躯干偏移（1.29±0.93）cm、矢状面平衡（1.96±1.10）cm、T₁～S₁高度（24.46±3.77）cm;初次手术后主弯冠状面Cobb角（34.9±9.1）°、侧凸矫正率（52.01±7.69）%、胸椎后凸角（31.3±11.2）°、腰椎前凸角（46.1±5.9）°、躯干偏移（0.50±0.29）cm、矢状面平衡（1.32±1.19）cm、T₁～S₁高度（29.22±4.05）cm;末次术后随访或终末手术后主弯冠状面Cobb角（30.8±12.5）°、侧凸矫正率（57.92±14.80）%、胸椎后凸角（29.5±7.4）°、腰椎前凸角（48.8±5.7）°、躯干偏移（0.39±0.24）cm、矢状面平衡（0.79±0.45）cm、T₁～S₁高度（31.72±4.68）cm。共撑开1～4次,平均1.9次。后续撑开期间T₁～S₁生长速度（1.26±0.60）cm/年。未见严重并发症发生。[结论]单侧生长棒技术治疗早发性脊柱侧凸可获得较满意的矫形效果和脊柱纵向生长。     

多节段非对称Ponte截骨与全脊椎截骨术治疗重度僵硬性成人特发性脊柱侧后凸的影像学差异分析

目的:对比多节段非对称Ponte截骨(multiple levels asymmetric Ponte osteotomy,MAPO)与全脊椎截骨术(vertebral column resection,VCR)在治疗重度僵硬性成人特发性脊柱侧后凸(adult idiopathic kyphoscoliosis,AIKS)的冠状面与矢状面影像学参数差异。方法:回顾性分析2009年5月～2016年3月间在我院接受后路MAPO或VCR手术,并随访2年以上的重度僵硬性AIKS患者。收集所有患者的术前、术后及末次随访的临床与影像学资料(脊柱全长正侧位X线片、脊柱全长左、屈位X线片)。根据术中截骨方式将所有患者分为MAPO组与VCR组。运用统计学分析比较两组患者术后及末次随访脊柱冠状面与矢状面的影像学参数(主弯Cobb角、局部后凸角、顶椎偏距、冠/矢状面平衡、胸椎后凸角与腰椎前凸角)差异,并对术前存在冠、矢状面失衡的患者进行亚组分析,评估冠、矢状面平衡的改善情况。结果:最终共对30例脊柱侧后凸患者的影像学资料进行分析研究。其中男性7例,女性23例,平均年龄26.97±8.88岁,平均随访时间28.70±7.05个月。MAPO和VCR两组主弯从分别从术前平均103.21°±16.97°及110.79°±15.97°矫正至48.58°±17.27°及57.33°±17.43°,主弯矫正率分别为(53.13±13.71)%与(48.89±12.81)%。局部后凸从术前平均85.21°±26.80°及93.3°±25.09°矫正至39.66°±20.28°及56.90°±21.36°,后凸矫正率分别为(47.20±19.92)%与(38.38±12.89)%。两组术后冠状面和矢状面影像参数包括冠、矢状面平衡、胸椎后凸角、腰椎前凸角等均有不同程度改善,但两组间差异无统计学意义。冠、矢状面亚组分析除VCR组矢状面平衡出现增加外,其余平衡参数均存在不同程度改善,但组内与组件并无统计学差异。VCR组的平均手术时间和出血量显著高于MAPO组。MAPO组并发症发生率明显低于VCR组。结论:多节段非对称Ponte截骨治疗重度僵硬性AIKS能够达到与VCR相似的冠状面与矢状面影像学改善,并显著减少手术时间和术后并发症的发生。     

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 Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

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.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

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.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.