重组人黄体生成素能改善改良超长方案多囊卵巢综合征患者IVF/ICSI妊娠结局

目的探究在多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者行改良超长方案促排卵治疗中应用重组人黄体生成素(r-hLH)对体外受精-胚胎移植/卵胞浆内单精子注射(IVF-ET/ICSI)妊娠结局的影响。方法回顾性分析2011年4月至2012年4月在我院行改良超长方案促排卵第8天(D8)血清黄体生成素(LH)0.5U/L的414例PCOS患者。实验组(n=342)为自D8添加r-hLH 75U者,而对照组(n=72)为未添加r-hLH者。对比两组主要妊娠结局,如:注射人绒毛膜促性腺激素(HCG)日LH、雌二醇(E2)、孕酮(P)水平、雌孕激素比值(P/E2)、子宫内膜厚度,平均获卵数、受精率、优胚率、着床率、妊娠率、重度卵巢过度刺激综合征(OHSS)发生率、抱婴率及流产率等。结果与对照组相比,实验组HCG日P/E2明显下降[(0.2±0.1)vs.(0.4±0.3),P=0.027],HCG日LH水平[(1.2±0.4)U/L vs.(0.4±0.1)U/L,P0.001]、子宫内膜厚度[(12.4±2.2)mm vs.(11.7±2.6)mm,P=0.002]、受精率[(82.0±18.4)%vs.(75.1±21.2)%,P=0.005]、优胚率[(71.1±22.1)%vs.(64.8±23.7)%,P=0.034]等均明显增加,平均获卵数明显下降[(13.0±6.0)个vs.(15.6±6.6)个,P=0.001],HCG日E2(1 0657.6±4 929.1)pmol/L vs.(10 404.8±4 783.4)pmol/L,P=0.714]、着床率(53.2%vs.48.4%,P=0.326)、妊娠率(76.1%vs.67.2%,P=0.143)、重度OHSS发生率(1.5%vs.0%,P=0.592)、抱婴率(66.0%vs.59.0%,P=0.296)及流产率(6.9%vs.7.3%,P=1.0)等虽无统计学差异,但均有改善趋势。结论研究结果提示,r-hLH或许能改善改良超长方案PCOS患者IVF/ICSI妊娠结局。     

多囊卵巢综合征患者身体成分分析的临床价值

目的通过对多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者进行身体成分分析,评判患者的体型、脂肪分布及营养状况,为PCOS患者的健康管理及并发症的预防提供依据。方法收集2018年6月至2019年8月在江苏省人民医院妇科内分泌门诊就诊的PCOS患者123例为PCOS组,选择同期就诊、月经正常的女性121例为对照组。记录所有研究对象的年龄、身高、体重等参数,采用人体成分分析仪(InBody S10),以生物电阻抗法为原理进行相关指标的测定。比较两组对象一般情况及检测指标的差异,并根据BMI进一步行分层分析。结果两组对象年龄、身高、体重比较均无统计学差异(P均>0.05),PCOS组的BMI[(27.14±4.60)vs.(25.82±4.58)kg/m^2]、全身脂肪含量[(26.55±8.67)vs.(24.23±8.36)kg]、内脏脂肪面积[(100.37±29.98)vs.(92.40±29.34)cm^2]和体脂率[(37.03±6.69)%vs.(35.23±7.06)%]均显著高于对照组(P均<0.05)。根据BMI数值进行分层,当BMI<24 kg/m^2时PCOS组的全身脂肪含量[(15.86±4.71)vs.(13.13±3.39)kg]、内脏脂肪面积[(64.65±19.67)vs.(55.09±13.96)cm^2]和体脂率[(29.10±5.84)%vs.(25.31±4.82)%]亦显著高于对照组(P均<0.05);两组患者细胞外水分率、骨骼肌及骨矿物质含量比较无显著性差异(P均>0.05)。当BMI≥24 kg/m^2时,PCOS组的全身脂肪含量[(29.85±6.73)vs.(27.89±5.91)kg]、内脏脂肪面积[(111.39±23.28)vs.(104.71±21.64)cm^2]亦显著高于对照组(P均<0.05);两组患者体脂率、细胞外水分率、骨骼肌及骨矿物质含量比较无显著性差异(P均>0.05)。结论PCOS患者中超重和肥胖,尤其是腹型肥胖的发生率较高,且无论PCOS患者体重是否正常,全身脂肪含量及内脏脂肪面积均明显高于正常女性。因此,建议对PCOS患者进行体脂及相关指标等检测,以更好地指导临床进行营养与运动管理,改善PCOS患者的体脂分布及比例,有利于改善临床症状及预防远期并发症。     

PCOS患者促排卵过程中发生卵巢慢反应的影响因素分析

目的分析控制性超促排卵过程中多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)不育症患者发生卵巢慢反应的临床指标,以指导其降调节及促性腺激素(Gn)启动剂量的调整。方法回顾性分析2011年1月至2015年4月,在我院生殖中心首次行体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)长方案助孕治疗的PCOS患者的临床资料,其中卵巢慢反应的57例患者为A组,114例卵巢反应正常的患者为B组。根据降调药物的不同将A组分为长效GnRH-a组(A1组)和短效GnRH-a组(A2组)。结果 (1)A组的体重和体重指数(BMI)显著高于B组,A组的起始Gn剂量[(125.73±27.49)U]和起始每公斤体重Gn剂量[(1.99±0.43)U/kg]显著小于B组[分别为(135.41±29.42)U、(2.38±0.54)U/kg](P均0.05);(2)多因素Logistic回归分析显示体重是PCOS卵巢慢反应的独立危险因素(P0.01),起始每公斤体重Gn剂量是卵巢慢反应的独立保护因素(P0.01)。(3)A1组和A2组相比启动日黄体生成素(LH)水平有降低趋势,但无显著性差异(P=0.073),A1组起始每公斤体重Gn剂量[(2.19±0.39)U/kg]显著高于A2组[(1.92±0.43)U/kg](P0.05)。结论体重过大、低起始Gn剂量是PCOS患者发生卵巢慢反应的主要影响因素。长效GnRH-a可能较短效GnRH-a更容易导致PCOS患者发生卵巢慢反应。     

黄体期雌激素预处理对卵巢次优反应者累积妊娠率的影响

目的研究拮抗剂方案黄体期雌激素预处理对卵巢次优反应患者累积妊娠率的影响。方法回顾性分析157名于2018年1～12月在本院生殖中心行体外受精/卵胞浆内单精子注射-胚胎移植(IVF/ICSI-ET)拮抗剂促排卵方案的卵巢次优反应患者。根据是否行黄体期雌激素预处理分成雌激素预处理组(n=63)和对照组(n=94),两组患者促排卵方案及冻融胚胎移植方案相同。观察两组患者的一般资料及获卵数、可利用胚胎数、累积妊娠率、早期流产率、持续妊娠率等临床指标,统计分析两组间差异。结果两组患者之间的平均年龄、体重指数(BMI)、基础窦卵泡数(AFC)、抗苗勒管激素(AMH)以及启动日LH水平均无显著差异(P0.05)。与对照组相比,雌激素预处理组的月经周期[(26.06±1.58)d vs.(28.34±3.52)d]显著缩短(P0.05),启动日最大卵泡直径[(6.05±1.60)mm vs.(6.63±1.24)mm]及FSH[(6.82±2.77)U/L vs.(7.82±2.31)U/L]水平显著降低(P0.05),而Gn总量、Gn天数、扳机日E_2水平均显著升高(P0.05);雌激素预处理组的获卵数[(9.16±4.55)vs.(6.62±2.53)]、MII卵率(92.08%vs. 88.47%)、可利用胚胎数[(3.32±1.78)vs.(2.50±1.58)]、累积妊娠率(61.90%vs. 44.68%)及持续妊娠率(52.38%vs. 37.23%)均显著高于对照组(P0.05)。两组患者的早期流产率无显著差异(P0.05)。结论雌激素预处理能提高卵巢次优反应患者的获卵数、MII卵率、可利用胚胎数和累积妊娠率,但卵巢次优反应人群的定义及分层,以及雌激素预处理的治疗效果需要更多更大样本的研究来证明。     

拮抗剂与高孕激素下促排卵方案用于多囊卵巢综合征患者IVF治疗效果比较

目的比较拮抗剂方案与高孕激素状态下促排卵(PPOS)方案在多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者行IVF助孕治疗中的应用效果。方法回顾性分析2016年11月至2017年11月在本院行IVF助孕治疗的138例单纯PCOS不孕症患者的临床资料,根据促排卵方案的不同将患者分为两组:PPOS组(57例)和拮抗剂组(81例)。比较两组患者的一般资料、促排卵情况及胚胎实验室指标。结果两组患者的年龄、月经周期、不孕年限、体重指数(BMI)、基础窦卵泡数、基础FSH、基础LH及基础E2等比较均无显著性差异(P0.05)。拮抗剂组的Gn总量显著低于PPOS组[(1 725.5±612.9)vs.(2 147.3±811.5)U],早发LH峰发生率(7.4%vs.0%)、直径≥14mm卵泡数[(15.2±8.2)vs.(12.7±7.2)个]、E2峰值[(16 573.7±8 844.7)vs.(12 980.8±7 486.8)pmol/L]、HCG日孕酮(P)水平[(3.15±1.53)vs.(2.68±1.53)nmol/L]、获卵数[(17.2±9.7)vs.(13.0±8.3)个]、轻中度OHSS发生率(6.2%vs.0%)均显著高于PPOS组(P0.05)。两组间的Gn用药天数、2PN受精率、卵裂率、优质胚胎数、重度OHSS发生率比较均无显著性差异(P0.05)。结论 PPOS方案能获得与拮抗剂方案相似的优质胚胎数,且能更好地抑制早发LH峰,减少轻中度OHSS发生率,可作为PCOS患者促排卵方案的选择之一。     

单纯超重与肥胖不育患者体外受精-胚胎移植助孕临床结局

目的探讨体重指数(BMI)对非多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)不孕妇女体外受精-胚胎移植(IVF-ET)周期的临床结局影响。方法回顾性分析2011年6月至2015年9月在本中心进行IVF-ET治疗的不孕症患者的临床资料,共1 344个周期,年龄≤38岁,均采用短效长方案。根据BMI分为两组,正常体重组:18kg/m~2BMI24kg/m~2,1 021个新鲜周期;超重肥胖组:BMI≥24kg/m~2,323个新鲜周期。比较两组患者的一般临床资料和妊娠结局以评估BMI对IVF-ET治疗结局的影响。结果两组患者的基础内分泌、促性腺激素(Gn)刺激天数、获卵数、正常受精率、优质胚胎率、临床妊娠率及自然流产率均无显著性差异(P0.05)。超重肥胖组的平均年龄[(30.44±3.70)vs.(29.60±3.56)Y]、不孕年限[(4.26±2.87)vs.(3.82±2.68)Y]及Gn刺激总量[(2 223±882)vs.(1 900±850)U]均高于正常体重组,且差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);而全胚冷冻率低于正常体重组[49.84%(161/323)vs.58.86%(601/1 021)],差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论排卵正常的肥胖患者IVF促排卵时Gn用量明显增加,临床妊娠率并不受影响。     

ω-3多不饱和脂肪酸对去势大鼠骨微结构的改善

目的观察ω-3多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)对去势大鼠骨微结构的影响。方法将30只雌性大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组和实验组。假手术组仅切除卵巢周围脂肪组织,其余两组切除双侧卵巢。模型组和假手术组给予1 m L/(100 g·d)的生理盐水灌胃,实验组给予ω-3 PUFA 150 mg/(kg·d)。干预12 w后,处死所有大鼠,检测血钙、磷、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)和雌激素水平。分离右侧整段股骨应用micro-CT检测骨密度和骨微结构。结果雌二醇在3组之间存在显著差异,表现为模型组水平最低(8.1±2.8)mmol/L,而假手术组水平最高(25.0±8.9)mmol/L(P0.05)。实验组松质骨骨密度[(0.180±0.022)g/cm3vs(0.135±0.017)g/cm3]、BV/TV[(36.422±10.893)%vs(29.631±9.705)%]、Tb.Th[(0.138±0.044)mm vs(0.117±0.039)mm]和Tb.N[(2.252±0.078)/mm vs(1.589±0.083)/mm]均显著高于模型组,而Tb.Sp[(0.404±0.020)mm vs(0.599±0.032)mm]显著低于模型组(P0.05);实验组皮质骨骨密度[(0.718±0.015)g/cm3vs(0.633±0.025)g/cm3]、BV/TV[(48.559±7.152)%vs(33.878±8.764)%]和Cr.Th[(0.483±0.037)mm vs(0.428±0.034)mm]均显著高于模型组,而孔隙率[(32.162±7.891)%vs(38.859±9.847)%]显著低于模型组(P0.05)。结论ω-3PUFA对去卵巢大鼠的骨微结构有一定的改善作用,这对于防治骨质疏松具有一定的意义。     

炔雌醇环丙孕酮联合二甲双胍治疗多囊卵巢综合征不孕症效果观察

目的观察炔雌醇环丙孕酮联合二甲双胍治疗多囊卵巢综合征不孕症的效果。方法随机将60例多囊卵巢综合征不孕患者分为2组,每组30例。对照组应用炔雌醇环丙孕酮片治疗,观察组采用炔雌醇环丙孕酮联合二甲双胍治疗,比较2组治疗效果。结果治疗前2组患者的BMI、FSH、T、FINS、LH差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗后,2组各项指标均较治疗前显著下降,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。其中观察组T、FINS较对照组明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。2组BMI、LH、FSH的差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。随访6个月,观察组患者的排卵率、妊娠率均高于对照组;先兆流产率低于对照组,2组差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论炔雌醇环丙孕酮联合二甲双胍治疗多囊卵巢综合征不孕症,可有效降低体内雄激素水平,提高患者的排卵率和妊娠率,效果满意。     

拮抗剂方案与改良超长方案在卵巢高反应人群中应用的比较

目的比较拮抗剂方案与改良超长方案在卵巢高反应患者中应用的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2015年1月至2017年9月在本院行IVF/ICSI的卵巢高反应患者(获卵数15个)共853个周期的临床资料。按促排卵方案分为两组,其中拮抗剂方案组186个周期、改良超长方案组667个周期。比较患者的一般情况和临床结局。结果与改良超长方案组比较,拮抗剂方案组Gn总量[(1 544.15±412.52)U vs.(2 949.87±1 156.05)U]、Gn天数[(10.08±1.33)d vs.(13.81±1.87)d]均显著减少(P0.05),获卵数[(23.41±6.20)vs.(21.96±5.24)]、HCG日E2[(24 087.76±8 309.59)pmol/L vs.(22 281.31±6 830.78)pmol/L]均显著增高(P0.05),HCG日P/E2值[(0.36±0.20)vs.(0.42±0.20)显著降低(P0.05);与改良超长方案组比较,拮抗剂方案组胚胎种植率(33.20%vs.46.29%)、临床妊娠率(47.37%vs.63.80%)、抱婴率(32.33%vs.48.86%)均显著降低(P0.05),但中重度卵巢过度刺激综合征(OHSS)发生率(8.60%vs.15.44%)、移植取消率(28.49%vs.40.78%)亦显著降低(P0.05)。结论卵巢高反应人群中拮抗剂方案临床结局显著低于改良超长方案,可能与其降低子宫内膜容受性有关,因此应考虑全胚冻存行解冻移植使其降低OHSS风险的同时有良好的妊娠结局。     

PCOS患者抗苗勒管激素水平与胰岛素抵抗及生殖激素水平的相关性研究

目的探讨多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者血清抗苗勒管激素(AMH)水平与胰岛素抵抗(IR)及生殖激素水平的相关性。方法选取2017年1月至2020年2月在东莞东华医院生殖医学科就诊的PCOS患者62例,根据患者是否存在胰岛素抵抗,分为胰岛素抵抗组(HOMA-IR>2.1,PCOS-IR组,34例)和非胰岛素抵抗组(HOMA-IR<2.1,PCOS-NIR组,28例);选择同时期在同院行健康体检的30例正常女性为对照组。测定所有研究对象的血清生殖激素(AMH、FSH、LH、E2、T、PRL、P)水平,以及硫酸脱氢表雄酮(DHEA)、性激素结合球蛋白(SHBG)及空腹血糖(GLU)空腹胰岛素(FIN)水平等指标,统计分析组间各指标的差异;采用Spearman相关分析分析AMH水平与稳态模型胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)的关系。结果3组间平均年龄、体重指数(BMI)及血清FSH、P、PRL、SHBG及DHEA水平均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。与对照组比较,PCOS组(包括PCOS-IR组和PCOS-NIR组)血清AMH、LH及T水平显著升高(P<0.05);与PCOS-NIR组比较,PCOS-IR组FIN[(20.31±12.71)mU/L vs.(5.69±1.98)mU/L]、GLU[(5.58±1.98)mmol/L vs.(4.89±1.98)mmol/L]和HOMA-IR[3.7(2.42,7.09)vs.1.28(0.84,1.63)]显著升高(P<0.05)。相关性分析结果显示,PCOS患者AMH水平与LH水平(r=0.403,P=0.001)及T水平(r=0.403,P=0.000)呈正相关,与FSH水平呈负相关(r=-0.253.P=0.044),而与年龄、BMI、E 2、P、PRL、FIN、GLU、SHBG、DHEA及HOMA-IR不存在显著相关(P>0.05)。结论PCOS患者血清AMH水平高于正常女性,其原因与高雄激素密切相关;PCOS患者血清AMH水平与胰岛素抵抗无相关性。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.