局麻下椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折

目的: 探讨椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性骨折的临床疗效. 方法: 自2007年5月至2010年5月,局麻下采用椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性胸腰椎压缩性骨折129例,男47例,女82例;年龄61～92岁,平均73.7岁;胸椎88节,腰椎101节. 观察手术前后VAS评分的变化、椎体高度改变、局部Cobb角的改善情况. 结果: 所有患者顺利完成手术,随访时间24～60个月,平均34.2个月. 腰痛VAS评分术前为7.9±2.5,术后2周、末次随访时分别为2.8±1.8、3.0±2.2,与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01).椎体高度术后得到部分恢复,Cobb角术前(28.3±13.7)°,术后2周、末次随访时分别为(16.2±9.8)°、(19.1±10.3)°,与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).术中发生骨水泥外漏23例(17.8%),其中1例出现短暂神经根压迫症状. 术后发生呼吸暂停1例,经抢救恢复;肠梗阻1例,经治疗好转;骨水泥致椎体骨折分离1例;邻椎骨折4例. 结论: 椎体后凸成形术是治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体骨折的微创外科手术,其创伤小,止痛效果好,可有效维持骨折稳定,近期、中期疗效肯定,远期有待继续随访. 手术适应证的掌握及手术技术的提高是防止并发症的关键,其中骨水泥外漏是最常见的并发症.     

凸侧骨骺阻滞术对阻止半椎体所致脊柱侧凸的进展疗效分析

目的：探讨凸侧骨骺阻滞术对先天性脊柱侧凸患者的治疗效果。方法：回顾分析1998年10月至2008年2月行Ⅰ期前后路联合骨骺阻滞术的胸腰椎半椎体畸形22例患者,其中男12例,女10例。测量术前、术后及末次随访时主弯及代偿弯角度,同时计算术后进展率及年进展量。观察侧凸进展率和年进展量与年龄、性别、半椎体数目、半椎体位置、术前主弯Cobb角及代偿弯Cobb角之间有无相关性,比较不同年龄、性别、半椎体数目、半椎体位置以及术前主弯Cobb角对术后侧弯进展的影响。结果：22例主弯Cobb角术前为（40.5±9.8）°,术后3个月为（39.5±11.1）°,末次随访时为（46.8±13.9）°。代偿弯Cobb角术前为（20.1±10.8）°,术后3个月为（23.0±11.1）°,末次随访为（29.9±11.5）°。术前主弯及代偿弯Cobb角与术后3个月比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,末次随访与术前、术后3个月比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）。术后共有20例出现主弯角度进展,平均进展率为（19.2±17.9）%,年进展量为（1.5±1.4）°,共有20例患者出现代偿弯进展,平均进展率为（39.6±37.0）%,年进展量为（1.4±1.3）°。3例因术后侧凸进展明显行侧凸矫形内固定。22例患者手术时年龄及半椎体数分别与术后主弯进展率之间存在显著相关性,手术时年龄、主弯角度及术前代偿弯角度分别与术后主弯年进展量之间存在显著相关性（P<0.05）。结论：凸侧骨骺阻滞术不能获得即刻的矫形效果,长期随访发现,也不能有效阻止侧凸的进展,可认为凸侧骨骺阻滞术对于先天性半椎体畸形患者而言是一种无效的手术方式。     

单一后路病灶清除植骨内固定加局部化疗治疗胸腰椎结核

目的:探讨单一后路病灶清除植骨内固定加局部化疗治疗胸腰椎结核的临床疗效。方法:自2009年2月至2012年9月,对胸腰椎结核11例患者行单一后路病灶清除植骨内固定加局部化疗治疗,男7例,女4例;年龄27～65岁,平均53.7岁;病程3个月～2年,平均9个月。脊髓损伤程度根据ASIA损伤分级:C级3例,D级8例。根据ASIA损伤分级评估神经功能恢复程度,依据疼痛视觉评分(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)评价临床症状改善情况,通过胸腰椎侧位X线片评估后凸Cobb角的变化。结果:11例均获随访,时间12～29个月,平均18个月。脊髓损伤ASIA损伤分级:3例C级患者中2例术后提高至D级,1例提高至E级;8例D级患者中7例提高至E级,1例无变化。VAS术前为6.10±1.30,术后3 d为1.70±0.80,较术前明显改善(P<0.05).Oswestry功能障碍指数术前为(68.36±10.41)%,术后3 d为(14.55±8.99)%,较术前明显改善(P<0.05).后凸Cobb角术前为(22.64±4.84)°,术后3 d为(4.27±1.49)°,较术前明显改善(P<0.05),末次随访时为(4.55±1.70)°,与术后3 d比较Cobb角差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).随访期间无复发病例。结论:单一后路病灶清除植骨内固定加局部化疗治疗胸腰椎结核具有切口单一、手术创伤小、有效清除病灶、改善神经功能、矫正畸形、复发率低的优点,但仍需结合长期、规范的全身抗结核药物治疗。     

后路截骨矫形手术治疗老年骨质疏松性陈旧胸腰椎骨折伴后凸畸形

【摘要】 目的：评价采用后路截骨矫形手术治疗老年骨质疏松性陈旧胸腰椎骨折伴后凸畸形患者的临床效果。方法：2005年6月～2011年2月采用后路经椎弓根椎体截骨矫形术或经关节突“V”型截骨矫形术的方法治疗22例老年骨质疏松性陈旧胸腰椎骨折伴后凸畸形的患者,男7例,女15例,平均年龄66.5岁。共30个椎体骨折,两个椎体骨折8例,单个椎体骨折14例。患者均有不同程度的腰痛,VAS评分6～9分,平均8.3分,脊髓功能Frankel分级C级1例,D级6例,E级15例。胸腰椎后凸Cobb角为38°～54°,平均47.4°。采用X线片观察Cobb角改善情况,应用VAS评分评价患者疼痛情况,应用Frankel分级评价患者脊髓功能情况。结果：9例患者接受经椎弓根椎体截骨矫形术治疗,13例患者接受经关节突“V”型截骨矫形术治疗。手术时间190～260min,平均221min;术中出血量650～1400ml,平均876ml。术后5d时Cobb角3°～14°,平均9.1°,较术前明显改善（P<0.05）,改善率79.5%,术后VAS评分1～5分,平均4.2分,较术前明显改善（P<0.05）,脊髓功能Frankel分级2例由E级变为D级,经营养神经治疗后恢复为E级,其余未有加重情况。术后随访3～62个月,平均20.2个月。末次随访时Cobb角5°～22°,平均12.5°,VAS评分0～6分,平均4.1分,脊髓功能Frankel分级1例C级患者改善为D级,2例D级患者改善为E级,无加重病例。影像学显示植骨融合,未见内固定断裂、松动现象。1例患者术后8个月出现固定节段上位椎体骨折,1例患者术后5个月出现固定节段上位第二个椎体骨折,均予对症、抗骨质疏松治疗后胸背痛症状缓解。结论：采用后路截骨矫形手术治疗老年骨质疏松性陈旧胸腰椎骨折伴后凸畸形可以取得良好的临床效果。     

高海拔地区应用伤椎置钉技术治疗脊柱爆裂骨折

目的:针对高海拔地区脊柱爆裂骨折的特点及当地医疗条件,探讨椎弓根螺钉短节段固定联合伤椎置钉技术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折的临床疗效。方法:自2018年8月至2021年12月,采用伤椎置钉技术治疗12例无神经症状的单椎体胸腰椎爆裂骨折患者,其中男7例,女5例;年龄29~54(42.50±7.95)岁;车祸伤6例,高坠伤4例,重物砸伤2例;T₁₁2例,T₁₂4例,L₁3例,L₂2例,L₃1例。手术首先在骨折上下椎置钉,并在伤椎置入椎弓根螺钉,安装连接棒,通过体位及撑开实现骨折椎体复位。应用视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)及日本骨科协会(Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA)评分评估患者疼痛及生活质量改变情况,通过X线测量受伤节段后凸矫正率及矫正丢失率。结果:所有患者手术顺利,术中无明显并发症,12例患者均获随访,时间9~27(17.75±5.79)个月。术后3 d,VAS与术前入院时相比差异有统计学意义(t=6.701,P=0.000);术后9个月JOA评分与术前入院时相比差异有统计学意义(t=5.085,P=0.000)。术后3 d,Cobb角为(4.42±1.16) °,与术前入院时的(25.67±5.71) °相比矫正率为(82±5)%;术后9个月Cobb角(5.08±1.24) °,矫正丢失率为(16±13)%。无内固定松动及断裂。结论:高原低气压低氧环境下,应保证手术效果的同时减少创伤,应用伤椎置钉技术能够有效恢复并维持伤椎高度,出血少,固定节段短,是治疗高海拔地区脊柱爆裂骨折的有效方法。     

后路短节段固定结合潜行减压治疗上腰椎爆裂性骨折

目的:观察后路短节段固定结合保留后方韧带复合体(PLC) 的潜行减压治疗上腰椎爆裂性骨折的临床效果。方法:2010年10月至2013年3月采用后路短节段复位固定和保留PLC的潜行减压治疗上腰椎爆裂性骨折患者(Denis B型)23例,男18例,女5例;年龄26～64岁,平均45.7岁;高处坠落伤12例,车祸伤5例,重物砸伤4例,其他外伤2例;L1骨折14例,L2骨折9例;伴神经损害13例(ASIA评分D级).术后12～20个月(平均14.3个月)取出内固定。术后定期随访并比较各时间点神经功能JOA评分和影像学动态变化。结果:所有患者获得随访,时间18～24个月,平均20.4个月。13例伴神经损害者术后3～6个月神经症状均完全恢复。术后1年和去除内固定后3个月JOA评分分别为20.63±0.92和20.38±1.06,较术后3个月的9.90±2.73明显改善(P<0.05).术后1年伤椎前缘高度、伤椎楔变角、局部Cobb角分别为(95.1±0.53)%、(2.78±1.36)°、(2.43±1.52)°,均较术前明显改善(P<0.05).去除内固定3个月后与术后1年JOA评分及影像学结果比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05) .结论:后路短节段复位固定结合保留PLC的潜行减压治疗上腰椎爆裂性骨折创伤小,能有效恢复椎体高度,维持脊柱稳定性,减轻术后腰背痛,是安全有效的手术方式。     

脊柱侧凸数字导航模板的准确性与安全性的病例对照研究

目的:设计新型脊柱侧凸个体化数字导航模板(简称导板)并在手术中应用,评价其置钉准确性和安全性。方法:2013年12月至2014年12月,对10例脊柱侧凸病例(观察组)进行CT扫描,应用计算机软件进行模型重建、模拟置钉和导板设计;应用快速成型技术制造导板;在手术中应用导板辅助置钉,记录其出血量、手术时间、术前与术后血肌酐含量变化、置钉相关并发症发生情况,术后CT扫描明确螺钉位置并进行分级,评价置钉准确率,并与同期行徒手置钉的10例脊柱侧凸病例(对照组)进行对比。观察组包括特发性侧凸5例,先天性侧凸5例;男3例,女7例;年龄4～18岁,平均11.9岁;主弯Cobb角42.1°～78.4°,平均54.9°。对照组包括特发性侧凸5例,先天性侧凸5例,男2例,女8例;年龄6～17岁,平均12.6岁;主弯Cobb角38.2°～93.4°,平均56.6°。结果:观察组置钉167枚,其中Ⅰ级138枚(82.6%),Ⅱ级25枚(15.0%),Ⅲ级4枚(2.4%),无Ⅳ级螺钉;穿破皮质29枚(17.4%),可接受螺钉163枚(97.6%).对照组置钉165枚,其中Ⅰ级98枚(59.4%),Ⅱ级39枚(23.6%),Ⅲ级21枚(12.7%),Ⅳ级7枚(4.2%);穿破皮质67枚(40.6%),可接受螺钉137枚(83.0%).两组病例置钉分级、穿破皮质比例、可接受螺钉比例均有差异(Z=-5.013,P=0.000;χ²=9.347,P=0.002;χ²=20.242,P=0.000).Cobb角矫正率[(74.1±10.0)% vs (69.7±17.6)%,出血量(455±447) ml vs (415±389) ml,手术时间 (163.5±53.7) min vs(164.0±48.7) min,术前与术后3 d血Cr变化(-5.3±3.2) vs (-3.4±3.1) μmol/L,差异均无统计学意义(t=0.696,P=0.496;t=0.214,P=0.833;t=0.022,P=0.983;t=1.375,P=0.192).两组均未见与置钉相关的并发症。结论:应用个体化数字导航模板辅助脊柱侧凸术中椎弓根螺钉置入,准确性较徒手置钉明显提高,且安全性良好。     

骨填充网袋成形术与经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗Kümmell病的疗效比较

目的:比较骨填充网袋成形术与经皮椎体后凸成形术(percutanous kyphoplasty,PKP)治疗Kümmell病的临床疗效。方法:对2018年7月至2019年12月收治的Kümmell病患者进行回顾性分析,根据不同的治疗方法分为网袋组及PKP组。网袋组20例,男2例,女18例;年龄54~83(67.40±7.44)岁;T₁₀骨折1例,T₁₂骨折3例,L₁骨折9例,L₂骨折5例,L₃骨折2例。PKP组20例,男3例,女17例;年龄56~81(67.20±7.01)岁;T₁₀骨折2例,T₁₁骨折1例,T₁₂骨折6例,L₁骨折10例,L₃骨折1例。记录两组患者术前,术后1 d和术后1年的视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS),Cobb角及椎体前缘高度变化,观察术前、术后1个月和术后1年的Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry Disability Index,ODI),比较两组术后骨水泥渗漏率。结果:所有患者获得1年以上的随访。网袋组术后1年VAS(1.20±0.41)分,Oswestry功能障碍指数(13.50±3.10)%,Cobb角(17.20±3.12)°,椎体前缘高度(20.20±1.35) mm;PKP组术后1年VAS(1.15±0.40)分,Oswestry功能障碍指数(13.20±3.00)%,Cobb角(17.10±3.19)°,椎体前缘高度(20.10±1.37) mm;组内对比两组均较术前显著好转(P<0.05),组间对比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。网袋组共20例20椎,其中1例出现骨水泥向上终板处渗漏,渗漏率为5%;PKP组20例20椎,骨水泥向上终板渗漏3例,向下终板渗漏1例,向椎体前方渗漏1例,向椎体侧方渗漏2例,共7例,渗漏率为35%。两组对比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:网袋成形术在Kümmell病的治疗中可更好地降低骨水泥渗漏率,减少并发症产生。     

脊柱调衡手法与药物治疗退变性脊柱侧凸症的病例对照研究

目的:对比脊柱调衡手法与药物治疗对退变性脊柱侧凸症患者的疼痛及功能状态的影响。方法:2010年7月至2013年6月, 将38例退变性脊柱侧凸症患者采用掷硬币的方法随机分为脊柱调衡手法组(手法组)和药物组。手法组20例, 其中男9例, 女11例, 年龄58～74岁, 平均(66.63±7.73)岁, 病程3～8个月, 平均(5.65±2.58)个月;采用脊柱调衡手法(依次循经理筋、松解痉挛、整骨扳拿、通络放松法)治疗, 时间30 min,1次/d,4 d为1疗程, 共9个疗程。药物组男8例, 女10例, 年龄57～70岁, 平均(63.51±6.61)岁, 病程3～5个月, 平均(4.82±1.43)个月;予口服塞来昔布加盐酸乙哌立松, 4 d为1疗程, 共 9个疗程。观察治疗前后两组患者的VAS评分、脊柱侧凸Cobb角及腰椎ODI评分。结果:治疗后, 手法组VAS评分5.38±0.99与药物组6.36±1.31比较差异有统计学意义(t=2.618,P<0.05);手法组Cobb角(16.51±4.89)°与药物组(19.85±5.03) °比较差异有统计学意义(t=2.074,P<0.05);手法组腰椎ODI评分20.20±2.93与药物组26.01±3.11比较差异有统计学意义(t=5.592,P<0.05).结论:采用脊柱调衡手法治疗退变性脊柱侧凸症, 能够调整脊柱两侧的肌力平衡, 矫正脊柱冠状面失衡, 恢复脊柱正常序列, 减少和消除对神经根的压迫和刺激, 缓解腰腿痛症状, 改善生活质量。     

后路全脊椎截骨矫形联合钛网支撑治疗脊柱结核角状后凸畸形的临床疗效观察

目的 探讨后路全脊椎截骨矫形联合钛网支撑治疗脊柱结核角状后凸畸形的临床疗效及安全性。方法 回顾性分析2012年1月至2015年1月于我科采用后路全脊椎截骨矫形联合钛网支撑治疗的19例胸腰椎脊柱结核角状后凸畸形病人的临床资料,观察术前、术后及末次随访时病人的脊柱后凸Cobb角、矢状面平衡、Frankel分级、疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue score, VAS）评分及并发症。结果 所有病人手术均顺利完成,术后随访24~36个月,平均32个月。术后Cobb角矫正至11.4°±4.4°（5°~20°）;末次随访时为11.8°±4.7°（6°~20°）,均较术前显著改善,差异有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）,但二者间比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。术后VAS评分为（2.3±1.1）分（1~4分）,末次随访时VAS评分为（2.5±1.3）分（1~5分）,均较术前显著改善,差异有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）,但二者间比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。术后及末次随访的侧位片上C₇铅垂线距S1后上缘的距离均为（9.0±4.2） mm,与术前相比有明显改善（P＜0.05）。术前Frankel B级2例,1例恢复到C级、1例恢复到D级;术前Frankel C级5例,4例恢复到E级、1例恢复到D级;术前Frankel D级12例,9例恢复到E级、3例仍为D级。后凸畸形及局部后背疼痛已明显好转,无其他并发症及病情恶化情况。所有病人在随访期间未见内固定及钛网松动和脱出现象。结论 后路全脊柱截骨术联合钛网支撑治疗脊柱结核角状后凸畸形具有良好的临床效果,但因畸形严重、手术难度高仍伴有神经并发症的风险。     

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.     

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.     

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.