股骨颈合并同侧粗隆下骨折3种内固定方式的生物力学分析

目的比较股骨近端锁定板(PFLP)、加长型股骨近端防旋髓内钉(PFNA)、加长型股骨近端髓内钉(PFN)内固定股骨颈合并同侧粗隆下骨折的生物力学性能。方法将18根成年防腐人尸体股骨标本编号后通过随机数字表法随机分为3组,每组6根。制作成股骨颈完全无移位骨折,合并同侧股骨粗隆下内侧皮质缺损5 cm的骨折模型。依据标准技术分别予以PFLP、加长型PFNA、加长型PFN固定。在生物力学试验机上先后进行轴向压缩试验、扭转试验和轴向压缩破坏试验。结果加长型PFNA组轴向抗压刚度最高,为(130.61±5.51)N/mm;加长型PFN组其次,为(56.25±4.07)N/mm;PFLP组最低,为(3.59±2.52)N/mm;3组差异有统计学意义(F=2 337.77,P0.001)。PFLP组扭转刚度最高,为(1.30±0.23)Nm/°;加长型PFNA组其次,为(0.86±0.28)Nm/°;加长型PFN组最低,为(0.38±0.07)Nm/°;3组差异有统计学意义(F=106.05,P0.001)。加长型PFNA组破坏载荷最大,为(3 072.72±216.81)N;加长型PFN组其次,为(2 726.94±182.78)N;PFLP组最小,为(1 877.61±284.87)N;3组差异有统计学意义(F=138.31,P0.001)。结论内固定手术治疗股骨颈合并同侧粗隆下骨折时,加长型PFNA较PFLP、PFN具有生物力学优势。     

PFNA与InterTan内固定治疗股骨粗隆间骨折的回顾性分析

目的比较股骨近端防旋髓内钉(PFNA)和Inter Tan内固定治疗股骨粗隆间骨折的临床疗效。方法笔者自2014-01—2016-03诊治87例股骨粗隆间骨折,比较PFNA与Inter Tan内固定2种固定方式在手术时间、术中出血量、术后输血量、术后下地时间、术后并发症发生率、术后Harris评分的差异。结果 87例均获得随访3~24个月,平均17.6个月。PFNA组出现内固定松动3例,肺部感染5例,尿路感染1例,Inter Tan组术后出现1例股骨远端骨折,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);PFNA组手术时间(43.8±10.5)min,术中出血量(205.9±99.3)ml,术后下地时间(30.2±6.4)d;Inter Tan组手术时间(55.9±13.9)min,Inter Tan组术中出血量为(278.5±116.1)ml,术后下地时间(7±3.1)d,PFNA组手术时间、术中出血量较Inter Tan组少,术后下地时间较Inter Tan组晚,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。2组骨折愈合时间、Harris评分比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 PFNA术中操作相对于Inter Tan较简单,手术时间及术中出血量较Inter Tan少;Inter Tan在术后下地时间较PFNA组早,并发症低;2种髓内固定治疗股骨粗隆骨折的骨折愈合时间及术后活动功能相似,均可取得较为满意的效果。     

改良梅花型交锁髓内钉固定股骨粗隆下骨折的生物力学研究

目的比较自行设计的改良梅花型交锁髓内钉与国产Gamma钉固定股骨粗隆下骨折的即刻生物力学特性,探讨改良梅花型交锁髓内钉固定股骨粗隆下骨折的可行性。方法 8具成年健康男性股骨标本,按左右侧分为实验组和对照组,分别制作股骨粗隆下横形骨折模型。实验组采用长度350 mm的改良梅花型交锁髓内钉固定骨折,对照组采用长度350 mm国产Gamma钉固定骨折。分别检测抗轴向压缩、抗侧弯及抗扭转力学性能,并进行统计学分析。结果 1 000 N轴向载荷压力下的抗压刚度、1 000 N压力下的抗弯曲刚度及3 N/m下的抗扭转刚度:对照组分别为(2 359.4±200.8)N/mm、(614.7±60.2)N/m、(0.64±0.16)Nm/°,实验组分别为(2 178.1±129.5)N/mm、(439.1±48.2)N/m、(0.48±0.13)Nm/°。两组抗压、抗弯曲、抗扭转3项指标比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论改良梅花型交锁髓内钉具有较好的生物力学性能,可用于内固定治疗股骨粗隆下横形骨折。     

3种内固定治疗老年不稳定股骨粗隆间骨折的疗效比较

目的比较95°髁动力加压钢板(DCS)、股骨近端防旋髓内钉(PFNA)以及第4代髓内钉(Inter Tan)治疗老年不稳定股骨粗隆间骨折的临床疗效。方法 111例股骨粗隆间骨折随机随机采用DCS、PFNA、Inter Tan内固定,每组37例。比较3组手术时间、术中出血量、手术质量、骨折愈合时间及并发症情况,末次随访时疗效采用髋关节功能Harris评分标准评定。结果 3组手术时间差异有统计学意义(F=41.530,P0.001),且PFNA组较DCS组和Inter Tan组短,Inter Tan组较DCS组短。3组术中失血量差异有统计学意义(F=244.890,P0.001);且PFNA组较DCS组和Inter Tan组少,Inter Tan组较DCS组少。3组手术质量比较差异无统计学意义(χ2=1.631,P=0.442)。3组骨折愈合时间差异有统计学意义(F=19.765,P0.001);PFNA组与Inter Tan组骨折愈合时间差异无统计学意义(P0.05),但均明显低于DCS组(P0.05)。3组髋关节功能Harris评分差异有统计学意义(F=3.691,P=0.028);PFNA组与Inter Tan组Harris评分差异无统计学意义(P0.05),但均明显高于DCS组(P0.05)。DCS组并发症发生率明显高于PFNA组及Inter Tan组。结论对于老年不稳定股骨粗隆间骨折,虽然DCS内固定手术质量较髓内钉固定好,但是在术后并发症及功能恢复方面较PFNA和Inter Tan内固定差。PFNA内固定操作简单,手术时间短。Inter Tan内固定抗旋转能力强,退钉率较低。     

中老年股骨近端骨折内固定方式的选择

目的探讨中老年人股骨近端骨折不同解剖部位及骨折类型的最优内固定方式。方法 56例股骨颈骨折采用股骨近端防旋髓内钉（PFNA）内固定8例、空心钉内固定10例、动力髋螺钉（DHS）内固定10例,DHS＋空心钉内固定23例,DHS＋空心钉＋带旋髂深动脉髂骨瓣治疗5例,88例股骨粗隆间骨折采用PFNA内固定42例、Gamma钉内固定12例、股骨近端解剖钢板内固定13例、DHS＋空心钉内固定21例,38例股骨粗隆下骨折采用PFNA内固定18例、解剖钢板内固定12例、DHS内固定8例。结果 182例均获得随访6-38个月,平均24.2个月。股骨颈骨折DHS＋空心钉内固定组及股骨粗隆间、粗隆下骨折PFNA内固定组髋关节功能Harris评分优良率高于其他组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论DHS＋空心钉内固定治疗中老年股骨颈骨折具有优势,而PFNA内固定是治疗股骨粗隆间骨折及粗隆下骨折的较佳选择。     

股骨粗隆间骨折InterTan髓内钉内固定术后迟发性髋部巨大血肿1例

正Inter Tan髓内钉已经逐渐成为治疗股骨粗隆间骨折的主流手术方式,由于其近端锁钉的加压交锁功能强大,术后出现髋内翻、内固定切割、骨折复位丢失等并发症的概率较股骨近端防旋髓内钉(PFNA)内固定术显著降低[1]。股骨粗隆间骨折髓内钉内固定术后并发血肿比较少见,多为股深动脉损伤,于术后1周内出现,诊断与治疗十分棘手。Inter Tan髓内钉内固     

TRIGEN InterTan系统与PFNA内固定治疗老年股骨粗隆间骨折疗效分析

目的比较TRIGEN Inter Tan系统与股骨近端防旋髓内钉(PFNA)内固定治疗老年股骨粗隆间骨折的疗效。方法自2010-01—2012-10分别采用TRIGEN Inter Tan(SmithNephew公司提供)和PFNA(康辉公司提供)内固定治疗56例老年股骨粗隆间骨折,其中Inter Tan内固定31例,PFNA内固定25例。比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间及髋关节功能Harris评分。结果 56例均获得平均17.3(9~20)个月随访,1例出现伤口脂肪液化延期愈合,其余无明显并发症。末次随访时骨折均骨性愈合,患者行走能力达到骨折前水平。与Inter Tan组相比,PFNA组手术时间较短、术中出血量较少,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。2组住院时间、骨折愈合时间、末次随访时髋关节功能Harris评分差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 TRIGEN Inter Tan系统和PFNA均是治疗老年股骨粗隆间骨折的有效手术方法。     

不同内固定方式对老年股骨粗隆间骨折全身情况的影响

目的探讨动力髋螺钉(DHS)、股骨近端防旋髓内钉(PFNA)及Inter Tan内固定对老年股骨粗隆间骨折全身情况的影响。方法笔者自2012-01—2013-12共诊治老年股骨粗隆间骨折189例,根据内固定方式分为DHS、PFNA、Inter Tan 3组,分别比较3组术中情况(麻醉方式、手术时间、失血量)、白细胞计数、血红蛋白、氧分压(PO2)、并发症、死亡率等。结果 3组麻醉方式、手术时间比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);Inter Tan组显性、隐性失血量及输血量均较DHS组和PFNA组多,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);3组术前白细胞计数差异不明显,术后均有不同程度升高,Inter Tan组术后1、3、5 d白细胞计数水平较其他2组明显升高,术后3 d差异有统计学意义(P0.05);3组术前血红蛋白水平差异不明显,术后均有不同程度下降,3组术后1、3 d血红蛋白水平差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);3组术前PO2差异无统计学意义,术后均有不同程度下降,术后1、3、5 d Inter Tan组下降最明显,其次为PFNA组,DHS组最高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);术前谷丙转氨酶3组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05),3组术后1、3 d差异有统计学意义(P0.05);DHS组住院期间并发症6例,PFNA组8例,Inter Tan组14例,3组比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论髓内及髓外固定均可对机体产生一定影响,髓内固定中的Inter Tan对失血量、白细胞计数、血红蛋白、PO2影响最大,但3种内固定方式对于总体结局(死亡及并发症)的影响差异不大。     

PFNA与PFLCP内固定老年股骨粗隆下骨折的生物力学分析及其临床疗效比较

目的比较股骨近端防旋髓内钉(PFNA)与股骨近端锁定加压钢板(PFLCP)内固定治疗老年股骨粗隆下骨折的生物力学及其临床疗效。方法构建股骨粗隆下骨折模型,一组采用PFNA内固定(PFNA组),一组采用PFLCP内固定(PFLCP组),进行轴向压缩试验、扭转试验、扭转试验。回顾性分析自2014-01—2017-01诊治的145例老年股骨粗隆下骨折,PFNA组72例,PFLCP组73例。结果生物力学试验结果显示,PFNA组轴向抗压刚度较PFLCP组高28%,PFNA组抗扭转刚度较PFLCP组高13%,PFNA组轴向压缩破坏载荷较PFLCP组高240 N。145例均获得至少6个月随访。与PFLCP组比较,PFNA组手术时间更短,术后引流量更少,住院时间、术后至开始负重时间更短,术后1、3个月髋关节功能Harris评分更高,疼痛VAS评分明显更低,差异有统计学意义(P 0.05)。PFNA组与PFLCP组术后6个月时髋关节功能Harris评分、疼痛VAS评分差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 PFNA内固定治疗老年股骨粗隆下骨折手术微创、力学稳定性强、术后患者恢复快,可以考虑作为首选治疗方案。     

PFNA、APFLP及InterTan髓内钉治疗高龄不稳定性转子间骨折临床效果比较

目的比较股骨近端防旋髓内钉(PFNA)、股骨近端解剖锁定钢板(APFLP)及联合拉力交锁髓内钉(Inter Tan)治疗高龄不稳定性转子间骨折的临床效果。方法 2009年4月~2015年4月我院收治高龄不稳定性转子间骨折患者90例,根据内固定方式的不同分为三组,各30例,分别采用PFNA、Inter Tan及APFLP内固定。比较三组患者术中出血量、手术时间、切口长度、术中透视次数、住院时间、骨折愈合时间、髋关节功能优良率、髋关节功能评分(Harris评分)及术后并发症情况。结果两组患者均获得1年以上随访。PFNA组患者术中出血量最小、手术时间最短,Inter Tan组次之,APFLP组术中出血最多、手术时间最长(P0.05);PFNA组与Inter Tan组切口长度、术中透视次数均小(/少)于APFLP组(P0.05)。三组患者住院时间、骨折愈合时间、髋关节功能优良率、Harris评分差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);而APFLP组总并发症率明显高于其他两组(P0.05),而PFNA组和Inter Tan组并发症率比较无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论 PFNA、APFLP及Inter Tan髓内钉内固定均适用于高龄不稳定性转子间骨折,但PFNA具有手术操作简单、术中创伤较小、术后并发症较少等优点,成为不稳定性转子间骨折治疗的首选。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Immunomodulation in Transplantation with Photopheresis

Abstract: Photopheresis is a technique in which peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in the presence of a photoacti-vatable compound, are exposed extracorporeally to ultraviolet A light and reinfused, inducing a host autoregula-tory immune response. Experimental work and ongoing clinical studies are helping to define the role of this novel, safe, and non-toxic immunomodulating technology in the field of transplantation.