经伤椎置钉椎弓根螺钉系统治疗下腰椎爆裂性骨折

目的 探讨经伤椎置钉椎弓根螺钉系统内固定治疗下腰椎爆裂性骨折的临床疗效.方法 2001年11月至2009年8月对26例下腰椎爆裂性骨折患者行椎弓根螺钉系统内固定,男19例,女7例;年龄21～56岁,平均37.6岁.所有患者均于伤椎及其上、下相邻椎置入椎弓根螺钉并行后外侧植骨融合.比较术前、术后及未次随访时伤椎椎体的前缘高度比值、腰椎前凸角.结果 本组26例患者术后获12～48个月(平均26.3个月)随访,伤椎椎体前缘高度比值由术前47.35%±6.42%恢复至术后95.35%±6.67%,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),末次随访时为94.91%±6.73%,与术后比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).腰椎前凸角由术前30.16°±7.12°恢复至术后39.32°±8.65°,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),末次随访时为39.18°±9.72°,与术后比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).随访期间末发生内固定松动、断裂等并发症.末次随访时下腰痛视觉模拟(VAS)评分由术前平均(8.9±1.6)分降至(1.2±0.3)分.术前合并神经损伤的12例患者除2例D级患者无改变外,其余患者美国脊髓损伤学会(ASIA)分级均提高1～2级.结论 经伤椎置钉椎弓根螺钉系统内固定治疗下腰椎爆裂性骨折能有效地维持伤椎复位后的高度及腰椎前凸角,手术创伤小、操作相对简单,是一种治疗下腰椎爆裂性骨折的有效方法.     

经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折

目的探讨经皮椎体后凸成形术(percutaneous kyphoplasty,PKP)治疗无神经脊髓症状的骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折的临床疗效及安全性。方法回顾性分析我院2013年1月~2015年6月采用双侧入路PKP治疗骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折31例资料,记录手术时间、透视次数、骨水泥用量、住院时间及骨水泥渗漏情况。术前、术后1天、末次随访采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analog score,VAS)评估疼痛程度,Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)评估患者日常生活功能;术前、术后1天及末次随访在X线侧位片上测量伤椎高度和椎体后凸角,观察术后1天及末次随访椎体高度恢复率和后凸角矫正率。结果手术均顺利完成。术中骨水泥渗漏10例,均无相关神经或脊髓症状。术后随访12~21个月,(14.2±3.5)月。术后1天和末次随访的VAS评分[(2.5±0.8)分,(1.1±0.6)分]较术前[(6.8±0.9)分]明显降低(t=20.393、30.178,P=0.000),末次随访的VAS评分较术后1天降低(t=8.237,P=0.000);术后1天和末次随访的ODI(37.2%±4.4%,17.6%±6.3%)较术前(72.9%±6.6%)明显降低(t=25.053、33.575,P=0.000),末次随访的ODI较术后1天降低(t=14.140,P=0.000);术后1天和末次随访的伤椎高度[(18.8±1.5)mm,(18.5±1.6)mm]较术前[(15.6±1.5)mm]明显增高(t=7.158、6.883,P=0.000),但末次随访的伤椎高度较术后1天无明显变化(t=0.847,P=0.194);术后1天和末次随访的椎体后凸角(7.1°±2.5°,7.4°±2.8°)较术前(14.6°±2.6°)明显减小(t=9.160、10.018,P=0.000),但末次随访的椎体后凸角较术后1天无明显变化(t=0.800,P=0.936);末次随访椎体高度恢复率(49.5%±2.7%)较术后1天(50.0%±2.6%)无明显变化(t=0.737,P=0.464);末次随访后凸角矫正率(50.7%±6.5%)较术后1天(51.9%±5.3%)无明显差异(t=1.945,P=0.058)。随访过程中未见伤椎及邻近椎体再骨折等并发症。结论运用PKP治疗无神经脊髓症状的老龄骨质疏松性椎体爆裂骨折,疗效可靠,且相对安全。     

经椎间孔椎体间植骨治疗下腰椎爆裂性骨折

目的 探讨在下腰椎爆裂性骨折中应用单一后路经椎间孔椎体间植骨融合术重建椎体前中柱的有效性.方法 2009年1月～2011 年6月,采用单一后路切开复位椎弓根内固定经椎间孔椎体间植骨融合术治疗下腰椎爆裂性骨折19例.分别评价术前、术后、末次随访时的影像学指标变化,及术前与术后末次随访时神经功能变化.结果 19例患者平均随访15.6 个月.所有患者术后未发生切口感染、神经功能损伤及内固定器松动断裂等并发症.末次随访时18例患者证实椎间融合,19例患者术前平均伤椎高度为正常椎体高度的（40.62±12.32）%,术后恢复至（96.52±10.62）%,末次随访时为（95.43%9.54）%.腰椎前凸角术前32.2°±5.1°,术后38.4°±5.2°,末次随访时为38.4°±7.2°.末次随访时伴有神经功能障碍的患者均有1级以上的恢复.结论 下腰椎爆裂性骨折行后路椎弓根螺钉内固定经椎间孔椎体间植骨融合术,能完成短节段三柱固定,同时修复了前柱及矫正脊柱后凸,取得满意的骨性融合率.     

后路半椎体切除短节段固定治疗儿童腰骶部半椎体畸形的中远期疗效

目的 :评估后路半椎体切除短节段固定治疗儿童腰骶部半椎体畸形的中远期疗效及并发症。方法 :回顾性分析2003年3月～2013年2月在我院行腰骶部半椎体切除短节段固定术、随访5年以上的21例患者的临床资料和影像学资料,其中男13例,女8例,手术时年龄3～13岁(8.4±2.9岁)。半椎体位于L4/5 11例,位于L5/S1 10例。分别于术前、术后即刻、术后2年和末次随访时的站立位X线片上测量冠状面上局部侧凸角、代偿弯Cobb角、上端固定椎倾斜角、躯干偏移和矢状面上局部后凸角、胸椎后凸角、腰椎前凸角和矢状面平衡距离(SVA),对冠状位平衡状态进行分型;并记录术后和随访时的并发症。结果:术后随访5.0～13.0年(6.5±2.4年),固定节段2～4个(2.9±0.6个)椎体。患者术前腰骶部原发弯Cobb角为29.8°±10.1°,术后矫正至6.5°±5.1°(P0.001),矫正率为(76.2±18.5)%;术后2年和末次随访时分别为7.4°±5.4°和7.8°±6.1°,与术后即刻比较无显著性差异(P0.05)。术前冠状面平衡状态A型5例,B型6例,C型10例,术后和末次随访时均有显著性改善。术前冠状面躯干偏移为24.5±14.2mm,术后矫正至14.6±11.9mm(P0.01),矫正率为(41.9±59.3)%;术后2年及末次随访时分别为12.0±8.9mm和9.8±8.0mm。近端代偿弯由术前的22.9°±11.1°矫正到术后8.5°±5.2°(P0.001),矫正率为(61.3±20.5)%;术后2年及末次随访时分别为10.1°±6.0°和11.9°±6.5°,与术后即刻比较无显著性差异(P0.05)。术前上端固定椎倾斜角为14.4°±7.1°,术后即刻为2.6°±3.8°(P0.05);术后2年及末次随访时分别为3.1°±4.0°、3.8°±4.2°,与术后即刻比较无显著性差异(P0.05)。矢状面上,术后及随访时的局部后凸角、胸椎后凸角、腰椎前凸角、SVA与术前比较均无显著性差异(P0.05)。1例患者术中矫形时发生凸侧椎弓根螺钉切割,1例患者术后出现短暂性右足背伸肌力下降,保守治疗3个月后完全恢复。2例代偿弯进展,1例行翻修手术。结论:继发于腰骶部半椎体的先天性脊柱畸形患者行单一后路腰骶部半椎体切除短节段固定可明显矫正腰骶部原发畸形,改善近端代偿弯及冠状面失平衡,并且矫形效果在远期随访过程中能得到良好的维持。     

椎体后凸成形术治疗强直性脊柱炎性胸腰椎骨折

[目的]分析椎体后凸成形术(KP)治疗强直性脊柱炎性胸腰椎骨折的临床疗效。[方法]分析2002年12月~2013年11月在本院行KP治疗的强直性脊柱炎性胸腰椎骨折患者。共纳入6例,平均年龄67.50岁。均为单椎骨折。患者术前平均明显疼痛时间17.35 d。评估患者术前、术后及随访时的VAS评分、ODI指数、伤椎椎体后凸角、前缘相对高度的变化情况,并记录手术并发症。[结果]所有患者均完成随访,平均随访时间(21.2±3.8)个月。VAS评分:术前为(7.1±0.9)分,术后为(2.1±0.1)分,末次随访为(2.2±0.8)分,手术前后差异有统计学意义(P0.05),而末次随访与术后相比两者差异无统计学意义(P0.05);ODI指数:术前69.1±5.3,术后26.3±2.3,末次随访为31.3±4.1,手术前和手术后差异有统计学意义(P0.05),末次随访时与术后相比差异无统计学意义(P0.05);伤椎椎体后凸角:术前骨折椎后凸角平均为16.87°±10.42°,术后为15.70°±7.51°,平均矫正1.12°±0.31°,手术前和手术后差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访为15.82°±8.13°,与手术后相比差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。伤椎前缘相对高度:由术前(82.82±25.12)%恢复至术后的(86.11±11.21)%(P0.05)。末次随访时为(86.17±13.21)%,与手术后相比差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。未见明显手术并发症。[结论]KP治疗强直性脊柱炎性胸腰椎骨折疗效良好,并发症少,可作为一种有效的治疗选择。     

骨水泥温度梯度灌注技术在经皮椎体后凸成形术中的应用

目的:通过与传统的骨水泥单次灌注技术进行比较,评估骨水泥温度梯度灌注技术在经皮椎体后凸成形术(PKP)治疗骨质疏松性椎体骨折(OVCF)中的临床疗效。方法:收集我院2006年1月~2010年1月共234例行PKP的OVCF患者,根据骨水泥灌注方法的不同分为温度梯度灌注组(采用缓慢、低压、间隔1~2min将骨水泥分次灌注入椎体内)和传统灌注组(采用传统的骨水泥调制好一次性灌注的方法)。温度梯度灌注组:129例患者,160个手术椎体;传统灌注组:105例患者,128个手术椎体。比较术后1周内及末次随访时两组的VAS评分、ODI、伤椎椎体后凸角、伤椎前缘相对高度及骨水泥渗漏率。结果:温度梯度灌注组术后随访25.3±12.2个月;传统灌注组术后随访24.7±11.5个月,两组间差异无显著性(P0.05)。温度梯度灌注组:术前VAS评分、ODI、伤椎的椎体后凸角及前缘相对高度分别为7.19±0.94、71.55±7.83、16.66°±8.40°和(62.50±24.64)%;术后为2.18±0.62、28.86±4.71、11.72°±7.81°和(84.50±14.92)%;末次随访时为2.1±1.9、28.79±6.25、11.87°±8.34°和(85.49±12.67)%。传统灌注组:术前VAS评分、ODI、伤椎的椎体后凸角和前缘相对高度分别为7.20±1.07、70.49±9.28、16.97°±9.48°和(61.91±24.84)%;术后为2.25±0.64、28.55±4.46、11.90°±7.42°和(85.09±10.71)%;末次随访时为2.3±2.5、28.51±6.55、11.92°±9.03°和(85.10±14.61)%。两组患者VAS评分、ODI、伤椎的前缘相对高度和椎体后凸角手术后与手术前比较均有统计学差异(P0.05);末次随访时与术后比较无统计学差异(P0.05);两组之间比较术前、术后及末次随访时的上述指标均无统计学差异(P0.05)。传统灌注组有9例患者发生骨水泥渗漏,渗漏率8.60%;温度梯度灌注组有3例患者发生骨水泥渗漏,渗漏率2.3%,显著低于传统灌注组的骨水泥渗漏率(P0.05)。结论:骨水泥温度梯度灌注技术可以获得满意的影像学及临床效果,并且可以显著降低骨水泥渗漏的发生率。     

经皮椎体-间盘成形术治疗胸腰段严重压缩的骨质疏松性椎体骨折的疗效分析

目的探讨经皮椎体-间盘成形术(PVDP)治疗胸腰段严重压缩的骨质疏松性椎体骨折(vsOVCF)的疗效。方法回顾性分析2019年11月至2021年8月南通大学第二附属医院脊柱外科采用PVDP治疗的26例胸腰段vsOVCF患者资料。其中男8例, 女18例;年龄(77.9±5.2)岁;骨折部位:T11 9例, T12 13例, L1 7例, L2 2例;椎体高度丢失超过其原高度的2/3。通过比较术前、术后1 d、末次随访时的疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)、局部后凸角(LKA)观察疗效。结果所有患者术后获12(10, 15)个月随访, 无明显神经功能损伤及其他严重并发症发生。术后1 d和末次随访时的VAS评分[(2.9±0.7)、(2.2±0.7)分]、ODI(28.0%±4.8%、16.9%±4.0%)均较术前[(6.7±0.8)分、66.7%±6.0%]显著降低, 末次随访时均较术后1 d继续降低, 差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。术后1 d和末次随访时的LKA(18.1°±4.1°、19.5°±4.4°)均较术前(32.0°±5.2°)显著减...     

外固定器整复下经皮椎体成形术治疗伤椎后壁破损的骨质疏松性压缩骨折

目的:探讨外固定器整复下经皮椎体成形术治疗伤椎后壁破损的骨质疏松性压缩骨折的临床疗效。方法:2005年1月～2010年1月收治椎体后壁破损的骨质疏松性新鲜压缩骨折患者35例(37个椎体),先行脊柱外固定器整复固定,再行经皮椎体成形术。根据影像学检查,计算患者治疗前后椎体高度丢失率、椎管占位率及后凸角,随访观察临床疗效。结果:椎体前缘高度丢失率术前为75.1%±12.9%,术后为7.5%±6.2%,末次随访时为7.5%±6.3%;椎管占位率术前为17.25%±20.44%,术后为4.34%±5.94%,末次随访时为4.38%±5.96%;后凸角术前为23.5°±8.7°,术后为7.4°±4.3°,末次随访时为7.4°±4.4°。椎体高度丢失率、椎管占位率及后凸角术后、末次随访时较术前均明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);末次随访时与术后比较差异无显著性(P>0.05)。出现骨水泥渗漏2例,但无明显症状,未见其他并发症。结论:脊柱外固定器整复下经皮椎体成形术治疗伤椎体后壁破损的骨质疏松性压缩骨折是一种安全有效的治疗方法。     

单侧与双侧经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗老年骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的疗效

目的比较单侧与双侧椎弓根入路经皮椎体后凸成形术(PKP)治疗老年新鲜骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折(OVCF)的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2014年1月至2017年6月接受PKP治疗的134例胸腰椎单椎体OVCF患者的临床资料,按手术入路将患者分为单侧组(经单侧椎弓根入路)和双侧组(经双侧椎弓根入路)。观察患者术后椎体高度恢复率、后凸角改善情况、疼痛改善情况,以及术中骨水泥注入量和骨水泥渗漏情况等。结果单侧组61例,平均年龄(74.7±9.6)岁,双侧组73例,平均年龄(75.1±8.6)岁。两组患者术后伤椎椎体前缘和中间高度的丢失率以及后凸角均较术前减小(P0.05)。Ⅰ°骨折患者,术后伤椎的椎体前缘和中间高度恢复率、后凸角恢复率两组比较无差异(P0.05),单侧组术后骨水泥侧漏少于双侧组(P0.05)。Ⅱ°/Ⅲ°骨折患者,术后伤椎的椎体前缘和中间高度恢复率、后凸角恢复率双侧组均优于单侧组(P0.05),两组骨水泥侧漏情况无差异(P0.05)。与术前相比,两组患者术后3d和末次随访时的VAS均明显降低(P0.05),但两组间术后3d及末次随访的VAS比较无差异(P0.05)。结论单椎体OVCF骨折患者,如果为Ⅰ°骨折或一侧椎弓根破坏严重、进针困难时宜选择单侧入路PKP手术,Ⅱ°或Ⅲ°骨折时宜选择灌注高黏度骨水泥的双侧入路PKP手术。     

一期前后路联合手术治疗儿童活动性胸腰椎结核的中长期临床疗效

目的 :探讨应用一期后路椎弓根螺钉内固定融合联合前路病灶清除、同种异体骨重建术治疗儿童活动性脊柱结核的中、长期效果。方法:回顾性分析我院2008年1月～2013年1月共19例采用一期后路椎弓根螺钉内固定融合联合前路病灶清除、同种异体骨支撑重建的术式治疗胸、腰椎结核感染导致至少连续两个椎体破坏的患儿资料,年龄3～10岁,平均6.3±2.1岁,随访时间5～11年,平均7.5±2.0年,受累椎体2～4个。所有患儿分别于术后1周、3、6、12个月行X线检查,随后每年行X线检查一次,测量后凸Cobb角,同时观察有无植骨块移位、松动、塌陷以及有无后凸畸形发生,记录患儿术前、术后1周及每次复查时的Frankel分级、后凸角、红细胞沉降率(ESR)、C-反应蛋白(CRP),对于随访超过5年的患儿(19例)行高分辨率三维CT扫描通过Bridwell分级评估植骨块融合情况。结果:随访期间均未发现结核复发,未发现钉棒松动、断裂,术后6个月ESR、CRP与术前相比均有明显统计学差异(P0.05)。术前Frankel神经功能分级:B级2例,C级5例,D级9例,E级3例,术后1周时Frankel分级:B级1例,C级3例,D级1例,E级14例,末次随访时D级1例(术前B级),E级18例,术后1周及末次随访与术前相比有统计学差异(P0.05)。术前后凸角平均41.32°±13.19°,术后即刻后凸角度平均9.74°±5.80°,即刻矫正率76.4%,末次随访后凸角平均12.32°±6.40°,平均丢失2.58°±0.60°,末次随访时矫正度数为29.0°±8.9°,矫正率为70.1%,术后即刻后凸角与术前相比有统计学差异(P0.05),末次随访后凸角与术后即刻相比,无统计学差异(P0.05)。19例患儿植入的同种异体骨的上下两端及后方的附件均与周围骨形成骨性连接,Bridwell分级1级融合;2例发生骨块下端轻度塌陷但形成骨痂且有骨小梁通过植骨接触面并且无明显植骨块松动及移位,1例出现局部轻度后凸畸形,但无神经损害及局部疼痛。结论:一期后路椎弓根螺钉内固定融合联合前路病灶清除、同种异体骨重建的方法治疗儿童胸腰椎结核导致的椎体破坏是一种安全可行的术式,中、远期随访观察获得了满意的临床结果。     

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.