不同程度退变的软骨终板的影像学变化及其临床意义

目的：从影像学角度研究腰椎间盘不同程度退变时终板在矢状面和横断面的形态变化规律，探讨其临床意义。方法：本研究选取58例L4．5椎间盘呈退行性改变的影像学资料（MRI、CT）进行研究（其中椎间盘突出者34例），分别将其矢状位MRI T2WI成像采用MRI机内Mean／Curve测量软件测量L4．5运动节段退变的椎间盘与相应节段脑脊液平均信号强度比值，判断椎间盘退变程度进行分组。分为3组：轻度退变组17例，中度退变组17例，重度退变组24例。同时采用正中矢状位MRI T2WI成像分别测量相应椎间（L4．5）终板于矢状面上的凹陷角。另外借助L4．5椎间CT平扫成像测量其相邻终板的最大前后径和横径，计算终板的相对曲率，分析椎间盘在不同退变程度下椎体终板凹陷角及其相对曲率的变化规律，并探讨椎体终板的凹陷角与其相对曲率的相关性。结果：①椎体终板（L4下终板，L5上终板）凹陷角均随着相应椎间盘退变程度加重而增大，重度退变组与中度、轻度退变组（L4下终板、L5上终板）凹陷角差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。②重度退变组与轻度退变组（L4下终板、L5上终板）相对曲率差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01），中度退变组与轻度退变组（L4下终板、L5上终板）相对曲率差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01），中度退变组与重度退变组（L4下终板、k上终板）相对曲率差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。⑧终板凹陷角与其相对曲率呈正相关关系（r：0．786，0．490）。结论：椎体终板的凹陷角与相对曲率随着椎间盘退变程度加重而发生相应变化，这种变化是腰椎间盘退变突出、椎间盘源性下腰痛的重要因素，且椎体终板的凹陷角与其相对曲率存在着相关关系，故可以通过凹陷角的变化判断其相对曲率的改变，评估椎间盘突出的概率。     

腰椎间盘退变时椎体的形态变化及其临床意义

目的:研究腰椎间盘退变时椎体形态的变化规律,并探讨其临床意义。方法:111例研究对象分成3组:对照组27例,L4/5椎间盘轻度退变组53例,重度退变组31例。将所有研究对象的X线片及MRI片输入计算机,在侧位X线片上测量椎体的前高、后高及矢状径,并计算椎体矩形指数及相对高度和矢状径,在MRI上观察退变椎间盘相邻椎体骨髓信号改变。结果:(1)对照组L4、L5椎体矩形指数男女间无显著性差异(P>0.05);(2)L4、L5椎体矩形指数在对照组、腰椎间盘轻度和重度退变组逐渐减小,两两间有显著性差异(P<0.05);(3)L4、L5椎体相对前高和后高在对照组、腰椎间盘轻度和重度退变组逐渐减小而相对矢状径逐渐增加,两两间有显著性差异(P<0.05);(4)椎体骨髓的MRI信号改变区域主要位于外周终板的下方,重度退变组的信号改变率大于轻度退变组,差异有显著性(P<0.05)。结论:腰椎间盘退变时椎体倾向扁平化,其扁平化程度与椎间盘退变的严重程度有关。     

腰椎间盘突出症患者下腰椎终板矢状面形态特征

目的:观察腰椎间盘突出症(lumbar disc herniation,LDH)患者下腰椎(L3～S1)终板矢状面形态特征。方法:回顾性分析2016年6月～2017年7月就诊我院的腰椎间盘突出症患者和无明确腰椎疾病的志愿者。共纳入LDH患者141例,其中男61例,女80例,年龄61.6±10.1岁(41～79岁),身体质量指数(BMI)为26.3±3.4(18.3～33.2)。对照组纳入志愿者109例,其中男47名,女62名,年龄55.4±12.2岁(40～87岁), BMI为25.3±3.6 (17.6～32.5)。在腰椎CT正中矢状面重建图像上测量LDH患者椎间盘突出节段的终板形态和志愿者腰椎L3下终板至S1上终板的终板形态学参数,包括终板屈曲深度(ECD)、矢状面屈曲角(SCA)和终板屈曲顶点位置(ECA);相应节段椎间盘退变程度在MRI上通过Pfirrmann分级进行评估。应用t检验比较LDH组与对照组终板矢状面形态学参数;选择L4/5和L5/S1两节段中相同退变程度(PfirrmannⅢ级,PfirrmannⅣ级)的椎间盘,比较LDH组患者和对照组志愿者的终板矢状面形态。将LDH组患者和对照组志愿者终板数据合并后按照椎间盘退变程度分组(PfirrmannⅡ级～PfirrmannⅤ级),应用Kruskal-Wallis检验比较不同退变程度椎间盘终板形态参数的组间差异。结果:LDH组各节段终板ECD均显著低于对照组(L4上终板P=0.016,其余终板P0.01),SCA均显著大于对照组(P0.01);除L3下终板外(P=0.014),所有节段终板ECA的组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。L4/5和L5/S1节段中PfirrmannⅢ级和Ⅳ级椎间盘终板,相同节段和退变分级的组间比较结果显示,LDH组终板ECD显著小于对照组(P0.05),SCA显著大于对照组(P0.05),ECA未出现组间显著性差异(P0.05)。不同退变程度椎间盘终板形态参数组间比较显示,随着椎间盘退变进展,各节段ECD降低(P0.01),SCA增大(P0.01),ECA未出现一致的组间变化趋势。结论:LDH患者相比对照组志愿者,其下腰椎终板矢状面屈曲程度较低,退变程度较高的椎间盘其终板屈曲程度较小。     

腰椎间盘退变性疾患下腰椎终板形态的MRI观察

【摘要】　目的：在MRI片上观察腰椎间盘退变患者下腰椎终板形态的分布规律,分析终板形态和椎间盘退变的关系。方法：回顾分析两组腰椎间盘退变性疾病患者的术前腰椎MRI,A组110例为单节段腰椎间盘突出症患者,B组35例为椎间盘源性腰痛患者。根据正中矢状面MRI T1像,将终板形态分为凹面、平坦、不规则三型;根据Pfirrmann法评定椎间盘退变程度并将Ⅰ～Ⅴ级分别计为1～5分;按Modic改变分级标准判定各节段终板有无Modic改变。分析下腰椎终板的形态特点及三种分型与椎间盘退变程度、Modic改变等的关系。结果：①435个下腰椎节段中,凹面型终板最多（215/435）,A组中占50.6％（167/330）,B组中占45.7％（48/105）,且主要分布于L3/4（108/215）、L4/5（83/215）节段;平坦型终板占29.0％（126/435）,并主要位于L5/S1节段（76/126）;不规则型终板最少（94/435）,A组中占23.0％（76/330）,B组中占17.1％（18/105）,也主要位于L5/S1节段（45/94）。②A组患者中,凹面型终板退变程度平均为3.31±0.81分,平坦型为3.66±0.64分,不规则型为4.16±0.67分,两两比较有显著差异（P＜0.05）;椎间盘突出节段以平坦型（37/110）和不规则型（43/110）终板占多数,无突出节段则以凹面型（137/220）终板占多数,差异有显著性（P＜0.05）;不规则型终板比凹面型和平坦型更容易伴发Modic改变,差异有显著性（P＜0.05）,凹面型和平坦型间无显著性差异（P＞0.05）。③B组患者中,凹面型终板的椎间盘退变程度平均为3.23±0.86分,平坦型为3.54±0.85分,不规则型为3.94±0.54分,仅凹面型和不规则型间差异有显著性（P＜0.05）。④相同终板形态时A组和B组椎间盘退变程度相比均无显著性差异（P＞0.05）。结论：终板形态与椎间盘退变、Modic改变之间有相关性。终板形态由凹面型到平坦型再到不规则型,腰椎间盘退变程度逐渐加重。影像学上终板形态改变在一定程度上反映了椎间盘退变的程度。     

退变性腰椎侧凸两侧椎间高度及关节突矢状角参数特点及其对侧凸的影响

目的:分析退变性腰椎侧凸骨性结构参数的特点及其与椎间盘-终板退变的相关性,探讨骨性结构参数对腰椎侧凸发生、发展的影响及意义。方法:选取120例原发性退变性腰椎侧凸患者的影像学资料作为病例组,同时期、同年龄段及同性别比例诊断为腰椎退变性疾病(除外腰椎侧凸)的89例患者的影像学资料作为对照组。分别测量两组患者椎体和椎间两侧高度及两侧关节突矢状角,计算椎体和两侧椎间平均高度及两侧关节突平均矢状角作为骨性结构参数。测量病例组患者的腰椎侧凸角及前凸角。采用pffirman及Modic分级评分法对各个椎间盘及邻近终板退变程度进行量化。比较两组的骨性结构参数,分析骨性结构参数与椎间盘-终板退变、腰椎侧凸角及前凸角的关系。结果:病例组凸凹侧骨性结构参数有显著性差异(P<0.05),呈不对称分布;对照组两侧骨性结构参数无显著性差异(P>0.05);两组间椎间盘-终板退变评分有显著性差异(P<0.05)。相关性分析显示,骨性结构参数不对称度与椎间盘-终板退变评分有相关性(P<0.05),与腰椎侧凸角呈正相关(0相似文献   

Modic改变与椎间盘高度及椎体骨质增生的关系

目的 研究Modic改变与椎间盘高度及椎体边缘骨质增生的关系,探讨Modic改变在腰椎退变中的意义.方法 回顾性研究分析2011年4月至2012年4月150例老年慢性腰腿痛患者的影像学资料,所有患者均进行MRI及腰椎正侧位X线检查,选择患者L1～2至L5～S1椎间盘为研究对象,150例患者共观测750个椎间盘、椎体及椎间盘邻近终板.观察患者腰椎终板Modic改变的发生率、椎间盘高度以及椎体边缘骨质增生程度,定义椎间盘高度/椎间盘平均高度＜50％为椎间盘塌陷.将所有患者腰椎间盘分为4组,A1组:椎间盘塌陷,椎体无或轻度骨质增生;A2组:椎间盘塌陷,椎体重度骨质增生;B1组:无椎间盘塌陷,椎体无或轻度骨质增生;B2组:无椎间盘塌陷,椎体重度骨质增生.采用x2检验方法,对4个组Modic改变发生率进行比较,分析椎间盘高度以及椎体骨质增生与Modic改变的关系.结果 4组共观测了750个椎间盘,A1组208个椎间盘,终板Modic改变发生率为54.3％;A2组135个椎间盘,终板Modic改变发生率为34.8％;B1组225个椎间盘,终板Modic改变发生率为16.9％;B2组182个椎间盘,终板Modic改变发生率为29.7％.4组间Modic改变发生率差异有统计学意义(x2 =69.565,P＜0.05).组间两两比较,A1组与A2、B1和B2组比较,差异均有统计学意义(x2=12.524、66.701和24.102,P ＜0.00714).A2组与B1组比较差异有统计学意义(x2=15.032,P＜0.00714),但与B2组比较差异无统计学意义(x2=0.945,P＞0.00714).B1与B2组比较,差异有统计学意义(x2=9.395,P＜0.00714).结论 老年慢性腰腿痛患者中椎间盘高度的丢失且不伴有重度椎体骨质增生的终板Modic改变发生率较高,椎间盘塌陷合并重度椎体骨质增生患者与单纯重度椎体骨质增生患者的Modic改变发生率无明显差别.     

腰椎间盘退变后椎体的变化及其临床意义

目的研究腰椎退变时椎体的形态和骨密度的变化规律,探讨其临床意义。方法选择对照组患者31例,腰椎退变组患者94例,通过应用计算机处理其X线片和MRI等影像学资料,测定L4,L5椎体的骨密度和测定腰椎椎体的周径和对角径、相对高度,相对矢状径及对角径等,同时观察MRI上椎体骨髓信号的改变。应用SPSS11.5对实验数据进行处理。结果①对照组L4及L5椎体指数在男女间比较差异无显著性(P>0.05)。提示X线侧位片上男、女L4及L5椎体的形态相似。②L4及L5椎体指数在对照组明显大于退变组,之间比较有显著性差异(P<0.05)。③L4及L5椎体相对高度在对照组均较退变组高,而椎体的上下矢状径对照组较退变组要小,对角距差别不大;比较具有统计学上的差异显著性(P<0.05)。④椎体骨密度测定结果显示两组间有显著差异性(P<0.05)。结论腰椎间盘退变后,椎体发生改变与否与椎间盘退变的程度成正相关。     

肥胖及骨密度与腰椎间盘退变程度的相关性研究

目的 分析不同体质量指数(body mass index,BMI)的腰椎间盘突出症患者骨密度(bone mineral density,BMD)、腰椎间盘退变程度差异,并探讨BMD与腰椎间盘退变程度的相关性.方法 回顾2017年1月～2020年1月因腰腿痛于本院脊柱骨科门诊就诊的137例腰椎间盘突出症患者临床资料.基于体质量指数,分为正常组(18.50.05);三组下腰椎椎体(L3、L4)BMD水平、下腰椎椎间盘(L3-4、L4-5)退变程度比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),其中,肥胖组L3与L4 BMD水平、L3-4与L4-5段椎间盘退变程度均明显高于其他两组(P<0.05),超重组L3与L4 BMD水平、L3-4与L4-5段椎间盘退变程度明显高于正常组(P<0.05).Pearson相关性分析显示,L3 BMD水平与L3-4椎间盘退变程度呈负相关(r=-0.547,P<0.05);L4 BMD水平与L4-5椎间盘退变程度呈负相关(r=-0.741,P<0.05).结论 BMI与腰椎BMD、腰椎间盘退变程度存在关联;对于腰椎间盘突出症合并肥胖患者,更易发生下腰椎椎间盘退变,下腰椎椎体BMD与相邻椎间盘退变程度呈负相关,椎间盘退变程度随BMD水平升高有减缓趋势.     

腰椎间盘突出症患者突出椎间盘及相邻椎间盘退变程度的MRI分析

目的:分析腰椎间盘突出症患者突出椎间盘及相邻椎间盘的术前MRI表现,评估其退变程度。方法:回顾性分析2014年6月~2015年12月在宁夏医科大学总医院脊柱骨科已行手术治疗的的单节段腰椎间盘突出症患者100例,其中男56例,女44例,年龄23~79岁(51.68±5.60岁),将所有患者以10年为一年龄段进行分组。突出椎间盘发生在L4/5节段50个,其相邻椎间盘100个;L5/S1节段50个,其相邻椎间盘50个。观察术前腰椎MRI,椎间盘采用Pfirrmann分级标准进行评估;软骨终板形态以Pappou分级标准进行评估。年龄段间的比较采用单因素方差分析,相邻椎间盘与退变椎间盘间的相关性采用Pearson相关分析,相邻椎间盘间的比较采用t检验。结果:各年龄段L4/5、L5/S1突出椎间盘的Pfirrmann分级均在Ⅲ级以上、Pappou分级均在Ⅱ级以上,各年龄段间椎间盘退变结果有统计学差异(P0.05);而各年龄段间软骨终板退变结果无统计学差异(P0.05)。各年龄段间突出椎间盘发生在L4/5、L5/S1的上位相邻椎间盘Pfirrmann分级有统计学差异(P0.05),下位相邻椎间盘Pfirrmann分级各年龄段无统计学差异(P0.05),相邻椎间盘软骨终板退变结果各年龄段间无统计学差异(P0.05)。相邻的L3/4椎间盘Pfirrmann分级与突出的L4/5椎间盘Pfirrmann分级有相关性(r=0.696,P=0.000),相邻L5/S1椎间盘Pfirrmann分级与突出L4/5椎间盘Pfirrmann分级间无相关性(r=0.214,P=0.136);相邻的L3/4、L5/S1椎间盘软骨终板形态Pappou分级与突出的L4/5椎间盘软骨终板形态Pappou分级均有相关性(r=0.467,P=0.001;r=0.380,P=0.007)。相邻L4/5椎间盘的Pfirrmann分级与突出L5/S1椎间盘的Pfirrmann分级有相关性(r=0.549,P=0.000);相邻L4/5椎间盘软骨终板形态Pappou分级与突出L5/S1椎间盘的软骨终板形态Pappou分级有相关性(r=0.684,P=0.001)。L4/5椎间盘突出的相邻L3/4椎间盘Pfirrmann分级和软骨终板形态Pappou分级评分分别为3.26±0.87分、1.54±0.50分,均高于相邻L5/S1椎间盘的2.96±0.59分、1.23±0.49分(P0.05)。结论:腰椎间盘突出症患者突出节段的相邻椎间盘及软骨终板的退变与年龄及突出椎间盘退变程度关系密切,且相邻上位椎间盘较下位椎间盘退变更明显。     

绝经后女性骨密度与腰椎间盘退变的相关性分析

目的:观察绝经后女性腰椎和髋部骨密度与腰椎间盘退变的关系。方法:回顾性统计2017年12月～2018年12月因腰痛在我院脊柱外科门诊及住院的229例绝经后女性患者,记录患者年龄、身高、体重、糖尿病史、高血压病史、饮酒史、吸烟史等,采用双能X线骨密度测量仪检查患者腰椎椎体(L1～L4)骨密度和髋部平均骨密度,记录相应的T值,每例患者同时行腰椎MRI检查。根据骨密度T值≥-1.0为正常,-2.5 T值-1.0为骨量减少,T值≤-2.5诊断为骨质疏松,将患者分为骨质疏松组(n=78)、骨量减少组(n=73)和正常组(n=78)。每个节段腰椎间盘退变程度用Pfirrmann分级系统进行评分,用协方差和Spearman相关性分析来分析腰椎和髋部骨密度与腰椎间盘退变的关系。结果:骨质疏松组、骨量减少组和骨量正常组的年龄分别为67.17±9.99岁、65.66±10.71岁、55.29±12.35岁,骨质疏松组、骨量减少组年龄显著大于骨量正常组(P0.05);骨质疏松组的体重指数小于正常组(23.38±2.37kg/m~2 vs 24.72±2.96kg/m~2,P0.05);其余一般资料各组间无显著性差异(P0.05)。上腰椎(L1、L2)中,骨质疏松组腰椎间盘退变评分均较正常组低(2.24±0.82 vs 2.60±0.95,2.79±0.95 vs3.18±0.94,P0.05),而与骨量减少组比较无显著性差异(P0.05);下腰椎(L3、L4)椎体和髋部不同骨密度组之间椎间盘退变程度无显著性差异(P0.05)。各腰椎椎体骨密度分别与腰椎间盘平均退变程度呈正性相关(L1:r=0.185;L2:r=0.157;L3:r=0.180;L4:r=0.132;L1～L4:r=0.180;均P0.05),髋部骨密度与腰椎间盘退变的严重程度无统计学相关性。结论:绝经后女性腰椎间盘退变的严重程度与腰椎骨密度存在正相关关系,提示绝经后女性腰椎骨密度较高者椎间盘退变可能更严重,有必要进一步做腰椎CT或者MRI检查;股骨颈骨密度检查对骨质疏松诊断更有帮助。     

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.