吸入性损伤患者早期气管切开拔管时机及后期并发症分析

Objective To investigate the appropriate extubation time and treatment of late complications after early tracheotomy in patients with moderate or severe inhalation injury. Methods One hundred and fifty patients ( 105 males and 45 females) with inhalation injury were admitted to our hospital from January 2000 to January 2009. Among them, 109 out of 129 cases with moderate inhalation injury received early tracheotomy, and all 21 cases with severe inhalation injury received early tracheotomy. Data were collected for analysis as follows: ( 1 ) incidence of re-intubation due to suffocation and pneumonia incidence after extubation within 2 weeks or after 2 weeks post inhalation injury (PⅡ), and mortality rate within the first week after injury were recorded. (2) Conservative treatments including expectorant, oral antibiotics, and absolute bedrest were recommended for patients who had severe cough, hoarseness or poor pulmonary function after late extubation and closure of tracheostomy wound. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy findings ( tracheostenosis degree, granuloma formation rate, vocal cord paralysis rate) and pulmonary function index ( FEV1 ) data were collected and analyzed in 30 cases with moderate inhalation injury and 10 cases with severe inhalation injury within 3 months after injury for follow-up. Data were processed with t test or chi-square test. Results There was no obvious difference in the rate of re-intubation after extubation in patients with moderate inhalation injury between those done within 2 weeks PⅡ ( 15/70, 21.4% ) and those done after 2 weeks PⅡ (2/25, 8.0% ) ( x 2 = 1.52, P ＞ 0.05 ). Pneumonia incidence in patients of moderate inhalation injury with extubation within 2 weeks PⅡ (21/70, 30.0% ) was lower than those with extubation after 2 weeks PⅡ (15/25, 60.0% ) (x 2= 7.04, P ＜ 0.05). Levels of above-mentioned indexes in patients with severe inhalation injury extubated in diffferent stages were similar to those of patients with moderate inhalation injury.Within the first week after injury, mortality rate of patients with severe inhalation injury was higher than that of patients with moderate inhalation injury ( x 2 = 11.90, P ＜ 0.05 ). During follow-up, tracheostenosis rate in patients with moderate or severe inhalation injury was 100.0%; granuloma formation rate and vocal cord paralysis rate in patients with severe inhalation injury were higher than those of patients with moderate inhalation injury ( with x 2 value respectively 4.59, 13.47, P values all below 0.05 ). The FEV1 value of patients with moderate inhalation injury in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd month after injury was respectively higher than that of patients with severe inhalation injury ( with t value respectively 5.48, 12. 10, 6.25, P values all below 0.05). The values recovered to normal level in the 3rd month after injury. Conclusions Extubation time of tracheotomy for patients with moderate or severe inhalation injury within 2 weeks or after 2 weeks PⅡ has its own advantage and disadvantage, and it should be performed according to specific conditions of each patient. Conservative treatment is optional for late complications of respiratory system.     

吸入性损伤患者早期气管切开拔管时机及后期并发症分析

目的 探讨中、重度吸人性损伤患者早期气管切开后拔管的适宜时机、后期并发症及其处理方法.方法收集整理笔者单位2000年1月-2009年1月收治的150例吸人性损伤患者病案资料.患者中男105例、女45例,中度吸人性损伤129例,行气管切开109例;重度吸人性损伤21例,均行气管切开.(1)分别统计中、重度吸人性损伤气管切开患者中,伤后2周内和2周后拔管者因窒息而再置管率、肺部感染率;统计所有中、重度患者伤后1周内病死率.(2)对后期气管切口封闭后频繁出现咳嗽、声嘶及呼吸功能降低的患者,给予药物化痰、祛痰及口服抗生素加静养等保守治疗.统计分析其中30例中度及10例重度患者伤后3个月内随访期间纤维支气管镜检查结果(气管狭窄、肉芽肿形成、声带麻痹发生率)及肺功能检查情况[第1秒用力呼气容积(FEV1)].对数据行t检验或x2检验.结果伤后2周内拔管的中度吸人性损伤患者再置管率为21.4%(15/70),2周后拔管的中度患者再置管率为8.0%(2/25),二者水平接近(x2=1.52,P＞0.05);2周后拔管的中度患者肺部感染率为60.0%(15/25),明显高于2周内拔管中度患者的30.0%(21/70),x2=7.04,P＜0.05.不同时期拔管的重度患者之间,此2项指标比较结果与中度患者相似.伤后1周内重度患者病死率明显高于中度患者(x2=11.90,P＜0.05).随访期间,中、重度患者气管狭窄发生率均为100.0%,但重度患者肉芽肿形成率及声带麻痹发生率明显高于中度患者(x2值分别为4.59、13.47,P值均小于0.05).中度患者伤后1、2、3个月FEV1均明显高于重度患者(t值分别为5.48、12.10、6.25,P值均小于0.05),伤后3个月时达健康人水平.结论中、重度吸人性损伤行气管切开术的患者,伤后2周内与2周后拔管各有利弊,具体拔管时机应结合患者自身情况采取个性化原则进行权衡;患者后期易出现呼吸系统并发症,建议以保守治疗为主.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the appropriate extubation time and treatment of late complications after early tracheotomy in patients with moderate or severe inhalation injury. Methods One hundred and fifty patients ( 105 males and 45 females) with inhalation injury were admitted to our hospital from January 2000 to January 2009. Among them, 109 out of 129 cases with moderate inhalation injury received early tracheotomy, and all 21 cases with severe inhalation injury received early tracheotomy. Data were collected for analysis as follows: ( 1 ) incidence of re-intubation due to suffocation and pneumonia incidence after extubation within 2 weeks or after 2 weeks post inhalation injury (PⅡ), and mortality rate within the first week after injury were recorded. (2) Conservative treatments including expectorant, oral antibiotics, and absolute bedrest were recommended for patients who had severe cough, hoarseness or poor pulmonary function after late extubation and closure of tracheostomy wound. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy findings ( tracheostenosis degree, granuloma formation rate, vocal cord paralysis rate) and pulmonary function index ( FEV1 ) data were collected and analyzed in 30 cases with moderate inhalation injury and 10 cases with severe inhalation injury within 3 months after injury for follow-up. Data were processed with t test or chi-square test. Results There was no obvious difference in the rate of re-intubation after extubation in patients with moderate inhalation injury between those done within 2 weeks PⅡ ( 15/70, 21.4% ) and those done after 2 weeks PⅡ (2/25, 8.0% ) ( x 2 = 1.52, P ＞ 0.05 ). Pneumonia incidence in patients of moderate inhalation injury with extubation within 2 weeks PⅡ (21/70, 30.0% ) was lower than those with extubation after 2 weeks PⅡ (15/25, 60.0% ) (x 2= 7.04, P ＜ 0.05). Levels of above-mentioned indexes in patients with severe inhalation injury extubated in diffferent stages were similar to those of patients with moderate inhalation injury.Within the first week after injury, mortality rate of patients with severe inhalation injury was higher than that of patients with moderate inhalation injury ( x 2 = 11.90, P ＜ 0.05 ). During follow-up, tracheostenosis rate in patients with moderate or severe inhalation injury was 100.0%; granuloma formation rate and vocal cord paralysis rate in patients with severe inhalation injury were higher than those of patients with moderate inhalation injury ( with x 2 value respectively 4.59, 13.47, P values all below 0.05 ). The FEV1 value of patients with moderate inhalation injury in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd month after injury was respectively higher than that of patients with severe inhalation injury ( with t value respectively 5.48, 12. 10, 6.25, P values all below 0.05). The values recovered to normal level in the 3rd month after injury. Conclusions Extubation time of tracheotomy for patients with moderate or severe inhalation injury within 2 weeks or after 2 weeks PⅡ has its own advantage and disadvantage, and it should be performed according to specific conditions of each patient. Conservative treatment is optional for late complications of respiratory system.     

早期急性重症胰腺炎预后因素分析

Objective Analysis of early risk predict markers within 24h after admission of prognosis in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Methods Medical records of 127 patients with sever acute pancreatitis admitted to our hospital within 72h after onset from February 2006 to July 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. These inpatients were grouped into survival group (102 cases) and death group (25 cases). The clinical and laboratory data within 24h after admission were compared between two groups. Results Compared with survival group, patients in death group had significantly difference in heart rate, respiratory, PaO2, pH value, serum calcium, serum kalium, serum creatine, BUN, BE, LDH, serum albumin and APCHE Ⅱscores (P<0.05). Higher APCHE Ⅱ scores after admission was an independent early high risk predicator of death. Conclusions Death group was characterized as severe multiple organ dysfunction and severe internal disturbance. Heart rate, respiratory, PaO2, pH value, serum calcium, serum potassium, serum creatine, BUN, BE, LDH, serum albumin and APCHE Ⅱ scores were early risk predict markers of death in patients with sever acute pancreatitis.     

S-100B and neuron specific enolase in outcome prediction of severe head injury

Objective: To elucidate the role of S-100B and neuron specific enolase (NSE) in predicting the outcomes of patients with severe head injury. Methods：Forty patients with severe head injury were included in this study. The serum concentrations of S-100B and NSE were measured within 12 hours after head injury to investigate the correlation between serum levels of S-100B and NSE and outcome. Validity of both S-100B and NSE in outcome prediction was assessed with Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The serum concentrations of S-100B and NSE of both groups, with favorable or unfavorable outcomes, were significantly higher than those of the normal group. The serum concentrations within 12 hours after head injury were closely correlated with the prognosis. Furthermore, according to the ROC curves of S-100B and NSE, S-100B was found better in predicting outcomes than NSE. Conclusions： S-100B and NSE may play importantroles in outcome prediction after severe head injury. Moreover, S-100B is clearly superior to NSE in terms of predictive value and appears to be a more promising serum marker in outcome prediction after severe head injury.     

Diagnosis and treatment of penetrating craniocerebral injury

Objective : To evaluate the clinical characteristics and present the experience in the treatment of patients with penetrating craniocerebral injury (PCCI). Methods: The data of 7 cases with PCCI by foreign body were retrospectively studied and compared with associated literatures. The strategies of diagnosis and treatment of PCCI were analyzed. In this series, 3 cases underwent emergency debridements and 4 cases underwent craniotomies. All patients received surgical intervention within 3 hours after admission. Results: Outcomes were good in 3 cases, moderate disability was in 2 cases, severe disability in 1 case and persistent vegetative state in 1 case. One case developed wound and intracranial infection, but made good recovery after treatment. During the follow-up period, one patient died one month after discharge and other six patients (range from 8 months to 3 years) recovered well and no epilepsy, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or traumatic vascular disease occurred. Conclusions : Early diagnosis and prompt debridement are the fundamental factors affecting theout come of PCCI. CT scans are the mainstay in evaluating PCCI and three dimensional (3D) images reconstructed from spiral CT scans provide more information. Efficient debridement should be performed as early as possible. Minimizing the degree of surgical management of PCCI is preferred when there is no indication for aggressive operation. It is important to stress the rapid and effective management of CSF leakage in early stage of PCCI. Use of prophylactic broad-spectrum antibiotics is recommended for patients with PCCI. Traumatic vascular injury should be paid attention to after PCCI.     

早期急性重症胰腺炎预后因素分析

Objective Analysis of early risk predict markers within 24h after admission of prognosis in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Methods Medical records of 127 patients with sever acute pancreatitis admitted to our hospital within 72h after onset from February 2006 to July 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. These inpatients were grouped into survival group (102 cases) and death group (25 cases). The clinical and laboratory data within 24h after admission were compared between two groups. Results Compared with survival group, patients in death group had significantly difference in heart rate, respiratory, PaO2, pH value, serum calcium, serum kalium, serum creatine, BUN, BE, LDH, serum albumin and APCHE Ⅱscores (P<0.05). Higher APCHE Ⅱ scores after admission was an independent early high risk predicator of death. Conclusions Death group was characterized as severe multiple organ dysfunction and severe internal disturbance. Heart rate, respiratory, PaO2, pH value, serum calcium, serum potassium, serum creatine, BUN, BE, LDH, serum albumin and APCHE Ⅱ scores were early risk predict markers of death in patients with sever acute pancreatitis.     

股骨干骨折合并同侧股骨颈骨折手术方法的选择及疗效分析

Objective To investigate clinical features,operative treatments and outcomes of ipsilateral fractures of femoral shaft and neck. Methods Forty-two cases of ipsilateral fractures of femoral neck and shaft were treated from November,2004 to November,2009 in our institution.They were 37 males and 5 females.Their ages ranged from 21 to 84 years,with an average of 59.2 years.The fracture involved 18upper shafts,17 middle shafts and 7 lower shafts.By Garden classification,there were 5 cases of type Ⅰ,10cases of type Ⅱ,21 cases of type Ⅲ,and 6 cases of type Ⅳ neck fractures.All cases were diagnosed in 3days after admission;there were no misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis.Twenty patients were treated by artificialjoint replacement(replacement group),while 22 patients by fixation with cannulated nails,intramedullary nails,or plate(fixation group).Outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. Results All cases were followed up for 1 to 3 years,with an average of 2 years.Femoral neck fractures united between 12 to 20weeks,with an average of 16 weeks;femoral shaft fractures united between 14 to 24 weeks,with an average of 18 weeks.There were significant differences between the 2 groups in average length of hospital stay,ambulation time,blood loss,postoperative activities and good to excellent rate of postoperative joint function(P<0.05).There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the Merchan scores 1,2,and 3 years after operation for complication-free patients(P>0.05). Conclusion Surgical treatment of ipsilateral fractures of femoral neck and shaft depends on position of the shaft fracture,displacement of the neck fracture,physical constitution and age of the patient to be treated.     

患者耐受喉罩或气管导管时七氟烷的麻醉深度

Objective To compare the effects of patient's tolerance to laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and tracheal tube (TT) on the appropriate level of sevoflurane anesthesia.Methods Eighty ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients aged 30-60 yr weighing 50-70 kg undergoing elective thyroid or breast surgery were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=40 each):LMA group and TT group.Anesthesia wag induced with propofol 1.6mg/kg,fentanyl 3μg/kg and recuronium 0.6mg/kg.LMA or tracheal tube was inserted,and the patients were mechanically ventilated.Anesthesia was maintained with inhalation of 1.5%-3.0% sevoflurane and 50% N2O in O2 in group LMA,and with 2.5%-5.0% sevoflurane and 50% N2O in O2 in group TT.The flow of O2 and N2O was 0.7-1.0L/min,and the concentration of sevofluranee was adjusted to maintain AAI at 15-25.ECG,HR,MAP,SpO2,PETCO2,AEP and end-tidal sevoflurane concentration were continuonsly monitored.The end-tidal sevoflurane concentration was recorded at 1,5 and 10 min after LMA/TT was placed (T1-3),at 1h after skin incision (T4) and at the end of operation before removal of LMA or extubation (T5).The recovery time of consciousness,adverse cardiovascular events and adverse reactions were recorded.Results The end-tidal sevoflurane concentration was significantly lower,the recovery time of consciousness and removal of LMA or extubation time were shorter,and the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events and adverse reactions was lower in LMA group than in TT group.Conclusion At the same depth of anesthesia (AAI 15-25),sevoflurane concentration is significantly lower in LMA group than in TT group,with fewer complications and smaller cardiovascular reaction.     

慢性中重度缺血陛二尖瓣关闭不全的外科治疗及中期随访

Objective To compare the results of mitral valve reconstruction and replacement as treatments for moderate to severe ischemic mitral regurgitation(IMR), and report the mid-term outcome. Methods From June 2002 to May 2008, 83 pa-tients with moderate IMR(35 cases) and severe IMR (48 cases) underwent coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) combined with mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) (n = 43) or mitral valve replacement (MVR) (n = 40). There were 49 males and 34 females with a mean age of (59.3±7.5) years(51 -77years). The procedures of MVP included annuloplasty with a Dacron or autologous per-icardium ring in 21cases, commissural annuloplasty in 9, quadrangular resection of the posterior leaflet in 9 and using St. Jude mitral annuloplasty ring in 4. In the cases underwent MVR, 28 patients received mechanical prostheses and 12 received biopros-theses. Results 30-day mortality rate was 2.3% for MVP and 5.0% for MVR (P >0.05). The 30-day complication rate was similar for the 2 groups but mechanical ventilation time was longer for MVR patients. Mild MR ocurred in 6 patients with MVP (P <0.05). Sevonty-six patients were followed by outpatient department visit or telephone for (20.2 ± 4.9) months (3 - 60 months). During the follow-up period, 7 patients with MVP had mild insufficiency but free off etber complications. All the valve prothesis functioned well. However, 3 cases had thromboembolic complications and 7 late deaths were recorded in MVR group. Five-year complication-free survival rate was 90% for MVP group and 61% for MVR. Conclusion MVP resulted in excellent durability and provided significant mid-term survival benefit over MVR. MVP should be the first choice for patients with chronic IMR.     

慢性中重度缺血陛二尖瓣关闭不全的外科治疗及中期随访

Objective To compare the results of mitral valve reconstruction and replacement as treatments for moderate to severe ischemic mitral regurgitation(IMR), and report the mid-term outcome. Methods From June 2002 to May 2008, 83 pa-tients with moderate IMR(35 cases) and severe IMR (48 cases) underwent coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) combined with mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) (n = 43) or mitral valve replacement (MVR) (n = 40). There were 49 males and 34 females with a mean age of (59.3±7.5) years(51 -77years). The procedures of MVP included annuloplasty with a Dacron or autologous per-icardium ring in 21cases, commissural annuloplasty in 9, quadrangular resection of the posterior leaflet in 9 and using St. Jude mitral annuloplasty ring in 4. In the cases underwent MVR, 28 patients received mechanical prostheses and 12 received biopros-theses. Results 30-day mortality rate was 2.3% for MVP and 5.0% for MVR (P >0.05). The 30-day complication rate was similar for the 2 groups but mechanical ventilation time was longer for MVR patients. Mild MR ocurred in 6 patients with MVP (P <0.05). Sevonty-six patients were followed by outpatient department visit or telephone for (20.2 ± 4.9) months (3 - 60 months). During the follow-up period, 7 patients with MVP had mild insufficiency but free off etber complications. All the valve prothesis functioned well. However, 3 cases had thromboembolic complications and 7 late deaths were recorded in MVR group. Five-year complication-free survival rate was 90% for MVP group and 61% for MVR. Conclusion MVP resulted in excellent durability and provided significant mid-term survival benefit over MVR. MVP should be the first choice for patients with chronic IMR.     

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.