术前支具治疗对女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者手术矫形效果的影响

目的:分析术前支具治疗对女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(AIS)患者手术矫形效果的影响。方法 :筛选2001年7月~2009年12月在我院接受单一后路矫形内固定手术治疗的女性青少年特发性主胸弯脊柱侧凸患者70例,其中术前接受支具治疗组(A组)26例;未接受支具治疗组(B组)44例。两组发现畸形年龄、术时年龄、术前主胸弯冠状面Cobb角、凸侧Bending像Cobb角、侧凸柔韧性、手术融合椎体数比较均无统计学差异(P>0.05),A、B组随访时间超过1年者分别为23例和34例,随访时间分别为12~101个月(平均37.7个月)、12~87个月(平均28.7个月),两组比较无统计学差异(P>0.05)。比较两组患者的手术矫形效果。结果:A组与B组患者术前主胸弯冠状面Cobb角分别为52.8°±8.3°和54.0°±10.7°,术后分别矫正到12.3°±7.3°和11.5°±8.1°,术后较术前均明显改善(P<0.01),主胸弯矫形率分别为(77.0±12.6)%和(79.3±11.9)%,两组比较无统计学差异(P>0.05);末次随访时主胸弯冠状面Cobb角分别为16.7°±8.4°和15.4°±7.2°,两组比较无统计学差异(P>0.05),主胸弯矫形率分别为(68.8±14.5)%和(70.5±13.0)%,两组比较无统计学差异(P>0.05)。A、B组患者术前主胸弯顶椎偏距分别为41.4±14.3mm和36.8±13.7mm,两组比较无统计学差异(P>0.05),术后分别被矫正到10.4±5.4mm和7.2±5.6mm,B组优于A组(P<0.05);末次随访时分别为14.4±11.3mm和12.1±8.5mm,两组比较无统计学差异(P>0.05)。A、B组患者术前、术后、末次随访时冠状面失平衡的发生比例分别为15.4%(4/26)和9.1%(4/44),15.4%(4/26)和15.9%(7/44),4.3%(1/23)和8.8%(3/34),两组比较均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。A、B组患者术前主胸弯矢状面Cobb角分别为12.9°±11.1°和18.7°±11.3°,A组胸后凸更小(P<0.05),术后主胸弯矢状面Cobb角分别被矫正到18.0°±6.3°和22.3°±7.8°,矫正度分别为5.0°±9.8°和3.6°±12.6°,两组矫正度比较无统计学差异(P>0.05);末次随访时A、B组患者主胸弯矢状面Cobb角分别为20.0°±6.7°和22.4°±7.7°,两组比较无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:术前支具治疗对女性青少年特发性主胸弯脊柱侧凸患者手术矫形效果未产生明显影响。     

经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎单椎体楔形骨折与凹陷型骨折的效果

目的:探讨经皮椎体后凸成形术(PKP)治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎单椎体楔形骨折和凹陷型骨折的效果。方法:2008年1月~2009年12月对33例骨质疏松性胸腰椎单椎体压缩性骨折患者采用PKP治疗,其中楔形骨折18例(A组),凹陷型骨折15例(B组),观察术前和术后VAS评分、椎体前缘和中央高度比及局部后凸Cobb角。结果:33例患者均顺利完成手术。A组1例骨水泥向下位椎间盘渗漏,B组1例骨水泥向上位椎间盘渗漏、1例骨水泥沿穿刺针道渗漏,均未出现临床症状。A组术前、术后VAS分别为8.1±1.0分、2.3±0.6分,B组分别为8.2±0.8分、1.9±0.6分,每组术前术后评分差异有显著性(P<0.001)。A组术后椎体前缘高度比和中央高度比均较术前明显增加(P<0.05),后凸Cobb角较术前明显变小(P<0.05);B组术后椎体中央高度比与术前比较明显增加(P<0.05),前缘高度比和后凸Cobb角与术前比较无明显变化(P>0.05)。术后A组椎体前缘高度恢复比为(19.3±11.4)%,与B组的(6.4±6.2)%比较差异有显著性(P<0.05);A组中央高度恢复比为(15.9±9.3)%,与B组的(15.1±6.7)%比较差异无显著性(P>0.05)。A组术后后凸Cobb角纠正6.7°±2.2°,B组纠正1.4°±1.3°,差异有显著性(P<0.001)。随访8~31个月,平均18.3个月,无患椎再骨折和邻近椎体骨折发生。结论:PKP治疗骨质疏松性胸腰椎楔形和凹陷型椎体骨折可以迅速缓解疼痛,有效恢复椎体高度和维持脊柱序列,短期疗效满意。     

胸腰椎骨折内固定术后伤椎椎体中央高度恢复的影像学研究及临床意义

目的 :探讨后路经伤椎与跨伤椎椎弓根螺钉内固定对胸腰椎骨折椎体中央高度恢复的影响及其临床意义。方法:回顾性分析我院2011年1月~2012年12月收治的胸腰椎骨折病例67例,其中男36例,女31例,年龄17~52岁,平均37.8±7.5岁。所有患者为T11~L2单椎体骨折(AO分型为A型),且无严重的神经脊髓症状(ASIA分级为D、E级)。均采用后路短节段椎弓根螺钉内固定术式,按固定方式不同分为经伤椎固定组(A组,n=37)、跨伤椎固定组(B组,n=30)。在PACS图像系统上测量X线侧位片伤椎椎体前缘高度(Ha)、椎体中央高度(Hm)、椎体后缘高度(Hp)及后凸Cobb角,计算Ha压缩率、Hm压缩率,比较术前、术后1周、末次随访时Ha压缩率、Hm压缩率及Cobb角,观察术后骨折椎体中央高度恢复的情况。结果:所有患者获得18~40个月的随访,平均随访时间26.5±8.9个月。无论经伤椎固定还是跨伤椎固定,术后Ha压缩率、Hm压缩率及Cobb角均较术前有显著减少(P0.05),其中A组患者Hm压缩率术前为(44.8±10.3)%,术后1周时为(31.6±7.1)%,末次随访时为(31.3±6.8)%。B组患者Hm压缩率术前为(38.6±8.3)%,术后1周时为(32.0±8.4)%,末次随访时为(31.7±8.6)%。A、B两组患者术后椎体中央高度均有约30%的压缩残留。结论 :经伤椎和跨伤椎椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗胸腰椎骨折均可促进骨折椎体前缘及中央高度的恢复,改善节段后凸角度,但术后伤椎椎体中央高度有明显压缩残留。     

性别对青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者支具治疗效果的影响

目的:比较男、女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS)患者支具治疗的效果,探讨性别因素对支具治疗效果的影响。方法:2003年7月~2009年7月在我院完成支具治疗的男性AIS患者19例(A组),初诊时平均年龄14.0±2.0岁,平均主弯Cobb角28.8°±5.7°,初始Boston支具治疗6例,Milwaukee支具治疗13例;随机抽取同时期完成支具治疗的女性AIS患者57例(B组),初诊时平均年龄13.0±1.4岁,平均主弯Cobb角29.4°±6.1°,初始Boston支具治疗17例,Milwaukee支具治疗40例。定义末次随访时Cobb角大于初诊6°或治疗期间建议行矫形手术者为侧凸进展。结果:两组初诊时Risser征(P=0.786)、Cobb角(P=0.790)、弯型分布(P=0.350)和应用支具类型分布(P=0.350)等无显著性差异。A组和B组平均支具治疗时长分别为2.1±0.7年和2.5±0.9年,平均依从性分别为84.4%±7.6%和87.1%±5.7%。A组患者中发生侧凸进展8例(42%),其中需手术治疗者6例(32%);B组中侧凸进展12例(21%),其中需手术治疗者10例(18%)。男性患者侧凸进展比例高于女性,但统计学差异不明显(P=0.071)。两组中,生长发育状态低下、侧凸Cobb角大及主胸弯型患者侧凸进展比例高。结论:支具治疗可有效控制多数AIS患者的侧凸进展,女性患者支具治疗效果可能好于男性患者。     

围绝经期胸腰椎骨折两种伤椎重建术式的疗效对比分析

[目的]比较围绝经期胸腰椎骨折两种不同伤椎重建术式(经皮椎体后凸成形术与伤椎置钉联合可注射硫酸钙椎体增强术)的临床疗效。[方法]回顾性分析2009年4月~2012年3月内在本院行经皮椎体后凸成形术(A组,28例)或伤椎置钉联合硫酸钙椎体增强术(B组,19例)治疗的围绝经期胸腰椎骨折患者临床资料,比较两组患者卧床时间、填充物注射量、术前、术后2周和末次随访时椎体高度压缩率、Cobb角、疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)以及末次随访的功能障碍指数(ODI)评分变化。[结果]A组较B组患者卧床时间短,填充物注射量多(P0.05)。两组手术方式术后椎体高度压缩率、Cobb角、VAS评分均较术前明显改善(P0.05),末次随访与术后2周相比,cobb角变化与VAS评分差异有统计学意义(P0.05),而椎体高度压缩率无统计学意义(P0.05)。两组手术方式术前、术后2周、末次随访时体高度压缩率、Cobb角、ODI评分对比差异无统计学意义(P0.05),术后2周A组患者VAS评分较B组低(P0.05),而术前、末次随访时VAS评分比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。A组发生5例骨水泥渗漏,B组发生2例填充物渗漏,两组发生渗漏的患者均无明显临床症状。[结论]PKP手术与伤椎置钉联合硫酸钙椎体增强术均为治疗围绝经期妇女胸腰椎骨折的有效手段,外科医师应根据两种手术方式各自特点及患者实际情况选择合适的手术方式。     

椎体后凸成形术治疗多发性老年骨质疏松脊柱骨折的临床研究

目的 探讨经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗多发性老年骨质疏松性脊柱骨折的疗效. 方法 选取本院2009年1月至2013年6月86例多发性老年骨质疏松性脊柱骨折患者,应用经皮椎体后凸成形术.观察术前和术后VAS疼痛评分,后凸Cobb角及椎体高度压缩率的变化情况. 结果 86例患者术程顺利,患者平均手术时间为50.5±10.6分钟,术中出血量40.5±12.6ml,平均住院时间为5.5±1.5天,所有患者术后VAS疼痛评分、椎体高度压缩率、Cobb角度与治疗前相比,差异均有统计学意义. 结论 经皮椎体后凸成形术治疗多节段老年骨质疏松性脊柱骨折创伤小,止痛效果良好,能较好地恢复椎体高度,很好的矫正后凸Cobb角.     

女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者停止支具治疗后的侧凸进展及其相关因素

目的 :分析发育成熟的女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS)患儿在停止支具治疗后长期随访中的侧凸进展情况,并探讨其相关因素。方法:回顾性分析于我院门诊就诊符合SRS(scoliosis research society)支具治疗标准的女性AIS患儿130例,初诊年龄11.8±1.4岁(10~14岁)。所有患儿均随访至支具治疗结束后至少2年,且至少具有佩戴支具后初次随访、停止支具治疗时、停止支具治疗后6个月、1年、2年及末次随访时的资料。在每次随访时的全脊柱正位X线片上测量主弯侧凸Cobb角,并评估侧凸进展超过5°的患儿及比例、侧凸进展度数和进展速率。末次随访时侧凸进展超过5°定义为侧凸进展,采用独立样本t检验比较侧凸进展组和非进展组患儿的初诊年龄、月经初潮年龄、初诊Cobb角、初始矫正率、停止支具治疗年龄。结果:与停止支具治疗时相比,停止支具治疗后6个月、1年、2年及末次随访时的侧凸进展超过5°的患儿分别为33例(25.4%)、42例(32.3%)、61例(46.9%)和63例(48.5%);侧凸进展度数分别为2.0°±4.4°、3.2°±5.0°、4.9°±5.5°和5.1°±6.9°;侧凸进展速率分别为0.33°±0.71°/月、0.20°±0.41°/月、0.14°±0.29°/月和0.01°±0.19°/月。停止支具治疗后侧凸非进展组和进展组患儿的初诊年龄、月经初潮年龄、初诊Cobb角、初始矫正率、停止支具治疗时年龄等无显著性差异(P0.05),而停止支具治疗时的Cobb角有统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:行支具治疗的AIS患儿停止支具治疗后仍有较高的侧凸进展风险,停止支具治疗后的6个月内为侧凸进展高风险和高速率期;停止支具治疗时的侧凸Cobb角越大发生侧凸进展的风险越高。     

青少年特发性脊柱侧凸不同弯型患者椎体和椎间盘楔形变的差异及临床意义

目的:比较不同弯型、不同Cobb角的青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS)患者椎体和椎间盘楔形变及其对整体Cobb角构成的差异,探讨其临床意义。方法:2007年1月~2009年6月对收治的110例单弯型AIS患者按弯型分组,其中主胸弯39例(A组),胸腰弯33例(B组),主腰弯38例(C组)。每组根据侧凸Cobb角大小再分为<40°和≥40°两个亚组。分别测量每个主弯范围内所有椎体和椎间盘的楔形变角(楔变角),并分别计算椎体与椎间盘楔变角之和分别占整个主弯Cobb角的百分比(楔变角所占Cobb角比率)。结果:全部患者平均年龄13.6±1.9岁;平均Cobb角34.4°±10.5°;平均Risser征2.4±1.7。三组间平均年龄、Cobb角、Risser征均无显著性差异(P>0.05)。A组椎体楔变角及所占比率明显大于椎间盘(21.9°±5.6°比13.7±5.9°,62.3%比37.7%,P<0.001),B组与C组椎间盘楔变角及所占比率明显大于椎体(24.1°±9.2°比10.4°±3.8°,69.0%比31.0%,P<0.001;25.1°±7.2°比7.7°±2.4°,76.6%比23.4%,P<0.001)。各组内Cobb角≥40°患者的椎体与椎间盘楔变角均显著大于Cobb角<40°患者的楔变角(P<0.001)。随Cobb角增加,A组患者椎体楔变角占整体Cobb角比率仍然大于椎间盘,而B组和C组患者椎间盘楔变角占整体Cobb角比率仍然大于椎体。三组顶椎楔变角均与相应Cobb角大小成显著线性正相关(P<0.001)。结论:AIS各种弯型侧凸均存在不同程度的椎体与椎间盘楔形变。主胸弯Cobb角构成以椎体楔形变为主,胸腰弯和主腰弯则以椎间盘楔形变为主,提示不同弯型间可能存在不同的生物力学发生机制。     

膨胀与普通椎弓根钉治疗脊柱胸腰段骨折合并骨质疏松的对比研究

目的比较膨胀椎弓根螺钉系统与普通椎弓根螺钉系统在治疗合并骨质疏松的脊柱胸腰段骨折中的临床疗效,特别是二者在恢复及维持胸腰椎高度、生理曲度方面的应用效果.方法我院自2002年2月至2004年2月临床诊断为脊柱胸腰段骨折合并骨质疏松,经后路行复位、椎弓根系统内固定病例获随访48例,其中应用膨胀椎弓根螺钉系统治疗22例(A组),应用普通椎弓根螺钉系统治疗26例(B组),观察复位、固定及骨折愈合情况,测量术前及术后随访的椎体前缘压缩率、矢状面后凸Cobb角.结果全部48例患者经平均15.2个月(12～20个月)随访,骨折均愈合,未发现内植物并发症.平均愈合时间A组(2.8±0.8)月,B组(3.0±1.1)月,差异无显著性(P＞0.05).A组术前椎体前缘压缩率、后凸Cobb角均值分别为(47.1±11.6)%、(23.2±5.1)°;术后随访矫正为(93.6±5.7)%、(5.2±2.7)°;B组术前椎体前缘压缩率、后凸Cobb角均值分别为(45.8±12.1)%、(22.5±6.7)°;术后随访矫正为(80.2±8.3)%、(8.6±2.9)°.各组内术前与术后随访的椎体前缘压缩率、Cobb角差异均显著(P＜0.05).A、B组间术前的椎体前缘压缩率、Cobb角差异均无显著性(P＞0.05);A、B组间术后随访的椎体前缘压缩率、Cobb角差异均有显著性(P＜0.05).结论对于脊柱胸腰段骨折合并骨质疏松病例,采用膨胀椎弓根螺钉内固定系统在恢复、维持胸腰椎高度及生理曲度方面优于普通椎弓根螺钉系统,但二者在骨折愈合时间方面差异无显著性.     

支具治疗对女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者肺功能的影响

目的:观察支具治疗对女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(AIS)患者肺功能的影响。方法:2001年2月~2009年12月283例女性AIS患者在我院接受矫形手术治疗,术前检测患者用力肺活量(FVC)、第1秒用力呼气容积(FEV1),记录预计值、实测值及实测值占预计值百分比。根据术前是否曾接受支具治疗分为2组,支具治疗组80例(A组),未接受支具治疗组203例(B组)。分析2组患者术前肺功能参数的差异,同时对A组患者肺功能FVC及FEV1的实测值占预计值百分比(FVC%、FEV1%)与术时年龄、身高、主弯冠状面Cobb角、主侧凸累及节段数、主胸弯矢状面Cobb角、每日支具治疗时间、支具治疗总时长进行多元线性回归分析。结果:A、B组患者FVC预计值分别为3.23±0.40L和3.20±0.40L,FEV1预计值分别为2.76±0.40L和2.73±0.30L,A组与B组比较均无统计学差异(P>0.05);A、B组FVC实测值分别为2.58±0.60L和2.72±0.60L,FEV1实测值分别为2.34±0.50L和2.49±0.50L,A、B组FVC%分别为(80.3±16.5)%和(85.4±16.5)%、FEV1%分别为(85.6±18.4)%和(91.3±16.9)%,A组FEV1实测值、FVC%及FEV1%较B组均明显降低(P<0.05),其中主弯为胸弯患者(173例)明显(P<0.05),而主弯为胸腰弯/腰弯患者(110例)不明显(P>0.05)。A组患者中,胸段侧凸矢状面Cobb角与FVC%、FEV1%呈正相关(P<0.05),支具治疗总时长与FEV1%呈负相关(P<0.05);而术时年龄、身高、主弯冠状面Cobb角、主侧凸累及节段数、每日支具治疗时间(8~23h,平均18.7h)与FVC%及FEV1%均无显著相关性(P>0.05)。结论:支具治疗可使女性青少年特发性胸段脊柱侧凸患者肺功能FVC%及FEV1%下降,支具治疗总时长和胸段侧凸矢状面Cobb角可能是影响患者肺功能FVC%及FEV1%的相关因素。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.     

Systemic analgesia adapted to the children's condition

A concept of balanced analgesia using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), opioids, and corticosteroids can also be used in patients with pre-existing illnesses. NSAIDs are the most effective treatment for acute pain of moderate intensity in children; however, these drugs should be avoided in patients at increased risk for serious side effects, e.g. patients with renal impairment, bleeding tendency, or extreme prematurity. NSAIDs can be given with minimal risks to the younger child with mild to moderate asthma, and, in these patients, the use of steroids can be encouraged; in addition to their antiemetic and analgesic action, a beneficial effect on asthma symptoms can be expected. In the non-intubated child with cerebral trauma, exaggerated sedation caused by opioids and increased bleeding tendency caused by NSAIDs must be avoided. In neonates and small infants, the oral administration of sucrose or glucose is helpful to minimize pain reaction during short uncomfortable interventions.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.