雷米芬太尼、芬太尼、氯胺酮复合丙泊酚用于小儿烧伤和整形手术的比较

目的比较雷米芬太尼、芬太尼和氯胺酮复合丙泊酚保留自主呼吸全麻用于小儿烧伤和整形手术,观察麻醉中血液动力学的变化和术后恢复时间以及不良反应。方法选择51例ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级择期烧伤或整形的患儿,随机均分为三组,丙泊酚与雷米芬太尼组(R组);丙泊酚与芬太尼组(F组);丙泊酚与氯胺酮组(K组)。观察并记录患儿给药前、给药后5min、切痂、植皮以及停药后5min时的MAP、HR、RR、SpO2、PETCO2和术后恢复时间以及不良反应。结果R组MAP和HR在给药后有所下降但术中基本保持平稳,而F组MAP和HR术中波动明显(P<0.05,P<0.01),K组术中MAP较高、HR较快(P<0.05,P<0.01)。R组术后恢复时间明显短于F组和K组(P<0.01),而F组又明显短于K组(P<0.05,P<0.01)。R组呼吸抑制发生率高于F组和K组。结论雷米芬太尼与丙泊酚复合较芬太尼与丙泊酚复合和氯胺酮与丙泊酚复合对术中血液动力学影响更小,术后苏醒时间更快,但应注意诱导时呼吸抑制的发生。     

丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼靶控输注行无痛胃镜的临床观察

目的 观察丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼靶控输注行无痛胃镜检查的麻醉效果及对呼吸、循环的影响.方法 60例ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级要求无痛胃镜检查者,随机均分为三组,分别给予丙泊酚人工静注组(A组)、丙泊酚靶控输注组(B组)、丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼靶控输注组(C组).观察各组麻醉前、麻醉后2 min、置胃镜后2 min、苏醒时的SBP、DBP、HR、RR、SpO2,以及各组胃镜检查时间、苏醒时间、丙泊酚、雷米芬太尼用量及不良反应.结果 麻醉后2 min及置胃镜后2 min B、C组SBP下降,C组DBP下降(P<0.05);三组患者RR下降(P<0.05).三组患者均未出现严重的低血压、心动过缓、呼吸抑制,SpO2均高于96%.C组患者苏醒时间显著缩短(P<0.05或P<0.01),丙泊酚用量显著减少(P<0.01),术中三组患者体动、呛咳等不良反应差异无统计学意义.结论 丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼靶控输注可为无痛胃镜检查提供安全可靠快捷的麻醉.     

雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚在老年患者无痛肠镜检查中的应用

目的比较不同剂量雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚在老年患者无痛肠镜检查中的应用。方法60例ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级无痛肠镜检查老年患者(>65岁),随机分为三组。丙泊酚负荷剂量为0.8mg/kg、雷米芬太尼0.5μg/kg,静注时间各60s,丙泊酚维持量6mg·kg-1·h-1。A组雷米芬太尼维持量0.03μg·kg-1·h-1,B组0.06μg·kg-1·h-1,C组0.09μg·kg-1·h-1,持续输注至肠镜进至回盲部停药。根据患者反应,单次静脉追加丙泊酚10mg,观察并记录患者检查前、丙泊酚给药后、雷米芬太尼给药后、镜检开始后1、5min、退镜完毕后1、5min的MAP、SpO2、HR、BIS、RR、VT、PETCO2和麻醉起效时间、入镜时间、苏醒时间,镇静评分、定向力恢复、术后视觉模拟评分、离院时间以及不良反应。结果镜检中A组MAP、BIS低于B、C组(P<0.05),C组HR慢于A组(P<0.05)。各组给药后、镜检中的MAP、HR、BIS、RR、VT低于检查前(P<0.05,P<0.01),PETCO2高于检查前(P<0.05,P<0.01)。A组丙泊酚用量较B、C组大,苏醒时间、离院时间较B、C组长(P<0.05,P<0.01),BIS下降明显(P<0.05,P<0.01)。所有患者麻醉满意度为100%。结论雷米芬太尼0.06μg·kg-1·h-1配伍丙泊酚用于门诊老年患者无痛肠镜检查较为合适,但应注意注药速度,并加强监测,尽可能避免心动过缓和低血压的发生。     

雷米芬太尼联合丙泊酚用于腹腔镜胆囊切除术麻醉的疗效分析

目的:观察分析雷米芬太尼联合丙泊酚用于腹腔镜胆囊切除术(laparoscopic cholecystectomy,LC)麻醉的临床疗效。方法:选取2005年1月至2012年5月收治的50例拟行LC的患者,随机平均分为两组,对照组使用芬太尼复合丙泊酚进行麻醉,治疗组使用雷米芬太尼联合丙泊酚。分别监测记录两组患者基础值(T1)、行气管插管(T2)、建立人工气腹(T3)及切皮后1 min(T4)的心率(heart rate,HR)及平均动脉压(mean arterial pressure,MAP);观察记录两组患者呼吸、意识恢复时间,拔管时间,切口疼痛程度,患者术中知晓率及24 h内恶心呕吐状况。结果:治疗组各时点的MAP及HR明显低于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗组术后呼吸恢复时间、意识恢复时间、拔管时间明显短于对照组(P<0.05),术后疼痛者明显少于对照组(P<0.05),两组患者术中均未出现知晓情况,术后24 h内恶心呕吐发生率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:雷米芬太尼联合丙泊酚用于LC手术麻醉具有停药后苏醒更快、延迟性呼吸抑制发生率更低等优点,适于非住院患者手术麻醉,利于门诊手术患者的早期康复。     

雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚麻醉在电视胸腔镜手术病人的应用

目的评价雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚全凭静脉麻醉在电视胸腔镜手术(VATS)中的麻醉效果。方法ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级于电视胸腔镜下行自发性肺大泡缝扎术病人40例,随机分为雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚组(R组)和芬太尼复合丙泊酚组(F组),每组20例。观察麻醉诱导及气管插管时BP、HR;记录术毕停药后病人自主呼吸恢复时间、呼之睁眼时间及拔管时间;记录拔管后即刻、30min和24h疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS);随访记录术中知晓发生率和术后恶心呕吐等副作用。结果R组插管期心血管副作用显著低于F组(P<0.05)。R组术后自主呼吸恢复时间、呼之睁眼时间及拔管时间明显短于F组(P<0.05)。R组拔管后即刻、30min的VAS高于F组(P<0.05)。两组病人均未出现术中知晓,术后的恶心呕吐发生率差异无显著意义。结论雷米芬太尼复合丙泊酚全凭静脉麻醉可安全、有效地应用于电视胸腔镜下自发性肺大泡缝扎术。雷米芬太尼半衰期短,需提前实施术后镇痛。     

全麻苏醒拔管期雷米芬太尼靶控输注对心血管反应的影响

目的观察全麻苏醒拔管期雷米芬太尼靶控输注(TCI)对心血管反应的影响。方法择期行妇科手术患者60例,ASAⅠ~Ⅱ级,随机均分为雷米芬太尼组(A组)和生理盐水对照组(B组)。两组患者均接受丙泊酚、维库溴铵、芬太尼、0·8%~1·0%异氟醚复合50%氧化亚氮的全身麻醉。术毕时送至麻醉复苏室(PACU),A组患者TCI输注雷米芬太尼,血浆浓度为1μg/L,B组TCI输注生理盐水作对照。观察苏醒期患者的平均动脉压(MAP)、HR、呼吸恢复时间、睁眼时间和拔管时间。结果A组患者在吸痰、拔管时MAP、HR无明显变化,B组则明显升高(P<0·05);两组患者呼吸恢复、睁眼、拔管时间差异无显著意义。结论TCI雷米芬太尼可抑制全麻苏醒拔管期的心血管反应,平稳苏醒。     

雷米芬太尼在宫腔镜手术中的应用

目的观察单纯输注雷米芬太尼对宫腔镜手术患者呼吸及循环功能的影响。方法选择拟行宫腔镜手术患者60例,随机均分为雷米芬太尼组(R组)和丙泊酚复合芬太尼组(PF组)。R组静注雷米芬太尼1μg/kg,继而以6μg·kg-1.h-1的速率输注。PF组静注芬太尼1μg/kg、丙泊酚2mg/kg,继而以4mg·kg-1.h-1输注丙泊酚。观察术前基础值(T1),注药后5min(T2)、10min(T3)、15min(T4)以及停药后5min(T5)的循环、呼吸情况,并记录意识消失时间、清醒时间、定向力恢复时间。结果与T1时相比,R组各时点MAP无明显变化,T2~T4时HR明显减慢(P<0.05),分钟通气量(MV)减少(P<0.01),PETCO2升高(P<0.01),但均保持自主呼吸;而PF组T2~T4时MAP明显下降,HR明显减慢(P<0.05),呼吸抑制明显,均需进行控制呼吸或辅助呼吸,其中有25例患者出现呼吸停止。T5时R组的MAP、HR和MV与T1时相比差异无统计学意义,而PF组MAP和MV明显降低(P<0.05),HR明显减慢(P<0.05)。R组术中体动患者明显少于PF组(P<0.05),患者均保持清醒而安静,而PF组患者均意识消失。结论在宫腔镜手术麻醉中,单纯输注雷米芬太尼可使患者保持自主呼吸,意识清醒而安静,并对循环影响轻微。     

依托咪酯联合丙泊酚诱导麻醉用于老年患者无抽搐电休克治疗的临床观察

目的 探讨依托咪酯联合丙泊酚诱导麻醉用于老年患者无抽搐电休克治疗(MECT)的安全性及疗效.方法 2009年8月至2010年10月收治的需行MECT的老年患者60例,男42例,女18例,年龄60～85岁.按随机化顺序均分为依托咪酯与丙泊酚联合组(A组)、依托咪酯组(B组)和丙泊酚组(C组).A组静注依托咪酯0.15 mg/kg、丙泊酚1mg/kg;B组静注依托咪酯0.3mg/kg;C组静注丙泊酚2 mg/kg.测定三组患者麻醉前、麻醉诱导后和MECT后5、10 min的SBP、DBP、HR、SpO2以及麻醉前、MECT 10 min后的血糖.记录治疗过程中每组患者的脑电癫痫波发作时间及不良反应.结果 B组MECT后5、10 min SBP、DBP明显高于、HR明显快于A、C组,B组MECT后10 min血糖明显高于麻醉前和A、C组(P＜0.05).A、B组脑电癫痫波发作时间明显长于C组(P＜0.01);A组不良反应发生率明显低于B组(P＜0.05).结论 依托咪酯联合丙泊酚诱导麻醉用于老年患者MECT安全有效,对血流动力学影响轻微,同时能明显延长脑癫痫波发作时间,减少不良反应的发生.     

布托啡诺复合丙泊酚用于无痛人流术的临床观察

目的观察布托啡诺复合丙泊酚用于无痛人流的麻醉效果及安全性。方法选择人流孕妇90例,随机均分为三组:芬太尼50μg 丙泊酚2mg/kg组(Ⅰ组),布托啡诺1mg 丙泊酚2mg/kg组(Ⅱ组),单纯丙泊酚3mg/kg组(Ⅲ组)。行静脉全麻,必要时追加丙泊酚。记录麻醉前、注药后2min、苏醒时HR、SpO2,麻醉起效时间,低SpO2(85%≤SpO2<90%)持续时间,唤醒时间,麻醉效果分级,麻醉后不良反应及并发症,下腹痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)。结果Ⅰ、Ⅱ组唤醒时间均显著短于Ⅲ组(P<0.05)。注药后2min三组SpO2均显著低于麻醉前,HR均慢于麻醉前(P<0.01),且Ⅰ、Ⅱ组SpO2明显低于Ⅲ组(P<0.05)。Ⅰ、Ⅱ组的麻醉效果优的百分率明显高于Ⅲ组(P<0.05)。Ⅱ组低SpO2(85%≤SpO2<90%)持续时间明显短于Ⅰ组,Ⅲ组明显短于Ⅰ、Ⅱ组(P<0.05)。术中呼吸暂停和术后恶心发生率Ⅰ组明显高于Ⅱ、Ⅲ组(P<0.05)。唤醒后10min头昏发生率Ⅱ组明显低于Ⅰ、Ⅲ组(P<0.05),苏醒时躁动发生率和下腹痛VASⅠ、Ⅱ组明显低于Ⅲ组(P<0.05)。结论布托啡诺 丙泊酚用于无痛人流麻醉效果满意,相对芬太尼安全,但仍有呼吸抑制的潜在危险性。     

吸入七氟醚与丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼麻醉在全胃切除手术中的比较

目的 比较七氟醚吸入与丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼麻醉在全胃切除手术中的应用效果.方法 40例ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级择期全胃切除术患者随机均分为七氟醚组(S组)和丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼组(P组).记录围麻醉期各时点的血流动力学、脑电双频指数(BIS)、麻醉药浓度及用量、麻醉恢复期时间和苏醒期不良反应.结果 麻醉期两组DBP、MAP、HR均较麻醉前显著下降(P<0.05).两组患者术中均能维持足够的麻醉深度(BIS 45～60),术中血流动力学平稳.麻醉恢复期P组躁动、呛咳发生率明显低于S组(P<0.05).结论 七氟醚吸入麻醉或丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼静脉麻醉均可安全应用于全胃切除手术.     

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 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.     

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.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.