青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者术后放射学参数和SRS-22评测结果的相关性研究

目的 探讨青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(AIS)术后患者放射学参数与SRS-22量表各维度得分的相关性.方法 95例术后患者(13男,82女)分为2组:胸弯组64例,胸腰弯/腰弯组31例,平均随访时问为2.8年.所有患者行脊柱全长正侧位检查,并填写一份SRS-22量表.在脊柱全长正侧位片上测量放射学参数,计算AIS患者放射学参数与SRS一22四个维度得分间的Spearman等级相关系数(rs).结果 脊柱力线偏移、胸椎后凸角和腰椎前凸角这三个参数与SRS-22各维度得分不存在相关性.胸腰弯/腰弯组的主侧凸残余Cobb角与SRS-22各维度得分同样不存在相关性.胸弯组主侧凸残余Cobb角与自我形象维度得分呈负相关(rs=-0.411,P=0.001).结论 主侧凸为胸弯的AIS术后患者残余Cobb角越大,其SRS-22量表自我形象维度的得分越低.应当尽可能多地矫正胸弯的畸形以改善患者的外观.     

女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者自我形象评估的相关影响因素分析

目的:探讨女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS)患者自我形象评估的影响因素。方法:回顾性分析2010年9月～2011年3月在我院就诊的252例女性AIS患者,年龄12～18岁,平均14.5±1.8岁。均摄取患者站立位全脊柱正侧位X线片,并独立填写一份简体中文版SRS-22问卷。在站立位全脊柱正侧位X线片上测量Cobb角、顶椎旋转度、胸椎后凸角、腰椎前凸角、脊柱冠状面力线偏移及脊柱矢状面力线偏移等参数。采用相关分析研究各临床指标与自我形象评分的相关性。结果:患者平均Cobb角35.5°±12.8°;平均顶椎旋转度2.0°±0.7°;平均胸椎后凸角16.2°±9.0°;平均腰椎前凸角51.3°±9.8°;平均脊柱冠状面力线偏移1.2±0.7cm;平均脊柱矢状面力线偏移2.4±1.5cm;平均体重指数18.3±2.2;平均自我形象评分16.7±2.8分。胸弯和胸腰弯/腰弯的自我形象评分均与主弯Cobb角有相关性(r分别为-0.171,-0.225,P均<0.05);其中大角度胸弯组呈显著相关(r=-0.484,P=0.005)。而其他参数与患者自我形象评估均无明显相关性(P均>0.05)。结论:女性AIS患者的自我形象主要受主弯Cobb角的影响,其中大角度胸弯患者的自我形象受主弯Cobb角的影响最大。     

轻中度胸弯型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者胸椎后凸角对上胸椎后凸角的影响

目的:探讨轻中度胸弯型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS)患者胸椎后凸角与上胸椎后凸角的关系,并评估其临床意义。方法:选取在我院就诊的轻中度(Cobb角40°~60°)单胸弯型AIS患者50例、双胸弯型AIS患者50例,均摄站立位脊柱全长正位X线片及上肢抱胸体位下的站立位脊柱全长侧位X线片。测量主胸弯Cobb角、上胸椎(T2~T5)后凸角(upper thoracic kyphosis,UTK)及胸椎(T5~T12)后凸角(total kyphosis,TK)。两种弯型患者分别按TK大小分为两组:A组TK<10°,B组10°≤TK≤40°。分别将两种弯型的A组及B组的参数测量结果进行比较,并对相关参数指标进行Spearman相关分析。结果:在单胸弯型AIS患者中,A组UTK平均为6.9°,B组为9.8°,两组比较有统计学意义(P<0.05);单胸弯AIS患者TK与UTK存在显著性正相关(P<0.05)。在双胸弯型AIS患者中,A组的UTK平均为12.0°,B组为11.9°,两组比较无统计学差异(P>0.05),双胸弯型AIS患者的TK与UTK无显著性相关(P>0.05)。结论:双胸弯型AIS患者的TK对UTK无明显影响;而单胸弯型AIS患者的UTK会随着TK的减小而减小,在对单胸弯型AIS患者进行胸椎融合时,应考虑其对术后矢状面形态重建的影响。     

不同弯型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者脊柱-骨盆矢状面参数研究

目的:探讨不同弯型青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS)患者脊柱-骨盆矢状面平衡情况。方法:回顾性分析2013年9月~2014年12月我科收治的161例AIS患者,其中男34例,女127例,年龄12~17岁(14.6±2.1岁)。在术前站立位全脊柱正侧位X线片上测量主弯Cobb角、颈椎角(cervical sagittal alignment,CSA)、胸椎后凸角(thoracic kyphosis,TK)、腰椎前凸角(lumbar lordosis,LL)、骨盆入射角(pelvic incidence,PI)、骨盆倾斜角(pelvic tilt,PT)、骶骨倾斜角(sacrum slope,SS)以及C7铅垂线与S1后上缘的水平距离(sagittal vertical axis,SVA)。根据不同弯型将AIS患者分为单胸弯组、双胸弯组和腰弯组,比较3组间脊柱-骨盆矢状位参数的差异,采用Pearson相关性分析对各参数间的相关性进行分析。结果:单胸弯组61例,其中男13例,女48例,主弯Cobb角为51.2°±8.7°;双胸弯组40例,其中男7例,女33例,主弯Cobb角为53.7°±5.2°;腰弯组60例,男14例,女46例,主弯Cobb角为48.9°±4.8°。3组患者年龄及性别分布均无统计学差异(P0.05)。3组间Cobb角大小的差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。单胸弯组的CSA、TK均显著小于双胸弯和腰弯组(P0.05),但后两组间的差异无统计学意义(P0.05),余各项矢状面参数3组间无统计学差异(P0.05)。在3组患者中,CSA与TK均呈显著性正相关(单胸弯组r=0.73,P0.05;双胸弯组r=0.29,P0.05;腰弯组r=0.60,P0.05),但与LL及骨盆参数(PI、SS、PT)无显著相关性(P0.05)。双胸弯组TK与LL呈正相关性(r=0.40,P0.05),而在另外两组则无相关性(P0.05)。结论 :单胸弯型AIS患者较双胸弯型和腰弯型患者具有更小的颈椎前凸,3种弯型AIS患者的颈椎前凸均与TK呈正相关。单胸弯型患者的TK较另外两种弯型患者更小。双胸弯型患者的TK与LL密切相关,而单胸弯型与腰弯型患者的TK与LL无关。     

青少年特发性脊柱侧凸患者脊柱柔韧性的影响因素

目的:探讨青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS)患者脊柱柔韧性的可能影响因素.方法:选取2006年12月～2008年4月在我院脊柱外科手术治疗的204例AIS患者,男性36例,女性168例,平均年龄15.0岁;平均Cobb角50.1°;平均Risser征3.4度;主弯跨度平均6.8个椎体;主弯顶椎旋转度平均2.0度.摄站立位全脊柱正侧位及仰卧左右侧屈位X线片,计算主弯柔韧性.采用相关分析研究各临床指标与主弯柔韧性的相关性.结果:女性AIS患者的脊柱柔韧性明显高于男性(P<0.05);胸腰弯组和腰弯组AIS患者的脊柱柔韧性显著大于胸弯组(P<0.05),胸腰弯和腰弯组之间无显著性差异(P>0.05).女性AIS患者中的年龄及主弯Cobb角(站立位与侧屈位)均与脊柱柔韧性显著负相关(P<0.05),且胸弯女性AIS患者的月经初潮至手术时间及顶椎旋转度也与脊柱柔韧性显著负相关(P<0.05).男性胸弯AIS患者中侧屈位主弯Cobb角、胸腰弯/腰弯组中主弯Cobb角(站立位与侧屈位)均与脊柱柔韧性显著负相关(P<0.05).主弯跨度及Risser征与脊柱柔韧性均无明显相关性(P>0.05).结论:女性AIS患者脊住柔韧性受年龄、月经初潮至手术时间、主弯Cobb角(站立位与侧屈位)、弯型及顶椎旋转度等因素影响;男性AIS患者的脊柱侧凸柔韧性主要受主弯Cobb角及弯型影响.     

汉族成人特发性脊柱侧凸患者与正常人群矢状面形态比较

目的:比较汉族人群中成人特发性脊柱侧凸(idiopathic scoliosis,IS)患者与正常人群间的脊柱骨盆矢状面形态差异。方法:151例汉族成人IS患者及65例年龄匹配的健康志愿者被纳入本研究。151例成人IS患者中,男25例,女126例;年龄26.4±7.1岁,主弯Cobb角39.5°±16.4°(16°~102°);单胸弯41例,双胸弯11例,双主弯28例,胸腰弯15例,三主弯3例,腰弯53例。在站立位全脊柱侧位X线片上测量脊柱骨盆矢状面参数,包括骨盆入射角(PI)、胸椎后凸角(TK)、骨盆倾斜角(PT)、腰椎前凸角(LL)、骶骨倾斜角(SS)及胸腰椎交界性后凸角(TJK)。比较成人IS与正常人群间的脊柱骨盆矢状面参数的差异,比较单胸弯与腰弯患者间的脊柱骨盆矢状面参数的差异。用Pearson相关分析法检测各矢状面参数间的相关性。结果:成人IS患者与正常人群相比,PI(46.3°±10.6°与46.0°±9.5°,P0.05)及LL(-53.3°±13.8°与-51.3°±9.0°,P0.05)大小类似,但前者TK偏小(19.7°±12.9°与27.8°±9.8°,P0.05),PT偏小(6.4°±8.2°与10.3°±6.3°,P0.05),而SS偏大(39.8°±8.8°与35.7°±7.2°,P0.05)。单胸弯及腰弯组IS患者的TK均小于正常人群(P0.05),而单胸弯、腰弯组间TK无明显差异(P0.05);单胸弯、腰弯组IS患者及正常人间的PI均无明显差异(P0.05);单胸弯组的TJK小于腰弯组及正常人群(P0.05),单胸弯组的LL大于腰弯组(P0.05),单胸弯组的SS大于正常人群(P0.05),而单腰弯组的PT小于正常人群(P0.05)。单胸弯组、腰弯组及正常人群中TK均与LL明显相关(P0.05),而LL又与PI、SS相关(P0.05)。单胸弯组及腰弯组中PT与TK、LL明显相关(P0.05),而正常人群中则无明显相关性(P0.05)。结论:与正常人群相比,成人IS患者的胸椎后凸偏小,同时骨盆有前旋趋势。PI在汉族成人IS患者与正常人间以及单胸弯与腰弯IS患者间均无差异。     

青少年特发性脊柱侧凸严重程度和弯型与SRS-22问卷评分的相关性分析

目的:探讨青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS)不同弯型及不同Cobb角与SRS-22问卷各维度评分的相关性。方法:对2010年6月~2011年7月在我科就诊且填写SRS-22简体中文版问卷的272例未经任何治疗的女性AIS患者进行回顾性分析。根据冠状面Cobb角将所有患者分为小Cobb角(20°~39°)和大Cobb角(40°~75°)两组,并根据弯型特征将每组患者分为单胸弯、单胸腰弯/腰弯、双胸弯、胸腰双弯四个亚组。对同一Cobb角组内不同弯型亚组间和不同Cobb角组间同一弯型患者的SRS-22问卷各维度评分差异均采用Kruskal-Wallis检验。结果:小Cobb角组单胸弯和单胸腰弯/腰弯患者的功能活动、自我形象、精神健康评分明显高于大Cobb角组的患者(P<0.05),双胸弯患者的功能活动评分和总分均显著优于大Cobb角组的患者(P<0.05)。在小Cobb角组中,单胸弯患者的功能活动评分显著高于单胸腰弯/腰弯和胸腰双弯患者(P<0.05);自我形象评分双胸弯患者明显低于单胸弯患者和单胸腰弯/腰弯患者(P<0.05)。在大Cobb角组中,胸腰双弯患者的疼痛评分明显低于单胸弯患者(P<0.05);自我形象评分双胸弯患者明显低于其他三种弯型患者(P<0.05)。结论:在轻中度女性AIS中,Cobb角大小及弯型特征对患者的SRS-22问卷评分会造成一定程度的影响,其中双胸弯对患者的自我形象评分的影响尤为明显。     

接受心脏手术的Marfan综合征患者合并脊柱侧凸的特点

目的:探讨接受心脏手术治疗的Marfan综合征患者合并脊柱侧凸的患病率、侧凸程度、类型及特点。方法:回顾性总结138例进行心脏外科手术的Marfan综合征患者的X线资料,测量冠状面和矢状面Cobb角,并对数据进行统计分析。结果:58例(42.03%)患者合并脊柱侧凸,男38例,女20例,男女患病率比例为1.18∶1,其中≤10岁6例,11～20岁12例,21～30岁19例,31～40岁11例,41～50岁7例,51～60岁3例;平均冠状面Cobb角为26.8°±27.8°;胸弯36例,胸腰弯11例,腰弯2例,双弯6例,三弯3例;单弯中顶椎凸向右侧38例,凸向左侧11例;矢状面胸椎后凸平均为14.3°±13.2°,其中胸椎前凸5例,胸椎后凸不足40例,胸椎正常后凸12例,仅1例胸椎后凸45°;11例患者冠状面Cobb角>40°,平均年龄15.9岁。结论:在接受心脏手术的Marfan综合征患者中脊柱侧凸患病率为42.03%;脊柱侧凸类型多样,冠状位畸形以胸弯和胸腰弯多见,胸椎凸向右侧发生率较高,矢状位畸形以胸椎后凸不足为主;在青少年表现较为严重,需要严密的随访及手术矫形。     

钴铬棒在青少年特发性脊柱侧凸矫形手术中的应用

目的探讨青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS)矫形手术中使用不同内固定棒的效果。方法收集2011年1月~2013年8月本院收治的AIS患者临床资料(n=134)。根据手术中使用的内固定棒类型将患者分为钴铬棒(cobalt chromium,Co Cr)组(n=33)和同直径的钛棒(titanium,Ti)组(n=101)。术前、术后及末次随访时拍摄脊柱X线片并测量冠状面主弯Cobb角、胸椎后凸角、胸腰段前凸角、腰椎前凸角,进行对比研究。结果 Co Cr组患者主弯角度术后为14.72°±5.01°,末次随访为16.12°±5.48°,末次随访主弯角度丢失1.40°±3.07°;胸椎后凸角术后为22.19°±5.44°,末次随访为21.27°±5.34°。Ti组患者主弯角度术后为17.37°±12.10°,末次随访为20.25°±9.56°,末次随访主弯角度丢失2.89°±4.27°;胸椎后凸角术后为18.02°±7.98°,末次随访为16.53°±6.93°。2组术后主弯角度、末次随访主弯角度、末次随访主弯角度丢失、术后胸椎后凸角、末次随访胸椎后凸角,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论在AIS矫形中,与钛棒相比,钴铬棒可在冠状面上提供更大的矫形力,更重要的是可以防止由于矫形引起的矢状面胸椎后凸角减少,维持较好的矢状面生理曲度。     

先天性脊柱侧凸合并脊髓纵裂的临床特点及手术疗效

目的 :研究手术治疗先天性脊柱侧凸合并脊髓纵裂的患者的临床特点,评估其手术疗效及并发症发生情况。方法:回顾性分析2005年3月～2017年3月间我院收治并行手术治疗的先天性脊柱侧凸合并脊髓纵裂患者69例,其中女性41例,男性28例,平均年龄13.9±4.5岁(7～34岁)。所有患者术前均行全脊柱正侧位X线、CT及MRI检查,术后即刻及末次随访行全脊柱正侧位X线检查,测量影像学参数(主弯Cobb角、次弯Cobb角、主弯顶椎偏距、躯干偏移、胸椎后凸角及腰椎前凸角),分析先天性脊柱侧凸合并脊髓纵裂的影像学特点及临床表现,并评估脊柱侧凸矫形率及相关并发症[矫形率=(术前Cobb角-术后即刻Cobb角)/术前Cobb角]。结果:在69例脊髓纵裂患者中,单纯膜性纵裂50例,骨性纵裂4例,膜性合并骨性纵裂15例。合并椎板畸形38例,半椎体24例,肋骨畸形25例,37例同时存在其他椎管内畸形,椎管外畸形8例。临床表现主要有:背部毛发10例,跛行6例,腰背痛4例,截瘫2例。双下肢/双足异常8例,神经系统阳性体征20例。脊髓纵裂好发于下胸段及腰段,占72.4%(50/69),纵裂累及椎体节段平均为4.2±2.7个。所有患者中,1例在矫形前行骨嵴切除,余均未对纵裂做预防性切除,仅单纯行侧凸矫形内固定术。60例得到随访,随访率为86.9%。平均随访时间32.4±22.7个月(13～115个月)。术前主弯Cobb角平均为71.8°±29.4°,次弯Cobb角为46.4°±17.3°,胸椎后凸角为39.5°±36.1°,腰椎前凸角为50.4°±17.3°;主弯顶椎偏距为6.2±3.6cm,躯干偏移平均为2.8±3.0cm。术后即刻主弯Cobb角28.8°±21.6°,次弯Cobb角25.6°±14.5°,胸椎后凸角25.5°±19.1°,腰椎前凸角42.3°±15.4°;主弯顶椎偏距4.2±3.3cm,躯干偏移2.4±2.8cm,主弯顶椎旋转度所有患者术后即刻冠状位主弯矫形率为(59.9±22.0)%,末次随访时矫形率为(53.6±25.7)%。术后即刻与术前相比,主弯Cobb角、次弯Cobb角、胸椎后凸角、腰椎前凸角及主弯顶椎偏距均有明显统计学差异(P0.01),主弯顶椎旋转度及躯干偏移无明显统计学差异。末次随访时主弯Cobb角平均为33.3°±25.9°,次弯Cobb角为27.1°±16.9°,胸椎后凸角为25.1°±16.1°,腰椎前凸角为45.6°±17.6°;主弯顶椎偏距为4.9±6.0cm,躯干偏移平均为2.1±2.0cm,末次随访与术后相比,均无明显统计学差异(P0.05)。术后共6例出现神经系统并发症,发生率为8.7%,均为不完全神经损伤,无截瘫发生。内固定相关并发症3例,包括螺钉松动2例,内固定棒断裂1例。2例螺钉松动患者无任何临床症状,予以随访观察;1例内固定棒断裂患者手术翻修,未再次出现并发症。结论:先天性脊柱侧凸合并SCM手术治疗患者纵裂好发于下胸段及腰段,椎体畸形以混合型最多见;中下胸段肋骨畸形的伴发率最高。     

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.