Topping-off手术治疗腰椎退行性疾病的影像学分析

目的:评价Topping-off手术治疗连续双节段腰椎退行性疾病的影像学改变。方法 :2008年8月~2012年12月,35例连续双节段腰椎退行性椎管狭窄症(其中上位病变节段为轻或中度退变)患者在我院接受手术治疗。其中男23例,女12例,年龄62.6±18.9岁(30~79岁)。所有患者均接受腰椎单节段融合(PLIF)+上位节段棘突间动态稳定(置入Coflex)手术(Topping-off手术),其中L4/5置入Coflex+L5/S1融合14例,L3/4置入Coflex+L4/5融合21例。回顾性分析患者术前及末次随访时X线片上Coflex置入节段及其上位相邻节段的椎间隙高度、椎间活动度、椎体偏移、椎间隙角及腰椎前凸角;在MRI上对Coflex置入节段和其上位相邻节段椎间盘退变情况进行改良Pfirrmann分级。结果:患者均安全完成手术,手术时间为112±21min(95~155min),出血量为403±111ml(300~520ml)。均未出现硬脊膜破裂、神经损伤等相关并发症。随访24.8±12.8个月(11~65个月)。术后末次随访时Coflex置入节段及其上位相邻节段椎间隙前缘高度、椎间隙后缘高度与术前比较均无统计学意义(P0.05);Coflex置入节段椎间隙角较术前显著性增大(t=-1.8,P0.05);Coflex上位相邻节段椎间隙活动度(过伸位角度-过屈位角度)、椎间隙角及腰椎前凸角与术前比较均无统计学意义(P0.05)。24例随访2年以上患者MRI检查显示Coflex置入节段及其上位相邻节段椎间盘的改良Pfirrmann分级情况与术前相同。结论:Topping-off手术可以保持Coflex置入节段良好的稳定性,并保留该节段部分运动功能及其上位相邻节段节段正常活动,减少了上位相邻节段退变发生的危险因素。     

Topping-off与融合固定治疗退行性腰椎疾病的临床疗效及邻近节段退变的对比研究

[目的]探讨Topping-off与融合固定治疗退行性腰椎疾病的临床疗效及对比性研究邻近节段的退变情况。[方法]回顾性研究2010年1月~2013年12月本院收治的99例L3~5退行性腰椎病变患者。根据手术方式不同,分为Topping-off组(L_(4~5)PLIF+L_(3~4)Coflex)45例,男21例,女24例,平均年龄61.50岁(46~77岁);融合固定组(L3~5PLIF)54例,男25例,女29例,平均年龄63.70岁(50~75岁)。记录手术时间、术中出血量及术后并发症。选用Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)、视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)评价临床疗效。拍摄腰椎平扫MRI及站立位正侧屈伸位X线片,测量并记录术前、术后2年邻近节段L2-3椎间活动度及椎间盘MRI改良Pfirrmman分级,术前、术后2年Coflex置入节段L_(3~4)的椎间活动度,术后2年Topping-off组复合邻近节段活动度(Coflex置入节段L_(3~4)与其上位节段L_(2~3)椎间活动度之和)。[结果]平均随访时间(35.20±7.80)月(24~48月)。Topping-off组手术时间、出血量明显小于融合固定组(P<0.05)。术后2年腰痛及腿痛VAS、ODI评分与术前比较,两组均有明显好转(P<0.05)。术后2年L_(2~3)椎间活动度,与术前比较Topping-off组无明显变化(P>0.05),融和固定组明显增加(P<0.05);组间比较Topping-off组明显小于融合固定组(P<0.05)。术后2年Topping-off组复合邻近节段活动度与融合固定组L_(2~3)椎间活动度比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后2年腰椎MRI显示L_(2~3)椎间盘改良Pfirrman分级,Topping-off组明显优于融合固定组(P<0.05)。[结论]Topping-off对比融合固定治疗退行性腰椎疾病,具有创伤小、出血少、临床效果相似的特点,Coflex置入节段承担近端腰椎部分活动与应力,有助于减缓邻近节段的退变。     

椎间盘切除Dynesys动态稳定系统固定治疗腰椎间盘突出症的中长期疗效

目的 :回顾性分析椎间盘切除+Dynesys动态稳定系统固定治疗腰椎间盘突出症的中长期疗效。方法 :2008年7月~2012年7月因腰椎间盘突出症在我院行椎间盘切除+Dynesys动态稳定系统内固定治疗的患者84例,其中61例获得完整随访资料,男38例,女23例;年龄31~58岁(46.3±11.5岁),随访时间60~108个月(74±14个月)。术前、术后3个月和末次随访时采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)和Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)评估,同时行影像学评估,包括手术节段及上位相邻节段椎间隙高度、椎间活动度(rang of motion,ROM)、UCLA椎间隙退变分级(University of California at Los Angeles)以及椎间盘退变Pfirrmann分级。结果:术后3个月、末次随访时VAS评分和ODI均较术前明显改善(P0.05),所有病例均未见椎间盘突出复发。手术节段椎间隙高度术后3个月(12.3±2.3mm)较术前(11.8±1.8mm)增加,末次随访时(10.1±1.7mm)较术前降低(P0.05);上位相邻节段各时间点无显著性差异。手术节段椎间ROM在术后3个月及末次随访分别为5.3°±1.8°及3.6°±1.9°,与术前(8.1°±2.8°)比较均显著性降低(P0.05);上位相邻节段ROM在术后3个月和末次随访分别10.3°±3.8°和11.4°±3.7°,均较术前(8.5°±3.0°)显著性增加(P0.05)。末次随访时手术节段UCLA分级与术前比较有统计学差异(P0.05),12例(19.7%)上位相邻节段发生影像学退变,1例发生症状学退变(adjacent segment degeneration,ASD)。手术节段和上位邻近节段术前与末次随访椎间盘Pfirmman分级均有统计学差异(P0.05)。2例出现螺钉断裂,未发生螺钉松动等其他并发症。结论:腰椎间盘切除后应用Dynesys动态稳定系统内固定治疗腰椎间盘突出症可获得满意的中长期疗效,能维持手术节段稳定,保留手术节段部分椎间活动度。     

双椎弓根螺钉固定技术治疗腰椎融合术后相邻节段病变

目的 :观察双椎弓根螺钉固定技术治疗腰椎融合术后相邻节段病变的可行性和临床疗效。方法 :回顾性分析我科2016年8月～2018年10月手术治疗腰椎融合术后的相邻节段病变(adjacent segment disease,ASD)患者36例,按照手术方式分为两组,A组(双钉组):12例,男女比例(4∶8),年龄66.2±4.2岁(59～74岁),首次术后2～7年,均为头侧椎节病变。使用双椎弓根螺钉(dual screws,DS)固定技术,于原手术侧椎弓根再次各置入一枚翻修螺钉,ASD另一端置入皮质骨通道螺钉,减压后短节段融合固定。B组(对照组):24例,男女比例(9∶15),年龄64.0±7.7岁(46～72岁),平均首次术后2～10年,19例为头侧椎节退变,5例为尾侧椎节病变。手术取下双侧固定棒,采用Magerl方法置入ASD远端椎弓根螺钉、减压责任节段后延长棒固定。记录每例患者手术时间、术中出血量、术后并发症,腰椎ODI评分、腰痛VAS、腿痛VAS。通过腰椎X线片、CT评价术后患者的内固定位置和椎间融合状态。比较两组间和组内的临床评分差异性。结果:术后平均随访16.1±5.8个月(6～26个月)。ODI评分A组术前(82.5±16.7)%,末次随访(16.0±8.9)%;B组术前(78.0±14.6)%,末次随访(18.0±9.4)%;腰痛VAS,A组术前8.3±3.5分,末次随访1.7±0.9分;B组术前6.7±4.5分,末次随访2.1±1.3分;腿痛VAS,A组术前6.3±4.5分,末次随访1.0±1.0分;B组术前7.8±3.4分,末次随访2.3±2.4分。两组末次随访的ODI和VAS均较术前有明显改善(P0.05)。两组间的术前ODI、腰痛VAS、腿痛VAS无明显差异(P0.05);两组间的术前、末次随访ODI、VAS、手术时间均无明显差异(P0.05)。B组的手术出血量、住院时间明显大于A组(P0.05)。A组无手术切口感染、无神经症状加重病例,1例术中硬脊膜撕裂,予以修复。B组术中硬脊膜撕裂5例,术中修复或者皮下脂肪覆盖,伤口表浅感染1例,经过换药治愈。A组共置入24枚双钉技术的翻修螺钉(L1椎体2枚,L2椎体12枚,L3椎体10枚),其中18位置良好,4枚螺钉穿破椎体外侧壁,2枚螺钉穿破椎弓根内侧壁,但无神经症损伤症状,随访无内固定松动。B组再次植入48枚椎弓根螺钉,螺钉位置良好,无穿破椎体和椎弓根病例。末次随访的A组椎间融合8例,B组18例。翻修螺钉平均螺钉头倾角6.7°±6.6°(3°～16°),平均外展角度10.3°±7.4°(0°～15°)。B组无螺钉相关合并症。结论:个体化双椎弓根螺钉固定技术为腰椎融合术后相邻节段病变提供一种新的微创解决方案,短期临床预后良好。     

K-Rod脊柱动态稳定系统在多节段腰椎退行性疾病中的临床应用

目的:评估K-Rod脊柱动态稳定系统治疗多节段腰椎退行性疾病的临床疗效。方法:2011年10月至2013年10月应用K-Rod脊柱动态稳定系统治疗多节段腰椎退行性疾病20例,男8例,女12例;年龄31～65岁,平均45.4岁;病程9个月～6.25年,平均3.8年。所有患者术前有腰腿痛病史,其中极外侧腰椎间盘突出症10例,腰椎管狭窄症7例,腰椎滑脱3例(Ⅰ度滑脱2例,Ⅱ度滑脱1例),所有病例的责任节段为单节段,并且责任间隙的相邻椎间盘至少有1节已经出现明显退变。进行手术解除神经压迫及植入K-Rod脊柱后路动态稳定系统(其中责任间隙行椎间融合,退变邻椎行动态稳定).采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)、日本矫形外科协会关于下腰痛的评分标准(JOA)和Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)评估临床疗效;通过影像学资料对退变邻椎节段活动度(ROM)、椎间盘高度及椎间盘信号(根据改良Pfirrmann分级系统)进行评估。结果:全部患者获得1年以上随访,术前症状均明显缓解,腰腿痛VAS、JOA及ODI术前与术后1周、术后1年差异均有统计学意义(p<0.05).术后影像学检查见责任节段均已融合,未见内植物松动、移位及断裂。术后相邻椎间盘的ROM有所减少(p<0.05).相邻退变椎间盘的高度术后1年与术前比较差异无统计学意义(p>0.05).对25个相邻椎间盘应用改良Pfirrmann分级系统进行分级并对比,术后1年共有8个(32%)椎间盘在评级中有所好转,15个(60%)椎间盘在评级中无变化,2个(8%)椎间盘在评级中退变加重。结论:应用腰椎融合辅以邻近节段动态固定的K-Rod脊柱动态稳定系统治疗多节段腰椎退行性疾病,可以取得良好的近期临床疗效。     

Dynesys非融合术后腰椎节段放射学改变及椎间盘再水化

[目的]分析Dynesys动态固定术后腰椎节段的放射学变化和残留椎间盘的再水化现象。[方法]回顾性分析2011年12月~2013年10月在本院接受Dynesys动态固定的38例腰椎间盘退行性疾病患者资料,记录患者术前,术后10 d,末次随访时VAS、ODI评分,采用腰椎X线片测量椎间隙前后缘高度、腰椎前凸角及屈伸活动度(range of motion,ROM),利用腰椎MRI计算手术节段椎间盘平均标准椎间盘信号(calibrated disc signal,CDS)。[结果]38例患者术后平均随访(25.11±6.96)个月。末次随访时,患者腰腿痛VAS评分和ODI指数较手术前后明显改善(P0.05)。手术节段椎间隙前、后缘高度较手术前后均明显降低(P0.05)。上位邻近节段椎间隙前缘高度与术前比较差异无统计学意义(P=0.47),后缘高度较手术前均显著下降(P0.05),平均丢失(10.34±9.81)%。下位邻近节段椎间隙前后缘高度及腰椎前凸角均无显著变化。手术节段屈伸ROM比术前明显减少(P0.05),但仍保留术前ROM的64.11%;相邻节段及腰椎整体ROM较术前差异无统计学意义。23例患者接受腰椎MRI复查,平均CDS由术前(42.74±13.15)%改善至(47.69±14.38)%,差异有统计学意义(P=0.004)。[结论]Dynesys非融合术后残留椎间盘出现再水化,表明其可能具有促进退变椎间盘修复的作用。该系统保留了固定节段一定ROM,不引起邻近节段过度活动。但是术后存在手术节段椎间隙高度丢失以及上位邻近节段代偿性前凸等问题。     

Bioflex动态稳定系统治疗腰椎退行性疾病的临床疗效

[目的]探讨椎管减压结合Bioflex动态稳定系统治疗腰椎退行性疾病的临床疗效.[方法]2009年11月～2011年10月,对22例腰椎退行性疾病患者行椎管减压后Bioflex动态稳定系统固定.其中男13例,女9例;年龄43～65岁,平均53.6岁.回顾性分析临床资料,采用视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)和Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)进行临床疗效评定,同时行影像学观察手术节段及相邻节段的活动范围(rangeof motion,ROM).[结果]术后随访12～ 32个月,平均19.5个月.术后及末次随访时VAS评分和ODI评定与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.001);按Macnab标准评价,优13例、良7例、可2例,优良率为90.9％.术后及末次随访时手术节段ROM明显减低,与术前相比差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);邻近节段ROM略有增加,与术前相比差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).[结论]减压结合Bioflex动态稳定系统治疗腰椎退行性疾病近期临床效果良好,防止手术及相邻节段的退变,是治疗腰椎退行性疾病一种有效的非融合性固定方法.     

骨水泥加强椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗伴骨质疏松症的腰椎退行性病变

目的 探讨应用聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA)骨水泥行椎体加强后椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗伴骨质疏松症的腰椎退行性病变的临床效果.方法 选取本科2004年6月～2009年1月收治的随访资料完整的伴骨质疏松症的腰椎退行性病变患者38例,男16例,女22例;年龄为52～76岁,平均62.5岁.其中腰椎管狭窄症16例,腰椎间盘突出症并节段不稳12例,退行性腰椎滑脱症6例,腰椎退行性侧凸4例.根据患者临床表现及影像学资料确定减压、融合节段和方法,采用PMMA骨水泥强化的椎弓根钉棒系统进行内固定、矫形.采用ODI评分、腰痛及腿痛VAS评分、术后影像学资料评定治疗效果.结果 本组病例术后随访时间18～48个月,平均36.5个月.患者腰痛及下肢疼痛症状均明显缓解,复查X线片均未发现椎弓根螺钉的松动或脱出,椎弓根螺钉周围未发现有透亮线出现.末次随访时,腰痛VAS评分由术前的7.46±2.24减至3.15±1.47(P<0.01),腿痛VAS评分由术前的7.24±2.32减至2.11±0.84(P<0.01).ODI评分由术前的43.15±5.72下降至15.41±16.42(P<0.01).出现术中、术后并发症16例次,未造成机体残余损害.结论 对于伴骨质疏松症的腰椎退行性病变患者,应用PMMA行椎体加强椎弓根螺钉固定,能增强螺钉的稳定性,防止螺钉的松动或脱出,有助于临床疗效的改善和保持.     

杂交与融合手术治疗双节段腰椎退变性疾病的对比

[目的]比较PEEK棒杂交术与钛棒双节段融合术的临床结果及术后邻近节段退变(ASD)。[方法]2013年10月~2014年10月对44例双节段腰椎退变患者行手术治疗,其中杂交组21例,采用下位间隙融合,上位间隙不融合,椎弓钉PEEK棒固定;融合组23例,行双间隙融合,椎弓钉钛棒固定术。采用疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)、欧式功能障碍指数(ODI)和日本骨科学会(JOA)评分分析临床疗效。通过测量相邻节段椎间隙高度指数(DHI)、活动范围(ROM)、相邻节段椎间盘Pfirrmann退变分级,评价ASD。以末次随访腰椎CT二维重建评估椎间融合。[结果]末次随访时,两组术后VAS、ODI、JOA均较术前有明显改善(P<0.05)。杂交组无任何患者符合ASD的诊断标准。相比之下,融合组有6例患者发生ASD,发生率为26%,其中1例有明显临床症状,诊断为邻近节段退变病。两组分别出现1例螺钉松动,均无临床症状。[结论]应用PEEK棒杂交手术与钛棒融合手术治疗双节段腰椎退行性疾病均获得满意的临床疗效;通过平均24个月以上的随访,结果显示PEEK棒杂交手术延缓ASD有明显的优势。     

Coflex与融合治疗腰椎管狭窄症的中期疗效及对相邻节段退变影响的对比观察

[目的]对比分析棘突间动态非融合装置Coflex与腰椎后路融合固定治疗单节段腰椎管狭窄症的中期疗效,探讨Coflex在预防相邻节段退变中的作用。[方法]回顾性分析2009年12月~2012年6月应用棘突间动态非融合Coflex和椎弓根螺钉系统治疗L_(4、5)椎管狭窄症患者的临床资料,分为Coflex组和融合组。患者于术前及末次随访时进行视觉模拟评分(VAS)和Oswestry功能障碍指数评分(ODI)。对患者术前及术后随访时的腰椎侧位X线片及过伸、过屈侧位X线片和MRI片进行测量,用统计软件SPSS 18.0进行统计分析。[结果]Coflex组及融合组分别有20及22例患者被纳入本研究。两组患者术前性别、年龄、体质量指数及随访时间均匹配。两组VAS、ODI评分末次随访与术前相比差异均有统计学意义(P0.05),组间相比,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访时,Coflex组L_(3、4)节段ROM与手术前无明显差异(P0.05),融合组L_(3、4)节段ROM末次随访(7.38±1.15)°比手术前增加(5.75±0.45)°,组间比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访两组L_(3~4)和L_5~S_1椎间隙高度与术前比较有降低趋势,但无统计学意义(P0.05)。Coflex组相邻节段椎间盘退变改良Pfirrmann分级,共有4例升高,融合组相邻节段椎间盘退变分级共有10例升高,组间差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。[结论]棘突间动态非融合Coflex治疗腰椎管狭窄症可达到与融合固定同样的中期临床疗效,并且在减少相邻节段退变方面具有一定优势。     

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.     

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.     

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.