两种麻醉方法用于老年人腹腔镜胆囊切除术维持期间血流动力学的变化

目的观察丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼、七氟醚复合雷米芬太尼两种麻醉方法用于老年人腹腔镜胆囊切除术维持期间血流动力学指标的变化。方法50例拟在气管插管全麻下择期行腹腔镜胆囊切除术的老年病人（年龄≥60岁）随机分为丙泊酚组（P组）和七氟醚组（S组）两组，每组25例。快速诱导后经口插入气管导管，麻醉维持P组采用0．1mg·kg^-1·min^-1丙泊酚和1μg·kg^-1·min^-1雷米芬太尼静脉泵入，S组采用3％～4％七氟醚吸入和1μg·kg^-1·min^-1雷米芬太尼静脉泵入。于麻醉诱导后10min、手术开始后30、45、60min以及术毕30min记录平均动脉压（MAP）、中心静脉压（CVP）、心排血量（CO）、心脏指数（CI）和外周血管阻力（SVR）等血流动力学指标值。结果临床麻醉剂量的丙泊酚复合雷米芬太尼、七氟醚复合雷米芬太尼对病人血流动力学指标的影响均较轻，两组间血流动力学指标的差异无统计学意义。结论两种麻醉方法对老年人腹腔镜胆囊切除术维持期间心血管功能的影响程度相似。     

听觉诱发电位监测用于脊柱侧凸术中唤醒

目的研究听觉诱发电位(AEP)监测用于脊柱侧凸术中唤醒试验时预测患者苏醒时间的可行性。方法40例ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,在低流量(新鲜气流量0.8L/min)吸入麻醉下行后路矫正内固定手术的青少年脊柱侧凸患者,随机分为两组,术中均吸入异氟醚及氧化亚氮(O2∶N2O=1∶1)维持听觉诱发电位指数(AAI)在15~20。Ⅰ组于患者安装完双侧内固定棒开始唤醒试验时停止吸入异氟醚及氧化亚氮并升高新鲜气流量(6L/min)至患者对指令产生正确反应;Ⅱ组于患者安装完一侧内固定棒后停止吸入异氟醚,维持新鲜气体流量及氧化亚氮吸入浓度不变,在安装完另一侧后升高新鲜气流量至患者对指令产生正确反应。所有患者唤醒成功后立即恢复低流量吸入麻醉。结果两组患者在唤醒时的AAI值差异无显著意义,但唤醒时间差异有极显著意义(P<0.01)。除1例(Ⅱ组)首次唤醒试验失败的患者,其他患者对术中事件及唤醒过程均无回忆。AAI值与MAP、HR及呼气末异氟醚浓度(ETiso)无相关性。结论利用AEP监测能比较准确地预测脊柱侧凸术中唤醒试验时患者的苏醒时间。     

地氟醚复合雷米芬太尼在小儿脊柱侧凸矫正术唤醒试验中的应用

为防止脊柱侧凸矫形术术中发生脊髓损伤，常采用术中唤醒试验。地氟醚因血气分配系数低，具有诱导、苏醒快速，麻醉深度易于掌握等特点，常被用于该类手术的麻醉。本研究将地氟醚复合超短效阿片类药雷米芬太尼用于小儿脊柱侧凸的麻醉，旨在观察该种麻醉方法是否缩短术中唤醒试验的时间，并减少术中知晓的发生率。     

瑞芬太尼复合麻醉患者术后急性阿片类药物耐受的发生

目的 评价瑞芬太尼复合麻醉患者术后急性阿片类药物耐受的发生情况。方法 60例择期手术患者随机分为3组（n=20），吸入麻醉组吸入1．3 MAC异氟醚和氧化亚氮维持麻醉;静脉麻醉组靶控输注（TCI）异丙酚（血浆靶浓度3μg／ml）、瑞芬太尼（血浆靶浓度4 ng／ml）维持麻醉;复合麻醉组吸入0．8 MAC异氟醚和氧化亚氮及TCI瑞芬太尼（血浆靶浓度2 ng／ml）维持麻醉。观察术后早期恢复阶段（30 min）患者的疼痛评分及吗啡用量。结果 静脉麻醉组和复合麻醉组在术后早期恢复阶段的疼痛评分及吗啡用量均高于吸入麻醉组（P〈0．05），但2组间比较差异无统计学意义（P〉 0．05）。结论 患者瑞芬太尼复合TCI异丙酚或复合吸入异氟醚麻醉均可导致急性阿片类药物耐受的发生。     

普鲁卡因静脉复合麻醉对左心功能的影响

作者曾对异氟酸和芬太尼对左心功能影响进行研究，发现大剂量芬太尼（４０μｇ／ｋｇ）抑制作用大于异氟醚。本文对普普卡因静脉复合麻醉对左心功能的影响进行研究，并与异氟醚吸入麻醉对照比较。资料与方法健康杂种犬旧只，体重１２．９±１．９ｋｇ。随机分为二组：对照组为异氟醚吸入麻醉（简称１组），犬８只，吸入１．５～１．６％（１．２ＭＡＣ）异氟醚。实验组为普鲁卡因静脉复合麻醉（简称Ｐ组），大１０只，静滴２％普鲁卡因复合液（１０％葡萄糖２００ｍｌ，１０％普鲁卡因５０ｍｌ，芬太尼０．２ｍｇ和琥珀胆碱２００ｍｇ），按…     

纳美芬对儿童脊柱侧弯矫形术术中唤醒试验的影响

目的评价纳美芬对儿童脊柱侧弯矫形术术中唤醒试验的影响。方法选择年龄在8～14岁脊柱侧弯患儿50例,ASAI～Ⅱ级。将患儿随机分为2组,舒芬太尼组（S组25例）和纳美芬＋舒芬太尼组（NS组25例）。两组患儿均采用舒芬太尼、丙泊酚和罗库溴铵快速诱导插管,NS组诱导后静脉给予纳美芬0．2μg／kg,术中均以吸入七氟醚和泵注瑞芬太尼、丙泊酚维持麻醉。唤醒试验前依次停止吸入七氟醚及静脉麻醉药,待自主呼吸恢复后开始进行唤醒试验,记录两组患儿入室时（T0）、诱导后（T1）、手术开始时（T2）、七氟醚停止吸入时（T3）、唤醒试验开始时（T4）、唤醒试验开始后5min（T5）、唤醒试验开始后10min（T6）、唤醒试验结束前（T7）的心率（HR）、平均动脉压（MAP）、脑电双频指数BIS值;记录停止麻醉药物到唤醒试验成功时间;记录患儿对指令的配合程度（唤醒质量）。结果与S组相比,NS组患儿在唤醒试验过程中MAP明显降低（P〈0．05）,呛咳和躁动的发生率降低。结论纳美芬用于儿童脊柱侧弯矫形术有助于维持术中唤醒试验时血流动力学的稳定,提高唤醒质量,不影响唤醒时间,具有良好的保护效应。     

异丙酚、地氟醚或七氟醚复合瑞芬太尼麻醉对脑功能区手术患者术中唤醒试验的影响

目的 探讨异丙酚、地氟醚或七氟醚复合瑞芬太尼麻醉对脑功能区手术患者术中唤醒试验的影响.方法 择期拟行脑功能区肿瘤切除术患者60例,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,年龄18～60岁,随机分为3组:异丙酚组(P组)、地氟醚组(D组)及七氟醚组(S组),每组20例.静脉注射依托咪酯0.3mg/kg、芬太尼3 μg/kg、维库溴铵0.1 mg/kg行麻醉诱导,采用1%丁卡因喉头及气管粘膜表面麻醉后行气管插管.P组、D组和S组分别靶控输注异丙酚,血浆靶浓度2.0μg/ml,持续吸入地氟醚、七氟醚1.5 MAC维持麻醉.各组均靶控输注瑞芬太尼,血浆靶浓度2.5 ng/ml,唤醒试验前血浆靶浓度降为0.5 ng/ml,静脉注射曲马多100mg,停用麻醉药,行唤醒试验.记录唤醒时间,观察唤醒试验时躁动及寒颤的发生情况.结果 各组患者唤醒时间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),P组寒颤发生率较D组和S组高(P<0.05).结论 采用异丙酚、地氟醚或七氟醚复合瑞芬太尼麻醉,脑功能区手术患者术中唤醒时间无差别,地氟醚或七氟醚复合瑞芬太尼麻醉时有关并发症发生率低,更适用于术中唤醒试验.     

咪唑安定—异氟醚静吸复合麻醉用于颅脑手术的临床效果观察

报告咪唑安定－异氟醚静吸复合麻醉用于颅脑手术的临床效果观察。２２例择期开颅手术患者被随机分成咪唑安定－异氟醚组（Ｉ组）及单纯异氟醚组（Ⅱ组）。对比观察两组在手术不同时期的血流动力学及异氟醚吸入浓度的变化。结果显示两组血压均未见增高，且明显低于基础值（Ｐ＜０．０５），Ｉ组异氟醚吸入浓度明显低于Ⅱ组，降低 ２７％左右（Ｐ＜０．０１）。本研究结果提示，咪唑安定 ０．２ｍｇ· ｋｇ－１／ｈ持续静滴维持麻醉可降低异氟醚ＭＡＣ，对血流动力学影响轻微，术中麻醉平稳，适用于神经外科手术麻醉。     

两种麻醉方法下食道癌根治术患者单肺通气期间肺内分流的比较

目的 比较食管癌根治术患者异丙酚-瑞芬太尼靶控静脉麻醉与异氟醚麻醉下单肺通气（OLV）期间肺内分流的变化。方法 择期行中、下段食管癌左侧开胸切除术患者24例，年龄42，69岁，ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。随机均分为2组：异丙酚．瑞芬太尼组（PR组）和异氟醚组（ISO组）。PR组靶控输注异丙酚和瑞芬太尼，血浆靶浓度分别为3．2μg／ml和4．5ng／ml；ISO组吸入异氟醚（呼气末浓度为1．5％～2．5％），间断静脉注射芬太尼2μg／kg。持续监测ECG、平均动脉压（MAP）、SpO2、听觉诱发电位指数（AAI）、心脏指数（CI）、气道压（Paw）。麻醉诱导后，插入右双腔支气管导管，分别于平卧位漂浮导管置人后10min（T0）、右侧卧位双肺通气10min（T1）、单肺通气15、30、60、90min（T2～T5）进行动脉血及混合静脉血血气分析，计算肺内分流率（Q0／Q1）。结果 两组术中AAI均低于30，PaCO2、pH在正常范围内，组间各时点AAI、PaCO2、pH和Paw比较差异无统计学意义。与T0相比，两组T2-5时Paw升高，T1-5时Qa／Qt增加，于T2达到高峰；PaO2降低，于T2降至最低（P〈0．05），而CI差异无统计学意义（P〉O．05）。与ISO组比较，T2-5时PR组Qa／Qt降低（P〈0．05），PaO2差异无统计学意义。结论 与异氟醚麻醉比较，异丙酚-瑞芬太尼麻醉在OLV期间可减少食管癌根治术患者肺内分流，但对PaO2的影响不明显。     

小儿脊柱侧弯矫形手术中唤醒的麻醉体会

目的探讨两种麻醉方法用于小儿脊柱侧弯矫形术对唤醒试验的影响。方法50例特发性脊柱侧弯患儿随机分为两组(A组=25例)(B组=25例)。诱导插管后两组均术中吸入2%～2.5%异氟醚维持,同时间断静注咪达唑仑0.1～0.2mg/kg,芬太尼2μg/kg,A组唤醒前20min停止吸入异氟醚及静脉用药,并加大氧流量促进异氟醚排出,必要时给予少量纳洛酮0.2mg静注。B组唤醒前10min停药,同时静脉给予氟马西尼0.2mg,观察两组唤醒后血压、心率的变化,唤醒时间与不良反应的差异。结果A组唤醒后血压、心率的变化与B组差异有统计学意义,A组唤醒时间平均15min左右,B组平均5min左右。A组唤醒后有20例躁动,有5例对术中唤醒有模糊记忆,B组无躁动且无术中知晓。讨论氟马西尼用于小儿脊柱侧弯矫形术的唤醒试验是安全可行的,它能将患儿快速唤醒,非常有利于术中脊髓功能的检查。     

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.