胸腔镜单肺通气心脏手术与开胸心脏手术肺损伤比较

目的 比较胸腔镜单肺通气(OLV)心脏手术和开胸心脏手术的肺损伤情况.方法 选取该院2013年5月至2015年12月行开胸直视心脏手术及胸腔镜心脏手术的患者60例,将其分为观察组与对照组,各30例.对照组采用单腔气管导管行双肺通气,观察组术中采用双腔管行左肺OLV.于麻醉诱导后(T1)、体外循环(CPB)前(T2)、CPB开始后即刻(T3)、CPB停机后30 min(T4)、CPB停机后60 min(T5)测定动脉血气分析指标,计算呼吸指数(RI),测定血浆细胞问黏附分子-1(ICAM-1)及肺泡表面活性蛋白A(SP-A)水平;术中采集肺组织,检测肺组织核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)表达水平,并进行肺组织病理分析.结果 观察组T3、T4、T5时动脉氧分压低于对照组,T2、T3、T4、T5时RI高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).术后两组ICAM-1、NF-κB水平均增高,且观察组高于对照组(P＜0.05).术后两组SP-A水平均降低,且观察组低于对照组(P＜0.05).肺组织病理显示,观察组肺泡肿胀、中性粒细胞浸润,间质渗出,炎症表现比对照组更明显.结论 胸腔镜OLV心脏手术较开胸心脏手术肺损伤更明显.     

盐酸戊乙奎醚对体外循环心脏手术患者肺功能的影响

目的:探讨盐酸戊乙奎醚对体外循环(CPB)下心脏手术患者肺功能的影响及可能机制。方法:24例CPB心脏手术患者随机分为对照组和盐酸戊乙奎醚组,于体外循环开始前30 min,分别注射0.9%氯化钠溶液5mL,和盐酸戊乙奎醚0.02 mg/kg。CPB前(T1)、主动脉开放后30 min(T2),CPB结束后4 h(T3)、CPB后24 h(T4)进行血气分析及检测血浆肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和白细胞介素6(IL-6)水平,计算肺泡-动脉血氧分压差[P(A-a)DO2]和呼吸指数(RI)。结果:2组患者T2、T3、T4时点与T1时点相比,P(A-a)DO2、RI及血浆TNF-α和IL-6浓度均显著升高(P<0.05);盐酸戊乙奎醚组T2、T3、T4时点P(A-a)DO2和RI,及TNF-α和IL-6浓度较对照组均显著降低(P<0.05)。结论:盐酸戊乙奎醚对体外循环下心脏手术患者肺功能有一定的保护作用,其机制可能与其抑制TNF-α和IL-6有关。     

细胞间黏附分子-1在体外循环肺损伤中的作用及参麦注射液的干预效果

目的：观察细胞间黏附分子-1（ICAM-1）在体外循环肺损伤中的作用,探讨参麦注射液（SM）肺保护的作用机制。方法：选择心脏瓣膜置换术患者30例,随机分为对照组和观察组,各15例,观察组在体外循环（CPB）转机前将参麦注射液0．6ml／kg加入250ml生理盐水静脉滴注完毕,对照组在同一时间予生理盐水250ml静脉滴注,其余麻醉维持方法两组相同。分别于麻醉诱导前（T0）、CPB停机后0．5小时（T1）、2小时（T2）、6小时（耶）、24小时（T4）,取桡动脉血进行血气分析,记录P02、PC02、Fi02,计算肺泡-动脉血氧分压差[P（A-a）D02]以及呼吸指数（RI）,并留取血清测定细胞间黏附分子-1（ICAM-1）浓度,同时记录CPB时间和主动脉阻断时间。结果：P（A—a）DO2、RI、ICAM-1在体外循环停机后明显升高（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）;与对照组比较,观察组此三项指标均明显降低（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）。结论：ICAM-1的高低与体外循环肺损伤程度密切相关;参麦注射液可能通过抑制细胞间黏附分子-1的分泌而起到肺保护作用。     

参麦注射液对重度烧伤患者围术期心肺功能的影响

目的:探讨参麦注射液对重度烧伤患者围术期心肺功能的影响。方法:选取本院2015年7月-2016年12月重度烧伤择期手术患者60例,按照随机数字表法分为对照组和参麦组,各30例。参麦组分别于术前24 h、麻醉诱导前30 min及术后24 h静脉滴注参麦注射液,对照组相同时刻分别静脉滴注氯化钠注射液。比较术前输注参麦注射液或氯化钠注射液前即刻(T0)、麻醉诱导后即刻(T1)、麻醉后12 h(T2)、24 h(T3)、48 h(T4)的呼吸指数(RI)、肺泡-动脉血氧分压差[P_(A-a)O_2)]、血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、白细胞介素-8(IL-8)、丙二醛(MDA)、肌酸激酶同工酶(CKMB)。结果:T2、T3时,两组P_(A-a)DO_2、RI、TNF-α、MDA、IL-6、IL-8均较T0时升高,但参麦组上升幅度均低于对照组,比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:在重度烧伤手术患者中,围术期静滴参麦注射液能够发挥一定的心肺保护作用,改善肺换气功能,对于改善重度烧伤患者的预后有着积极的意义。     

盐酸戊乙奎醚对体外循环下心脏瓣膜置换术肺功能的保护作用

目的：探讨盐酸戊乙奎醚对体外循环下心脏瓣膜置换术肺功能的保护作用。方法选择2012年6月至2014年6月我院接诊的100例需行心脏瓣膜置换术的患者进行研究。随机分为观察组和对照组各50例。观察组患者麻醉诱导时推注0.02 mg/kg盐酸戊乙奎醚,体外循环预充液加入0.04 mg/kg盐酸戊乙奎醚。对照组患者麻醉诱导时推注等量生理盐水,体外循环预充液加入等量生理盐水。比较两组患者麻醉切皮前(T1)、CPB开始后30 min (T2)、CPB开始后1 h (T3)、CPB开始后1.5 h (T4)时间点的白细胞介素6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、阻力指数(RI)和肺泡动脉氧分压差[P(A-a)DO2]。结果两组患者在T1时的IL-6、TNF-α、RI和P(A-a)DO2指标比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);观察组患者T2、T3、T4时间点的IL-6、TNF-α、RI和P(A-a)DO2均低于对照组,二者比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组的住院时间、拔引流管时间和ICU治疗时间均短于对照组,肺部感染发生率低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论盐酸戊乙奎醚对体外循环下心脏瓣膜置换术肺功能的保护作用良好,能显著改善患者的肺功能,值得临床推广。     

乌司他丁对单肺通气和体外循环下行胸腔镜心脏手术患者肺功能的影响

目的：探讨乌司他丁对单肺通气（ OLV）和体外循环（ CPB）下行胸腔镜心脏手术患者肺功能的影响。方法选择择期行胸腔镜CPB心脏手术患者54例,随机分为观察组（ n＝27）和对照组（ n＝27）。观察组患者麻醉诱导后静脉滴注乌司他丁1万U／kg,CPB期间持续肺动脉灌注低温含氧血混合乌司他丁2万U／kg（与氧合机器血混合）;对照组在相应时段同样方法使用等容量氯化钠溶液。采集麻醉诱导后双肺通气（T1）,CPB结束后双肺通气（T2）,CPB结束后4 h（T3）、8 h（T4）、24 h（T5）的动脉血气,计算PaO2／FiO2、Cs、Cd、RI并记录单肺通气时间和低氧血症的发生,以及检测T1、T4、T5时间点的炎性因子（ IL－6、TNF－α、WBC、中性粒细胞比率）;记录机械通气时间、ICU时间、术后住院时间。结果观察组术后机械通气时间短于对照组（ P＝0．04）,观察组低氧血症的发生率明显低于对照组（P＝0．03）;两组患者平均动脉压、心率等比较差异均无统计学意义（P＞0．05）．术后8、24 h PaO2／FiO2观察组高于对照组（均P＜0．05）,术后8、24 h RI观察组低于对照组（均P＜0．05）;术后4 h 的Cd、Cs观察组明显高于对照组（ P＜0．05）;术后8 h血浆TNF－α、IL－6、WBC、中性粒细胞比率水平观察组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义（ P＜0．05）。结论乌司他丁对单肺通气和CPB下行胸腔镜心脏手术患者肺功能损伤具有一定的保护作用。     

心脏瓣膜置换术患者体外循环期间七氟醚静态膨肺对肺功能的影响

目的 通过给予心脏瓣膜置换术成人患者体外循环(CPB)期间使用含1.0最高容许浓度(MAC)七氟醚的空/氧混合气静态膨肺,观察CPB术后肺损伤情况并评价七氟醚是否具有肺功能保护作用.方法 心脏瓣膜置换术成人患者60例,随机分成对照组(CPB期间5 cmH2O气道压静态膨肺,无七氟醚吸入)和七氟醚组(CPB期间相同气道压静态膨肺并吸入1.0 MAC七氟醚).分别于手术切皮(T0)、CPB后1 h、3 h和6 h(T1-3)行血气分析,计算肺泡-动脉氧分压差[D(A-a)O2]、呼吸指数(RI)和氧合指数(OI).结果 两组患者几个时间点间的D(A-a)O2、RI和OI比较差异均无统计学意义.与T0相比,两组患者T1、T2和T3点的D(A-a)O2、RI均明显升高,OI降低,峰值均出现于T3点(P<0.05或0.01).结论 心脏瓣膜置换术患者CPB后均发生肺功能损害,在CPB后6 h内肺功能损害的高峰期出现于CPB后3 h.心脏瓣膜置换术患者CPB期间吸入1.0 MAC七氟醚静态膨肺对CPB心脏手术后诱发的肺损伤并没有临床上的保护作用.     

参麦注射液对体外循环下心内直视手术脑保护的临床研究

目的 探讨围麻醉期参麦注射液对体外循环(cardiopulmonary bypass,CPB)下心内直视手术脑部炎性反应的影响及其脑保护作用.方法 择期心脏瓣膜置换患者24例,随机分为参麦注射液组(A组)和对照组(C组).A组患者在麻醉后和转机时分别静脉滴注参麦注射液,C组患者给予等容积生理盐水.分别于麻醉后手术前(T1),体外循环开始后30min(T2),体外循环结束后1h(T3)、4h(T4)和8h(T5)同时抽取动脉血和颈静脉球血.采用酶联免疫吸附测定(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)法测定动静脉血浆中肿瘤坏死因子(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6 (interleukin-6,IL-6)及颈静脉球血S100β蛋白的浓度.结果 与各自T1相比,2组患者血浆TNF-α、IL-6的浓度在T2、T3、T4、T5明显升高(P＜0.05),且C组在T2、T3、T4时升高的幅度明显大于A组(P＜0.05).与T1相比,2组患者血浆S100β蛋白水平在体外循环开始后明显升高(P＜0.05),T4开始下降,T5明显下降.A组T2、T3、T4、T5 S100β蛋白浓度升高的水平明显低于C组(P＜0.05).结论 参麦注射液可减轻CPB心脏手术患者炎性反应,可降低颈静脉球血浆中S100β蛋白水平升高的幅度,有一定的脑保护作用.     

保护性肺通气对老年腹腔镜结直肠癌手术患者术后肺氧合功能的影响

目的 评估术中保护性肺通气策略对老年腹腔镜结直肠癌手术患者术后早期肺氧合功能的影响.方法 选择60例择期行全麻腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术治疗的老年患者,分为两组:常规通气组(C组)和保护性肺通气组(P组),每组30例.C组VT 8 mL/kg,不使用呼气末正压(PEEP)和肺复张;P组VT 6 mL/kg,PEEP 5cmH2O以及每隔40 min进行1次肺复张.记录两组患者术中气道压(Ppeak)和肺顺应性(CL);记录两组患者术前(T1)、术后24 h(T2)、48 h(T3)的脉搏血氧饱和度(SpO2)、动脉氧分压(PaO2)、肺泡动脉血氧分压差[P(A-a) DO2]、血白细胞计数(WBC)以及C反应蛋白(CRP);记录T1、T3时刻改良临床肺部感染评分(mCPIS);同时记录术中不良事件以及术后48 h内呼吸系统并发症(PPCs)的发生情况.结果 两组患者术中输液量、出血量以及手术时间差异无统计学意义;术中P组气道压显著低于C组;P组肺顺应性显著高于C组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);术后T2、T3时刻P组的SpO2及PaO2明显高于C组;P(A-a)DO2明显低于C组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);与T1时刻相比,两组患者T2、T3时刻CRP水平及WBC明显升高(P＜0.05),T2、T3时刻P组CRP水平均明显低于C组(P＜0.05),而WBC两组之间无明显差异(P＞0.05);P组T3时刻mCPIS评分以及术后48 h内呼吸系统并发症的发生率明显低于C组(P＜0.05);两组术中均无严重不良事件的发生.结论 对于行腹腔镜结直肠手术的老年患者术中应用保护性的肺通气策略有利于促进术后早期肺氧合功能的恢复,降低呼吸系统并发症的发生率.     

充气式止血带对下肢手术患者围术期肺换气功能的影响

目的 探讨充气式止血带对下肢手术患者围术期肺换气功能的影响.方法 选择美国麻醉医师协会(ASA)Ⅰ～Ⅱ级择期行单侧下肢手术上止血带时间超过60 min的患者11例(止血带组)和不上止血带下肢手术患者10例(对照组).分别于上止血带前或术前(T0)、松开后或手术结束后1/2 h(T1)、2 h(T2)、6 h(T3)、24 h(T4),取桡动脉血行血气分析,计算肺泡动脉氧分压差(PaA-aDO2)、呼吸指数(RI).结果 止血带组T3时刻氧分压(PaO2)较对照组明显降低,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).止血带组各时刻二氧化碳分压(PaCO2)与对照组比较,差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).止血带组T3PaA-aDO2较对照组明显升高,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).止血带组T3、T4 RI较对照组明显升高,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 使用止血带时间超过60 min的下肢手术患者,在止血带松开后1 d内可发生肺换气功能损害,产生低氧血症,加强围手术期护理或常规给予吸氧极为重要.     

Value of D-Dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection

Objective: To evaluatel the value of D-dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods: This study consisted of 16 patients with AAD and 27 non-AAD patients. Serum D-dimets were measured by Sta-Liatest D-DI immunoturbidimetric assay. Results: D-dimer level was higher (P ＜ 0.001) in patients with AAD(7.91 ± 5.52 μg/ml) than that in non- AAD group(1.57±1.24 μg/ml). D-dimer was positive (＞0.4 μg/ml) in all patients with AAD and in 10 control group patients (37%). Among patients with acute AAD, D-dimers tended to be higher in Stanford A than in Stanford B (8.67 ± 4.31 μg/ml vs. 3.24±1.27 μg/ml, P ＜0.01). D-dimer values tended to be higher in more extended disease(3.84 ± 1.65 μg/ml, 8.57 ± 3.58 μg/ml and 11.87 ± 5.69 μg/ml in thoracic aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta and iliacal arteries, respectively, P ＜ 0.05 for both 8.57 ± 3.58 and 11.87 ± 5.69 vs. 3.84 ± 1.65 ). Including the control group into the analysis, we found a sensitivity of 100%, a negative predictive value of 100%, and a specificity of 66% and a positive predictive value of 64% for D-dimer in diagnosis of AAD in our patients with suspected AAD. Conclusion: D-dimer was elevated in patients with AAD. A negative D-dimer test result could be useful in excluding AAD.     

Research of combined liver-kidney transplantation model in rats

Objective： To set up a simple and reliable rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation. Methods： SD rats served as both donors and recipients. 4℃ sodium lactate Ringer＇s was infused from portal veins to donated livers,and from abdominal aorta to donated kidneys, respectively. Anastomosis of the portal vein and the inferior vena cava （IVC） inferior to the right kidney between the graft and the recipient was performed by a double cuff method, then the superior hepatic vena cava with suture. A patch of donated renal artery was anastomosed to the recipient abdominal aorta. The urethra and bile duct were reconstructed with a simple inside bracket. Results： Among 65 cases of combined liver-kidney transplantation, the success rate in the late 40 cases was 77.5%. The function of the grafted liver and kidney remained normal. Conclusion： This rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation can be established in common laboratory conditions with high success rate and meet the needs of renal transplantation experiment.     

BLOOD PRESSURE CHANGE WITH AGE IN SALT-SENSITIVE TEENAGERS

Objective To observe blood pressure change with age in salt-sensitive teenagers whose salt sensitivity were determined by repeated testing.Methods Salt sensitivity was determined through intravenous infusion of normal saline combined with volume-depletion by oral diuretic furosemide in 55 teenagers. After five years, salt sensitivity was re-examined and subject blood pressure was followed up. Blood pressure changes in salt-sensitive teenagers were compared to that of non-salt sensitive teenagers over five years.Results After 5 years, the repetition rate of salt sensitivity determined by intravenous saline loading is 92.7%. In teenagers with salt sensitivity on the baseline, both the systolic blood pressure increments and increment rates were much higher than non-salt sensitive teenagers (12.7±12.1 mmHg vs. 2.8±5.2 mmHg, P＜ 0.01; 12.2%± 12.0% vs. 2.5% ±4.4%, P＜ 0.001,respectively). There was a similar trend for diastolic blood pressure (8.4 ± 6.4 mmHg vs. 3.7 ± 6.4 mmHg, P = 0.052; 13.2% ±10.6 % vs. 6.8%± 10.1%, P = 0.053, respectively).Conclusions Salt sensitivity determined by intravenous saline loading showed good reproducibility. Blood pressure increments with age were much higher in salt-sensitive teenagers than non-salt sensitive teenagers, especially in terms of systolic blood pressure.     

安心颗粒对急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术后生活质量影响的研究

目的：评价使用安心颗粒对急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术（PPCI）术后生活质量的影响.方法：将160例接受PPCI的急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者随机分为安心颗粒组（术前顿服安心颗粒8.8g,术后安心颗粒4.4 g/次,每日2次）和对照组（仅接受基础药物治疗）.所有患者均服用阿司匹林、氯吡格雷和阿托伐他汀.分别在入院时、出院前1d、出院后180 d时,应用心肌梗死多维度量表（MIDAS）、中文版SF-36评价量表对患者生活质量评分.并观察术后30 d以内的出血并发症、血小板减少症发生情况.结果：入院时和出院前1d,两组患者的心肌梗死MIDAS、SF-36量表评分比较无差异（P＞0.05）;出院后180 d时,与对照组比较,安心颗粒组MIDAS、SF-36评分明显减低（P＜0.05）;组内与入院时比较,两组出院前1d、出院后180 d时,MIDAS、SF-36评分均降低（P＜0.05）.两组患者在随访期间均无大量出血、少量出血、重度和极重度血小板减少症发生,安心颗粒组有4例、对照组有7例发生不明显出血（P＞0.05）.两组发生轻度血小板减少症的患者数比较无差异（P＞0.05）.结论：PPCI使用安心颗粒,能改善急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者的生活质量,且不增加出血风险.     

The comparative studies of the influences of Urapidil and Nicardipine on sino-atrial node function, atrio-ventricular node function and hemodynamics

Objective:To investigate the influences of urapidil and nicardipine on rabbit sinus function,atrio-ventricular node function and hemodynamics.Methods:Thirty-two Angora's rabbits were selected and randomly divided into four groups.U1 group:urapidil 0.25 mg/kg;U2 group:urapidil 0.5 mg/kg;N1 group:nicardipine 10 μg/kg;N2 group:nicardipine 20 μg/kg.All these medicine were administrated within 30 seconds.Measurements were taken before and after the administration of urapidil or nicardipine for the following data:mean blood pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),sino-atrial conduction time(SACT),maximal sinoatrial recovery time(SNRTmax)corrected sinus node recovery time(CSNRT),index of sinus node recovery time(SNRTI),Wenckebach A-V conduction frequency (WB),and P-R interval.Results:Significant MAP and HR changes were identified in all of the four groups before and after administration of both urapidil and nicardipine.No significant changes could be found in the rest of the parameters.Intergroup analysis showed that SACT and CSNRT of N1 and N2 groups were shorter than those of the U2 group(P＜0.01);the MAP decreased(P＜0.01)and the HR increased drastically(P＜0.01).Conclusions:Neither urapidil(0.25 mg/kg,0.5 mg/kg)nor nicardipine(10μg/kg,20μg/kg)has any significant influence on rabbit sinus function or rabbit atrio-ventricular node function.Nicardipine could be a better choice than urapidil for parafunctional sinus node patients.     

Expression of OPGmRNA and ODFmRNA in the patients of hip fracture due to osteoporosis

Objective：To investigate the gene expression of osteoprotegerin（OPG） and osteoclast differentiation factor（ODF） in the bone tissue of patients with hip fracture due to osteoporosis. Methods：OPGmRNA and ODFmRNA in the bone tissue in 50 cases of osteoporosis sufferers（over 50 years old） with hip fracture（Observer Group） and 30 cases of hip facture sufferers with no osteoporosis（Control group） were analyzed with the Semi-Quantitative RT-PCR method. Results：The mRNA expressed of ODF, OPG were both high in the patients with hip fracture. In the control group, the expression of OPG mRNA was observed, while the expression of ODF mRNA was very slight. Conclusion：Aged patients contained all signals including OPG, ODF that are essential for inducing osteoclastogenesis and promoting bone resorption.     

The clinicopathological and immuohistochemical analysis of solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas： report of 9 cases

Objective：To investigate the clinical features, pathological characteristics and immunophenotype of solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas（SPTP）. Methods：Nine surgically treated cases of SPTP were retrospectively reviewed. Hematoxylin and Eosin（HE） staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to analyze all cases, and the general clinical data was collected. Results：Six patients were asymptomatic except for a palpable mass. Two patients complained of vague-epigastric pain. One patient appeared jaundice. The tumor was encapsulated and solid tissues alternately with cystic tissues. Histologically, the histological structure of solid portion was pseudopapillary with a fibrovascular core. Tumor cells were uniform and medium-sized which were arranged in sheets ets or nests or pseudopapillary patterns. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that SPTP proved positive in vimentin（9/9 cases）, AAT（9/9 cases）, NSE（9/9 cases）, ACT（7/9 cases）, CK20（2/9 cases）, CgA（1/9 cases）, S-100（3/gcases）, PR（4/gcases）, Syn（3/9 cases） and CD56（5/9cases）, negative in CEA and ER. Conclusion：SPTP is a tumor predominantly occurring in young women frequently without special symptoms. This tumor has various characteristical histological patterns with different immunophenotype.     

Dynamic Changes in Serum Estradiol and Progesterone levels in Patients of Premenstrual Syndrome with Adverse Flow of Liver-qi

Objective:To probe into the influence of changes of ovarian hormones on the pathogenesis of the specific sub-type premenstrual syndrome(PMS)and reveal partial microcosmic mechanisms of adverse flow of liver-qi.Methods:Estradiol(E2)and progesterone(P)levels in serum were determined at different phases of menstrual cycle by radioimmunoassay.Results:In the group of PMS with adverse flow of liver-qi.the secretive peak value Of E2 and P at the follicular phase significantly decreased,and the secretive peak value at the luteal phase did not come into being.Conclusions:Low E2 and P secretive peak at the follicular phase and absence of secretive peak at the luteal phase is one of the microcosmic mechanisms of PMS with adverse flow of liver-qi.One of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of specific sub-type PMS is probably the continuous low level of E2and P.     

Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography in Assessment of Left Ventricular and Right Ventricular Volumes

Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE)is a new ultrasound technique that enables dynamic threedimensional visualization and quantification of the heart in real time. Investigation of feasibility and methodology of RT3DE in determining left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes, RT3DE was performed in 35 normal adults using Philips SONOS 7500 system with a 2-4 MHz matrix array transducer. The 60°×60° "pyramid" volume database was obtained and analyzed on a TomTec echo workstation. Both LV and RV volumes were calculated with four 3DE methods (i.e. apical 2, 4, 8, and 16-plane) through manually tracing ventricular endocardial borders in end diastole and end systole. Stroke volumes were then calculated. LV volume was also measured by 2DE Simpson's rule using GE VIVID 7 ultrasound machine.     

SCREENING FOR A 21-CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITY IN PREIMPLANTED EMBRYOS OF ELDERLY WOMEN

Increasing maternal age is the only etiological factor unequivocally linked to Down's syndrome in humans. The occurrence rate of newborns with Down's syndrome is about 1/220 in women over 35 years old. However, the occurrence rate in embryos fertilized in vitro, of the elder woman is unclear. Using FISH we screened the number of chromosome 21 in preimplanted embryos of 5 elderly women (average age, 38.4 years) to study the feasibility and necessity of screening trisomy 21 in embryos in patients over 35 years old at the in vitro fertilization (IVF) center.