Clinico-tactical classification of compression-flexion injuries of the thoracic and lumbar segments of the spine

In the article is presented classification, which takes into consideration mechanisms and sequence of spinal segment destruction in case of compression-flexion violence. On the basis of experimental and clinical data are shown the stages of destruction and their roentgenologic diagnosis, prognostication of some other damages, which are not detected by common methods. Differentiated curative tactics, taking account of necessary restorative measures in correspondence with stages and resolution types, is given.     

The effect of indomethacin and metamizole on ureteral motility and urine flow in sheep

Summary The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, indomethacin and metamizole, on ureteral peristalsis during acute occlusion similar to the situation in renal colic. In 12 pentobarbital anesthetized sheep, both ureters were cannulated and the frequency of ureteral contractions, urine flow, mean ureteral pressure and blood pressure were recorded during 10-min control and i.v. drug administration periods. Both indomethacin (1–2 mg/kg) and metamizole (60–120 mg/kg) showed a dose dependent reduction in peristaltic frequency without reduction of the mean pressure. In addition, the pressure amplitude of the peristaltic waves was also lowered, particularly with indomethacin. Only indomethacin reduced the urine flow. Arterial blood pressure was elevated by both drugs, particularly after the first dose of indomethacin. It can be concluded that indomethacin and metamizole reduce ureteral peristaltic frequency, probably blocking the impulse transmission at the ureteropelvic junction.For the partial fulfillment of a Master's degree in Pharmacology     

Hepatectomy in repeated operations on patients with parasitic diseases of the liver]

The results of resection of the liver in repeated operations on patients with parasitic disease of the liver are discussed. Operations were conducted on 22 patients with alveococcosis and 7 patients with echinococcosis. By means of the method of atypical liver resection radical operations were performed on 20 patients (69%) and palliative resections of the liver in 9 patients (31%). The palliative resections were combined with cryodestruction of the remaining parasitic tissue, which improved the therapeutic effect significantly and prolonged the patients' survival. The volume of the resection ranged from a segment to one half of the liver. The fatality rate was 6.8%.     

Changes in the levels of neuropeptide Y-LI in the external jugular vein in connection with vasoconstriction following subarachnoid haemorrhage in man

Summary NPY is a putative neurotransmitter mainly co-localized with noradrenaline in sympathetic fibers which innervate the cerebral vasculature. The origin of most of the perivascular NPY fibers seems to be in the superior cervical ganglion. To investigate involvement of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) mechanisms in subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), twenty patients with SAH were investigated. NPY-LI (-like immunoreactivity) levels in the external jugular vein were assessed using radioimmunoassay in blood samples collected postoperatively (or after SAH in non-surgical patients) on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9. These levels were compared with the clinical course and blood flow velocity changes monitored with ultrasonic Doppler equipment from both middle cerebral arteries (MCA) and both internal carotid arteries (ICA).Compared to NPY-LI levels in 14 controls (mean 116±3 pmol/ l), increased levels (up to 253 pmol/l) and a close relationship between velocities and NPY-LI levels were found in a subpopulation of the SAH patients. When comparing the mean haemodynamic index (V MCA/ipsilateral V ICA) and mean NPY-LI levels in each of the 20 patients, a correlation of r=0.75, p=0.0001 was found. Increased NPY-LI were found (131±8 pmol/l) when simultaneous Doppler velocity recordings showed vasoconstriction (Haemodynamic index >5) compared with samples taken when the haemodynamic index was <5, p<0.05. When MCA velocity exceeded 120 cm/sec, increased levels were found (129±9 pmol/l) compared with the conditions when MCA velocity was less than 120 cm/sec (113±5 pmol/ l), p=0.06. The results indicate a possible NPY involvement in cerebral vasoconstriction after SAH.     

Blood cell trauma and postoperative bleeding: comparison of bubble and membrane oxygenators and observations on coronary suction

Blood cell trauma and postoperative bleeding were studied in 96 patients following coronary artery bypass grafting, with bubble oxygenator used in 47 cases and membrane oxygenator in 49. The haemocompatibility of membrane oxygenators was superior to that of the bubble type, as reflected by less haemolysis, better preservation of platelet function, less release of betathromboglobulin and less degranulation of neutrophil granulocytes. Coronary suction contributed to haemolysis, but did not affect platelet or granulocyte function. Fibrinolysis, postoperative blood loss and need for blood transfusion did not differ between the bubble and membrane oxygenator groups.     

A case of constrictive pericarditis due to traumatic pericardial hematoma

Although the cause varies widely, we recently experienced a case of constrictive pericarditis of which cause seemed to be traumatic as described below. The patient was a 62-year-old man having a history of epigastric trauma about 20 years ago. Since then, palpitation appeared and he was recently hospitalized in our department for the purpose of receiving an operation under the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis. At operation, a hematoma was found in the pericardial region, which was considered to have been caused by trauma in the past. Less reports have so far been available concerning trauma-induced constrictive pericarditis and this case thus seemed to be of rarity as well.