青年L5峡部应力骨折患者上关节突间距的解剖学特点

目的 探讨青年L₅峡部应力骨折患者L₅双侧上关节突间距的解剖学特点。方法 回顾性分析2018年3月—2019年9月解放军总医院第七医学中心收治的21例青年男性L₅峡部应力性骨折患者的影像学资料（应力骨折组），并与24例健康青年男性志愿者影像学资料进行对比（对照组）。所有入组对象均拍摄腰椎CT及三维重建，并在CT上测量L₅双侧上关节突顶点间距（a）和S₁上关节突顶点间距（b），计算两者比值c（c=a/b），统计分析2组c值差异。结果 应力骨折组患者c值高于对照组，2组比较差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论 青年男性L₅峡部应力骨折患者其L₅上关节突间距增宽，S₁上关节突间距相对较小，该解剖特点可能与峡部应力骨折的发生相关。     

L4退行性滑脱的骨性参数特征

目的 比较L₄退行性滑脱和L₄/L₅椎间盘突出症患者骨性参数的差异,分析L₄退行性滑脱发生的危险因素。方法 回顾性分析21例L₄退行性滑脱（A组）及18例L₄/L₅椎间盘突出症患者（B组）的病例资料。通过测量腰椎矢状位X线片、45°双斜位X线片及CT获得骨性参数,矢状位X线片参数包括Taillard指数、腰椎指数（LI）、矢状面旋转度（SR）、骶骨水平角（SS）、腰椎前凸角（LL）、腰椎双凹指数（DCI）、L₄/L₅椎间盘角（IDA）、L₄/L₅椎间盘指数（DI）、腰椎重力线指数（LGLI）;45°双斜位X线片参数包括L₄椎体高度（h）、L₄小关节倾斜角（α）、L₃下关节突至L₄峡部距离（d）、L₅上关节突至L₄峡部距离（e）、L₄峡部宽度（k）;CT参数为L₄小关节角（θ）;比较2组各参数的差异,并分析各参数间的相关性。基于MRI图像,应用Pfirrmann椎间盘退行性变分级系统对2组患者L₄/L₅椎间盘进行分级,比较2组椎间盘退行性变分级的差异。结果 A组患者LI、IDA、DI、d、e、θ均明显小于B组,而LGLI、α以及L₄/L₅椎间盘退行性变程度均明显大于B组,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。相关性分析显示Taillard指数与LI、θ呈负相关,与LGLI呈正相关。结论 椎间盘退行性变、α增大、LGLI增大、θ减小、LI减小、IDA减小、DI减小、关节突至峡部距离减小可能是L₄退行性滑脱发生的危险因素。     

钉棒系统固定结合峡部植骨融合治疗青少年腰椎峡部裂远期疗效

目的：探讨腰椎后路椎弓根钉固定结合峡部植骨融合治疗青年腰椎峡部裂远期疗效。

方法：回顾性分析自2006年1月至2014年7月收治16例采用腰椎后路椎弓根钉固定结合峡部植骨融合术治疗的单纯腰椎峡部裂不伴有腰椎滑脱的青年患者,其中男11例,女5例;年龄18~21岁,平均19.3岁;病程12~26个月,平均22个月。所有患者存在活动后腰部疼痛,严重者下床活动困难,术前CT证实L₅峡部裂12例,L₄峡部裂4例,并在术后影像学证实植骨融合后取出内固定。采用腰痛视觉模拟评分法对术前、术后各时间点进行评分,采用腰椎CT检查评估腰椎峡部融合情况,采用腰椎MRI检查评估固定节段及邻近节段腰椎间盘退变情况。

结果：本组16例患者,13例26侧获得完整随访,平均96个月;手术时间80~105 min,平均95 min;术中出血量150~300 ml,平均225 ml。所有患者手术顺利完成,无手术相关并发症发生;患者术后各时间点VAS评分较术前改善（P<0.01）。术后腰椎CT检查均获骨性融合,融合时间6~14个月,平均12个月;腰椎MRI检查无邻近节段退变及固定节段间盘变性、突出等改变,术后远期无症状复发及再发峡部裂。

结论：采用腰椎后路椎弓根钉固定结合峡部植骨融合治疗青年腰椎峡部裂,该术式安全、有效,融合率高,减少对正常生理活动范围的干扰,长期疗效满意。     

退行性腰椎后滑脱的节段分布及与腰骶部矢状位平衡参数的关系

目的 探索腰椎后滑脱节段分布及与腰骶部矢状位平衡参数的相关性,揭示腰椎后滑脱发生机制。方法 选取2016年9月—2019年6月海军军医大学附属长征医院收治的腰椎后滑脱患者47例,调查其腰椎后滑脱节段分布规律,并将其分为上腰椎后滑脱组（L_1~3,34例）与下腰椎后滑脱组（L_4~5,13例）;选取同期入院的近似健康的患者29例作为对照组。比较3组患者腰椎前凸角（LL）、骶骨倾斜角（SS）、骨盆倾斜角（PT）、骨盆入射角（PI）的差异。结果 47例患者共56个节段后滑脱,其中L₁ 5例、L₂ 13例、L₃ 25例、L₄ 11例、L₅ 2例。与对照组相比,上腰椎后滑脱组LL、SS增大,PT减小,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）,PI差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;下腰椎后滑脱组LL、SS减小,PT增大,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）,PI差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 腰椎后滑脱好发于L₃,其次为L₂、L₄。腰椎后滑脱与腰骶部矢状位失衡密切相关。当上腰椎后滑脱时,LL、SS增大,而PT减小;当下腰椎后滑脱时,LL、SS减小,甚至变为后凸,而PT增大。     

绝经后女性骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折腰椎椎旁肌肉的质与量：基于MRI的病例对照研究

目的 基于MRI探讨绝经后女性腰椎椎旁肌肉的质量与骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折（osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures，OVCF）的关系。方法 收集我院2014年8月至2018年10月收治的绝经后女性单节段OVCF病例，按1∶1年龄配对选择同时期收治的腰椎退变病例，分别纳入观察组和对照组。最终两组各纳入48例。基于两组病人的腰椎MRI，测量L_3/4、L_4/5椎间盘水平横断面的椎间盘面积和椎旁肌（竖脊肌、多裂肌、腰大肌）面积，计算腰肌性和脂肪退变比率，并比较两组间上述指标的差异。结果 观察组病人L_3/4、L_4/5椎间盘水平的腰肌性分别为241.6%±85.4%、269.8%±78.3%，明显低于对照组的275.6%±92.7%、314.8%±85.3%；脂肪退变比率分别为13.6%±5.4%、15.9%±6.5%，明显高于对照组的9.7%±2.5%、9.4%±2.6%；组间比较，差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）。结论 绝经后女性OVCF病人的肌肉净含量减少，肌肉的脂肪浸润程度增加，需要进一步研究证实椎旁肌质量与OVCF的关系以及改善肌肉质量对OVCF发生率的影响。     

腰椎退行性疾病手术病人术前邻近节段椎间盘的退变情况及分布规律

目的 观察腰椎退行性疾病手术病人术前邻近节段椎间盘的退变情况及分布规律。方法 回顾性分析济南军区总医院2012年1月至2016年2月收治的503例行手术治疗腰椎退行性疾病病人的术前临床资料,其中男240例（47.71%）,女263例（52.29%）;年龄为20~84岁,平均48.8岁。腰椎间盘突出症352例,退变性腰椎滑脱症91例,退变性腰椎管狭窄症60例。通过术前X线片评估腰椎稳定性;基于术前MRI,采用Pfirrmann分级标准评价腰椎间盘退变程度,记录Modic改变、高信号区域及许莫氏结节的发生情况。结果 503例中仅5例为单节段退变,12例为跳跃节段退变,余486例均为多节段退变。共1 863个（1 863/2 515,74.08%）腰椎间盘发生退变,5个节段椎间盘（L_1~2、L_2~3、L_3~4、L_4~5、L₅~S₁）均退变的病人比例为39.56%（199例）。不稳定节段数为127个,Modic改变为188个,高信号区域为241个,许莫氏结节节段数为161个。30岁以下男性病人腰椎间盘退变率较女性高;随着年龄增长,女性病人椎间盘退变率增加,退变程度加重。腰椎不稳、Modic改变、高信号区和许莫氏结节均与椎间盘退变存在明显相关性（P均＜0.05）。某一腰椎节段（L_3~4、L_4~5、L₅~S₁）椎间盘发生Pfirrmann Ⅳ、Ⅴ级退变时,邻近节段椎间盘退变（Pfirrmann Ⅲ+Ⅳ+Ⅴ级）比例均超过了80%,且严重退变（Pfirrmann Ⅳ+Ⅴ级）比例也较高,超过60%。结论 术前邻近节段椎间盘退变广泛存在,在临床工作中要予以重视。     

腰椎椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度的比值与椎间盘退行性变Pfirrmann分级的相关性

目的 探讨腰椎椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度的比值与椎间盘退行性变程度之间的关系,为腰椎椎间盘退行性疾病的诊断和治疗提供客观准确的依据。方法 回顾性分析2019年1月—2019年6月来本院就诊的61例腰椎椎间盘退行性变患者临床资料。在腰椎侧位X线片上测量腰椎椎间隙及相应上位椎体的高度,并计算椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度的比值;在腰椎矢状位MRI上评估腰椎椎间盘退行性变Pfirrmann分级;比较不同Pfirrmann分级椎间盘的椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度比值的差异,并采用Spearman相关分析研究椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度比值与相应节段椎间盘Pfirrmann分级之间的相关性。结果 除L₁/L₂节段,其余各节段椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度比值均随着Pfirrmann分级增加而逐渐减小,差异均有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。相同Pfirrmann分级的不同节段椎间盘之间椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度比值差异无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。Spearman相关分析结果显示,L₂/L₃、L₃/L₄、L₄/L₅、L₅/S₁节段Pfirrmann分级与椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度比值呈负相关（r =-0.568,P < 0.05）。结论 临床上测量L₂/L₃、L₃/L₄、L₄/L₅、L₅/S₁节段椎间隙高度与上位椎体高度比值对腰椎椎间盘退行性疾病的诊断可能具有重要意义。     

退变性腰椎滑脱与峡部裂性腰椎滑脱手术治疗中椎弓根置钉对近端关节突侵扰的对比研究

目的 比较退变性腰椎滑脱与峡部裂性腰椎滑脱手术治疗中椎弓根置钉对近端关节突的侵扰。方法 回顾性分析2017年1月至2020年1月在西安交通大学附属红会医院因腰椎滑脱症行减压融合手术治疗并获得随访的462例,其中退变性腰椎滑脱的235例纳入退变组,峡部裂性腰椎滑脱的227例纳入峡部裂组。比较两组术前及术后1、3、14个月的疼痛视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数（ODI）以及术后椎弓根螺钉对近端关节突的侵扰程度。结果 两组病人术后14个月的VAS评分及ODI比较,差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;但其术前及术后1、3个月的指标比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。退变组椎弓根置钉对近端关节突的侵扰：0级318钉,Ⅰ级124钉,Ⅱ级28钉,峡部裂组椎弓根置钉对近端关节突的侵扰：0级116钉,Ⅰ级244钉,Ⅱ级94钉,组间比较,差异有统计学意义（Z=-9.050,P＜0.001）。结论 两种不同类型的腰椎滑脱均发生了一定数量螺钉侵袭近端关节突关节的病例,但是峡部裂性腰椎滑脱术后螺钉侵扰关节突的概率和程度均明显高于退变性滑脱组病人,明显影响病人预后。     

高低位腰椎椎间盘突出症患者脊柱-骨盆矢状面形态变化

目的 比较高位与低位腰椎椎间盘突出症（LDH）患者脊柱-骨盆矢状面形态学差异，探讨脊柱-骨盆矢状面形态学参数异常与高位LDH发生的关系。方法 纳入2006年1月—2022年1月收治的高位LDH患者53例（高位组），同时期性别、年龄和体质量指数（MBI）匹配的低位LDH患者53例（低位组）及单纯下腰部疼痛的非LDH患者53例（对照组）。在站立位全脊柱侧位X线片上测量3组矢状面平衡（SVA）、胸椎后凸角（TK）、腰椎前凸角（LL）、腰骶前凸角（LSL）、骶骨倾斜角（ST）、骨盆入射角（PI）、骨盆倾斜角（PT）、骶骨倾斜角（SS）等脊柱-骨盆矢状面参数。结果 高位组SVA、TK明显高于对照组，LL、ST、PI、PT及SS明显低于对照组；高位组TK明显高于低位组，LL、ST及PI明显低于低位组；差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。高位组L₁/L₂节段患者的LL、ST较L₂/L₃节段患者有下降趋势，但差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 骨盆水平化导致的胸腰段过度代偿可能是高位LDH发生、发展的机制之一。     

颈椎终板弧形高度与椎间隙后缘骨赘的相关性研究

目的：通过对颈椎病患者上下终板弧形高度、椎间隙高度与椎间隙后骨赘的影像学测量，研究其相关性及其临床应用价值。方法：收集2017年9月至2018年9月颈椎病手术108例患者的临床资料，男48例，年龄30~72岁，平均52岁，女60例，年龄37~79岁，平均54岁。其中C_2，3 6例，C_3，4 15例，C_4，5 32例，C_5，6 42例，C_6，7 13例。术前及术后摄颈椎X线片，利用PACS（Picture Archiving and Communication Systems）调阅影像，测量椎间隙的下上终板弧形高度（L₁，L₂），椎间隙高度（L₃）及后方骨赘的宽度（L₄）。利用Spearman分析它们之间的相关性。结果：L₁与L₄对比（r=-0.34，P<0.05），L₃与L₄对比（r=-0.36，P<0.05），存在负相关。L₁与L₃对比（r=0.38，P<0.05），L₂与L₃对比（r=0.48，P<0.05），存在正相关。L₁与L₂对比（P>0.05），L₂与L₄对比（P>0.05），差异无统计学意义。结论：下终板弧形高度与椎间隙后缘骨赘宽度呈负相关，通过其测量可明确颈椎退变程度，对颈椎病的早期防治有指导意义。     

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.     

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.     

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.