良性前列腺增生症患者尿动力学特点

目的 :探讨良性前列腺增生 (BPH)患者尿动力学特点。方法 :就 474例 BPH患者的尿动力学资料 ,分析 BPH患者膀胱出口梗阻 (BOO)比例及其与最大尿流率 (Qmax)、排尿后剩余尿量 (PVRV)的关系 ;BOO(+)、BOO(- )和 BOO(± )患者间以及不同梗阻程度患者间的膀胱功能变化特点。结果 :75 .11%的 BPH患者存在BOO;BOO(+)组 Qmax明显低于其余两组 (P <0 .0 1) ,其 PVRV明显高于另两组 ;BOO (+)组的逼尿肌痉挛发生率显著高于其余两组 (P <0 .0 1) ,但不同梗阻程度患者间差异无显著性意义 (P >0 .0 5 ) ;逼尿肌顺应性降低和逼尿肌亢进在 BOO(+)组的发生率高于其余两组 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,且随梗阻程度加重 ,其发生率明显升高 (P <0 .0 0 5 ) ;逼尿肌收缩力减弱在 BOO(- )组的发生率显著高于另两组 (P<0 .0 0 5 )。结论 :Qmax和 PVRV的变化除受到 BOO的影响外 ,可能与逼尿肌功能状况有更直接的关系 ;逼尿肌痉挛、逼尿肌顺应性降低及逼尿肌亢进的发生率与 BOO的存在及其程度有正相关性     

前列腺钬激光剜除术治疗良性前列腺增生近期疗效观察

目的　评估前列腺钬激光剜除术 (HoLEP)治疗良性前列腺增生 (BPH)的近期疗效。方法　将 2 0 0 1年 11月至 2 0 0 2年 10月 14 0例行腔内手术治疗的BPH患者随机分为 2组 ,分别行HoLEP和经尿道前列腺电切术 (TURP)。监测和记录 2组患者围手术期和术后 3个月、6个月复查指标 ,最大尿流率 (Qmax)、最大尿流率时逼尿肌压 (Pdet/Qmax)、国际前列腺症状评分 (IPSS)、生活质量评分 (QOLS)等并进行统计学分析 ,比较两种术式近期临床疗效。　结果　术前患者一般情况和前列腺重量比较差异无统计学意义 (P >0 .0 5 )。HoLEP组 5 5例 (78.6 % ,5 5 / 70 )、TURP组 5 8例 (82 .9% ,5 8/ 70 )获术后 3个月、6个月随访。TURP组术中输血率 6 .9% (4/ 5 8) ,电切综合征 (TURS)发生率 3.4 % (2 / 5 8) ;HoLEP组无一例需术中输血或发生TURS ;两组比较差异有统计学意义 (P <0 .0 1)。术后平均膀胱冲洗时间HoLEP组 (1.31± 0 .4 6 )d ,TURP组 (2 .12± 0 .88)d ,留置尿管时间HoLEP组 (2 .38± 2 .5 7)d ,TURP组 (4.19± 2 .2 7)d ,住院时间HoLEP组 (11.5 8± 4 .38)d ,TURP组 (15 .90± 5 .11)d ,HoLEP组均明显小于TURP组 (P <0 .0 1) ;术后 3个月、6个月 ,两组患者IPSS、QOLS、Qmax、Pdet/Qmax均比术前得到明显改善 (P<0 .0 1     

前列腺增生致膀胱出口梗阻后逼尿肌功能改变对尿动力学参数的影响

目的探讨良性前列腺增生症（BPH）致膀胱出口梗阻（BOO）后逼尿肌功能改变对尿动力学参数的影响。方法109例具有完整尿动力学结果的BPH患者根据有无B00分为梗阻组和非梗阻组;梗阻组根据梗阻级别分Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ、Ⅵ级4组;逼尿肌收缩力分为逼尿肌收缩力减弱（DCA）与收缩力正常组;逼尿肌不稳定（DI）分DI与非DI;膀胱顺应性（BC）分高、正常、低顺应性三组;28例患者行经尿道前列腺切除术（TURP）术前及术后尿动力参数对比。结果BOO组的前列腺体积（PV）、国际前列腺症状评分（IPSS）、DI、急性尿潴留（AUR）发生率明显高于非BOO组（P〈O．05）;BOO组的最大尿流率（Qmax）、BC值、DCA发生率明显低于非BOO组（P〈0．05）;逼尿肌收缩力正常组的残余尿（RV）与BC值明显低于减弱组（P〈0．05）,而BOO和DI的发生率明显高于减弱组（P〈0．01）;DI组的年龄、BC值及DCA的发生率明显低于非DI组（P〈0．05）,而B00级别和AUR的发生率明显高于非DI组（P〈0．01）;低BC组IPSS、BOO级别、AUR发生率明显高于正常及高BC组（P〈0．05）,而DCA发生率明显低于正常及高BC组（P〈0．01）;术后Qmax、BC值较术前明显升高（P〈0．05）,RV、IPSS、DI发生率较术前明显减小（P〈0．01）。结论①BOO常与低顺应性膀胱、DI、AUR合并存在;②IPSS评分不能提示是否存在DI,DI的存在不影响IPSS评分;③TURP是治疗前列腺增生的金标准;④尿动力检查能全面了解有无BOO及BOO所致逼尿肌功能改变情况,对BPH的临床鉴别诊断、预后估计及选择恰当治疗方案都具有重要意义。     

良性前列腺增生患者术前压力-流率测定的局限性

目的评估良性前列腺增生(BPH)患者术前行压力一流率测定的应用价值。方法BPH患者69例,根据尿动力学检查直线被动尿道阻力关系(PURR)图结果分为膀胱出口梗阻(BOO)组50例,无或可疑BOO组19例,术前行剩余尿、尿流率、膀胱有效容量和压力-流率测定,国际前列腺症状评分(IPSS)、生活质量评分(QOL)。术后3个月复查比较尿动力学指标变化。结果无或可疑BOO组和有BOO组平均Qmax分别为12.8 ml/s和7.6 ml/s,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),2组年龄、膀胱最大容量、剩余尿、膀胱有效容量、IPSS和QOL等参数差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后2组平均Qmax分别提高了7.2 ml/s和10.8 ml/s,BOO组Qmax提高幅度与无或可疑BOO组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);2组IPSS和QOL与术前比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),IPSS和QOL的改善幅度2组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。BOO组术前逼尿肌活动过度21例(42%),无或可疑BOO例组逼尿肌活动过度7例(37%)。BOO组和无或可疑BOO组术后3个月IPSS和QOL等参数改善不明显分别有15例(30%)和6例(32%)。结论压力-流率测定有无BOO,对大部分BPH患者仍有预测疗效的作用;但术前膀胱有效容量大小以及逼尿肌活动过度等因素影响了手术疗效。部分伴严重下尿路症状(LUTS)的BPH患者无BOO,手术疗效满意。术前BPH患者压力-流率测定应有选择应用,结果分析个体化。     

改良经尿道前列腺电切术预防术后膀胱颈梗阻疗效观察

目的:探讨改良经尿道前列腺电切术预防术后膀胱颈梗阻(BOO)的可行性和有效性。方法:采用经尿道前列腺切除加膀胱颈环状纤维U形切开治疗BPH患者186例(TURP加U形切开组);同时采用单纯经尿道前列腺切除术治疗BPH患者173例(TURP组)。两组患者年龄、病程、前列腺切除重量均无明显差异。术后随访6～48个月,平均26个月。结果:TURP加U形切开组国际前列腺症状评分(IPSS)由术前(24.6±5.2)分降至术后(5.6±2.9)分,生活质量评分(QLS)由术前4.2分至术后1.8分;TURP组IPSS由术前(24.1±4.2)分降至术后(14.6±2.3)分,QLS由术前4.2分降至术后2.9分。TURP加U形切开组无一例术后出现BOO,TURP组有7例术后出现BOO,均为尿道膜部狭窄所致,经加用膀胱颈环状纤维U形切开后,排尿障碍症状消失。结论:TURP加U形切开可有效地预防TURP术后BOO。     

经尿道手术治疗小体积前列腺增生术式比较

目的:探讨经尿道手术治疗小体积良性前列腺增生(BPH)的手术方式,以提高手术疗效。方法:总结经尿道手术治疗小体积BPH52例的临床资料,12例单纯经尿道前列腺电切(TURP),18例TURP加经尿道膀胱颈切开术(TUIBN),22例TURP加经尿道膀胱颈电切术(TURBN)。以国际前列腺症状评分(IPSS)、最大尿流率(Qmax)、残余尿(PVR)对3组不同手术方式的疗效进行比较分析。结果:单纯TURP组:术后有3例并发膀胱颈孪缩,术后IPSS为(12.2±3.2)分,Qmax为(11.7±2.6)ml/s,PVR为(27.6±13.0)ml。TURP+TUIBN组:术后1例并发膀胱颈挛缩,术后IPSS为(8.6±3.2)分,Qmax为(16.7±3.0)ml/s,PVR为(20.0±8.0)ml。TURP+TURBN组:术后IPSS为(6.2±3.0)分,Qmax为(22.7±3.1)ml/s,PVR为(8.0±4.0)ml。3种术式比较,术前IP-SS、Qmax、PVR各组间差异无显著性(P>0.05),而术后IPSS、Qmax、PVR各组间差异有显著性(P<0.01)。TURP+TUIBN疗效优于单纯TURP,TURP+TURBN疗效最佳。结论:经尿道手术治疗小体积BPH,TURP+TURBN疗效比TURP+TUIBN疗效更确切,应作为首选术式。手术的关键是既要切除增生的腺体,也要彻底切除膀胱颈部的病变组织。     

经尿道电气化术治疗前列腺增生的远期疗效

目的 :评价经尿道电气化术 (TUVP)治疗良性前列腺增生 (BPH)的远期疗效。方法 :BPH患者 80例 ,根据治疗方法分为TUVP组和经尿道前列腺电切术 (TURP)组 ,比较其国际前列腺症状评分 (IPSS)、生活质量评分 (QOL) ,最大尿流率Qmax、膀胱剩余尿量 (PRV)及远期并发症 (尿道狭窄、尿失禁及再次手术 )的发生率等情况。结果 :TUVP与TURP患者的各项指标术前分别为IPSS(2 9.7± 4 .3)和 (2 8.6± 4 .5 )分、QOL(5 .7± 0 .8)和 (5 .3± 0 .7)分、Qmax(8.4± 3.9)和 (8.2± 4 .2 )ml/s、PRV(2 4 3.0± 5 5 .3)和 (2 4 0 .0± 4 7.2 )ml,均P值 >0 .0 5。术后分别为IPSS(8.1± 1.7)和 (10 .7± 2 .6 )分 ,QOL(1.7± 0 .6 )和 (2 .0± 0 .5 )分 ,Qmax(2 1.6± 4 .3)和 (19.1±4 .3)ml/s、PRV(2 8.7± 10 .4 )和 (38.7± 12 .5 )ml,均P值 >0 .0 5。远期并发症的发生率分别为 5 .2 % (TUVP)和7.1% (TURP) ,P值 >0 .0 5。结论 :TUVP与作为金标准的TURP长期疗效是等同的     

TURP加膀胱颈U型切开预防术后膀胱出口梗阻疗效观察

目的探讨经尿道前列腺电切术(TURP)加膀胱颈U型切开预防术后膀胱出口梗阻(BOO)的可行性和有效性.方法自1998年6月～2005年2月,经尿道前列腺切除加膀胱颈部环状纤维U型切开(TURP加U型切开)治疗前列腺增生(BPH)患者110例.单纯经尿道前列腺切除术(TURP)治疗BPH患者121例.两组患者年龄、病程、前列腺切除重量均无明显差异.结果两组病例术后无大出血及其它严重并发症.术后随访8～48个月,TURP加U型切开组的国际前列腺症状评分(IPSS)由术前26.6±5.2降至术后5.6±2.9,生活质量评分(QLS)由术前4.2至术后1.8;TURP组的IPSS由术前26.1±4.2降至术后14.6±2.3,QLS由术前4.2降至术后2.9.TURP加U型切开组无一例术后出现BOO,TURP组6例术后出现BOO,均为膀胱颈部狭窄所致,经加用膀胱颈部环状纤维U型切开后,排尿障碍症状消失.结论TURP加U型切开可有效地预防TURP术后BOO.     

高频能量发生器前列腺电切术治疗良性前列腺增生

目的:探讨高频能量发生器(HFG)前列腺电切术治疗良性前列腺增生(BPH)的临床应用。方法:72例BPH患者根据术式分为2组,36例行HFG前列腺电切术,冲洗液为0.9%生理盐水;36例行经尿道前列腺电切术(TURP),冲洗液为5%葡萄糖溶液。统计每例患者术前术后血红蛋白(Hb),中心静脉压(CVP)的变化及手术时间。术后随访2周、6个月,观察国际前列腺症状评分(IPSS)、最大尿流率(Qmax)和前列腺体积的变化。结果:两组之间CVP、手术时间、术后2周IPSS和Qmax的差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。不同治疗组治疗前后Hb变化、IPSS变化和Qmax变化的差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:HFG前列腺电切术操作简便,其更高的切割效率,使术中基本无出血,采用等渗生理盐水为灌洗液,杜绝了电切综合症(TURS)的发生。HFG前列腺电切术是TURP的改良升级,对于快速解除膀胱出口梗阻、治疗BPH患者安全有效。     

BPH患者组织学前列腺炎与PSA、前列腺体积、PSAD、IPSS、Qmax及PVR的相关性研究

目的:探讨BPH患者组织学前列腺炎与PSA、前列腺体积、PSA密度(PSAD)、IPSS、最大尿流率(Qmax)及残余尿量(PVR)的相关性。方法:手术切除或经尿道前列腺电切术(TURP)治疗的BPH患者673例。按照是否伴有组织学前列腺炎将患者分为两组:A组:BPH伴组织学前列腺炎;B组:BPH不伴有组织学前列腺炎。比较两组患者PSA、前列腺体积、PSAD、IPSS、Qmax及PVR。结果:A组PSA水平为(5.64±2.48)μg/L,前列腺体积(43.66±13.11)ml,PSAD 0.129±0.048,IPSS(24.72±5.39)分,Qmax(6.94±3.23)ml/s,PVR(124.90±49.80)ml;B组PSA水平为(4.97±1.99)μg/L,前列腺体积(40.41±11.44)ml,PSAD 0.123±0.034,IPSS(23.40±6.21)分,Qmax(7.75±3.52)ml/s,PVR(112.73±50.03)ml。A组PSA水平、前列腺体积、IPSS和PVR均明显高于B组(P<0.05);A组Qmax明显低于B组(P<0.05);PSAD两组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:组织学前列腺炎能明显增加患者的PSA水平、前列腺体积、IPSS和PVR,降低患者Qmax。但是组织学前列腺炎与PSAD无关;组织学前列腺炎是影响BPH临床进展的重要因素。     

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.