一贯煎治疗干燥综合征临床疗效及安全性的系统评价

目的:系统评价一贯煎治疗干燥综合征临床疗效及安全性。方法:计算机检索PubMed、The Cochrane Library、EMbase、中国知网、维普和万方等数据库,检索时间截至2019年4月30日,收集一贯煎治疗干燥综合征的随机对照试验。由2位研究人员单独筛选文献、提取资料,分析纳入文献的偏倚风险后,采用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果:共纳入6个研究,均为中文文献。Meta分析显示,一贯煎治疗组临床疗效明显优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(OR=4.11,95%CI=[2.30,7.34],P<0.00001)。共有2个研究提及不良反应,且治疗组不良反应例数少于对照组。结论:一贯煎治疗干燥综合征临床有效,且不易引起不良反应。因本研究纳入文献量少,西药种类繁多,受纳入文献方法学质量及干预措施不同等条件的局限,上述结论需要进一步实施更多高质量、样本量大的随机对照试验验证。     

普萘洛尔与糖皮质激素比较治疗婴幼儿血管瘤临床疗效的Meta分析

目的：探讨普萘洛尔与糖皮质激素比较治疗婴幼儿血管瘤的临床疗效.方法：计算机检索Cochrane图书馆、Medline数据库、Wiley数据库、CNKI数据库及万方数据库,以“普萘洛尔”、“糖皮质激素”、“婴幼儿血管瘤”为关键词,检索各自数据库自2008年至201 3年7月期间所有普萘洛尔与糖皮质激素比较治疗婴幼儿血管瘤的随机对照试验,评价纳入研究的方法学质量并进行资料提取后,采用RevMan5.2软件进行Meta分析.结果：共纳入10个随机对照试验（RCT）,试验组口服普萘洛尔31 0例,对照组口服糖皮质激素247例,一共包括557例血管瘤患儿.Meta分析结果显示：试验组和对照组治疗有效率差异有统计学意义[0R=4.85,95％CI（3.245,7.26）,P＜0.00001],试验组优于对照组;试验组和对照组的不良反应发生率差异有统计学意义[0R=0.08,95％CI（0.05,0.14）,P＜0.00001],试验组低于对照组.结论：本研究结果证明普萘洛尔与糖皮质激素治疗婴幼儿血管瘤相比较,普萘洛尔能明显提高有效率和降低不良反应发生率.     

前列腺素E1治疗急性胰腺炎的系统评价

目的 评价前列腺素E1治疗急性胰腺炎的临床疗效和安全性.方法 通过计算机检索全面收集(1966年1月至2008年10月)全世界关于前列腺素E1治疗急性胰腺炎的随机对照试验或半随机对照试验,并辅手工检索和其他检索.按照纳入排除标准纳入文献,由2名研究者独立筛选并提取资料,采用Handbook 4.2.6推荐的质量评价标准评价纳入研究的质量,采用Rev Man 4.2.10软件进行统计学处理.结果 最终纳入5项研究310例病人.Meta分析结果 显示前列腺素E1+常规治疗组与常规治疗组比较,在腹痛缓解时间、腹痛完全消失时间、血清淀粉酶恢复正常时间、治愈时间方面差异有统计学意义.结论 当前研究显示,前列腺素E1+常规治疗能显著缩短急性胰腺炎病人的腹痛缓解时间、腹痛完全消失时间、血清淀粉酶恢复正常时间和治愈时间.     

金龙胶囊联合经导管肝动脉化疗栓塞术治疗原发性肝癌的疗效和安全性的Meta分析

目的系统评价金龙胶囊联合肝动脉化疗栓塞术(TACE)治疗原发性肝癌临床疗效和安全性。方法检索Cochrane Library、Embase、PubMed、OVID、Scopus、中国生物医学文献数据库(CBM)、中国知网(CNKI)、维普数据库和万方数据库,文献检索限定时间均从建库至2021年2月,纳入报道金龙胶囊联合TACE治疗原发性肝癌的随机对照试验,由两人独立筛选文献,提取数据及进行文献质量评价。运用RevMan 5.3软件对提取数据进行Meta分析。结果共纳入19项随机对照试验(共1740例患者),Meta分析结果显示:相比对照组,联合治疗组的客观缓解率更高[OR=2.23,95%CI(1.78,2.80),P <0.001],KPS评分[OR=2.59,95%CI(1.86,3.60),P <0.001],1年生存率[OR=1.77,95%CI(1.14,2.76),P=0.01]、2年生存率[OR=1.76,95%CI(1.12,2.75),P=0.01]优于对照组。此外,金龙胶囊还可提高机体免疫功能,减少不良反应的发生。结论金龙胶囊联合TACE可以提高原发性肝癌的疗效,提高患者的生活质量,减少不良反应的发生。但由于纳入的研究数量有限,金龙胶囊是否能改善肝癌患者长期生存率有待进一步研究,本研究结论尚需更多设计良好、严格执行的大样本随机对照双盲试验加以证实。     

大柴胡汤加减联合内镜对肝胆湿热型急性胆源性胰腺炎临床疗效的Meta分析

目的：采用Meta分析方法评价大柴胡汤加减联合十二指肠内镜治疗肝胆湿热型急性胆源性胰腺炎的有效性。方法：计算机检索Pubmed、Web of Science、Cochrane Library、CNKI、VIP、万方及CBM等数据库,检索时限为建库至2022年6月,2名评价者独立筛选文献、提取资料和评价纳入研究偏倚后,采用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析。结果：最终纳入5项随机对照试验研究,总病例数463例。分析结果显示,大柴胡汤加减联合内镜治疗肝胆湿热型急性胆源性胰腺炎在提高总有效率[OR=3.75,95%CI(2.13, 6.62),P <0.001],缩短血淀粉酶恢复正常时间、尿淀粉酶恢复正常时间、腹胀缓解时间、腹痛缓解时间、首次排便时间,降低APACHE-Ⅱ评分方面均优于对照组,差异有统计学意义。结论：大柴胡汤加减联合十二指肠内镜治疗肝胆湿热型急性胆源性胰腺炎在提高总有效率、迅速缓解症状、缩短各项指标恢复时间方面有一定疗效,但纳入文献质量偏低,需高质量随机对照试验进一步验证。     

低强度激光治疗轻中度腕管综合征有效性的Meta分析

目的应用Meta分析方法定量评价低强度激光治疗轻中度腕管综合征的有效性。方法计算机检索Pub Med、Embase、The Cochrane Library、Web of Science、中国期刊全文数据库、万方数据库和维普数据库,筛选与低强度激光治疗轻中度腕管综合征相关的随机对照研究,检索时限均为建库起至2014年1月。由两位评价员按照预先制定的纳入排除标准独立筛选文献,提取数据和评价纳入文献质量。用Rev Man 5.2软件对符合质量标准的随机对照研究进行Meta分析。结果最终纳入9个随机对照研究,共518例患者。Meta分析结果显示:低强度激光组治疗后0周(治疗刚结束时)在缓解疼痛,改善手握力、指捏力和临床症状方面疗效优于对照组,而在改善手功能状态方面两组疗效差异无统计学意义(P0.05);指捏力在治疗后2周恢复好于对照组;随访12周后在缓解疼痛方面疗效优于对照组,而在改善手握力、临床症状和手功能状态方面两组疗效差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论根据目前研究结果,低强度激光治疗轻中度腕管综合征可以缓解疼痛、改善手无力和临床症状,但在改善手功能状态方面疗效不明显。受纳入研究数量和质量的限制,该研究结论仍需高质量大样本随机对照试验进一步证实。     

富血小板血浆治疗膝骨关节炎疗效及安全性的系统评价

目的评价富血小板血浆（PRP）治疗膝骨关节炎（OA）疗效。方法计算机检索MEDLINE、EMBASE、Cochrane图书馆临床对照试验注册中心、中国生物医学文献数据库、中国期刊全文数据库、数字化期刊全文数据库,并手工检索相关领域其他杂志,全面检索PRP治疗膝OA的临床随机对照试验、前瞻性对照研究、准试验研究。检索不受语种限制,时间截止至2014年7月。以膝OA患者为研究对象,比较PRP与透明质酸（HA）或生理盐水治疗膝OA的疗效,评价纳入研究的质量,并用Rev Man5.1软件进行Meta分析,并采用JADAD和Newcastle-Ottawa量表评价证据质量。结果纳入6项随机对照研究,5项准试验研究,7项单组前瞻性研究。治疗后WOMAC评分较对照组提高19.28,治疗后WOMAC评分较治疗前基线提高23.50,PRP治疗后1月WOMAC评分提高最为显著,以后随随访时间延长评分逐渐下降,但仍高于治疗前基线水平。治疗后IKDC评分较对照组降低8.28,治疗后IKDC评分较治疗前基线降低15.77。治疗后视觉模拟评分（VAS）较治疗前基线下降2.81。PRP治疗不良反应主要为注射后轻微的膝关节疼痛,其次为肿胀。证据总体质量评级为低质量,推荐强度为弱推荐。结论 PRP能显著改善膝OA患者膝关节功能,减轻疼痛,效果较HA更好、更持久,且安全性好。     

雷公藤多苷治疗肾病综合征荟萃分析

目的评价在糖皮质激素基础上使用雷公藤多苷或环磷酰胺治疗肾病综合征的有效性和安全性。方法检索电子资料库包括Cochrane图书馆、PUBMED、科学引文索引（SCI）、中国知网（CNKI）、维普、万方数据库,收集比较雷公藤多苷与环磷酰胺治疗肾病综合征的随机对照试验,对纳入研究的方法学质量进行评价。选择临床总有效率及完全缓解率作为疗效指标,治疗期发生胃肠道反应、肝功能受损、白细胞减少等不良反应的患者比例作为安全性评价指标,提取数据并采用Co—ehrane协作网推荐的RevMan4．2．10软件进行统计分析。结果共检索到符合纳入标准的随机对照试验7篇（共379例肾病综合征患者）。对疗效指标的荟萃（Meta）分析结果显示,雷公藤多苷治疗。肾病综合征的总有效率优于环磷酰胺,而两者治疗肾病综合征的完全缓解率无统计学差异,两者治疗难治性肾病综合的临床疗效无统计学差异。安全性评价各项指标的Meta分析提示,雷公藤多苷优于环磷酰胺。结论雷公藤多苷在（难治性）肾病综合征患者的疗效与目前常规的环磷酰胺大致相当,但在药物安全性方面优于后者。     

六味地黄丸对糖皮质激素联合免疫抑制剂治疗系统性红斑狼疮减毒增效作用的Meta分析

目的:评价六味地黄丸对糖皮质激素联合免疫抑制剂治疗系统性红斑狼疮的减毒增效作用。方法:计算机检索中国生物医学文献数据库(CBM)、中国知网(CNKI)、维普网(VIP)、万方数据库、Pub Med、Embase,检索时间为从数据库建库到2014年12月,搜集六味地黄丸联合糖皮质激素、免疫抑制剂与糖皮质激素、免疫抑制剂治疗系统性红斑狼疮的随机对照试验,采用Cochrance系统评价方法评价纳入文献的质量,使用Revman 5.2统计软件对纳入的文献进行Meta分析。结果:共纳入4个随机对照试验,涉及251例患者,Meta分析结果显示,六味地黄丸联合激素及免疫抑制剂治疗SLE的总有效率与糖皮质激素、免疫抑制剂组相当,合并的OR值为2.07,95%CI=[0.96,4.44];六味地黄丸联合激素及免疫抑制剂治疗系统性红斑狼疮总的不良反应发生率少于对照组,合并的OR值为0.13,95%CI=[0.07,0.24]。结论:六味地黄丸联合激素及免疫抑制剂治疗系统性红斑狼疮的疗效与激素及免疫抑制剂组相当,不良反应少于后者。     

曲安奈德与5-氟尿嘧啶联合应用在瘢痕疙瘩临床疗效的Meta分析

目的:探讨曲安奈德与5-氟尿嘧啶联合应用在治疗瘢痕疙瘩的临床疗效。方法:计算机检索Cochrane图书馆、Medline数据库、Wiley数据库、CNKI数据库及万方数据库,以"曲安奈德"、"5-氟尿嘧啶"、"瘢痕疙瘩"为关键词,检索各自数据库自建库至2013年4月期间所有有关曲安奈德单独应用与5-氟尿嘧啶联合应用治疗瘢痕疙瘩的前瞻性随机对照试验,评价纳入研究的方法学质量并进行资料提取后,采用RevMan5.2软件进行Meta分析。结果:共纳入10个前瞻性随机对照试验,试验组曲安奈德与5-氟尿嘧啶联合应用517例,对照组曲安奈德单独应用508例,一共包括1025例瘢痕疙瘩患者。Meta分析结果显示:试验组和对照组治疗有效率差异有统计学意义(P<0.00001),试验组优于对照组;试验组和对照组痊愈率差异有统计学意义(P<0.00001),试验组优于对照组;试验组和对照组复发率差异有统计学意义(P=0.0005),试验组低于对照组;试验组和对照组的不良反应发生率差异有统计学意义(P=0.0002),试验组低于对照组。结论:本实验结果证明曲安奈德与5-氟尿嘧啶联合应用治疗瘢痕疙瘩不仅疗效更显著而且能减少复发及糖皮质激素的不良反应。     

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.