封闭负压引流结合穿支蒂皮神经营养血管皮瓣治疗足踝部创面

目的探讨封闭负压引流技术结合3种小腿穿支蒂皮神经营养血管皮瓣治疗足踝部皮肤软组织缺损的临床效果。方法回顾性分析自2010-08—2013-06诊治的38例足踝部皮肤软组织缺损,创面彻底清创并应用封闭负压引流5~7 d后根据创面情况选择皮瓣修复,17例应用腓动脉穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复,8例应用外踝上穿支蒂腓浅神经营养血管皮瓣修复,13例应用胫后动脉穿支蒂隐神经营养血管皮瓣修复。结果术后皮瓣全部成活。随访5~12个月,无感染、骨坏死和慢性骨髓炎等并发症发生;皮瓣质地柔软,有弹性,供区愈合良好,足踝外形与功能恢复满意。结论应用封闭负压引流技术处理足踝部皮肤软组织缺损创面后,合理个体化选择小腿穿支蒂皮神经营养血管皮瓣修复,可减少感染机会及肉芽瘢痕,利于功能恢复。     

腓动脉穿支腓肠神经营养血管远端蒂皮瓣修复足踝部软组织缺损

目的探讨腓动脉穿支腓肠神经营养血管远端蒂皮瓣修复足踝部大面积软组织缺损的临床疗效。方法采用腓动脉穿支腓肠神经营养血管远端蒂皮瓣治疗16例足踝部大面积软组织缺损患者,缺损范围17 cm×7 cm^20 cm×13 cm。切取皮瓣面积为18 cm×8 cm^21 cm×14 cm。结果术后14例皮瓣完全成活;2例皮瓣远端边缘坏死,经清创换药后愈合。患者均获得随访,时间3~12个月。皮瓣色泽、质地、血运良好,无破溃。结论腓动脉穿支腓肠神经营养血管远端蒂皮瓣不破坏小腿主干血管,同时切取皮瓣面积更大,供血可靠,是修复足踝软组织缺损的较好方法。     

不同平面的腓动脉穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣的应用

目的 探讨外踝尖后上4～7 cm和9～ 11 cm两种不同平面的腓动脉穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复下肢软组织缺损的效果. 方法 2005年7月至2010年12月,对15例下肢软组织缺损的患者,根据缺损部位应用两种不同平面的腓动脉穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣进行修复,外踝尖后上4.0～7.0 cm处腓动脉穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复足、踝部软组织缺损8例,切取皮瓣面积:4.5 cm×3.0 cm ～ 25.0 cm×10.0 cm,穿支血管蒂长:1.1 ～2.8 cm,血管外径:0.9～1.4 cm;外踝尖后上9.0～11.0 cm处腓动脉穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复小腿下段软组织缺损7例,切取皮瓣面积:3.8 cm×3.0 cm～ 15.0 cm ×9.5 cm,穿支血管蒂长:1.3 ～3.2 cm,血管外径:1.0 ～ 1.6 mm. 结果 15例皮瓣术后均未发生血管危象及切口感染,皮瓣均顺利成活,切口均一期愈合.13例患者获得6～ 24个月的随访,皮瓣及蒂部色泽、质地良好,厚薄适中,无烫伤及溃疡发生,皮瓣外形及功能恢复满意. 结论 外踝尖后上4.0 ～7.0 cm和9.0 ～11.0 cm两种不同平面腓动脉穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣是修复小腿下段、足踝部软组织缺损的理想选择.     

以远端穿支血管为蒂的皮神经营养血管逆行皮瓣修复小腿和足踝部软组织缺损

目的 探讨以远端穿支血管为蒂的皮神经营养血管逆行皮瓣修复小腿和足踝部软组织缺损的皮瓣选择,技术要点和临床疗效.方法 采用以腓动脉穿支为远端蒂的腓肠神经营养血管逆行皮瓣修复小腿下端、足跟负重部与足踝前侧或外侧创面16例,以胫后动脉穿支为远端蒂的隐神经营养血管逆行皮瓣修复足跟内侧创面6例,以胫前动脉穿支为远端蒂的腓浅神经营养血管逆行皮瓣修复足踝前侧或内侧创面3例.创面面积3.0 cm×3.5 cm～8.5cm×9.0cm.结果 所有皮瓣均存活,2例远端静脉回流障碍,经换药后痊愈.1例皮瓣远端伤口裂开,重新缝合后痊愈.25例获随访8个月至5年,发现皮瓣外形满意,具有保护性感觉,无磨损破溃,患者穿鞋行走正常.结论 以腓动脉、胫前动脉或胫后动脉穿支为远端蒂的神经营养血管皮瓣血供可靠,方法简单,不牺牲主干血管,是修复小腿和足踝部软组织缺损的良好方法.避免皮瓣张力是保证皮瓣成活的关键.     

腓动脉穿支供养的远端蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣的临床应用

目的：总结腓动脉穿支供养的远端蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复足踝部软组织缺损的临床效果。方法：自2004年2月至2007年12月对27例各种原因造成的小腿远端及足踝部软组织缺损采用腓动脉穿支供养的远端蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣进行修复。其中男21例,女6例;年龄7个月-64岁,平均31．5岁。缺损部位：外踝部7例,内踝部5例,足背部8例,足跟及足底7例。皮肤软组织缺损面积2．5cm×3．5cm-10cm×24cm,切取皮瓣面积3cm×4cm～12cm×26．5cm。结果：7例术后3—7d皮瓣轻度肿胀,7d后肿胀逐渐消退,所有皮瓣全部成活。术后随访3-12个月,平均5个月,皮瓣不臃肿,外形良好,供区功能无障碍。结论：应用腓动脉穿支供养的远端蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣,具有血供丰富,血管解剖恒定,皮瓣近端可达胭窝区,逆转距离长,修复范围大,操作简单,皮瓣较薄的优点,是修复小腿远段及足踝部软组织缺损的较好方法。     

腓动脉穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣的临床应用

目的探讨应用改进腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复小腿下段及足踝部皮肤软组织缺损的手术方法及临床效果。方法1999年1月~2004年11月,在腓动脉肌间隔支与腓肠神经血供的解剖基础上临床应用22例。其中男14例,女8例。年龄5~54岁。根据缺损部位及大小设计以腓动脉小腿下段穿支为血管蒂及转轴点,沿腓肠神经营养血管轴线切取皮瓣,逆行移位修复小腿下段及足踝部皮肤软组织缺损。应用腓动脉终末穿支蒂皮瓣13例,腓动脉第2穿支蒂皮瓣8例,第3穿支蒂皮瓣1例。切取皮瓣范围13 cm×12 cm~30 cm×20 cm,穿支血管蒂长1.7~3.0 cm,穿支血管蒂发出部位位于外踝上4.5~8.0 cm,血管外径1.0~1.2 mm。结果术后22例皮瓣全部成活,随访6~18个月,皮瓣外形及功能恢复满意。其中4例腓肠神经与受区感觉神经吻合,术后1年感觉恢复好,两点辨别觉为10~13 mm。结论腓动脉穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣手术操作简便,血供可靠,切取面积大,适用于修复小腿下段及足踝部大面积皮肤软组织缺损。     

腓肠神经营养血管肌皮瓣修复足踝软组织缺损

目的 探讨腓动脉穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管肌皮瓣修复足踝软组织缺损及骨髓炎创面的临床疗效。方法采用腓动脉穿支远端蒂腓肠神经营养血管肌皮瓣修复足踝软组织缺损及骨髓炎创面18例。其中,足后跟软组织缺损伴骨感染4例,跟腱部缺损3例,内踝部缺损3例,外踝缺损伴死腔8例,皮肤缺损范围9 cm×4 cm～16 cm×9cm。皮瓣切取面积10 cm×6 cm～18 cm×10 cm,携带的深层腓肠肌肉面积4cm×3 cm～9cm ×6cm。供区直接拉拢缝合7例,游离植皮11例。 结果 术后18例肌皮瓣完全成活,创面Ⅰ期愈合。随访5～14个月,无并发症,皮瓣质地优良,外观满意,行走正常,术后皮瓣感觉恢复欠佳。 结论 腓动脉穿支远端蒂腓肠神经营养血管肌皮瓣,血供可靠,转移方便,是修复足踝部软组织缺损及骨髓炎创面的好方法。     

腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复足踝部皮肤缺损

目的 探讨改进腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复足踝部皮肤软组织缺损的方法及效果.方法　2003年1月至2011年1月,在腓动脉穿支与腓肠神经营养血供的解剖基础上,根据足踝部皮肤缺损大小,设计腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣,逆行移位修复足踝部皮肤软组织缺损13例.切取皮瓣而积9 cm×8.5 cm～ 28 cm×13 cm,穿支血管蒂长1.7～3.3 cm.结果　本组中11例皮瓣全部存活,2例皮瓣远端边缘坏死,经换药治愈.全部患者随访6～12个月,皮瓣外形及功能满意.结论　腓动脉穿支蒂腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣手术操作简便,血供可靠,切取面积大,适用于修复足踝部大面积皮肤软组织缺损.     

腓动脉终末穿支降支蒂逆行腓浅神经营养岛状皮瓣的临床应用

目的 报道改进腓浅神经营养血管远端蒂皮瓣的手术方法和临床应用效果. 方法 利用腓动脉终末穿支的降支在外踝与源自胫前动脉的外踝前动脉及踝周血管网的逆向吻合,将转轴点下移,设计切取逆行腓浅神经营养血管岛状皮瓣转位修复足踝部软组织缺损创面. 结果 临床应用23例,皮瓣面积最大12 cm x 13 cm,最小5 cm×4 cm,逆行穿支血管蒂长5～10 cm.皮瓣完全成活21例,大部分成活2例.随访6～21个月,皮瓣质地优良,外形与功能恢复满意.结论 以腓动脉终末穿支降支为血管蒂的腓浅神经营养血管逆行岛状皮瓣血供可靠,转位更灵活方便,是修复足踝部软组织缺损的较好方法.     

逆行腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复足踝部软组织缺损

目的观察腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣逆行转移修复足踝部及小腿软组织缺损的效果。方法设计带筋膜蒂的腓肠神经营养血管岛状皮瓣,逆行修复足踝部及小腿软组织缺损5例。同时,观察皮瓣的可切取范围、血液供应及静脉回流情况,营养血管在外踝与腓动脉穿通支的位置,以及血管蒂隧道的处理方案。结果足跟软组织缺损2例,外踝缺损1例,小腿内下端1例,跟腱外露1例,皮瓣最大面积16cm×12cm,全部成活。结论腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣血液循环丰富,成活率高,手术简单,是修复足踝部及小腿软组织缺损的理想皮瓣。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

Intrathecal administration of sameridine to patients subjected to arthroscopic knee joint surgery

Background: Sameridine, a new substance with both local anesthetic and opioid effects, was administered intrathecally for the first time to humans, i. e. in patients subjected to arthroscopic knee joint surgery.
Method: A dose-escalating (10, 15, 20 and 25 mg), open study was performed in 33 patients. Only two patients were included in the 25 mg group.
Results: Sameridine provided good quality of surgical anesthesia in all patients except those receiving 10 mg. The maximum level of sensory block, Th5–Th7, was reached within 30 min with a median duration of 3.6–3.9 h. The motor block was more profound with increasing dose, but never lasted longer than the sensory block. The influence on heart rate and blood pressure was minor and atropine and ephedrine were needed in four patients. No clinically significant ECG-changes were detected and no arrhythmias were recorded. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate did not decrease in a clinically significant way and were not affected by concomitant morphine given i. v. postoperatively. There were few side-effects, the most frequent being mild pruritus (10/33).
Conclusion: Sameridine provided clinically adequate anesthesia for the patients receiving the doses of 15, 20 and 25 mg. Further studies are needed to evaluate the substance and it is of great interest to clinically investigate the opioid component with respect to postoperative analgesia.     

Reduction of Plasma Fibrinogen, Immunoglobulin G, and Immunoglobulin M Concentrations by Immunoadsorption Therapy with Tryptophan and Phenylalanine Adsorbents

Abstract Immunoadsorption (1A) therapy with tryptophan (TR-350) or phenylalanine (PH-350) adsorbents has been used to reduce the concentration of serum antibodies in human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-immunized patients. Other forms of plasma purification have been reported to reduce the level of fibrinogen, which affects the blood properties. In this study we investigated the effects of IA therapy using both adsorbents on plasma fibrinogen and immunoglobulins G and M in 13 patients (8 patients were treated with TR-350, and 5 patients were treated with PH-350). During each session 1 plasma volume (2.8 ± 0.4 L of plasma) was processed through the immunocolumn and then returned to the patient together with the blood cells. Compared with the pretreatment values, the plasma fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM concentrations were significantly reduced after IA therapy (p < 0.01 for TR-350; p < 0.04 for PH-350). There was a positive correlation between the degree of reduction of plasma proteins and the number of IA treatments given. A nonpara-metric test (Wilcoxon's signed-rank test or the Mann-Whitney test) was used for statistical analysis. We conclude from our study that IA therapy effectively lowers the plasma levels of fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM and thus can be considered a valuable alternative to other blood purification methods.