完全腹腔镜脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术在肝硬化门脉高压症中的应用

目的:探讨完全腹腔镜脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化性门静脉高压症的手术技巧、可行性、安全性及临床价值。方法:分析25例肝硬化门脉高压患者行脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术的临床资料,患者分为两组,腹腔镜组(n=14)接受完全腹腔镜手术;开腹组(n=11)接受传统开腹手术。对比两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、术后疼痛指数、肠功能恢复时间、并发症发生率及术后住院时间等。结果:腹腔镜组12例成功完成手术,2例中转开腹。腹腔镜组与开腹组平均手术时间分别为(200±19)min、(172±20)min(t=3.361,P=0.511);术中平均出血量分别为(183±45)ml与(308±34)ml(t=-2.157,P=0.043);术后平均住院时间分别为(10.2±2.6)d与(12.9±2.0)d(t=2.788,P=0.011);腹腔镜组术后并发症发生率、术后疼痛指数较开腹组低,术后肠功能恢复较开腹组快,两组差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:与传统开腹手术相比,完全腹腔镜脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术创伤小、术中出血少,术后并发症发生率低,康复快,住院时间短,治疗门脉高压症是安全、可行、有效的,值得临床进一步推广。     

完全腹腔镜下脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术治疗门静脉高压症的疗效评价

目的 比较完全腹腔镜与开腹巨脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症的临床疗效. 方法 回顾性分析2004年12月至2006年12月对20例肝硬化门静脉高压症食管静脉曲张患者行完全腹腔镜下二级脾蒂离断法脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术,另20例患者行传统开腹手术.比较两组的手术时间、术中出血量、术后并发症和术后住院时间等资料.结果 腹腔镜组与开腹组平均手术时间分别为(235±79)min和(230±99)min(P=0.068),平均术中出血量分别为(520±386)ml和(1856±1799)ml(P=0.018).腹腔镜组术后发生胸腔积液3例,膈下脓肿1例,轻度腹水2例;开腹组术后发生胸腔积液2例,腹腔积液2例,切口感染2例,门静脉血栓形成1例.并发症发生率分别为30%和35%,两组之间比较差异无统计学意义(P=0.639).术后两组均无死亡病例.两组术后血小板均升至100×109/L以上.腹腔镜组和开腹组平均住院时间分别为(8.5±2.6)d和(14.5±7.4)d(P=0.018).术后随访6～24个月,未再次发生上消化道出血.结论 完全腹腔镜下脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术比开腹手术术中出血少,住院时间短,具于微创优势,值得推广应用.     

腹腔镜下巨脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压30例

研究完全腹腔镜下巨脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症的临床效果。收集2013年1月—2015年8月诊断为肝硬化门静脉高压并伴有脾功能亢进、食管胃底静脉曲张,且需行巨脾切除加贲门周围血管离断术的60例患者,将其分为全腹腔镜组和开腹组各30例,分别行腹腔镜或开腹巨脾切除加贲门周围血管离断术。观察并比较两组患者术中、术后恢复情况及并发症发生情况。开腹组的手术时间、术中失血量、术中输血率高于全腹腔镜组,但差异不具有统计学意义(P0.05)。全腹腔镜组的止痛剂使用、首次离床活动时间、开始饮食时间、肛门恢复排气时间、脾窝引流管拔除时间、术后住院时间均明显低于开腹组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。全腹腔镜组患者总的不良反应明显低于开腹组,差异具有统计学意义(χ~2=12.345,P0.05)。完全腹腔镜巨脾切除加贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压是安全、有效、可行的。     

腹腔镜下巨脾切除加贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压的疗效分析

目的探讨腹腔镜下巨脾切除术联合贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压的疗效和安全性。方法回顾性分析2012年6月至2014年6月收治的行开腹巨脾切除术联合贲门周围血管离断术治疗的肝硬化门静脉高压患者26例,作为开腹组;另选取2014年7月2016年6月收治的行腹腔镜下巨脾切除术联合贲门周围血管离断术的肝硬化门静脉高压患者26例,作为腹腔镜组。采用SPSS 19.0统计学软件进行数据分析,两组临床指标和手术前后WBC、PLT水平均使用(x珋±s)表示,采用t检验,两组术后并发症发生率采用χ2检验,P0.05差异有统计学意义。结果腹腔镜组术中出血量、术后首次进食时间、下床活动时间、肛门排气时间、脾窝引流管拔除时间和住院时间少于开腹组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);两组术后2周WBC、PLT水平均高于术前,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),组间无明显差异(P0.05);腹腔镜组术后总并发症4例(15.4%),明显低于开腹组15例(57.7%),差异具有统计学意义(χ2=10.035,P0.05)。结论腹腔镜下巨脾切除术联合贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压疗效确切,值得推广。     

全腹腔镜与开腹门脉高压症巨脾切除加贲门周围血管离断术的临床对比研究

目的探讨全腹腔镜下巨脾切除加贲门周围血管离断术治疗门脉高压症的安全性、可行性和手术技巧。方法回顾性分析我科2011年3月-2014年12月诊断为肝硬化门脉高压症并伴有脾功能亢进、食管胃底静脉曲张,需行巨脾切除加贲门周围血管离断术的57例患者的临床资料,分为全腹腔镜组（n=21）和开腹组（n=36）,分别行腹腔镜或开腹巨脾切除加贲门周围血管离断术。观察并比较两组患者术中、术后恢复情况及并发症发生情况。结果两组均顺利手完成手术。两组手术时间、术中失血量及术中输血率比较,均无统计学差异（P〉0.05）。与开腹组比较,全腹腔镜组术后止痛剂使用频次少,术后首次离床活动时间、术后恢复饮食时间、肛门恢复排气时间、腹腔引流管拔除时间早,术后住院日短,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。全腹腔镜组在术后发热、胸腔积液以及腹水发生方面均显著低于开腹组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,但在术后门静脉血栓形成、血小板计数显著升高、胰漏、切口感染以及胃排空障碍方面,组间比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。随访1个月-3.5年,各组病人一般情况均有所改善,无肝性脑病、未再发生呕血或黑便,未发生死亡病例。结论全腹腔镜巨脾切除加贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化门脉高压症是安全、有效、可行的。     

改良四步法腹腔镜巨脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术临床效果研究

目的探讨改良四步法进行腹腔镜下巨脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术(laparoscopic splenectomy and pericardial devascularization,LSPD)的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2015年1月-2016年8月行我院收治的肝硬化门静脉高压病人的临床资料。开腹脾切除贲门周围血管离断术的36例病人,改良腹腔镜脾切除手术联合贲门周围血管离断术的36例。比较两组病人术中临床指标(手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间、住院总费用、术中输血率)和术后并发症发生率的差异。结果腹腔镜组术中出血量(462.02±61.42)、住院时间(9.45±3.20)、术中输血率(11.11%)均明显低于对照组开腹组(755.16±50.23,14.77±2.09,13%)。而平均手术时间(265.79±48.23)和住院总费用(50143.46)高于开腹组(187.67±32.10,42368.70)差异均有统计学意义,P0.05;腹腔镜组病人(19.44%)术后并发症发生率低于开腹组组(22.22%),但是发生率的差异不明显(P0.05)。结论改良腹腔镜脾切除手术联合贲门周围血管离断术安全可行、能显著降低病人术中出血量和输血概率、缩短病人的住院时间,一定程度上降低术后并发症发生率,但是住院花费和手术时间仍相对较高,在临床推广使用基础上需要进一步加以改善。     

加速康复外科理念在腹腔镜巨脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术围手术期的应用

目的 探讨加速康复外科理念（enhanced recovery after surgery,ERAS）在肝硬化门静脉高压症患者行腹腔镜巨脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术围手术期应用的效果和意义。方法 回顾性分析2016年1月至2019年1月南京医科大学附属淮安第一医院收治的肝硬化门静脉高压症行腹腔镜巨脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术患者共60例的临床资料。病例分为两组：ERAS组（n=32）,采用加速康复外科理念进行围手术期相关处理;对照组（n=28）,采用传统围手术期处理办法。比较两组患者术中情况、术后并发症发生率及住院时间、住院费用等指标。结果 与对照组相比,ERAS组在术中出血、手术时间、中转开腹比例、住院费用以及术后并发症发生率上差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）,但是ERAS组患者术后疼痛评分更低、术后住院时间更短（P＜0.001）。结论 腹腔镜巨脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术的围手术期采用加速康复理念安全有效,能够提高患者舒适性,缩短住院时间,降低住院费用,值得应用推广。     

手助腹腔镜巨脾切除联合贲门食管血管离断术的临床疗效分析

目的:探讨手助腹腔镜巨脾切除联合贲门食管血管离断术的临床疗效。方法:回顾分析2015年1月至2023年1月为52例患者行脾切除联合贲门食管周围血管离断术的临床资料，根据手术方式分为腔镜组(行完全腹腔镜手术，n=18)、手助组(行手助腹腔镜手术，n=11)与开腹组(n=23),对比分析三组患者一般资料、手术疗效及术后并发症。结果:3组患者年龄、性别、入院血常规、Child-Pugh分级等一般资料差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。手助组脾脏最大径大于腔镜组(P<0.001)。手助组手术时间、术后排气时间、术后住院时间短于开腹组(P<0.01),与腔镜组相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。手助组术中出血量少于腔镜组与开腹组(P<0.01)。腔镜组、手助组及开腹组术后并发症发生率分别为16.7%、9.1%与34.8%,差异无统计学意义(P=0.182)。3组术后腹腔出血、胰瘘等并发症发生率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:为巨型脾脏患者行手辅助腹腔镜脾切除联合贲门食管周围血管离断术不会增加手术风险及术后并发症，且具有创伤小、康复快等微创优势，值得临床...     

腹腔镜下冷循环射频消融联合脾切除术贲门周围血管离断治疗肝癌合并门静脉高压症的研究

目的研究腹腔镜下冷循环射频消融联合脾切除术贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝癌合并门静脉高压的临床疗效。方法原发性肝癌合并门静脉高压症病人80例,根据治疗方法不同分为两组,消融组46例,接受腹腔镜下冷循环射频消融联合脾切除术贲门周围血管离断术;肝切除组34例,接受腹腔镜下肝部分切除联合脾切除术贲门周围血管离断术。收集两组病人手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间,比较两组病人并发症发生率。结果消融组病人的手术时间(251.7±45.1)分钟、术中出血量(223.0±108.0)ml,住院时间(11.5±3.1)天,肝切除组分别为(287.5±61.5)分钟、(276.6±126.0)ml和(13.8±3.7)天,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),消融组疼痛并发症发生率少于肝切除组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论腹腔镜下冷循环射频消融与贲门周围血管离断配合治疗肝癌合并门静脉高压临床疗效良好,病人预后较好。     

全腹腔镜与开腹手术治疗门静脉高压症的临床对比研究

目的 研究全腹腔镜下脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术较传统手术的优缺点,并进一步探讨其临床应用的可行性、优越性以及手术技巧。方法 统计分析西安交通大学医学院第一附属医院肝胆外科于2007年2月至2008年7月实施的7例全腹腔镜下脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术病例的术前一般情况,并依此选定开腹手术对照组病例。模拟随机对照研究方法,回顾性分析两组围手期重要指标。结果 腹腔镜组出血量以及术后住院时间明显少于开腹手术对照组,而两组术后并发症、手术时间以及住院费用差异无统计学意义。结论 全腹腔镜脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术可安全地应用于临床。较传统开腹手术,其具有损伤小、恢复快、伤口美观等优点,但应严格掌握适应证、由熟练的专业医师操作以预防术中危险发生。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Systemic analgesia adapted to the children's condition

A concept of balanced analgesia using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), opioids, and corticosteroids can also be used in patients with pre-existing illnesses. NSAIDs are the most effective treatment for acute pain of moderate intensity in children; however, these drugs should be avoided in patients at increased risk for serious side effects, e.g. patients with renal impairment, bleeding tendency, or extreme prematurity. NSAIDs can be given with minimal risks to the younger child with mild to moderate asthma, and, in these patients, the use of steroids can be encouraged; in addition to their antiemetic and analgesic action, a beneficial effect on asthma symptoms can be expected. In the non-intubated child with cerebral trauma, exaggerated sedation caused by opioids and increased bleeding tendency caused by NSAIDs must be avoided. In neonates and small infants, the oral administration of sucrose or glucose is helpful to minimize pain reaction during short uncomfortable interventions.     

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.