小潮气量联合低水平呼气末正压通气策略在妇科腹腔镜手术麻醉中的应用

目的观察小潮气量联合低水平呼气末正压通气策略应用于妇科腹腔镜手术的效果。方法随机将40例妇科腹腔镜手术患者均分为常规机械通气组(Ⅰ组)和小潮气量联合低水平PEEP通气组(Ⅱ组)。Ⅰ组新鲜气体流量2 L/min,VT 8 m L/kg,吸呼比1∶2。Ⅱ组新鲜气体流量2 L/min,VT 6 m L/kg,吸呼比为1∶2,PEEP 5 cm H2O。调整通气频率,维持PETCO235~45 mm Hg。于插管后5 min(T1)、气腹30 min(T2)和气腹结束后5 min(T3)时记录气道峰压(Ppeak)、气道平台压(Pplat)、动态肺顺应性(Cdyn)和气道阻力(Raw),并计算肺泡-动脉血氧分压差(A-a DO2)、氧合指数(Pa O2/Fi O2)、呼吸指数(RI)和死腔率(VD/VT)。记录拔管时间、术后48h内呼吸并发症发生情况和住院时间。结果与Ⅰ组比较,Ⅱ组T2时Ppeak和Pplat、T1、2时Raw降低,T2时Cdyn升高,T1~3时Pa O2/Fi O2升高(P0.05),RI、VD/VT和A-a DO2降低(P0.05)。2组各时点动脉血p H值、拔管时间、住院时间无显著差异(P0.05。Ⅱ组术后48 h内呼吸并发症发生率降低(P0.05)。结论小潮气量(6 m L/kg)联合低水平PEEP(5 cm H2O)通气是妇科腹腔镜手术麻醉较适宜的呼吸管理模式。     

双相正压通气与持续正压通气对急性呼吸窘迫综合征患者肺复张效果的比较

目的 比较双相正压通气(BIPAP)与持续正压通气(CPAP)对急性呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDS)患者肺复张的效果.方法 选择ARDS患者44例,ASA Ⅲ或Ⅳ级,性别不限,年龄35～63岁,体重52～74 kg,肺复张前基础通气模式为同步间歇指令通气联合压力支持通气,随机分为2组(n=22):CPAP组和BIPAP组.CPAP组10 s内逐渐上升呼气末正压(PEEP)至30 cm H2O,持续30 s,然后在5～10 8内恢复肺复张前通气模式.BIPAP组高水平和低水平压力分别为40、20 cm H2O,持续90 s,然后在5～10 s内恢复肺复张前通气模式.记录肺复张通气前即刻(T1),肺复张通气结束后即刻(T2)、2 min(T3)、5 min(T4)、15 min(T5)、30 min(T6)时HR、MAP、CVP、SpO2和肺动态顺应性(Cdyn).分别于T1、T5、肺复张通气结束后1 h(T7)、2 h(T8)、4 h(T9)时采集桡动脉血样,测定pH值、PaO2和PaCO2,计算PaO2/FiO2比值.结果 与CPAP组比较,BIPAP组SpO2、Cdyn、PaO2和PaO2/FiO2升高,CVP降低(P<0.05),HR和MAP比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).与T1时比较,CPAP组T3时MAP升高,T2时CVP升高,Cdyn降低,T3～6时SpO2和Cdyn升高,T7,8时PaO2升高,T5,7,8时PaO2/FiO2升高,BIPAP组T2～6时SpO2升高,T3～6时Cdyn升高,T5,7,8时PaO2和PaO2/FiO2升高(P<0.05).结论 与CPAP比较,BIPAP对ARDS患者行肺复张通气时血液动力学影响小,可进一步提高氧合和肺顺应性,是一种安全有效的肺复张方法 .     

全身麻醉中应用小潮气量联合低水平呼气末正压通气对老年患者呼吸功能的影响

目的 观察全身麻醉中应用小潮气量(VT)联合低水平呼气末正压通气(PEEP)对老年患者呼吸功能的影响.方法 20例ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级上腹部手术老年患者,随机均分为A组和B组.A组,机械通气模式为间歇正压通气(IPPV)加5cm H2O PEEP,VT=6ml/kg,f=15次/分;B组,机械通气模式为IPPV,VT=9ml/kg,f=12次/分.观察术前(T1)、麻醉插管后30min(T2)、拔管后15min(T3)的动脉氧分压(PaO2)、动脉血二氧化碳分压(PaCO2)、肺泡-动脉氧分压差(A-aDO2)、MAP、CVP及术中的气道峰(Ppeak).结果 T3时,A PaO2较B组明显升高(P<0.05),A组A-aDO2较B组明显降低(P<0.05).其他各时点A、B两组PaO2、PaCO2、A-aDO2、MAP、CVP、Ppeak组间比较差异无统计学意义.结论 小潮气量联合低水平PEEP通气能够有效改善老年患者术后低氧血症,减少肺部并发症,更有利于老年患者呼吸功能的恢复,对老年患者血流动力学无明显影响.     

不同通气模式对老年患者腹腔镜结直肠手术呼吸参数的影响

目的观察小潮气量容量控制通气(VCV)联合呼气末正压通气(PEEP)和压力控制通气(PCV)联合PEEP对老年患者呼吸参数的影响。方法选择行腹腔镜直肠、乙状结肠手术患者51例,男25例,女26例,年龄65~80岁,BMI 18~30kg/m2,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机分为两组:VP组(VCV+PEEP)和PP组(PCV+PEEP),每组25例。气腹期间VP组以VT6 ml/kg+5cmH2O PEEP模式通气,PP组将VT设为6 ml/kg通气3 min后切换为PCV并加用5cmH2O PEEP进行通气。记录气管插管VCV通气5min(T1)、建立人工气腹5 min(T2)、建立人工气腹35min(T3)、建立人工气腹65min(T4)、手术结束(T5)、拔管前(T6)时VT、动态肺顺应性(Cdyn)、RR、气道峰压(Ppeak)、气道平台压(Pplat)和PETCO2。记录T1、T3、T4和离开PACU(T7)时PaO2、PaCO2,并计算肺泡-动脉血氧分压差(PA-aDO2)、氧合指数(OI)、呼吸指数(RI);记录术后5d内肺部并发症(PPCs)情况。结果与VP组比较,T2-T4时PP组VT明显升高、Cdyn明显增大(P0.05),T3-T5时PP组RR明显减慢(P0.05),T2-T5时PP组Ppeak和Pplat明显降低(P0.05),T4时PP组PETCO2和PA-aDO2明显降低、PaO2明显升高、RI明显减小、OI明显增大(P0.05)。术后随访两组患者PPCs差异无统计学意义。结论PCV联合PEEP通气模式明显降低Ppeak和Pplat、增高VT和增大Cdyn,同时明显改善气腹65min时肺氧合功能,所以老年患者腹腔镜结直肠手术术中应优先考虑使用。     

不同通气模式对腹腔肿瘤根治术老年患者围术期炎性反应的影响

目的 评价不同通气模式对腹腔肿瘤根治术老年患者围术期炎性反应的影响.方法 择期拟行腹腔肿瘤根治术的患者60例,年龄65 ～ 80岁,性别不限,ASA分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,采用随机数字表法,将其随机分为3组(n=20):低VT联合低PEEP通气组(A组)、高VT通气组(B组)和低VT联合高PEEP通气组(C组).静脉注射咪达唑仑、舒芬太尼、依托咪酯和罗库溴铵麻醉诱导,气管插管后行机械通气,A组VT为6 ml/kg,PEEP为5 cm H2O;B组VT为10 ml/kg,PEEP为0;C组VT为6 ml/kg,PEEP为8 cm H2O,维持PETCO2 35～ 45 mm Hg.静脉输注舒芬太尼、维库溴铵和依托咪酯维持麻醉.于麻醉诱导前(T0)、切皮后10 min(T1)、机械通气1 h(T2)、机械通气2 h(T3)和拔除气管导管后15 min(T4)时采集静脉血样,采用ELISA法测定血清IL-10、IL-8和TNF-α的浓度.术毕时采集动脉血样,进行动脉血气分析.术后1d记录肺部并发症的发生情况.结果 与A组比较,B组T4时血清IL-10浓度升高,T1、T2和T4时血清IL-8浓度升高,T1T4时血清TNF-α浓度升高,PaO2和PaO2/FiO2降低,A-aDO2升高,C组T2～T4时血清IL-10浓度升高,T4时血清IL-8和TNF-α的浓度升高,PaO2/FiO2降低(P＜0.05);与B组比较,C组T1 ～T3时血清TNF-α浓度升高(P＜0.05),血气分析指标差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).术后仅B组发生肺不张1例.结论 低VT联合低PEEP通气可改善腹腔肿瘤根治术老年患者的氧合,减轻全身炎性反应.     

全麻腹腔镜胃癌根治术中应用小潮气量联合低水平呼气末正压通气对老年患者呼吸功能的影响

目的:观察全身麻醉腹腔镜胃癌根治术中应用小潮气量(tidal volume,VT)联合低水平呼气末正压通气(positive end expiratory pressure,PEEP)对老年患者呼吸功能的影响。方法:将34例ASA I或II级腹腔镜胃癌根治术老年患者分为A、B两组。A组:机械通气模式为间歇正压通气(intermittent positive pressure ventilation,IPPV)加5cm H2O PEEP,VT=6ml/kg,f=16次/min;B组:机械通气模式为IPPV,VT=9ml/kg,f=12次/min。观察术前(T1)、麻醉插管后30min(T2)、拔管后15min(T3)的动脉氧分压(PaO2)、动脉二氧化碳分压(PaCO2)、呼气末二氧化碳分压(PETCO2)、肺泡-动脉氧分压差(A-aDO2)、平均动脉压(mean arterial pressure,MAP)、中心静脉压(central venous pressure,CVP)及术中的气道峰压(peak airway pressure,Ppeak)。结果:T3时,A组PaO2明显高于B组(P<0.05),A组A-aDO2明显低于B组(P<0.05)。其他各时点A、B两组PaO2、PaCO2、PETCO2、A-aDO2、MAP、CVP、Ppeak组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:腹腔镜胃癌根治术中应用小VT联合低水平PEEP通气能有效改善老年患者术后低氧血症,减少肺部并发症,有利于老年患者呼吸功能的恢复,对血流动力学无明显影响,是老年患者腹腔镜上腹部手术全麻安全、有效的通气方法。     

全麻诱导期呼气末正压通气对老年患者无通气期的影响

目的 观察全麻诱导呼气末正压通气(PEEP)能否延长老年患者无通气期.方法 选择ASA Ⅰ～Ⅱ级、年龄大于65岁全麻老年患者30例,随机分为PEEP组和对照组(C组),每组15例.所有患者自主呼吸存在时行面罩吸100%O2 5 min.全麻诱导后,C组行控制呼吸(FiO2 100%,RR 12次/分,VT 10 ml/kg)5 min,PEEP组应用C组相同的控制呼吸条件加PEEP 6 cmH2O 5 min.无通气期为SpO2降至90%.记录无通气期时间,分别于入室后(T1)、面罩吸100%O2 5 min时(T2)、控制呼吸5 min时(T3)和SpO2降至90%时(T4)抽血样本行血气分析.结果 PEEP组无通气期时间为(396±121)s,显著长于C组(305±107)s(P＜0.05).动脉血气分析显示,两组患者T1、T2和T4时的PaO2和PaCO2相似,但T3时PEEP组的PaO2明显高于C组(P＜0.05),而PaCO2显著低于C组(P＜0.05).结论 全麻诱导应用PEEP,可增加氧储备,延长老年患者无通气期.     

压力-容积曲线指导开胸手术患者个体化保护性单肺通气的效果

目的 评价应用动态压力-容积曲线(P-V曲线)设定开胸手术患者个体化的潮气量(VT)和呼气末正压(PEEP)行单肺通气(OLV)的效果.方法 择期行肺叶切除术患者25例,性别不限,年龄44～64岁,体重57～75 kg,ASA分级Ⅰ或Ⅱ级.常规双肺通气30 min后(T0)行OLV,按照动态P-V曲线低位拐点对应的压力(PLIP) +0.196 kPa设定PEEP,根据动态P-V曲线高位拐点对应的容量(VUTP)设定VT,通气30 min后(T1)将VT降至80％ VUIP,通气30 min后(T2)再将VT降至60％ VUIP,然后再通气30 min (T3).OLV期间吸呼比1∶1 ～2,通气频率14～20次/min,维持PETC02 4.67～6.00kPa.分别于T0-3时记录MAP、HR、CVP和气道峰压(Ppeak)、气道阻力(Rsw)、胸肺顺应性(CL),同时采集动脉和中心静脉血样,进行血气分析,记录pH值、PaO2和PaCO2,计算肺内分流率(Qs/Qt).结果 与T0时比较,T1-3时HR、Ppeak、Rsw和Qs/Qt升高,CL和PaO2降低,T1.2时CVP升高,T3时MAP和PaCO2升高(p＜0.05);与T1时比较,T2.3时Ppeak和Rsw降低,T1.2时Pa02升高,Qs/Qt降低,T3时CVP降低,MAP和PaC02升高(P＜0.05).结论 根据80％ VUU确定VT,PuP +0.196 kPa确定PEEP,有助于改善开胸手术患者的氧合,对血液动力学无明显影响,是实现个体化保护性OLV的有效手段.     

呼气末正压通气对腹腔热灌注化疗患者呼吸力学及肺功能的影响

目的探讨不同呼气末正压通气对腹腔热灌注化疗患者呼吸力学及肺功能的影响。方法选择择期行腹膜癌热灌注化疗的患者90例,男55例,女35例,年龄40~70岁,ASAⅠ~Ⅲ级。随机分为三组,每组30例。A组为容量控制通气(VCV)组,VT10 ml/kg;B组为VCV+低PEEP组,VT6ml/kg,PEEP 5cm H_2O;C组为VCV+高PEEP组,VT6ml/kg,PEEP 10cm H_2O;术中调整RR维持PETCO2 35~45 mm Hg。于气管插管后5 min(T_1)、腹腔热灌注化疗开始前(T2)、化疗结束时(T_3)、气管拔管前(T4)记录气道峰压(Ppeak)、气道平台压(Pplat)和平均气道压(Pmean),计算动态肺顺应性(C_(dyn))。并取桡动脉血进行血气分析,计算氧合指数(OI)、呼吸指数(RI)、肺泡-动脉血氧分压差(A-aDO_2)及死腔率(VD/VT)。记录术后7d内肺部相关并发症情况。结果与A组比较,T_1~T_4时B、C组Ppeak、Pplat、A-aDO_2和RI明显降低,OI和VD/VT明显升高(P0.05);T_2~T_4时B、C组Pmean明显降低,Cdyn和PaO_2明显升高(P0.05)。与T_1比较,T_2~T_4时A组Ppeak、Pplat和Pmean明显升高,C_(dyn)明显降低(P0.05);T_3时B组Ppeak和Pplat明显升高(P0.05),T_2~T_4 Pmean明显升高(P0.05),T3、T4时C_(dyn)明显降低(P0.05);T_2~T_4时C组Ppeak、Pplat和Pmean明显升高(P0.05),T_3、T_4时Cdyn明显降低(P0.05)。与T0时比较,T2~T4时三组PaO_2和OI明显降低,A-aDO_2、RI和VD/VT明显升高(P0.05)。术后7d内B、C组肺部感染、低氧血症和肺不张的发生率明显低于A组(P0.05)。结论小潮气量(6ml/kg)联合PEEP(5cm H_2O)通气可以显著改善腹膜癌患者术中热灌注期间肺功能,降低围术期肺部并发症的发生风险。     

肥胖患者腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术中实时食管压监测下呼气末正压通气对肺通气的影响

目的探讨实时食管压监测指导下设定呼气末正压(positive end expiratory pressure,PEEP)通气参数对肥胖腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术患者的临床价值。方法选择2016年1—12月收治的拟行腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术的肥胖患者90例,男50例,女40例,年龄40~65岁,BMI30kg/m2,ASAⅡ或Ⅲ级,采用随机数字表法将患者随机分为三组:P组、PEEP5组和PEEP10组,设置VT8ml/kg,分别在肺复张后给予个体化PEEP(采用实时食管压监测通过计算呼气末跨肺压=0cmH_2O和吸气末跨肺压=25cmH_2O确定最佳PEEP)、PEEP 5cmH_2O和10cmH_2O。观察气腹建立前(T0)、气腹建立后10min(T1)、气腹后头低40.5°足高位20 min(T2)和气腹结束(T3)时的呼吸力学指标。结果T1—T3时P组Ppeak、SBP明显低于,PaO_2/FiO_2明显高于PEEP5组和PEEP10组(P0.05);T2时P组Pplat、Raw明显低于PEEP5组(P0.05);T2、T3时P组Cst明显高于PEEP5组(P0.05);T1、T2时P组DBP明显低于PEEP5组和PEEP10组(P0.05)。结论实时食管压监测应用于PEEP通气的肥胖腹腔镜结肠癌手术患者,能够有效改善患者呼吸和循环功能。     

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.     

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.     

The analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in patients with chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Background : Ketamine in sub-dissociative doses has been shown to have analgesic and phantom-Limb pain, where conventional treatment has often failed. Chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans often responds poorly to analgesics, and the pain-generating mechanisms are not well understood.
Methods : Eight patients with rest pain in the lower extremity due to arteriosclerosis obliterans were given sub-dissociative doses of 0.15, 0.30, or 0.45 mg/kg racemic ketamine and morphine 10 mg as a 5-min infusion on four separate days in a cross-over, double-blind, randomised protocol. Plasma levels of (S)- and (R)-ketamine and their nor-metabolites were analysed with an enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Pain levels were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results : Individual pain levels were highly variable during and after all the infusions but the pooled pain levels showed a dose-dependent analgesic effect of ketamine with a transient but complete pain relief in all patients at the highest dose (0.45 mg/ kg). Side-effects, mainly disturbed cognition and perception, were pronounced and dose-dependent. Morphine 10 mg had an analgesic peak at 20 min and 5/8 patients had complete pain relief. The remaining 3 patients also had high baseline pain scores, indicating a higher analgesic potency for the 0.30 and 0.45 mg/ kg ketamine doses than for morphine 10 mg.
Conclusion : We have demonstrated a potent dose-dependent analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in clinical ischemic pain. Due to a narrow therapeutic window, this analgesic effect is probably best utilised in combination with other analgesics.     

Intravenous endotoxin does not increase tissue extravasation of albumin in rats

Background : It is unclear whether activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) increases or decreases the extravasation of plasma.
Methods : Chloralose anaesthetised male Wistar rats received E. coli lipopolysacharide (LPS), 3 mg kg^-1 i.v., or the corresponding volume of saline, 3 or 5 h before the end of the experiment. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Tissue clearance of radio-labelled albumin, during the last 2 h of each experiment, was determined by a double-isotope method. In separate animals, the serum concentration of nitrite and nitrate was determined, 5 h after LPS or the solvent.
Main Results : LPS initially decreased MAP and lastingly increased HR. In the 3-h LPS animals (n=8), tissue plasma clearance was lower in the heart and calf muscle and increased only in diaphragm, compared to corresponding control animals (n=8). In the 5-h LPS rats, clearance was lowered (n=8) in the entire gastrointestinal tract and in testes, compared to controls (n=8). The serum nitrite/nitrate concentration was higher in animals given LPS (n=6) than in controls (n=6).
Conclusion : After LPS, tissue clearance of albumin was not increased in any major tissue, in spite of increased serum levels of NO end products. Apparently, after activation of iNOS, the augmented release of NO is not necessarily associated with increased albumin extravasation.     

Adrenaline markedly improves thoracic epidural analgesia produced by a low-dose infusion of bupivacaine, fentanyl and adrenaline after major surgery: A randomised, double-blind, cross-over study with and without adrenaline

Background: Basic pharmacological research indicates that there are synergistic antinociceptive effects at the spinal cord level between adrenaline, fentanyl and bupivacaine. Our clinical experience with such a mixture in a thoracic epidural infusion after major surgery confirms this. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects on postoperative pain intensity, pain relief and side effects when removing adrenaline from this triple epidural mixture. Methods: A prospective, randomised, double-blind, cross-over study was carried out in 24 patients after major thoracic or abdominal surgery. Patients with only mild pain when coughing during a titrated thoracic epidural infusion of about 10 ml · h^?1 of bupivacaine 1 mg · ml^?1, fentanyl 2 μg · ml^?1, and adrenaline 2 μg · ml^?1 were included. On the 1^st and 2^nd postoperative days each patient was given a double-blind epidural infusion, at the same rate, with or without adrenaline. The effect was observed for 4 h or until pain when coughing became unacceptable in spite of a rescue analgesic procedure. Rescue analgesia consisted of up to two epidural bolus injections per hour and i.v. morphine if necessary. All patients received rectal paracetamol 1 g, every 8 h. Fentanyl serum concentrations were measured with a radioimmunoassay technique at the start and end of each study period. Main outcome measures were extent of sensory blockade and pain intensity at rest and when coughing, evaluated by a visual analogue scale, a verbal categorical rating scale, the Prince Henry Hospital pain score, and an overall quality of pain relief score. Results: The number of hypaesthetic dermatomal segments decreased (P <0.001) and pain intensity at rest and when coughing increased (P <0.001) when adrenaline was omitted from the triple epidural mixture. This change started within the first hour after removing adrenaline. After 3 h pain intensity when coughing had increased to unacceptable levels in spite of rescue analgesia (epidural bolus injections and i.v. morphine). Within 15–20 min after restarting the triple epidural mixture with adrenaline, pain intensity was again reduced to mild pain when coughing. Serum concentration of fentanyl doubled from 0.22 to 0.45 ng · ml^?1 (P <0.01), and there was more sedation during the period without adrenaline. Conclusions: Adrenaline increases sensory block and improves the pain-relieving effect of a mixture of bupivacaine and fentanyl infused epidurally at a thoracic level after major thoracic or abdominal surgery. Serum fentanyl concentrations doubled and sedation increased when adrenaline was removed from the epidural infusion, indicating more rapid vascular absorption and systemic effects of fentanyl.     

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.     

Utilisation des médicaments prokinétiques en réanimation : indications et limites ?

Enteral feeding is often limited by gastric and intestinal motility disturbances in critically ill patients, particularly in patients with shock. So, promotility agents are frequently used to improve tolerance to enteral nutrition. This review summaries the pathophysiology, presents the available pharmacological strategies, the clinical data, the counter-indications and the principal limits. The clinical data are poor. No study demonstrates a positive effect on clinical outcomes. Metoclopramide and erythromycin seems to be the more effective. Considering the risk of antibiotic resistance, the first line use of erythromycin should be avoided in favor of metoclopramide.     

Anesthésie générale chez l’enfant : quid des pratiques en 2010 ?

Introduction

The practice of pediatric anesthesia requires a regular update of scientific knowledge and technical skills. To provide the most adequate Continuing Medical Education programs, it is necessary to assess the practices of pediatric anesthesiologists. Thus, the objective of this survey was to draw a picture of the current clinical practices of general anesthesia in children, in France.

Material and methods

One thousand one hundred and fifty questionnaires were given to anesthesiologists involved in pediatric cases. These questionnaires collected information on various aspects of clinical practice relative to induction, maintenance, recovery from general anaesthesia and also classical debated points such as children with Upper Respiratory Infection (URI), emergence agitation, epileptoid signs or anaesthetic management of adenoidectomy. Differences in practices between CHG (general hospital), CHU (teaching hospital), LIBERAL (private) and PSPH (semi-private) hospitals were investigated.

Results

There were 1025 questionnaires completed. Fifty-five percent of responders worked in public hospitals (CHG and CHU); 77% had a practice that was 25% or less of pediatric cases. In children from 3 to 10 years: 72% of respondents used always premedication and two thirds performed inhalation induction in more than 50% of cases. For induction, 53% used sevoflurane (SEVO) at 7 or 8%. Respondents from LIBERAL used higher SEVO concentrations. Tracheal intubation was performed with SEVO alone (37%), SEVO and propofol (55%) and SEVO with myorelaxant (8%), 93% of respondents used a bolus of opioid. For maintenance, the majority of respondents used SEVO associated with sufentanil; desflurane and remifentanil were more frequently used in CHU. Two thirds of respondents used N₂O. Depth of anesthesia was commonly assessed by hemodynamic changes (52%), end tidal concentration of halogenated (38%) or automated devices based on EEG (7%). In children with URI, 98% of respondents used SEVO for anesthesia. To control the airway 42% used a tracheal tube, 30% a laryngeal mask and 20% a facial mask. Emergence agitation was an important concern for two thirds of respondents, while epileptoid signs were considered as important by only 20%. Eighty-nine percent of respondents practiced anesthesia for adenoidectomy. Anesthesia was induced by inhalation of SEVO 7–8% (41%), 6% (39%) or 4% (12%), 66% put an intravenous line (less frequently in LIBERAL). 67% of the responders managed adenoidectomy without any device to control the airway (more frequently in LIBERAL), 32% administrated a bolus of opioid (less frequently in LIBERAL).

Discussion

This survey demonstrated that the practices regarding general anesthesia in children are relatively homogenous. Most of the differences appeared between LIBERAL and the others structures; the anaesthetic management for adenoidectomy illustrates these findings.     

Intérêt d’une rééducation précoce pour les patients neurologiques

Rehabilitation improves the functional prognosis of patients after a neurologic lesion, and tendency is to begin rehabilitation as soon as possible. This review focuses on the interest and the feasibility of very early rehabilitation, initiated from critical care units. It is necessary to precisely assess patients’ impairments and disabilities in order to define rehabilitation objectives. Valid and simple tools must support this evaluation. Rehabilitation will be directed to preventing decubitus complications and active rehabilitation. The sooner rehabilitation is started; the better functional prognosis seems to be.