他克莫司治疗难治性肾病综合征1例

患者女，14岁，因水肿、蛋白尿2年，加重1月于2006年7月7日入院。 患者于2004年4月无明显原因发现双眼睑及下肢水肿，尿蛋白（＋＋＋＋），低蛋白血症及高脂血症，诊断“肾病综合征”。给予泼尼松及中药治疗2个月，水肿消失但尿蛋白无改善，经当地省医院肾活检：14个肾小球，光镜下肾小球细胞数增多，系膜细胞节段增生、基质局灶节段性增多，毛细血管开放，基底膜不增厚，未见双轨及钉突，有5个肾小球球囊黏连，肾小管上皮细胞基本正常，间质无明显炎性细胞浸润，无明显纤维化，小动脉不增厚。     

移植肾IgA肾病临床病理及预后分析

目的探讨移植肾IgA肾病(IgAN)复发或新发的诱因及移植肾生存的危险因素。方法选取2012年11月至2018年12月浙江大学医学院附属第一医院经肾活检确诊为移植肾IgAN的患者,按照血肌酐(Scr)增高水平、估算肾小球滤过率(eGFR)下降率分为稳定组(Scr升高值<20μmol/L,eGFR下降率<10%)和进展组(Scr增高但未达翻倍值,30%相似文献   

骨髓移植术后膜性肾病临床和病理表现

目的：探讨异基因骨髓移植后表现在肾脏的慢性移植物抗宿主病(cGVHD)的临床及病理表现。方法：通过1例ABO血型相合、HLA相合的异基因骨髓移植患cGVHD的临床和病理资料并结合献复习，对其临床和病理形态学的多态性以及治疗的关系进行综合分析。结果：cGVHD的肾脏累及罕见，临床表现为蛋白尿、肾痛综合征，同时有皮肤、肝脏、口、眼等损害。病理形态学主要为膜性肾病：肾小球毛细血管袢增厚；免疫病理示IgG沿毛细血管袢颗粒状沉积；超微病理示肾小球上皮下电子致密物沉积。结论：异基因骨髓移植后的蛋白尿、肾病综合征可能为自身免疫性疾病，是移植物对宿主产生的一种排斥反应。肾穿刺活检对该病的诊断有重要的作用，加强免疫抑制剂治疗可减少其发生。     

他克莫司和环孢素A防治急性移植物抗宿主病的效果比较

目的比较他克莫司（FK506）和环孢素A（CsA）防治造血干细胞移植后急性移植物抗宿主病（aGVHD）的效果。方法根据所用免疫抑制方案的不同，将118例异基因造血干细胞移植患者分为两组，一组移植后采用以FK506为主的方案预防GVHD（FK506组，n=36例），另一组采用以CsA为主的方案预防GVHD（CsA组，n=82例）。观察两组患者aGVHD的发生情况及治疗效果、造血重建情况、存活率、原发病的复发率以及免疫抑制剂的不良反应。结果FK506组和CsA组aGVHD累积发生率分别为（50．0±8．8）％和（50．7±5．6）％（P〉0．05），Ⅱ～Ⅳ度aGVHD累积发生率分别为（13．0±6．1）％和（31．0±5．2）％（P〈0．05），Ⅲ～Ⅳ度aGVHD累积发生率分别为（2．8±2．7）％和（12．3±3．7）％（P〉0．05）。采用FK506及甲泼尼龙（MP）治疗Ⅰ～Ⅱ度aGVHD的效果优于CsA与MP组合，但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05），而治疗Ⅲ～Ⅳ度aGVHD，FK506与MP组合明显优于CsA与MP组合（P〈0．05）。两组在造血重建时间、患者存活率、无原发病的存活率以及原发病复发率等方面的差异均无统计学意义。FK506组16．7％患者血糖升高，而CsA组血糖升高者仅占1．2％。结论FK506可有效预防和治疗异基因造血干细胞移植后的aGVHD，其总体效果优于CsA。     

膜性肾病的病理表现

一、概述 膜性肾病（membranous nephropathy,MN）是病理形态学诊断名词,为肾病综合征常见的病理类型。MN又称膜性肾小球肾炎、膜上性肾小球肾炎、膜外性肾小球肾炎,也称为膜周性肾小球肾炎。Gluck等描述MN的病理特点是：肾小球毛细血管袢基底膜上皮侧有弥漫、均匀的颗粒状的免疫复合物沉积,一般不伴肾小球固有细胞增殖和局部炎症反应。     

三种实验性IgA肾病模型的比较

目的探讨建立一种理想的IgA肾病（IgAN）动物模型方法。方法分别采用葡聚糖G200、大肠杆菌外膜蛋白和金葡菌的细胞膜20肽抗原决定簇诱导小鼠IgA肾病模型。用分子生物学和病理学方法对3组IgAN模型小鼠进行鉴定和比较。结果（1）葡聚糖组尿蛋白增高，伴有血尿；免疫荧光显示部分肾小球大量IgA沉积；光镜下肾小球系膜细胞增多，肝和脾可见弥漫性的粉染物质沉积；电镜下肾小球系膜区少量低电子密度的致密沉积物，肝和脾可见淀粉丝样物质沉积。（2）大肠杆菌外膜蛋白组尿蛋白增高，伴有血尿；免疫荧光显示肾小球有少量IgA沉积；光镜下肾小球系膜细胞轻度增多，间质炎细胞浸润明显；电镜下肾小球系膜区无电子致密沉积物。（3）金葡菌细胞膜20肽抗原决定簇组尿蛋白增高，伴有血尿；免疫荧光显示多数肾小球均可见大量IgA沉积；光镜下肾小球系膜细胞增多，伴系膜基质轻度增生；电镜下肾小球系膜区和基底膜的内皮细胞下可见高电子密度的致密沉积物。结论金葡菌细胞膜20肽抗原决定簇组诱导的IgAN模型从临床表现和病理学变化与人IgAN极其相似，是3种IgAN模型中最理想的IgAN模型。     

IgA肾病研究新进展

IgA肾病是最常见的原发性肾小球性肾炎,最新定义为自体肾活检组织免疫荧光或免疫酶标染色显示以IgA或IgA沉积为主的肾小球疾病（不要求所有肾小球均有IgA沉积）,同时除外狼疮性肾炎等继发性IgA沉积。IgA沉积须有一定强度,分布于系膜区,可伴有或不伴有毛细血管袢沉积。除外单纯膜性、弥漫、球性、颗粒状或线状肾小球基底膜（GBM）沉积。     

非清髓性造血干细胞移植后并发移植物抗宿主病的相关因素分析

目的 探讨和分析非清髓性造血干细胞移植(NST)后并发移植物抗宿主病(GVHD)的相关因素.方法 选择34例血液病患者,其中重型再生障碍性贫血(SAA)15例,重型β-地中海贫血(TM)1例,肿瘤性血液病18例;进行无关供者脐带血造血干细胞移植(UCBT)11例,同胞供者骨髓联合外周血干细胞移植7例,外周血造血干细胞移植(PBSCT)16例.移植前采用以抗胸腺细胞球蛋白(ATG)、抗淋巴细胞球蛋白(ALG)或者氟达拉滨强效免疫抑制为基础的非清髓性预处理方案.GVHD的预防采用短程的甲氨蝶呤(MTX)联合环孢素A(CsA).观察非清髓性造血干细胞移植后的临床特点以及急、慢性移植物抗宿主病的发生情况;分析发生慢性移植物抗宿主病(cGVHD)的相关因素.结果 NST的植入率为91.2%.移植后7例肿瘤性血液病患者形成了供、受者造血细胞混合嵌合体(MC),给予供者淋巴细胞输注(DLI)2～9次后,例由MC转变为供者造血细胞完全嵌合体(FDC).随访12(3～96)个月,共发生Ⅰ～Ⅱ度急性移植物抗宿主病(aGVHD)5例,GVHD 15例.经统计学分析,发现年龄大的肿瘤性血液病患者经以ATG为基础的NST后,再给予DLI,其cGVHD的发生率高,且合并感染,对治疗的反应差;而以氟达拉滨为基础的NST患者发生cGVHD后治疗反应较好.移植100 d前后患者分别死亡3例和5例,其中3例死于广泛性cGVHD.结论 患者的年龄大、有合并症、以ATG为基础的预处理方案、肿瘤性血液病是NST后患者并发cGVHD的危险因素.     

异基因造血干细胞移植后慢性移植物抗宿主病的临床分析

目的：探讨异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT）后慢性移植物抗宿主病（cGVHD）的临床特点、相关危险因素及治疗效果。方法：回顾性分析69例allo-HSCT患者的临床资料。根据供、受者的关系以及配型情况，将患者分为三组：A组为亲缘全相合异基因骨髓移植，22例；B组为亲缘全相合异基因外周血干细胞移植，37例；C组为非血缘移植和不全相合移植，10例。术前均采用化疗预处理，术后采用短程甲氨蝶呤联合环孢素A（CsA）预防移植物抗宿主病（GVHD）。局限性cGVHD患者多采用单一免疫抑制剂（CsA或糖皮质激素）治疗，病情进展者采用标准方案（CsA联合糖皮质激素）治疗；广泛性cGVHD患者则需用标准方案治疗（一线治疗方案）。一线治疗无效、病情进展者，对一线治疗依赖不能停药，或停药后病情反复者，需用他克莫司、霉酚酸酯及硫唑嘌呤治疗（二线治疗方案）。结果：移植后随访6～120个月，中位时间为43个月，39例诊断为cGVHD，其中局限性cGVHD13例（33．3％，13／39），广泛性cGVHD26例（66．7％，26／39），7例死于cGVHD或与之相关的并发症。B组cGVHD发生率较A组显著升高（P〈0．05），B组和C组的广泛性cGVHD发生率显著高于A组（P〈O．05）。外周血干细胞移植和病程中发生2～4度急性GVHD是cGVHD发生的主要危险因素。局限性cGVHD患者采用一线方案治疗的有效率显著高于广泛性cGVHD患者（P〈0．05），标准危险度cGVHD者的治疗有效率显著优于高危险度cGVHD者（P〈0．05）。结论：eGVHD是allo-HSCT后常见并发症和致死原因；广泛性cGVHD多发生于异基因外周血干细胞移植、HLA配型不全相合移植和非血缘移植，且临床治疗效果不佳。     

慢性乙型肝炎合并淀粉样变性肾病1例报道与分析

目的 探讨淀粉样变性肾病的病理学特点,为临床诊断提供依据. 方法 对本院1例慢性乙肝合并淀粉样变性肾病患者的病例资料,如血常规、尿常规、生化、肾脏穿刺病理等结果进行回顾性分析总结. 结果 本例病理诊断为淀粉样变性肾病,AA型.光镜下系膜区可见团块状均质无结构物质沉积,管壁可见均质物质沉积;电镜下肾小球系膜细胞和血管壁无细胞性增宽伴淀粉样细纤维结构分布,上皮足突节段融合;刚果红染色肾小球系膜区以及血管壁沉积的团块样物质呈砖红色,在偏光下呈苹果绿双折光,肾间质无明显病变;免疫荧光IgM沿系膜区和毛细血管袢弥漫颗粒状沉积,荧光强度+++;IgG、IgA、C3、C1q沿系膜区和毛细血管袢弥漫性颗粒状沉积,荧光强度++,C4沿系膜区和毛细血管袢弥漫性颗粒状沉积,荧光强度+. 结论 本病例诊断为慢性乙型病毒肝炎合并继发性肾脏淀粉样变性,淀粉样变性肾病病理特征明确;本例是否为HBV感染后发生的肾淀粉样变性以及相关机制需要复查肾组织乙肝免疫荧光、或者行原位杂交检测肾组织内乙肝病毒DNA.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Intraoperative autotransfusion is associated with modest reduction of allogeneic transfusion in prosthetic hip surgery

Background: The efficacy of intraoperative salvage and washing of wound blood and the predictors of allogeneic red cell transfusions in prosthetic hip surgery are insufficiently known.
Methods: In 96 patients, undergoing primary or revision surgery, salvaged and washed red cells and, if necessary, allogeneic blood were used to keep haematocrit not lower than 33%. The bleeding of red cells during hospital stay was calculated from the red cell balance. The preoperative red cell reserve (millilitres of red cells in excess of a haematocrit of 33%) was estimated and the difference between this volume and the total bleeding of red cells was retrospectively used to classify patients with regard to the need for red cells. Stepwise regression analysis was used to define patient-related variables associated with allogeneic blood transfusion.
Results: Preoperative knowledge of the type of operation (primary, revision), the preoperative red cell reserve, and the body mass could predict roughly half of the need for banked blood (r²=0.45). Only one-third of the total bleeding of red cells was retransfused. For complete avoidance of allogeneic blood, autotransfusion was most effective in patients with a moderate need (0–4 u). However, 32% of such patients required allogeneic blood.
Conclusions: Autotransfusion has a limited efficacy to decrease the need for allogeneic blood, and other blood-saving methods should be added for this purpose. It is difficult to predict the need for allogeneic blood preoperatively.     

缺氧对肾小管上皮细胞分泌外泌体的影响

目的    观察缺氧对肾小管上皮细胞分泌外泌体的影响,探讨外泌体在缺氧致肾脏损伤中的作用及机制。 方法    （1）常氧（21% O₂）及缺氧（1% O₂）分别处理大鼠肾小管上皮细胞（NRK-52E）48 h,收集细胞上清液并使用高速梯度离心法分离外泌体。采用透射电镜、纳米示踪分析、Western印迹、蛋白浓度定量鉴定并比较两组外泌体的基本特性。（2）在共培养实验中,以不同浓度（1、10、50、100、300 mg/L）的常氧外泌体、缺氧外泌体分别干预脂多糖（LPS）诱导的大鼠原代腹腔巨噬细胞,使用实时荧光定量PCR与酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）法分别检测巨噬细胞白细胞介素6（IL-6）、肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）、诱导型氮氧化物合酶（iNOS）水平;使用Western印迹法检测巨噬细胞磷酸化（p）STAT/STAT及细胞因子信号传导抑制蛋白1（SOCS1）的蛋白表达;最后,使用实时荧光定量PCR法检测常氧外泌体与缺氧外泌体中炎性反应相关微RNA（microRNA,miR）的表达差异。 结果    （1）离心得到的囊泡具有外泌体典型的结构,粒径小于150 nm,表达外泌体标志蛋白CD63,说明分离得到外泌体。缺氧对肾小管上皮细胞分泌的外泌体形态、粒径分布比例无明显影响,但提高了外泌体的分泌量。（2）缺氧外泌体相比于常氧外泌体促进了LPS诱导的M1型巨噬细胞IL-6、TNF-α、iNOS 的表达和分泌（均P＜0.01）,同时提高STAT的磷酸化水平并减少SOCS1的蛋白表达（均P＜0.01）;对炎性反应相关microRNA检测发现缺氧外泌体中miR-155、miR-27a表达量较常氧外泌体明显升高（P＜0.05）。 结论    缺氧可改变外泌体的生物学功能,表现为协同促进LPS诱导的M1型巨噬细胞的表型转化,这可能是慢性肾脏病微炎性反应状态持续的原因之一。     

In Vitro Function and Durability Assessment of a Novel Polyurethane Heart Valve Prosthesis

Abstract While flexible-leaflet, central-flow prosthetic heart valves promise relief from anticoagulation therapy, they continue to be restricted by inadequate durability. In consequence, a novel trileaflet valve, made entirely from polyurethane, has been developed. A batch of 6 consecutively manufactured polyurethane valves was subjected to hydrodynamic function and accelerated fatigue testing. Computerized data acquisition and control systems have been introduced to improve valve testing methodologies. In terms of hydrodynamic function, the polyurethane valve demonstrates transvalvular pressure gradients similar to those for a bioprosthetic valve (Carpentier-Edwards) and levels of retrograde flow significantly less than those for either the bioprosthetic valve or a bileaflet mechanical valve (St Jude Medical). The equivalent of 10 years of cycling without failure has been exceeded by all 6 polyurethane valves in accelerated fatigue tests with 2 valves remaining intact after 674 million cycles (equivalent to approximately 17 years) in continuing tests. Highspeed photography revealed considerable differences in leaflet motion between valves cycled at accelerated and physiological rates.     

Negative pressure ventilation vs. spontaneous assisted ventilation during rigid bronchoscopy: A controlled randomised trial

Background: Ventilation during interventional rigid bronchoscopy (IRB) under general anaesthesia (jet ventilation, positive pressure ventilation and spontaneous assisted ventilation) may offer some difficulties. This study compares the effectiveness during IRB of intermittent negative pressure ventilation (INPV) and spontaneous assisted ventilation (SAV). Methods: Thirty-eight patients submitted to IRB were randomised into two groups: SAV or INPV. All patients received a total intravenous anaesthesia; INPV patients were paralysed. Pre-and intra-operative arterial blood gases and O₂ flow through a rigid bronchoscope were assessed. The endoscopist applying a subjective score evaluated the operating conditions. Results: Patients of the INPV group, as compared to the SAV group, required a lower dosage of fentanyl (2.6 ± 1.8 (μg · kg^?1· h^?1 vs. 6.6 ± 4.8 μg · kg^?1· h^?1), a lower O₂ supply (3.3 ± 2.8 1/min vs. 11.6 ± 3.4 1/min), a shorter recovery time (5.4 ± 2.9 min vs. 9.8 ± 7.1 min) and no manually assisted ventilation (0 ± 0 vs. 1 ± 1.1 nd?/procedure). Intraoperative PaCO₂ was higher in the SAV (8.1 ± 1.3 kPa) than in the INPV group (5.0 ± 1.6 kPa) and intraoperative pH differed in the two groups (7.26 ± 0.05, SAV vs. 7.47 ± 0.08, INPV). Operating conditions, as assessed by a subjective score, were considered better with INPV than with SAV (4.9 vs. 4.3). Conclusions: As compared to SAV, INPV in paralysed patients during IRB reduces administration of opioids, shortens recovery time, prevents respiratory acidosis, excludes the need for manually assisted ventilation, reduces 02 need and affords optimal surgical conditions. INPV appears a safe, non-invasive and effective ventilatory management during IRB.