Medial-Pivot Design Improved Knee Symptoms From Anteroposterior Instability in Early-Range Flexion and Resolved Anterior Knee Pain in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Instability can lead to poor functional results after tricompartmental total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We identified a group of patients who appeared to have anteroposterior (AP) instability in early-range flexion (ie, 20 to 30° range) associated with anterior knee pain and feelings of instability. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical results in terms of stability and anterior knee pain after revision TKA with a medial-pivot implant and to assess the effect of the implant positioning used in the revision technique. METHODS: There were 45 patients (45 knees) evaluated retrospectively to assess standing lower extremity alignment and functional results by generating a knee stability score after revision TKA with medial pivot implant design. RESULTS: Revision TKA using the medial-pivot TKA lowered the joint line by 3.6 millimeters (mm) (P < .001) and positioned the tibia anteriorly by 3.5 mm (P < .001) on radiographic measurements as compared with results after primary TKA. Moreover, medial pivot revision TKA improved AP stability by a 56-point change in score (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Revision TKA using a medial pivot design improved AP stability and anterior knee pain after failed primary procedures.

High Risk of Failure With Bimodular Femoral Components in THA.

BACKGROUND: The bimodular femoral neck implant (modularity in the neck section and prosthetic head) offers several implant advantages to the surgeon performing THAs, however, there have been reports of failure of bimodular femoral implants involving neck fractures or adverse tissue reaction to metal debris. We aimed to assess the results of the bimodular implants used in the THAs we performed. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked: (1) What is the survivorship of the PROFEMUR(®) bimodular femoral neck stems? (2) What are the modes of failure of this bimodular femoral neck implant? (3) What are the major risk factors for the major modes of failure of this device? METHODS: Between 2003 and 2009, we used one family of bimodular femoral neck stems for all primary THAs (PROFEMUR(®) Z and PROFEMUR(®) E). During this period, 277 THAs (in 242 patients) were performed with these implants. One hundred seventy were done with the bimodular PROFEMUR(®) E (all are accounted for here), and when that implant was suspected of having a high risk of failure, the bimodular PROFEMUR(®) Z was used instead. One hundred seven THAs were performed using this implant (all are accounted for in this study). All bearing combinations, including metal-on-metal, metal-on-polyethylene, and ceramic-on-ceramic, are included here. Data for the cohort included patient demographics, BMI, implant dimensions, type of articular surface, length of followup, and C-reactive protein serum level. We assessed survivorship of the two stems using Kaplan-Meier curves and determined the frequency of the different modes of stem failure. For each of the major modes of failure, we performed binary logistic regression to identify associated risk factors. RESULTS: Survivorship of the stems, using aseptic revision as the endpoint, was 85% for the patients with the PROFEMUR(®) E stems with a mean followup of 50 months (range, 1-125 months) and 85% for the PROFEMUR(®) Z with a mean followup of 50 months (range, 1-125 months)(95% CI, 74-87 months). The most common modes of failure were loosening (9% for the PROFEMUR(®) E), neck fracture (6% for the PROFEMUR(®) Z and 0.6% for the PROFEMUR(®) E), metallosis (1%), and periprosthetic fracture (1%). Only the bimodular PROFEMUR(®) E was associated with femoral stem loosening (odds ratio [OR] =1.1; 95% CI, 1.04-1.140; p = 0.032). Larger head (OR = 3.2; 95% CI, 0.7-14; p = 0.096), BMI (OR = 1.19; 95% CI, 1-1.4; p = 0.038) and total offset (OR = 1.83; 95% CI, 1.13-2.9; p = 0.039) were associated with neck fracture. CONCLUSION: Bimodular neck junctions may be potentiated by long neck lengths, greater offset, and larger head diameters. These factors may contribute to bimodular neck failure by creating a larger moment about the neck's insertion in the stem. The PROFEMUR(®) E implant is associated with high periprosthetic loosening. Based on our experience we cannot recommend the use of bimodular femoral neck implants. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

The Quadriceps Vector is Most Parallel to the Spherical Axis With Minimal Difference for Gender or Ethnicity.

BACKGROUND: The extensor mechanism may be the key to kinematic alignment of total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine any differences in the direction of the quadriceps vector based on gender or ethnicity and to determine which anatomically derived alignment axis is closest to the quadriceps vector. METHODS: Computed tomography scans and patient records for 14 Caucasians (9 men and 5 women) and 40 Japanese (19 men and 21 women) were evaluated. Three axes of alignment-anatomic, mechanical, and spherical-were identified, measured, and compared to the quadriceps vector in each case. Principal component analysis was used to determine the quadriceps vector by using 3-dimensional models of muscles on computed tomography scans. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in the orientation of the quadriceps vector were found based on gender or ethnicity, and the quadriceps vector was most closely aligned with the spherical axis. CONCLUSION: Because the quadriceps is the primary knee extensor, the spherical axis therefore may be a ubiquitous guide to alignment of the arthroplasty knee based on motion.

[Analgesia for labour in the Czech Republic in the year 2011 from the perspective of OBAAMA-CZ study - prospective national survey]. / Analgezie u porodu v Ceské republice v roce 2011 z pohledu studie OBAAMA-CZ- prospektivní observacní studie.

GOAL OF THE STUDY: The aim of national survey was to describe current practice for analgesia during labour provided by anaesthesiologists in the Czech Republic (CZE). TYPE OF THE STUDY: National prospective observational. SETTING: 49 obstetric departments in CZE. METHODS: We aimed to enrol all 97 obstetric departments in CZE and to monitor every case of anaesthetic care in peripartum period during November 2011. Data were recorded to Case Report Form with two parts (Demography 2010 and Case Report) into TrialDB database (Yale University, USA; adapted IBA, MU, CZE). Demographic data for CZE were obtained on request by ÚZIS. The data were analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: We enrolled 1943 cases of anaesthesiological care and 579 (29.8%) of them was to relief labour pain. Population and center weighted estimate of incidence of epidural labour analgesia was 12.5% (95% CI: 10.6% - 14.4%). Epidural analgesia was the most frequently applied via Tuohy needle G18 (97.8%), with administration of an epidural catheter G20 (95.7%), via medial approach (98.8%), in lateral position (76.7%) by the loss of resistance method (94.3%). All administrations of epidural analgesia were started by initial bolus, only in 28.2% of cases were followed continously. Always has been applied mixture of local anaesthetic with sufentanil at a dose of 3-10 mcg. Bupivacaine was most frequently used local anaesthetic (80.7%), followed by levobupivacaine (12.6%). Median concentrations both bupivacaine and levobupivacaine were 0.125% (min. 0.1%, max. 0.3%).The most common complication of epidural analgesia was repeated puncture (21.2%), blood in the catheter (1.4%), blood in the needle (1.2%), unintended puncture of the dura mater (0.7%) and transient paresthesias (0.5%). CONCLUSION: In comparison to previously published data there was trend for lower incidence of epidural analgesia for labour in the CZE.

Midterm clinical and radiographic results of the medial pivot total knee system.

PURPOSE: The ADVANCE® Medial Pivot Knee System was designed with a highly congruent medial compartment and a less conforming lateral compartment to more closely mimic the kinematics of the normal knee. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm clinical and radiographic outcomes of this total knee arthroplasty (TKA) system. METHODS: Between January 1998 and December 2006, 421 primary TKAs were performed in 373 subjects using this system and a surgical technique that resects the posterior cruciate ligament. Of these, 365 TKAs in 320 subjects were available for a follow-up visit occurring at a mean of 5.3 years. Subjects were evaluated using Knee Society Scores, range of motion, and radiographic review. RESULTS: The average Knee Society clinical score was 95.5 at final follow-up, with 358 (98%) TKAs having excellent or good results. Range of motion increased from a preoperative mean of 115 to 119° at final follow-up. Component survivorship, excluding revisions for infection or trauma, was 96.6% at five years. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates subjects implanted with the ADVANCE® Medial Pivot Knee System achieved satisfactory clinical and radiographic midterm outcomes.

Assessment of a medial pivot total knee arthroplasty design in a cadaveric knee extension test model.

A total knee has been designed to mimic less-compliant medial and more-compliant lateral behavior. In vivo testing compared open-kinematic chain behaviors of cadaver knees in their normal state and after implantation of the knee prosthesis. Specimen's limbs were computed tomography scanned, and infrared arrays on tibia and femur were registered to bone markers. Motion of the joint and quadriceps force were reported from 90° flexion to full extension. Less medial and more lateral anterior-posterior motion was seen in both the intact and the implanted knees. Tibiofemoral rotation and translation were similar in direction but were reduced in magnitude for the prosthetic knees. Quadriceps force, defined as that applied force required to extend the knee, required after implantation was variable between specimens but not statistically different from the intact condition. The prosthesis tested exhibits kinematic behavior similar to that in their normal state, with no difference in quadriceps force required for extension.

[Childbirth analgesia and anesthesia in the Czech Republic in 2012. The 20th anniversary of post-graduate education]. / Porodnická analgezie a anestezie v Ceské republice v roce 2012 20. výrocí programu postgraduálního vzdelávání

The aim of this study was to ascertain the current status of analgesia and anesthesia used during childbirth in the Czech Republic. Using data from questionnaires, an overview of individual labor-related anesthetic procedures and methods and frequency of their use was obtained. A positive trend in the increase of neuroaxial methods used in maternity wards over the last twenty years has been the result of a systematic program of interdisciplinary post-gradual education for doctors and birth attendants in the Czech Republic.

[Peripartal life-threatening hemorrhage - interdisciplinary consensus opinion]. / Peripartální zivot ohrozující krvácení - mezioborové konsenzuální stanovisko.

22 experts from the fields of gynecology and obstetrics, anesthesiology and resuscitation, intensive care, hematology and transfusion medicine has developed recommendations for diagnosis and procedure for life-threatening peripartum haemorrhage, which is still one of the most common causes of maternal mortality in childbirth. This guidelines, which is valid for the Czech Republic, supported by a total of 10 professional medical societies. There are based on new knowledge applicable at this time and is focused mainly on eliminating the most common causes of bleeding during delivery and prevention of haemorrhagic shock.

The impact of obesity on the outcome of severe SARS-CoV-2 ARDS in a high volume ECMO centre: ECMO and corticosteroids support the obesity paradox.

PURPOSE: The aim was to verify the impact of obesity on the long-term outcome of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 ARDS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study included patients admitted to the high-volume ECMO centre between March 2020 and March 2022. The impact of body mass index (BMI), co-morbidities and therapeutic measures on the short and 90-day outcomes was analysed. RESULTS: 292 patients were included, of whom 119(40.8%) were treated with veno-venous ECMO cannulated mostly (73%) in a local hospital. 58.5% were obese (64.7% on ECMO), the ECMO was most frequent in BMI > 40(49%). The ICU mortality (36.8% for obese vs 33.9% for the non-obese, p = 0.58) was related to ECMO only for the non-obese (p = 0.04). The 90-day mortalities (48.5% obese vs 45.5% non-obese, p = 0.603) of the ECMO and non-ECMO patients were not significantly influenced by BMI (p = 0.47, p = 0.771, respectively). The obesity associated risk factors for adverse outcome were age <50 (RR 2.14) and history of chronic immunosuppressive therapy (RR 2.11, p = 0.009). The higher dosage of steroids (RR 0.57, p = 0.05) associated with a better outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of obesity was not associated with worse short and long-term outcomes. ECMO in obese patients together with the use of steroids in the later stage of ARDS may improve survival.

Total hip arthroplasty modular neck failure.

The use of modular components in total hip arthroplasty has increased in popularity. The advantages of modularity in hip arthroplasty include improved visualization during acetabular revision and restoration of proper hip biomechanics. Disadvantages include disassociation of components, failure at modular junctions, corrosion, and the generation of metal ions and debris. We present 2 cases that demonstrate the potential for modular neck fracture, requiring subsequent revision of well-fixed components.

Kneeling is safe for patients implanted with medial-pivot total knee arthroplasty designs.

Nine ADVANCE (Wright Medical Technology, Arlington, TN)) Medial-Pivot (MP) and 9 ADVANCE Double-High total knee arthroplasties were analyzed under radiographic surveillance at standing, mid kneeling, and full kneeling. In vivo tibiofemoral contact positions were obtained using the 3- to 2-dimensional image registration technique. The contact in Double-High knee was always more posterior than that in the MP knee presumably because of the presence of the posterior cruciate ligament. The contact positions in both the designs moved anterior from standing to mid kneeling, moved posterior from mid kneeling to full kneeling, and remained within the intended articulation range of the implants. This study indicates that kneeling is safe in MP total knee arthroplasty even in the absence of a cam-post or posterior cruciate ligament.

Hepcidin expression in adipose tissue increases during cardiac surgery.

Hepcidin, a key regulator of iron metabolism, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of anemia of chronic disease. Although it is produced mainly in the liver, its recently described expression in adipose tissue has been shown to be enhanced in massive obesity due to chronic low-grade inflammation. Our objective was to study the changes in hepcidin expression in adipose tissue during acute-phase reaction. We measured hepcidin mRNA expression from isolated subcutaneous and epicardial adipose tissue at the beginning and at the end of the surgery. The expression of mRNAs for hepcidin and other iron-related genes (transferrin receptor 1, divalent metal transporter 1, ferritin, ferroportin) were measured by real-time RT-PCR. Hepcidin expression significantly increased at the end of the surgery in subcutaneous but not in epicardial adipose tissue. Apart from the increased levels of cytokines, the parameters of iron metabolism showed typical inflammation-induced changes. We suggest that acute inflammatory changes could affect the regulation of hepcidin expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue and thus possibly contribute to inflammation-induced systemic changes of iron metabolism.

Surgical conditions with rocuronium versus suxamethonium in cesarean section: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Onset times and conditions for intubation after rocuronium versus suxamethonium at cesarean section have been evaluated, but no study thus far has examined the influence of these neuromuscular blocking drugs on the surgical conditions or their effect on the duration of surgery and the ease of fetal delivery. We aimed to compare the surgical conditions for delivery in parturients who received deep neuromuscular block with rocuronium with those who had induction with suxamethonium. METHODS: Ninety patients undergoing cesarean section under general anesthesia were randomized to receive either rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg or suxamethonium 1 mg/kg for tracheal intubation and delivery. Times to delivery and the quality of surgical conditions, using a five-point Surgical Rating Scale for Delivery (SRSD) ranging from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent), were evaluated. RESULTS: The median SRSD (range) was found to be significantly better in the rocuronium group [4 (3-5) points vs 3 (2-4) points with suxamethonium (P <0.001)]. Whereas the mean (SD) induction-to-intubation interval was longer with rocuronium [106 (34) s vs 68 (32) s with suxamethonium (95% CI of the difference 24 to 52 s, P <0.001)], the incision-to-delivery interval was shorter in the rocuronium group [147 (68) s vs 196 (51) s with suxamethonium (95% CI of the difference -75 to -24 s, P <0.001)]. The mean induction-to-delivery intervals were similar [268 (73) s vs 276 (63) s, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas the induction-to-delivery intervals were comparable, we found rocuronium superior to suxamethonium in allowing better surgical conditions for fetal delivery, which enabled an easier delivery and a shorter incision-to-delivery interval.

A Western boundary current in the gulf of Mexico.

The curl of the wind stress over the Gulf of Mexico, during the winter and again in the summer, is similar to that over the central North Atlantic Ocean. An anticyclonic gyre is nearly always found in the western gulf, and we suggest that there is a typical western boundary current, similar in many important respects to the Gulf Stream. The flow appears to be strongest in winter and summer, in phase with the wind curl forcing, and there is evidence that this response is at least partially baroclinic. The deep baroclinic gyre persists when the wind curl vanishes. The winter transport is roughly half that of the Florida Current.

Thrombophilia and pulmonary endarterectomy.

UNLABELLED: In the present study, we compared groups of patients with and without thrombophilia, who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), definitive treatment for chronic pulmonary hypertension resulting from thromboembolic disease. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Between September 2004 and June 2007, we operated 54 patients with CTEPH. We divided our patients into three groups. Group I patients, had one or more signs of serious thrombophilia (15 patients), Group II patients, had no signs of thrombophilia (23 patients without thrombophilia and without Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR)), and Group III patients with MTHFR (16 patients with MTHFR only, without any serious thrombophilia). RESULTS: After the surgery, there was a statistically considerable improvement of hemodynamic parameters (mPA, CI, PVR) in all groups, without a statistical difference between the groups. Comparison of all these groups showed more complications in-group I (thrombophilia), in particular reperfusion oedema, pericardial effusion, and renal insufficiency. Within one month, there was a considerable improvement or normalisation of haemodynamic parameters, an increase in walking distance at the six-minute walking test, and NYHA classification with no significant difference between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Early hemodynamic results of patients with thrombophilia after PEA, were comparable to the results of patients without thrombophilia, when we looked at both clinical and hemodynamic improvements. We did not find any differences when we looked at the results between Group II and Group III (MTHF), when we considered the number and type of complications. Patients with thrombophilia in Group I had statistically higher morbidity, especially when it came to a higher number of reperfusion oedema, pericardial effusion, and renal insufficiency.

Increased angiotensinogen production in epicardial adipose tissue during cardiac surgery: possible role in a postoperative insulin resistance.

Critical illness induces among other events production of proinflammatory cytokines that in turn interfere with insulin signaling cascade and induce insulin resistance on a postreceptor level. Recently, local renin-angiotensin system of adipose tissue has been suggested as a possible contributor to the development of insulin resistance in patients with obesity. The aim of our study was to determine local changes of the renin-angiotensin system of subcutaneous and epicardial adipose tissue during a major cardiac surgery, which may serve as a model of an acute stress potentially affecting endocrine function of adipose tissue. Ten patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were included into the study. Blood samples and samples of subcutaneous and epicardial adipose tissue were collected at the beginning and at the end of the surgery. Blood glucose, serum insulin and adiponectin levels were measured and mRNA for angiotensinogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin II type 1 receptor were determined in adipose tissue samples using RT PCR. Cardiac surgery significantly increased both insulin and blood glucose levels suggesting the development of insulin resistance, while serum adiponectin levels did not change. Expression of angiotensinogen mRNA significantly increased in epicardial adipose tissue at the end of surgery relative to baseline but remained unchanged in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Fat expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme and type 1 receptor for angiotensin II were not affected by surgery. Our study suggests that increased angiotensinogen production in epicardial adipose tissue may contribute to the development of postoperative insulin resistance.

A retrospective analysis of Terlipressin infusion in patients with refractory hypotension after cardiac surgery.

AIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Terlipressin in the treatment of severe hypotension in cardiosurgical patients and to assess the differences between the groups of survivors and nonsurvivors. METHODS: The study population was 27 patients who developed hypotension after cardiac surgery. RESULTS: All surviving patients developed refractory hypotension early after extracorporeal circulation. Of the 9 nonsurvivors, 3 also experienced postcardiotomy hypotension, while the remaining 6 developed severe hypotension during sepsis. Terlipressin given continuously significantly increased the mean arterial pressure and reduced the heart rate in both groups. Norepinephrine requirements decreased significantly among survivors only. The mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure levels remained unchanged or increased insignificantly, while several liver markers in the survivor group significantly increased. CONCLUSION: Terlipressin given continuously is a potent vasopressor in patients with norepinephrine-resistant postcardiotomy hypotension; however, Terlipressin treatment failed in patients who developed refractory hypotension during sepsis. We cannot recommend this therapy in such patients as it proved to be hemodynamicaly ineffective and may even worsen the circulatory situation.

Labor analgesia in Czech Republic and Slovakia: a 2015 national survey.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this international survey was to describe the current practices and techniques of labor analgesia in the Czech Republic (CZE) and Slovakia (SVK). METHODS: All Czech and Slovak departments that provide obstetric anesthesia were invited to participate in a one-month (November 2015) prospective study that monitored in detail all peripartum anesthetic procedures delivered by anesthesiologists. Participating centers recorded all data on-line in the CLADE-IS database (Masaryk University, CZE). RESULTS: The response rate was 71% (70 of 95 departments in CZE, 35 of 54 centers in SVK). Participating centers represented 87.7% of all births in CZE and 66.4% of all births in SVK during the study period. Analgesia for labor, administered by anesthesiologists, was recorded in 12.5% of deliveries (CZE 12.1%, SVK 13.4%). Epidural analgesia was used in most of the cases (CZE 97.2%, SVK 99.1%) whereas spinal (CZE 1.4%, SVK 0.9%) or combined spinal-epidural (CZE 0.5%, SVK 0.0%) and intravenous remifentanil analgesia (CZE 2.4%, SVK 0.0%) were used infrequently. One fifth of the labors with analgesia administered by anesthesiologists (CZE 20.2%, SVK 20.5%) terminated in cesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: Although labor analgesia was available in all Czech and Slovak obstetric centers, only a small proportion of parturients received an effective method of labor pain relief (regional or intravenous analgesia).

[Pilot study to evaluate blood glucose control by a model predictive control algorithm with variable sampling rate vs. routine glucose management protocol in peri- and postoperative period in cardiac surgery patients]. / Pilotní studie pro srovnání pocítacového algoritmu s variabilním intervalem merení glykémie a standardního protokolu pro intenzivní inzulínovou terapii v peri- a pooperacním období u kardiochirurgických pacientu.

BACKGROUND: Increased blood glucose levels are frequently observed in critically ill patients. Recent studies have shown that the normalization of glycemia by intensive insulin therapy decreases mortality, length of the hospitalization and number of complications. METHODS AND RESULTS: The aim of this pilot study was to compare blood glucose control by an automated model predictive control algorithm with variable sampling rate (eMPC) with routine glucose management protocol (RP) in peri- and postoperative period in cardiac surgery patients. 20 patients were included into this study (14 men and 6 women, mean age 68 +/- 10 let, BMI 28.3 +/- 5.0 kg/m2). 10 patients were randomized for treatment using eMPC algorithm and 10 patients for routine protocol. All patients underwent elective cardiac surgery and were treated with continuous insulin infusion to maintain glycemia in target range 4.4-6.1 mmol/l. The study duration was 24 hours. Mean blood glucose was significantly lower in eMPC vs. RP group (5.80 +/- 0.45 vs. 7.23 +/- 0.84 mmol/l, p < 0.05). Percentage of time in target range was significantly higher in eMPC vs. RP group (67.6 +/- 8.7% vs. 27.6 +/- 15.8%, p < 0.05). Percentage of time above the target range was higher in RP vs. eMPC group. Average insulin infusion rate was higher in eMPC vs. RP group (4.18 +/- 1.19 vs. 3.24 +/- 1.43 IU/hour, p < 0.05). Average sampling interval was significantly shorter in eMPC vs. RP group (1.51 +/- 0.24 vs. 2.03 +/- 0.16 hour, p < 0.05). No severe hypoglycaemia in either group occurred during the study. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our pilot study suggest that eMPC algorithm is more effective in maintaining euglycemia in peri- and post-operative period in patients after cardiac surgery and comparably safe as compared to RP.

[The treatment of hyperglycaemia in critically ill patients: comparison of standard protocol and computer algorithm]. / Lécba hyperglykemie u kriticky nemocných pacientu: srovnání standardního protokolu a pocítacového algoritmu.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperglycemia is commonly observed in patients hospitalized on intensive care units. It is has been demonstrated that normalization of blood glucose level using intensive insulin therapy significantly improves prognosis of these patients. The aim of our study was comparison of standard protocol of intensive insulin therapy used on cardiac surgery ICU in General University Hospital in Prague and computer algorithm MPC (Model Predictive Control). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 20 patients with glycaemia higher than 6.7 mmol/l at the time of admission to ICU were included into the study, 10 subjects were randomized for standard treatment, 10 for treatment with MPC algorithm. Glycaemia was measured hourly during 48 hours, insulin infusion was rate was adjusted hourly in MPC algorithm or in 1-2 hours in standard protocol group. RESULTS: Blood glucose levels were in the target range significantly longer in MPC relative to standard protocol group (26.3 +/- 2.1 hrs vs 20.3 +/- 2.5 hrs). Mean blood glucose was also lower using MPC algorithm (6.47 +/- 0.11 vs 6.72 +/- 0.23 mmol/l). On the contrary the target range was established faster using standard protocol (8.9 +/- 1.2 vs 10.3 +/- 0.9 hrs), duration of hyperglycaemia was the same in both groups (7.3 +/- 1.9 in standard protocol vs 7.3 +/- 1.3 hrs in MPC algorithm). Average 48-hours insulin dose was higher in MPC than standard protocol group (230.2 +/- 38.8 vs 199.1 +/- 27.8 IU/48 hrs). 2 hypoglycaemic episodes occured in 2 patients in standard protocol group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the use of MPC algorithm result in more effective blood glucose control in critically ill patients than standard protocol.