Stimulus-specific functional remodeling of the left ventricle in endurance and resistance-trained men.

Left ventricular (LV) structural remodeling following athletic training has been evidenced through training-specific changes in wall thickness and geometry. Whether the LV response to changes in hemodynamic load also adapts in a training-specific manner is unknown. Using echocardiography, we examined LV responses of endurance-trained (n = 15), resistance-trained (n = 14), and nonathletic men (n = 13) to 1) 20, 40, and 60% one repetition-maximum (1RM), leg-press exercise and 2) intravascular Gelofusine infusion (7 mL/kg) with passive leg raise. While resting heart rate was lower in endurance-trained participants versus controls (P = 0.001), blood pressure was similar between groups. Endurance-trained individuals had lower wall thickness but greater LV mass relative to body surface area versus controls, with no difference between resistance-trained individuals and controls. Leg press evoked a similar increase in blood pressure; however, resistance-trained participants preserved stroke volume (SV; -3 ± 8%) versus controls at 60% 1RM (-15 ± 7%, P = 0.001). While the maintenance of SV was related to the change in longitudinal strain across all groups (R = 0.537; P = 0.007), time-to-peak strain was maintained in resistance-trained but delayed in endurance-trained individuals (1 vs. 12% delay; P = 0.021). Volume infusion caused a similar increase in end-diastolic volume (EDV) and SV across groups, but leg raise further increased EDV only in endurance-trained individuals (5 ± 5 to 8 ± 5%; P = 0.018). Correlation analysis revealed a relationship between SV and longitudinal strain following infusion and leg raise (R = 0.334, P = 0.054); however, we observed no between-group differences in longitudinal myocardial mechanics. In conclusion, resistance-trained individuals better maintained SV during pressure loading, whereas endurance-trained individuals demonstrated greater EDV reserve during volume loading. These data provide novel evidence of training-specific LV functional remodeling.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Training-specific functional remodeling of the LV in response to different loading conditions has been recently suggested, but not experimentally tested in the same group of individuals. Our data provide novel evidence of a dichotomous, training-specific LV adaptive response to hemodynamic pressure or volume loading.

Blood acid-base, haematological and haemostatic effects of hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) compared to succinylated gelatin colloid infusions in normovolaemic dogs.

Synthetic colloids are commonly administered to dogs to treat absolute or relative hypovolaemia. Voluven® (tetrastarch 130/0.4) and Gelofusine® (succinylated gelatin) are available to veterinarians in South Africa. In humans, use of these products has caused acid-base derangements, changes in haematology and impaired haemostasis. We aimed to investigate these effects in healthy normovolaemic dogs. Eight healthy adult beagle dogs underwent a cross-over study, receiving Voluven® or Gelofusine® (10 mL/kg/h for 120 min) once each with a 14-day washout between treatments. Dogs were premedicated with dexmedetomidine (10 µg/kg intramuscularly). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and the dogs were maintained with isoflurane-in-oxygen. The anaesthetised dogs were connected to a multi-parameter monitor to monitor physiological parameters throughout. Catheters placed in a jugular vein and dorsal metatarsal artery allowed sampling of venous and arterial blood. Blood was collected immediately prior to commencement of colloid infusion, after 60 min infusion and at the end of infusion (120 min) to allow for arterial blood gas analysis, haematology and coagulation testing (activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], prothrombin time [PT] and thromboelastography [TEG]). There was no effect, between treatments or over time, on blood pH. The haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte count and haematocrit decreased significantly over time (all p 0.01), with no differences between treatments, and remained within normal clinical ranges. There were no differences between treatments or over time for the TEG, aPTT and PT tests of haemostasis. At the dose studied, Voluven® and Gelofusine® had comparably negligible effects on blood acid-base balance and coagulation in normovolaemic dogs.

Coagulation in hindbrain membrane meningioma patients treated with different injections using acute hypervolemic hemodilution.

The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in coagulation in meningioma patients treated with different injections using the method of acute hypervolemic hemodilution (AHH). One hundred fifty hindbrain membrane meningioma patients were randomly divided into 5 groups, 30 per group. The first group were injected 40ml/time with Danhong after anesthesia induction; the second group were injected with 40ml~60ml/time Kangai and combined with interventional chemotherapy and embolization procedure; the third group of AHH were injected with polygeline 15ml/kg; the fourth group were injected with hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) sodium chloride in doses of 15ml/kg; the control group underwent basic treatment for lowering blood pressure and lowering blood fat. The changes of coagulation index were recorded before and after surgery and before and after the injection of different medications. Compared to the control group, for the first group of AHH, after being treated for 10 days and 30 days, the concentrations of bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), bone Gla protein (BGP) and pro-collagen carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP) were higher than that of the control group, the levels of endotoxin (ET) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were decreased compared to the control group (p less than 0.05); for the second group of AHH, after being treated for 10 days, the index of prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (Fg) were not significantly changed, but the related level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) significantly decreased (p less than 0.05). Comparing the coagulation function index after surgery in the third and fourth groups, there were no significant changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) level, heart rate (HR) value presented a low decrease, central venous pressure (CVP) level increased and the level of interleukin IL-6 showed a steady state after increasing. Analyzing the levels of interleukin IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) after surgery, it was seen that in the third group they increased and in the fourth group they decreased (p less than 0.05). Danhong injection improved the coagulation function and microcirculation of patients, Kangai injection and interventional chemotherapy and embolization restrained the appearance of tumor angiogenesis, AHH operation with polygeline injection and hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) sodium chloride kept blood flow in normal parameters.

Efficacy of different fluids preload on propofol injection pain: A randomized, controlled, double-blinded study.

Injection pain of propofol remains a common clinical problem. Previous studies demonstrated that propofol injection pain was alleviated by applying nitroglycerin ointment to the skin of injection site, which inspires us to test whether venous vasodilation induced by fluid preload could alleviate the pain. Different types or volumes of fluid preload were compared. 200 ASA I-II adult patients were randomly assigned to five groups of 40 each. A 20 G cannula was established on the dorsum or wrist of the hand. When fluid preload given with Plasma-Lyte A 100 mL (P100 group), 250 mL (P250 group), 500 mL (P500 group), 0.9% saline 500 mL (N500 group) or Gelofusine 500 mL (G500 group) was completed within 30 min, respectively, Propofol (0.5 mg/kg, 1%) was injected at a rate of 0.5 mL/s. A blind investigator assessed the pain using a four-point scale. Incidence of pain in P100, P250, and P500 groups was 87.5%, 57.5% and 35%, respectively (P<0.05). The median pain intensity score was significantly lower in P500 group than that in P250 and P100 groups (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Comparison of the effect of different types of solution preload indicated that the highest incidence of pain was in N500 group (62.5%) (N500 vs. P500, P=0.014; N500 vs. G500, P=0.007). The median pain intensity score in N500 group was higher than that in P500 group (P<0.05) and G500 group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between P500 and G500 groups. It is suggested that Plasma-Lyte A or Gelofusine preload with 500 mL before propofol injection is effective in alleviating propofol-induced pain.

LiDCO-based fluid management in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery under spinal anaesthesia: a randomized trial and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Hip fracture is a condition with high mortality and morbidity in elderly frail patients. Intraoperative fluid optimization may be associated with benefit in this population. We investigated whether intraoperative fluid management using pulse-contour analysis cardiac monitoring, compared with standard care in patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia, would provide benefits in terms of reduced time until medically fit for discharge and postoperative complications. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgical repair of fractured neck of femur, aged >60 yr, receiving spinal anaesthesia were enrolled in this single-centre, blinded, randomized, parallel group trial. Patients were allocated to either anaesthetist-directed fluid therapy or a pulse-contour-guided fluid optimization strategy using colloid (Gelofusine) boluses to optimize stroke volume. The primary outcome was time until medically fit for discharge. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications, mobility, and mortality. We updated a systematic review to include relevant trials to 2014. RESULTS: We recruited 130 patients. Time until medically fit for discharge was similar in both groups, mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] 12.2 (11.1-13.5) vs 13.1 (11.9-14.5) days (P=0.31), as was total length of stay 14.2 (12.9-15.8) vs 15.3 (13.8-17.2) days (P=0.32). There were no significant differences in complications, function, or mortality. An updated meta-analysis (four studies, 355 patients) found non-significant reduction in early mortality [relative risk 0.66 (0.24-1.79)] and in-hospital complications [relative risk 0.80 (0.61-1.05)]. CONCLUSIONS: Goal-directed fluid therapy during hip fracture repair under spinal anaesthesia does not result in a significant reduction in length of stay or postoperative complications. There is insufficient evidence to either support or discount its routine use. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN88284896.

Effects of colloid preload on placenta stereology and cord blood S100ß protein during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal dose of colloid preload, which is both safe and effective, for preventing hypotension in parturients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Forty-five healthy, termed parturients scheduled for cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned to 3 colloid preload groups to receive gelofusine infusion at the rates of 5, 10, or 15 ml·kg(-1)·h(-1) (groups I, II, and III, respectively). Colloid preload was administered 10 min before spinal anesthesia and maintained until the delivery. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) of the parturients were monitored during the operation, and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min after birth were recorded. S100ß protein concentration and blood gas values of the umbilical artery were also measured. The vascular adaptation in the placental villous capillary was evaluated stereologically. RESULTS: At each time point of measurement, BP and HR showed no significant differences among the 3 groups during the operation (P>0.05), but within the same group, BP and HR underwent significant variations during the operation; groups II and III maintained more stable hemodynamics compared to group I. Apgar scores and blood gas analysis, pH value, and S100ß protein in the umbilical artery showed no significant differences among the 3 groups (P>0.05). The 3 groups exhibited no significant differences in the length and volume density of the placental villous capillaries (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Colloid preload with gelofusine administered at the rate of 10 ml·kg(-1)·h(-1) can reduce the incidence and severity of hypotension in cesarean section under spinal anesthesia with the least adverse maternal and fetal effects.

Effects of an intraoperative infusion of 4% succinylated gelatine (Gelofusine(R)) and 6% hydroxyethyl starch (Voluven(R)) on blood volume.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to study changes in blood volume after 1 litre infusions of Gelofusine(®) [4% succinylated gelatine in 0.7% saline, weight-average molecular weight (MWw) 30 kDa] and Voluven(®) (6% hydroxyethyl starch in 0.9% saline, MWw 130 kDa) in the presence of increased capillary permeability. METHODS: In this randomized double-blind study, adults undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy received 1 litre of Gelofusine(®) (n=12) or Voluven(®) (n=13) over 1 h at the induction of anaesthesia. No other fluids were given. Haematocrit, serum electrolytes, and osmolality were measured before infusion and hourly thereafter for 4 h. Changes in blood volume were calculated from changes in haematocrit. The urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR) was measured before and after operation. RESULTS: Baseline parameters before the two infusions were similar (P>0.050). The urinary ACR increased significantly after operation after Gelofusine(®) (P=0.011) and Voluven(®) (P=0.002), indicating increased capillary permeability. Voluven(®) produced a greater increase in serum chloride concentration (P=0.028) and a larger decrease in strong ion difference (P=0.009) than Gelofusine(®). There were no significant differences in changes in haematocrit (P=0.523) and blood volume (P=0.404) over the study period when the two infusions were compared, nor were there any differences in serum sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and albumin concentrations (P>0.050). Urine output, sodium concentration, and osmolality were similar after the two infusions (P>0.050). CONCLUSIONS: The blood volume-expanding effects of the two colloids were not significantly different, despite the increase in postoperative urinary ACR and the 100 kDa difference in MWw.

Pilot study: Gelafundin (polygeline) 4% plus antibiotics in the treatment of high-risk cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

BACKGROUND: Cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) have elevated rates of renal impairment and mortality. It has been shown that cefotaxime plus albumin infusion decrease renal impairment compared with antibiotic treatment alone, in patients with serum bilirubin >4 mg/dL or creatinine >1 mg/dL. AIM: To assess clinical outcomes of high-risk cirrhotic patients with SBP who were treated with antibiotics associated with Gelafundin (polygeline) 4%. METHODS: Twenty nine cirrhotic patients with SBP and serum bilirubin >4 mg/dL or creatinine >1 mg/dL were enrolled. Ceftriaxone was administered in doses of 2 g/day and Gelafundin 4% was given intravenously at 1.5 g/kg of body weight at the time of the diagnosis, followed by 1 g/kg on day 3. Renal impairment was defined as nonreversible deterioration of renal function during hospitalization. RESULTS: Eight patients (27.5%) had basal renal failure. Infection resolved in 28 (96.6%) patients. Renal impairment occurred in four patients (13.8%), and three patients (10.4%) died during hospitalization. Mortality within 90 days after discharge was 34.5% (10 patients). CONCLUSION: The rates of renal impairment and mortality in high-risk patients with SBP suggest that Gelafundin 4% administration given with ceftriaxone may be a less expensive therapeutic alternative to albumin.

Renal proximal tubular dysfunction is a major determinant of urinary connective tissue growth factor excretion.

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a key role in renal fibrosis. Urinary CTGF is elevated in various renal diseases and may have biomarker potential. However, it is unknown which processes contribute to elevated urinary CTGF levels. Thus far, urinary CTGF was considered to reflect renal expression. We investigated how tubular dysfunction affects urinary CTGF levels. To study this, we administered recombinant CTGF intravenously to rodents. We used both full-length CTGF and the NH(2)-terminal fragment, since the NH(2)-fragment is the predominant form detected in urine. Renal CTGF extraction, determined by simultaneous arterial and renal vein sampling, was 18 +/- 3% for full-length CTGF and 21 +/- 1% for the NH(2)-fragment. Fractional excretion was very low for both CTGFs (0.02 +/- 0.006% and 0.10 +/- 0.02%, respectively), indicating that >99% of the extracted CTGF was metabolized by the kidney. Immunohistochemistry revealed extensive proximal tubular uptake of CTGF in apical endocytic vesicles and colocalization with megalin. Urinary CTGF was elevated in megalin- and cubilin-deficient mice but not in cubilin-deficient mice. Inhibition of tubular reabsorption by Gelofusine reduced renal uptake of CTGF and increased urinary CTGF. In healthy volunteers, Gelofusine also induced an increase of urinary CTGF excretion, comparable to the increase of beta(2)-microglobulin excretion (r = 0.99). Furthermore, urinary CTGF correlated with beta(2)-microglobulin (r = 0.85) in renal disease patients (n = 108), and only beta(2)-microglobulin emerged as an independent determinant of urinary CTGF. Thus filtered CTGF is normally reabsorbed almost completely in proximal tubules via megalin, and elevated urinary CTGF may largely reflect proximal tubular dysfunction.

Effect of volume loading with 1 liter intravenous infusions of 0.9% saline, 4% succinylated gelatine (Gelofusine) and 6% hydroxyethyl starch (Voluven) on blood volume and endocrine responses: a randomized, three-way crossover study in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes in blood volume and hormones controlling sodium and water homeostasis after infusions of 0.9% saline, Gelofusine (4% succinylated gelatin in 0.7% saline, weight-average molecular weight 30 kD), and Voluven (6% hydroxyethyl starch in 0.9% saline, weight-average molecular weight 130 kD) in healthy volunteers. DESIGN: Randomized, three-way crossover study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: Ten healthy adult male volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: Volunteers received 1-L infusions of 0.9% saline, Gelofusine, and Voluven over 1 hr on three occasions. Body weight, hematocrit, serum biochemistry, and plasma concentrations of vasopressin, aldosterone, brain natriuretic peptide, and total renin were measured before infusion and hourly thereafter for 6 hrs. Changes in body water, blood volume, and extravascular fluid volume were calculated. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Although changes in body weight (total body water) after the infusions were similar, blood volume expansion by the two colloids was significantly greater than that produced by 0.9% saline (p < .01). At the end of infusions, 68%, 21%, and 16% of the infused volumes of 0.9% saline, Gelofusine, and Voluven, respectively, had escaped from the intravascular space to the extravascular space. Over the 6 hrs, the magnitude and duration of blood volume expansion by the two colloids were similar (p = .70). There were no significant differences in urinary volume, osmolality, and sodium content after the three infusions. Hormonal changes were similar after the three infusions, with the increase in natriuretic peptide being transient. The reduction in aldosterone and total renin concentrations was more sustained. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of Gelofusine and Voluven were similar despite the 100 kD difference in weight-average molecular weight. Excretion of an acute fluid load containing sodium and chloride may be dependent on a sustained suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system rather than on natriuretic peptides.

An open pilot study of the efficacy and safety of Polygeline in adult subjects with dengue haemorrhagic fever.

AIM: To observe the efficacy and safety of Polygeline colloid (Haemaccel) in adults with stage I - II of dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). METHODS: An open, non-comparative clinical trial. The subjects were male or female between 17 - 55 years old, who fulfilled the criteria of stage I or II of DHF according to WHO and selected with consecutive sampling. Fluid treatments were given following this protocol: polygeline i.v. infusion: 500 ml over first 6 hours and continued with 500 ml for the next 18 hours, and maintained to 1000 mL/24 hours from day-2 until maximum day-5. Ringer's lactate infusion: 1000 mL/18 hours from the first day to maximum day-5, as maintenance. Efficacy and safety of polygeline colloid were evaluated using initial stabilization of haematocrite level, measured as percentage of clinical trial subject who has stabilization of haemodynamic status based on serial haematocrite levels examinations, total parenteral fluid required and length of hospitalization. Statisticial analysis was done using ANOVA test and post hoc analysis using Turkey test. RESULTS: There were 43 subjects who completely participated in this study and included in analysis. From baseline levels, haematocrite decreased in first 6 hours during fluid treatment. This decrement persisted in 48 hours of observation. Statistical analysis with ANOVA test showed the significant differences of haematocrite level during observation (Sum of square between groups 495 and within group 4845, p= 0.000). Post hoc analysis with Turkey test showed significant differences of haematocrite level from baseline level to 48, 72 and 96 hours during observation periods. CONCLUSION: This pilot study showed that polygeline colloid was a safe initial fluid treatment and can be used for maintaining fluid adequacy in adults with stage I-II of DHF.

Does anaesthetic management affect early outcomes after lung transplant? An exploratory analysis.

BACKGROUND: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a predominant cause of early morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation. Although substantial work has been done to understand risk factors for PGD in terms of donor, recipient, and surgical factors, little is understood regarding the potential role of anaesthetic management variables in its development. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective exploratory analysis of 107 consecutive lung transplants to determine if anaesthesia factors were associated with early graft function quantified by Pa(O(2))/Fi(O(2)). Multivariate regression techniques were used to explore the association between anaesthetic management variables and Pa(O(2))/Fi(O(2)) ratio 12 h after operation. The relationship between these variables and both time to tracheal extubation and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay was further examined using the Cox proportional hazards. RESULTS: On multivariate analysis, increasing volume of intraoperative colloid, comprising predominantly Gelofusine (succinylated gelatin), was independently associated with a lower Pa(O(2))/Fi(O(2)) 12 h post-transplantation [beta coefficient -42 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval (CI) -7 to -77 mm Hg, P=0.02] and reduced rate of extubation [hazard ratio (HR) 0.65, 95% CI 0.49-0.84, P=0.001]. There was a trend for intraoperative colloid to be associated with a reduced rate of ICU discharge (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.31-1.02, P=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: We observed an inverse relationship between volume of intraoperative colloid and early lung allograft function. The association persists, despite detailed sensitivity analyses and adjustment for potential confounding variables. Further studies are required to confirm these findings and explore potential mechanisms through which these associations may act.

Prevention of hypotension during propofol induction: a comparison of preloading with 3.5% polymers of degraded gelatin (Haemaccel) and intravenous ephedrine.

The present study compared the efficacy of preloading with colloid "Haemaccel" with vasoconstrictor (intravenous ephedrine sulphate) in preventing hypotension during propofol induction. This prospective, randomized study included 120 patients of Amercan Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II ageing 21 to 50 years of both gender coming for routine surgery. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups with 40 patients in each. Group A (control) did not receive any study medication, group B received Haemaccel (10 ml/kg intravenously over 10-15 minutes) and group C received injection ephedrine (0.2 mg/kg iv) prior to induction of anaesthesia. Propofol (2.5 mg/kg iv) was used for induction of anaesthesia. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded before induction (baseline) and then every minute for 5 minutes after administering propofol. Anaesthesia was continued with standard technique thereafter. Hypotension was defined as fall in systolic blood pressure more than 20% from the basal value. The incidence of hypotension in Haemaccel (23.1%) or ephedrine group (22.5%) was significantly less than the control group (67.5%, P<0.01). We conclude that though preloading with colloid (Haemaccel) or prior injection of sympathomimetic (ephedrine) are not fully efficacious in preventing hypotension caused by propofol induction, both decrease the incidence in significant number of patients with heart rate less than baseline value in the colloid group.

[Efficiency of using gelofusine and voluven in acute normovolemic hemodilution during cardiosurgical interventions].

The aim of the study was to assess the use of gelofusine and voluven for acute normovolemic hemodilution at cardiac surgery under extracorporeal circulation (EC). Sixty-seven patients with coronary heart disease were examined. Heart rate, total peripheral vascular resistance, pulmonary pressure, pulmonary artery wedge pressure, oxygen delivery and consumption, central venous pressure, arteriovenous oxygen difference, oncotic pressure, and postoperative clinical course were studied. No significant group differences were found in indices, other than arteriovenous oxygen difference, after acute normovolemic hemodilution and in central venous pressure following 6 hours of EC termination. The administration of gelofusine caused a more steady-state oxygen-transport function of the circulatory system. The use of the agent for acute normovolemic hemodilution at cardiac surgery under EC is more economically justified than that of volumen.

[Effect of hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 on S100B protein level and cerebral oxygen metabolism in open cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 on S100B protein level and cerebral metabolism of oxygen in open cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and to explore whether it has the protective effect of 6%HES130/0.4 as priming solution on cerebral injury during CPB and explore the probable mechanism. METHODS: Forty patients with atrioseptal defect or ventricular septal defect scheduled for elective surgical repair under CPB with moderate hypothermia were randomly divided into two equal groups: HES 130/0.4 group (HES group) in which HES 130/0.4 (voluven) was used as priming solution and gelatin group (GRL group) in which gelofusine (succinylated gelatin) was used as priming solution. ECG, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (P(a)O(2),), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (P(et)CO(2)) and body temperature (naso-pharyngeal and rectal) were continuously monitored during the operation. Blood samples were obtained from the central vein for determination of blood concentrations of S100B protein at the following time points: before CPB (T(0)), 20 minutes after the beginning of CPB (T(1)), immediately after the termination of CPB (T(2)), 60 minutes after the termination of CPB (T(3)), and 24 hours after the termination of CPB (T(4)). The serum S100B protein levels were measured by ELISA. At the same time points blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein and radial artery to undergo blood gas analysis and measurement of blood glucose, based on which the cerebral oxygen metabolic rate/cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRO(2)/CMR(GLU)) was calculated. RESULTS: Compared with the time point of immediately before CPB (T(0)), The S100B protein level of the 2 groups began to increase since the time point T(1), peaked at the time point T(2), began to decrease gradually since the time point T(3), and were still significantly higher than those before CPB at the time point T(4) (all P < 0.01), and the S100B protein levels at different time points of the HES group were all significantly lower than those of the GEL group (all P < 0.01). The S(jv)O(2) and CMRO(2)/CMR(GLU) levels of both groups increased at the time point T(1), decreased at the time points T(2) and T(3), and then restored to normal at the time points T(4). In the GEL group there were no significant differences in the levels between any 2 different time points, however, in the HES group S(jv)O(2) and CMRO(2)/CMR(GLU) levels at T(1) was significantly higher than those at the other time points (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: S100B protein increases significantly in open cardiac surgery under CPB. HES130/0.4 lowers the S100B protein levels from the beginning of CPB to one hour after the termination of CPB with the probable mechanism of improving the cerebral metabolism of oxygen. 6%HES130/0.4 as priming solution may play a protective role in reduction of cerebral injury during CPB and open cardiac surgery.

Hearing loss after spinal anesthesia: the effect of different infusion solutions.

OBJECTIVE: We speculate that the preoperative volume replacement with a convenient solution may protect the inner ear function after spinal anesthesia. METHODS: The patients were randomized in a single-blind fashion into two groups: group LR (n = 40) received lactated Ringer's and group GF (n = 40) received gelatin polysuccinate 4% (Gelofusine). Spinal anesthesia was performed with a 25 G Quincke needle and was given bupivacaine 0.5% 10 mg and fentanyl 25 microg. Audiograms were performed preoperatively and 2 days postoperatively. RESULTS: The overall incidence of hearing loss was 7.5%. The hearing loss was unilateral in two and bilateral in four patients. Hearing loss occurred within the low-frequency range and the hearing thresholds returned to normal by the fifth postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: Although the incidence of hearing loss for the lactated Ringer's group was higher than the Gelofusine group, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. For medicolegal and ethical reasons, patients should be informed about the possibility of hearing loss after spinal anesthesia.

[Clinical and laboratory evaluation of 20% albumin (plasbumin) used in cardiosurgical patients].

A randomized comparative study of the effect of 20% Albumin (Plasbumin) solution and 4% succinylated gelatin (helofusin) solution on homeostasis was conducted in 36 cardiosurgical patients when the solutions were used as components to fill a pump oxygenator (PO). A comparative analysis has indicated that the use of albumin in the primary volume of PO at a concentration of 2-3% provides a higher level of total protein and better maintains colloid osmotic pressure during extracorporeal circulation than that of helofusin. At the end of an operation, the oxygen index was higher in the patients given albumin (Plasbumin). It has been also ascertained that plasbumin is well tolerated, causes no adverse reactions, and produces no dose-dependent effect.

Influence of acute plasma volume expansion on VO2 kinetics, VO2 peak, and performance during high-intensity cycle exercise.

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of acute plasma volume expansion (APVE) on oxygen uptake (V(O2)) kinetics, V(O2peak), and time to exhaustion during severe-intensity exercise. Eight recreationally active men performed "step" cycle ergometer exercise tests at a work rate requiring 70% of the difference between the gas-exchange threshold and V(O2max) on three occasions: twice as a "control" (Con) and once after intravenous infusion of a plasma volume expander (Gelofusine; 7 ml/kg body mass). Pulmonary gas exchange was measured breath by breath. APVE resulted in a significant reduction in hemoglobin concentration (preinfusion: 16.0 +/- 1.0 vs. postinfusion: 14.7 +/- 0.8 g/dl; P < 0.001) and hematocrit (preinfusion: 44 +/- 2 vs. postinfusion: 41 +/- 3%; P < 0.01). Despite this reduction in arterial O(2) content, APVE had no effect on V(O2) kinetics (phase II time constant, Con: 33 +/- 15 vs. APVE: 34 +/- 12 s; P = 0.74), and actually resulted in an increased V(O2peak) (Con: 3.90 +/- 0.56 vs. APVE: 4.12 +/- 0.55 l/min; P = 0.006) and time to exhaustion (Con: 365 +/- 58 vs. APVE: 424 +/- 64 s; P = 0.04). The maximum O(2) pulse was also enhanced by the treatment (Con: 21.3 +/- 3.4 vs. APVE: 22.7 +/- 3.4 ml/beat; P = 0.04). In conclusion, APVE does not alter V(O2) kinetics but enhances V(O2peak) and exercise tolerance during high-intensity cycle exercise in young recreationally active subjects.