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H C Pape

Publications and source records attributed to H C Pape.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Bursting and oscillating neurons of the cat basolateral amygdaloid complex in vivo: electrophysiological properties and morphological features.

1. To characterize the physiological properties of lateral and basolateral (BL) amygdaloid neurons, intracellular recordings were performed in barbiturate-anesthetized cats. Morphological identification of recorded cells was achieved by intracellular injection of neurobiotin. Two types of physiologically identified projection neurons were distinguished in the BL and lateral nuclei. 2. The first type of neurons prevailed in the BL nucleus (80% of BL cells). Their resting membrane potential (Vm) averaged -66 +/- 4.9 (SE) mV. They generated stereotyped spike doublets or bursts in response to threshold depolarizing pulses. In most cells, depolarizing pulses of higher amplitude elicited spike bursts or doublets at a shorter latency followed by a nonadapting train of single spikes whose frequency rose with the amplitude of the current pulses. However, 15% of BL bursting neurons generated repetitive spike bursts or doublets in response to prolonged depolarizing current pulses. The response of BL bursting neurons to hyperpolarizing current pulses revealed the presence of slow inward rectification in the form of a depolarizing sag, thus suggesting the presence of a hyperpolarization-activated current. 3. The second type of neurons prevailed in the lateral nucleus. Their resting Vm was quite polarized (-74 +/- 2.85 mV) and they generated slow Vm oscillations (2-10 Hz) upon steady depolarization beyond congruent to -62 mV. The frequency of the oscillation increased with the amount of depolarizing current. In the majority of cells, analysis of voltage responses to subthreshold current pulses revealed the presence of voltage- and time-dependent rectification in the depolarizing direction. Current pulses that brought the Vm to -65 mV and beyond elicited a voltage response that reached an early peak and then decayed. Increasing the amplitude of the pulse decreased the latency of the early peak until it triggered an action potential. Current-voltage plots demonstrated inward rectification in the depolarizing direction. At the break of hyperpolarizing current pulses applied at depolarized levels, the Vm overshot prepulse values and generated one or more oscillatory cycles. 4. An important proportion of bursting and oscillating neurons (45.8% and 29%, respectively) were physiologically identified as projection neurons by antidromic invasion from the basal forebrain, entorhinal cortex, or perirhinal cortex. The conduction velocity of bursting and oscillating neurons estimated from the latency of antidromic spikes was low (< or = 2.5 m/s). 5. Most bursting and oscillating neurons of the BL nucleus were spiny cells with a pyramidal morphology. Four to eight dendritic trunks emerged from the apex, base, and sides of their triangular soma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Amygdala↗

Intramedullary femoral nailing in sheep: does severe injury predispose to pulmonary dysfunction?

OBJECTIVE: To find out if intramedullary nailing affects lung function and microvascular permeability whether or not the lung is already injured; if so whether a different method of fixation would diminish the effect; and are the pathogenetic changes related to mechanisms known to precipitate adult respiratory distress syndrome? DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: University hospital, Germany. MATERIAL: 29 Adult female merino sheep. INTERVENTIONS: Chronic lung lymph fistulas were created. Two of the three groups (1 and 3) underwent right sided lung contusion and haemorrhage to a mean blood pressure of 50 mm Hg for 2 hours. On day 3 groups 1 and 2 underwent intramedullary nailing, and group 3 had external fixators applied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pulmonary arterial pressure, concentrations of triglycerides, chemiluminescence of isolated polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN), lymph flow, microvascular pressure, filtration coefficient, and permeability. RESULTS: Intramedullary nailing caused a transient significant increase in pulmonary arterial pressure and triglycerides in groups 1 and 2. Chemiluminescence of isolated PMN decreased in group 1 and increased in group 2. Lymph flow increased 2.5 times in group 1 while microvascular pressure decreased; in group 2 the increase was less but microvascular pressure increased. Filtration coefficient in group 1 was five times that of group 2 and there was a twofold increase in permeability. There were no changes in group 3. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary nailing causes additional damage to lungs after lung damage and haemorrhagic shock in sheep. This can be avoided if (in the presence of additional injuries) alternative methods are used.

Animals↗

[Rockwood capsulorrhaphy in shoulder instability. A clinical follow-up study].

Rockwood described a capsulorrhaphy technique for operative treatment of multidirectional shoulder instability with anterior dislocation. We have used this technique mainly in patients with severe multidirectional instability and now have 8 years' experience with it, which is reported below. The surgical technique involves refixation of the Bankart lesion with transosseous suture and double breasting of the anterior capsule. No transposition of the subcapularis muscle was performed. A functional rehabilitation program without immobilization was used in all patients. The daily activity level, the degree of discomfort upon shoulder-related activities and the subjective assessment of outcome were recorded for each patient. General outcome was determined with reference to Rowe's score. A clinical examination was performed as well as radiography. Strength was evaluated by standardized bilateral dynamometry. Follow-up examination was possible in 73 out of 82 patients. The mean age at follow up was 32.7 +/- 4.1 years, and the mean follow-up time, 4.3 years. The reason for surgery was recurrent dislocation in 81% of patients, pain in 4% and both pain and dislocation in 15% of patients. In 8 patients (10.9%) multiple (up to 4) previous surgical attempts by various methods had been unsuccessful. Postoperatively 59% (n = 44) were able to take part in sports without restrictions, 27.4% could take part only in sports not involving the shoulder, and 13.5% (n = 10) did not engage in any sports postoperatively. The redislocation rate was 12.3% (n = 9), and there was 1 traumatic redislocation. A deficit in abduction/elevation by 10-60 degrees was found in 4 patients (5.4%) and by > 60 degrees in 2 patients (2.7%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

[A standardized large animal model of multiple organ failure after severe trauma].

In the past various attempts have been made to develop a standardized animal model of multiple organ failure (MOF). Until now there has been no large animal model, that imitates the clinical situation of multiple trauma patients up to MOF. In a manner similar to the pathophysiological sequence in multiple trauma patients, the combination of damaging mechanisms in the early phase (hemorrhagic shock, operating trauma, application of endotoxin (ET; 0.75 microgram/kg body weight) and zymosan-activated plasma (ZAP; 20 ml) every 12 h on days 1-5) leads to sequential irreversible damage to several organs in the late phase (> day 6) in sheep (n = 10). In this animal model representative organ parameters showed a similar course to that in MOF after multiple trauma in humans. The cardiac index increased significantly in the late phase (day 1: 6.47 +/- 0.41 ml/min x m2; day 10: 10.36 +/- 0.79 ml/min x m2), arterial oxygen pressure declined significantly (day 1: 103.1 +/- 1.6 mmHg; day 10: 89.8 +/- 4.2 mmHg). Liver function was impaired, bilirubin levels showed a significant increase (day 1: 2.94 +/- 0.34 mumol/l; day 10: 7.19 +/- 0.91 mumol/l). Creatinine clearance was low on day 1 (54.3 +/- 7.4 ml/min), increased up to day 5 and deteriorated again significantly in the late phase over the entire period (day 2: 104.3 +/- 26.8 ml/min; day 10: 53.1 +/- 17.6 ml/min).

Animals↗

Selective increase in T-type calcium conductance of reticular thalamic neurons in a rat model of absence epilepsy.

The properties of voltage-dependent calcium currents were compared in thalamic neurons acutely dissociated from a rat model of absence epilepsy, designated as Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rat from Strasbourg (GAERS), and from a Nonepileptic Control strain (NEC). Two populations of neurons were isolated: thalamocortical relay neurons of the nucleus ventrobasalis (VB) and neurons of the nucleus reticularis (RT) of the thalamus. Whole-cell patch-clamp analysis demonstrated an increase in the amplitude of the calcium (Ca2+) current with a low threshold of activation (IT) in RT neurons of GAERS in comparison to that of the seizure-free rat strain (-198 +/- 19 pA and -128 +/- 14 pA, respectively), whereas the sustained component (IL) was not significantly different. The kinetic properties, voltage dependence, and basic pharmacological sensitivity of the Ca2+ conductances were similar in the two populations of neurons. The amplitude of both IT and IL in RT neurons increased after birth, and differences in IT between GAERS and NEC attained significance after postnatal day 11. At corresponding ages, the Ca2+ currents in VB thalamocortical relay neurons were not altered in GAERS in comparison to those in NEC. We conclude that the selective increase in IT of RT neurons enhances the probability of recurrent intrathalamic burst activity, thereby strengthening the synchronizing mechanisms in thalamocortical systems, and, as such, represents a possible primary neuronal dysfunction that relates to the pathological increase in synchronization underlying the generation of bilateral and synchronous spike and wave discharges (SWDs) in an established genetic model of generalized epilepsy.

Aging↗

[Pulmonary complications following intramedullary stabilization of long bones. Effect of surgical procedure, time and injury pattern].

Early operative treatment of femur fractures is recommended in multiple trauma patients regardless of the pattern of injuries. However, in our clinical experience primary (< 24 h) reamed nailing of a femur shaft fracture in multiple trauma patients is associated with an unusually high number of pulmonary complications, especially in the presence of additional chest trauma. Based on these subjective observations, two clinical studies were done: (1) retrospectively (766 multiple traumatized patients), a higher ARDS incidence in patients with thoracic trauma and primary intramedullary nailing was found; (2) in a prospective clinical study patients submitted to femoral reaming showed a significant increase in pulmonary arterial pressure during the reaming phase, as well as transient worsening of pulmonary function (PaO2/FiO2). The changes were less pronounced in a group of patients undergoing femur nailing by an unreamed procedure. The presence of additional pulmonary trauma predisposes to the development of ARDS. Likewise, injuries associated with severe bleeding are known to predispose to capillary damage, resulting in pulmonary edema. In this group of patients, additional insults to the lung by operative procedures do not appear justified. Primary (< 24 h) reamed nailing has potentially negative effects on the lung and should be avoided if additional chest trauma is present in a polytrauma patient.

Adolescent↗

[Chronic treatment refractory osteomyelitis of long tubular bones--possibilities and risks of intramedullary boring].

Osteomyelitis of long bones is a severe complication of fracture healing. If on-going infection occurs despite reoperation and if antibiotic treatment is of no benefit, reaming of the medullary canal has been considered beneficial. We investigated long-term follow-up (minimum 2 years) in patients submitted to reaming of the medullary canal to evaluate the efficacy of this method. Criteria for success were: no recurrence and no further antibiotic treatment necessary. Of 37 patients, 32 were followed up (mean duration after reaming, 3.7 years). The mean number of surgical operations for osteomyelitis prior to reaming was 3.2. In 88% of patients a full range of motion was observed upon reexamination, while in the others stiffness attributable to articular injuries that had been sustained preoperatively was still present. We found that 84.3% of patients were working in the same profession as prior to the fracture, 72% were involved in sport again, and 97% of patients were pain free. One otherwise healthy patient suffering from sclerosing osteitis (Garré) died of bone marrow embolism into the lung during reaming of the femur. Reaming of the medullary canal has a high cure rate in osteomyelitis even after several previous treatment attempts with surgical revision and/or antibiotic medication. The mechanism is most probably based on improvement of local perfusion. During surgery care must be taken not to provoke pulmonary embolization. Intraoperative monitoring by pulmonary artery catheter should be performed; reaming should be discontinued immediately, if a rise in of pulmonary artery pressure occurs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Prevention of Ca(2+)-mediated action potentials in GABAergic local circuit neurones of rat thalamus by a transient K+ current.

1. Neurones enzymatically dissociated from the rat dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) were identified as GABAergic local circuit interneurones and geniculocortical relay cells, based upon quantitative analysis of soma profiles, immunohistochemical detection of GABA or glutamic acid decarboxylase, and basic electrogenic behaviour. 2. During whole-cell current-clamp recording, isolated LGN neurones generated firing patterns resembling those in intact tissue, with the most striking difference relating to the presence in relay cells of a Ca2+ action potential with a low threshold of activation, capable of triggering fast spikes, and the absence of a regenerative Ca2+ response with a low threshold of activation in local circuit cells. 3. Whole-cell voltage-clamp experiments demonstrated that both classes of LGN neurones possess at least two voltage-dependent membrane currents which operate in a range of membrane potentials negative to the threshold for generation of Na(+)-K(+)-mediated spikes: the T-type Ca2+ current (IT) and an A-type K+ current (IA). Taking into account the differences in membrane surface area, the average size of IT was similar in the two types of neurones, and interneurones possessed a slightly larger A-conductance. 4. In local circuit neurones, the ranges of steady-state inactivation and activation of IT and IA were largely overlapping (VH = 81.1 vs. -82.8 mV), both currents activated at around -70 mV, and they rapidly increased in amplitude with further depolarization. In relay cells, the inactivation curve of IT was negatively shifted along the voltage axis by about 20 mV compared with that of IA (Vh = -86.1 vs. -69.2 mV), and the activation threshold for IT (at -80 mV) was 20 mV more negative than that for IA. In interneurones, the activation range of IT was shifted to values more positive than that in relay cells (Vh = -54.9 vs. -64.5 mV), whereas the activation range of IA was more negative (Vh = -25.2 vs. -14.5 mV). 5. Under whole-cell voltage-clamp conditions that allowed the combined activation of Ca2+ and K+ currents, depolarizing voltage steps from -110 mV evoked inward currents resembling IT in relay cells and small outward currents indicative of IA in local circuit neurones. After blockade of IA with 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), the same pulse protocol produced IT in both types of neurones. Under current clamp, 4-AP unmasked a regenerative membrane depolarization with a low threshold of activation capable of triggering fast spikes in local circuit neurones.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Action Potentials↗

Increased gut permeability after multiple trauma.

Gut permeability was studied in multiply injured patients with respect to the development of multiple organ failure (MOF). Two groups were defined according to MOF score (threshold 10 points) as to whether MOF developed (group 1; n = 11, four deaths) or did not (group 2; n = 21, no death). Gut permeability was determined from the ratio of urinary excretion of enterally administered lactulose and mannitol. Serum elastase concentrations were also determined. Mean(s.e.m.) gut permeability was abnormal during the entire study (day 1: group 1--5.1(2.1) versus group 2--10.6(4.1) (P not significant; P < 0.001 versus normal volunteers, 0.56(0.24)). An increase on days 3 and 5 correlated with serum elastase levels only in patients in group 1 (rs = 0.71, P < 0.01). Severe injury leads to increased intestinal permeability, which is related to a systemic inflammatory response.

Adult↗

The effect of kinetic positioning on lung function and pulmonary haemodynamics in posttraumatic ARDS: a clinical study.

In the treatment of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) no breakthrough has been achieved so far. In several cases of severe ARDS in multiply injured patients we have seen improvements of lung function by means of continuous body positioning. We therefore compared the effect of kinetic positioning (KIN) on lung function and haemodynamics in ARDS patients with conventional (CON) supine positioning. Pulmonary and systemic haemodynamics were determined on the basis of pulmonary artery catheter measurements. On a daily basis oxygenation ratio (PaO2/FiO2) and pulmonary shunt (Os/Ot. per cent) were calculated. Extravascular lung water (EVLW, ml/kg BW) was determined by the double indicator thermodilution technique. Twenty-two patients were included: KIN, N = 11, CON, N = 11. Mortality from ARDS in KIN patients was 18.2 per cent (N = 2): in CON patients it was 63.6 per cent (N = 7). The oxygenation ratio (PaO2/FiO2) increased significantly in KIN patients from 140 + 45 (day 0) to 237 + 40 (P < 0.05) (day 5); in CON patients no improvement was seen (143 + 48 (day 0). 133 + 44 (day 5); n.s. between groups at day 0: P < 0.05 between groups at day 5). Pulmonary shunt decreased significantly from 26.6 + 4 per cent (day 0) to 12.5 + 2 per cent (day 5) (P < 0.05) in KIN patients and was 36.6 + 6 per cent at day 0 and 31.4 + 2 per cent at day 5 in CON patients (P < 0.05 between groups at day 5).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Specific bradycardic agents block the hyperpolarization-activated cation current in central neurons.

A class of pharmacologically active substances, known as "specific bradycardic agents", exerts a negative chronotropic influence on cardiac activity, which heavily relies upon a potent blockade of the hyperpolarization-activated cation current in Purkinje fibers. Since the cation conductance activated by hyperpolarization seems to represent an ubiquitous class of membrane channel in mammals, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of specific bradycardic agents [UL-FS 49 (zatebradine) and its derivative DK-AH 268] on excitable cells of the central nervous system. Thalamocortical relay neurons of the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus, prepared from the guinea-pig thalamus as in vitro slices, were taken as model cells, because the significance of the hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) for electrogenic activity is well documented in these neurons. Local application to relay neurons of the bradycardic agents at concentrations in the range 10(-5) to 10(-3) M resulted in a significant reduction in the amplitude of the Ih current, in the amplitude of the Ih activation curve, and in the slope of the fully activated Ih I/V-relationship. The bradycardic agents did not affect the instantaneous currents with no contribution of Ih, the time course of Ih activation, the voltage range of Ih activation, or the reversal potential of Ih. The inhibitory effect was critically dependent upon Ih activation with open Ih channels probably representing a sufficient condition for blockade. Significant recovery from block did not occur. Under current-clamp conditions, slow anomalous inward rectification of the membrane in the hyperpolarizing direction was blocked, and the resting input resistance increased by 30% associated with a negative shift (average 10 mV) of the membrane potential into a region of Ca(2+)-mediated burst activity. Parameters of electrophysiological activity outside the range of Ih activation were not significantly affected. These data indicate a selective and use-dependent blockade exerted by specific bradycardic substances on the conductance underlying Ih with no alteration in the gating properties. In view of the existence of hyperpolarization-activated cation conductances in neurons from various regions of the mammalian peripheral and central nervous systems, the results of the present study remind us of possible neuronal side-effects of bradycardia-producing agents.

Animals↗

Does the reamer type influence the degree of lung dysfunction after femoral nailing following severe trauma? An animal study.

In multiple trauma patients with lung contusion, pulmonary complications have been reported that were attributed to intramedullary stabilization of the femur. The reaming procedure of the medullary canal is thought to play a major role. We investigated whether different types of reamers might exert different amounts of fat mobilization into the vascular system and different degrees of pulmonary dysfunction. Adult female Merino sheep were submitted to hemorrhagic shock (2 h, 50 mm Hg) and a unilateral lung contusion; in addition, a lung lymph fistula was created. Pulmonary capillary permeability, central venous triglyceride levels, 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 (dh-TXB2) levels, and pulmonary artery pressure were determined. After recovery, animals were randomly assigned to intramedullary femoral nailing using several types of reamers: group A, AO reamer (n = 8); group B, Biomet reamer (n = 7); group H, Howmedica reamer (n = 6); group C, controls, no reaming (n = 4). Intramedullary reaming caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in pulmonary artery pressure in groups A and B; dh-TXB2 levels increased in all groups. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) pulmonary capillary permeability damage was measured in group A only. Intramedullary femoral nailing can cause transient pulmonary hemodynamic and mediator effects as well as increased pulmonary capillary permeability. In the present study, this effect was evident in group A reamer systems only, which may be due to reamer construction.

Animals↗

Posttraumatic multiple organ failure--a report on clinical and autopsy findings.

In a retrospective analysis, clinical data and histological specimens were obtained from patients (n = 59) who died of severe injury. Three groups with comparable injury severity were differentiated according to the time of death. In group A (death, within 24 h) (n = 15) despite multiple injuries, patients almost always died from brain injury. Pulmonary failure was the leading cause of death in group B (death, days 2-7) (n = 16). The majority of group C patients (death, > 7 days) (n = 28) died of multiple organ failure. Organ weights at autopsy were all pathologically high but did not show an association with the amount of intravenous volume infused during intensive care. Organ histology revealed signs of interstitial edema and infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in group B patients especially in the lung, and in all groups to a lower degree in liver and kidney. The distribution of interstitial edema and cell necrosis appeared to be organ-specific. Our data confirm the presence of a generalized inflammatory reaction in patients with severe trauma. The pattern of organ failure, in addition to known pathogenetic changes (mediators, endotoxemia, etc.), appears to be influenced by organ structure and perfusion.

Adult↗

Ascorbic acid reduces the endotoxin-induced lung injury in awake sheep.

Our aim was to investigate whether ascorbic acid can reduce reactive oxygen metabolite-mediated acute lung injury. The effects of intravenous administration of Escherichia coli endotoxin were studied, with and without ascorbic acid infusion, on haemodynamics, lung lymph flow, cardio-respiratory and neutrophil function in chronically instrumented sheep. Paired experiments were performed on eight sheep in which they received either endotoxin alone (0.5 micrograms kg-1 b.w.) (ET group) or in combination with an ascorbic acid infusion (1 g kg-1 b.w. bolus injection followed by 0.2 g kg-1 h-1 continuous infusion) ET + ASC group) in random order. Four of the animals also received ascorbic acid alone (ASC group). As a result, for the ET + ASC group a general and mostly significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the early hypertensive phase (0-60 min, P values) and in the late permeability phase (2-4 h, *P values) of cardiorespiratory function (mean artery pressure: P/*P = 0.283/0.049; mean pulmonary artery pressure: P/*P = 0.0001/0.0001; mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure: P/*P = 0.012/0.001; right ventricular stroke work index: P/*P = 0.02/0.0001; cardiac index: P/*P = 0.797/0.755; arterial oxygen saturation: P/*P = 0.0059/0.01; arterial-venous difference of oxygen tension: P/*P = 0.011/0.0005), oxygen consumption: P/*P = 0.013/0.035, lung lymph flow: P/*P = 0.562/0.012, lymph/plasma protein ratio: P/*P = 0.304/0.008 and protein clearance: P/*P = 0.56/0.05 was observed in comparison with the ET group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

[Scores as decision aids].

Scoring systems are nowadays said to be helpful in decision-making in preclinical and early clinical treatment of multiple trauma patients. To evaluate the importance of these scores in daily routine, we analysed the scores routinely used in our department at the Hannover Medical School. We present three scoring systems: the Polytrauma Score, the Pelvis Score, and the Hannover Fracture Scale. All of these have certain qualities relevant to the aspects of decision-making and prognostic value. The evaluation demonstrates that these scoring systems are genuinely helpful, especially for the inexperienced.

Adult↗

[Effect of continuous change in axial position in treatment of post-traumatic lung failure (ARDS). A clinical study].

In the treatment of posttraumatic adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) so far no breakthrough has been achieved. In several cases of severe ARDS we have seen improvements of lung function by means of continuous body positioning. We therefore compared the effect of kinetic positioning (KIN) on lung function and hemodynamics in ARDS patients to conventional (KON) supine positioning. 22 ARDS patients with multiple trauma treated by supportive continuous body positioning (KIN) (KCI-Mediscus) and without continuous positioning (KON) were investigated daily. Pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics were determined on the basis of pulmonary artery catheter measurements. Oxygenation ratio (PaO2/FiO2) and pulmonary shunt (Qs/Qt,%) were calculated. Extravascular lung water (EVLW, ml/kg body weight) was determined by double indicator thermodilution technique. Total injury severity by injury severity score (ISS) was 29.6 +/- 6 points (KIN) and 31.6 +/- 5 points (KON). The oxygenation ratio (PaO2/FiO2) increased significantly from 140 +/- 45 (day 0) to 237 +/- 40 (p < 0.05) [day 5] (KIN), in KON patients no improvement (143 +/- 48 [day 0], 133 +/- 44 [ay 5]) was seen (p < 0.05 between groups). There were no significant changes of systemic hemodynamics between the groups or compared to day 0. Pulmonary shunt decreased significantly from 26.6 +/- 4% (day 0) to 12.5 +/- 2% (day 5) (p < 0.05) in KIN patients and was 36.6 +/- 6% at day 0 and 31.4 +/- 2% at day 5 in KON patients (p < 0.05 between groups). EVLW was 11.1 +/- 2 ml/kg body weight at day 0 and 9.4 +/- 1 ml/kg body weight at day 5 (KIN)-EVLW was 12.9 +/- 2 ml/kg body weight at day 0 and 17.4 +/- 3 ml/kg body weight at day 5 (KON) (not significant). We found no hemodynamic side effects from continuous body positioning. In ARDS-patients submitted to body positioning oxygenation and pulmonary shunt improved significantly and were significantly better compared to those with conventional supine positioning. Continuous body positioning appears to represent a promising supportive treatment regimen in posttraumatic ARDS.

Adolescent↗

Primary intramedullary femur fixation in multiple trauma patients with associated lung contusion--a cause of posttraumatic ARDS?

We investigated whether primary (< 24 hours) intramedullary stabilization of femoral shaft fractures in multiple trauma patients with severe thoracic injury might be associated with an increased incidence of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A total of 766 patients with multiple trauma admitted to Hannover Medical School between January 1, 1982, and December 31, 1991, were investigated retrospectively. Of these, 106 patients met the inclusion criteria: Injury Severity Score > 18, femoral midshaft fracture treated by intramedullary nailing, primary admission or referral within 8 hours after injury, and no death from head injury or hemorrhagic shock. Two groups were differentiated according to the presence or absence of chest trauma (severe chest trauma = AIS thorax > or =, group T; no severe chest trauma = AIS thorax < 2, group N). Selection of subgroups according to the time of femur stabilization was group I < 24 hours after trauma, group II > 24 hours after trauma. Injury Severity Scores in the four groups were TI: 29.4 (n = 24); TII 31.4 (n = 26); NI 20.1 (n = 33); NII 25.4 (n = 23). In patients without thoracic trauma the ICU time (NI: 7.3 days; NII: 18.0 days) and intubation time (NI: 5.5 days; NII: 11.0 days) were lower in the patients treated primarily (p < 0.05). In patients with severe chest trauma there was a higher incidence of posttraumatic ARDS (33% versus 7.7%) and mortality (21% versus 4%) when early intramedullary femoral nailing was done. In the absence of severe chest trauma primary intramedullary femoral nailing is beneficial.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗