Histological support for the difference between malignant hyperthermia susceptible (MHS), equivocal (MHE) and negative (MHN) muscle biopsies

The aim of this study was to find, using modern techniques, any histological differences in muscle biopsies between malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptible (MHS), MH equivocal (MHE) and MH negative (MHN) patients. On the basis of the European MH contracture test carried out in 83 patients, 23 were shown to be MHS, nine MHE and 51 MHN. Four lesions were found with a significantly high frequency in MHS and MHE biopsies: muscle fibre hypertrophy and atrophy, internal nuclei and myofibrillar necrosis. These four lesions were observed together in 35% of MHS but in none of the MHE or MHN biopsies. Three of these lesions occurred together in 57% of MHS, 33% of MHE and 4% of MHN biopsies. Our results support a histological difference between MHE, MHS and MHN biopsies and attempt to contribute towards a better definition of MHE status.

In vitro contracture test for diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia following the protocol of the European MH Group: results of testing patients surviving fulminant MH and unrelated low-risk subjects. The European Malignant Hyperthermia Group

BACKGROUND

Determination of sensitivity and specificity of the in vitro contracture test (IVCT) for malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility using the European MH Group (EMHG) protocol has been performed in some laboratories but only on a small sample from the combined EMHG. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to determine combined EMHG sensitivity and specificity of the test.

METHODS

Results of IVCT of patients with previous fulminant MH and normal, low-risk subjects (controls) were collected from 22 centres of the EMHG. IVCT was performed according to the EMHG protocol. Patients were included in the study if the clinical crisis had a score of at least 50 points with the Clinical Grading Scale. Low-risk subjects were included provided they did not belong to a family with known MH susceptibility, they had not developed any signs of MH at previous anaesthetics, and they did not suffer from any neuromuscular disease. For inclusion of both MH patients and low-risk subjects, at least 1 muscle bundle in the IVCT should have twitches of 10 mN (1 g) or more. For evaluation of individual tests, only muscle bundles with twitch heights of 10 mN (1 g) or more were used.

RESULTS

A total of 1502 probands had undergone IVCT because of a previous anaesthesia with symptoms and signs suggestive of MH. Of these, 119 had clinical scores of 50 and above. From these 119 MH-suspected patients and from 202 low-risk subjects, IVCT data were collected. Subsequently, 14 MH-suspected patients were excluded from further analysis for the following reasons: In 3 patients, the suspected MH episode could be fully explained by diseases other than MH; in 11 MHS patients, IVCT was incomplete (n = 1), data were lost (n = 3), or none of the muscle bundles fulfilled twitch criteria (n = 7). Of the remaining 105 MH-suspected patients, 89 were MHS, 10 MHEh, 5 MHEc, and one MHN. Thus, we observed a diagnostic sensitivity of the IVCT of 99.0% if the MHE group is considered susceptible (95% confidence interval 94.8-100.0%). Of the 202 low-risk subjects, 3 were MHS, 5 MHEh, 5 MHEc, and 189 MHN. This gives a specificity of the IVCT of 93.6% (95% confidence interval 89.2-96.5%).

CONCLUSION

The IVCT for diagnosis of MH susceptibility in Europe has a high sensitivity and a satisfactory specificity.

A genome wide search for susceptibility loci in three European malignant hyperthermia pedigrees

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is an autosomal dominant disorder which is potentially lethal in susceptible individuals on exposure to commonly used inhalational anaesthetics and depolarising muscle relaxants. Crises reflect the consequences of disturbed skeletal muscle calcium homeostasis. Susceptibility was first localised to chromosome 19q13.1 and the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor, RYR1 (the calcium release channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum). Defects in this gene have been identified which cosegregate with the MHS phenotype and evidence as to their potential causal roles has accumulated. MH has, however, been shown to be genetically heterogeneous, additional loci on chromosomes 3q, 17q and 7q being proposed. Pedigrees remain in Europe where linkage status is still unclear. In a collaborative search of the human genome conducted with three pedigrees whose disease status was classified according to the European IVCT protocol we have evidence to suggest that at least two further loci exist for MH susceptibility. One of these locates to chromosome 1q, the site of a candidate gene, CACNL1A3, encoding the alpha-subunit of the dihydropyridine receptor. The second region resides on chromosome 5p to where no known candidate has been mapped to date. The third family exhibited inconclusive results which suggests the existence of at least one other locus. This study adds to the evidence for considerable genetic heterogeneity in MH and will provide a route to further our understanding of the molecular pathology of the condition.

Malignant-hyperthermia susceptibility is associated with a mutation of the alpha 1-subunit of the human dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type voltage-dependent calcium-channel receptor in skeletal muscle

Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) is characterized by genetic heterogeneity. However, except for the MHS1 locus, which corresponds to the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor (RYR1) and for which several mutations have been described, no direct molecular evidence for a mutation in another gene has been reported so far. In this study we show that the CACNL1A3 gene encoding the alpha 1-subunit of the human skeletal muscle dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDCC) represents a new MHS locus and is responsible for the disease in a large French family. Linkage analysis performed with an intragenic polymorphic microsatellite marker of the CACLN1A3 gene generated a two-point LOD score of 4.38 at a recombinant fraction of 0. Sequence analysis of the coding region of the CACLN1A3 gene showed the presence of an Arg-His substitution at residue 1086, resulting from the transition of A for G3333, which segregates perfectly with the MHS phenotype in the family. The mutation is localized in a very different part of the alpha 1-subunit of the human skeletal muscle VDCC, compared with previously reported mutations found in patients with hypokalemic periodic paralysis, and these two diseases might be discussed in terms of allelic diseases. This report is the first direct evidence that the skeletal muscle VDCC is involved in MHS, and it suggests a direct interaction between the skeletal muscle VDCC and the ryanodine receptor in the skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Effects of preoperative intentional hemodilution on the extravasation rate of albumin and fluid

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of preoperative intentional hemodilution with 4% albumin solution on the extravasation rate of intravascular albumin and fluid in surgical patients.

DESIGN

A prospective, randomized, clinical study.

SETTING

University teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Two groups (control group [group 1] and hemodiluted group [group 2]) of 13 healthy patients were studied during a long-term (>4 hrs) surgical procedure.

INTERVENTIONS

Autologous technetium-99m (99mTc)-labeled red blood cells and indium-oxine ((111)In)-labeled human serum albumin were injected intravenously during anesthesia at T = 0 min in the two groups for the determination of total blood volume and albumin diffusion space, respectively. In addition, body tetrapolar electrical impedance was used to assess extracellular fluid volume. In the hemodiluted group (group 2), 15 mL/kg of blood was withdrawn over 30 mins (T = 20 mins to T = 50 mins) and simultaneously replaced by an equal volume of 4% albumin solution (0.6 g/kg).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The albumin diffusion space, the colloid oncotic pressure, the plasma albumin concentration and the electrical impedance were measured before (T = 10 mins) and after (T = 60, 120, and 240 mins) hemodilution. Urine was collected from T = 10 mins to T = 240 mins. The total blood volume was calculated at T = 10 mins. No differences in the initial values were found between the two groups. In group 2, hemodilution (hematocrit 30 +/- 3%) resulted in a steeper increase in the albumin diffusion space (p < .05) and a progressive decrease in the body electrical impedance (p < .05). The extravasation rate of albumin was 0.052 +/- 0.007 mL/kg/min in group 2 vs. 0.038 +/- 0.020 mL/kg/min in group 1 (p < .05). The value of calculated plasma volume at T = 0 min did not shown any difference between the two groups. This value was then lower than expected in group 2, corresponding to a loss of plasma volume of >3 mL/kg. Urine output was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 (0.7 +/- 0.4 vs. 1.4 +/- 1.0 mL/min, respectively; p < .05). A comparable decrease in colloid oncotic pressure and in plasma albumin concentration was observed in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that preoperative hemodilution using 4% albumin on a 1:1 volume basis for blood substitution during a prolonged surgical procedure with reduced blood losses enhances the extravasation rate of albumin and fluid to the interstitial tissues, impeding the maintenance of isovolemia. These findings support the use of a volume of infused colloid solution higher than that of withdrawn blood during preoperative hemodilution.

In vitro 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy of muscle extracts in malignant hyperthermia-susceptible patients

BACKGROUND

It was recently suggested that malignant hyperthermia-susceptible (MHS) patients could have an elevated peak of phosphodiesters in leg muscles using in vivo phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In the current study, analysis of the phosphodiesters of muscle extracts of MHS and malignant hyperthermia-negative patients was performed using in vitro phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy to chemically identify and to compare the muscle concentrations of water-soluble compounds between the two groups with respect to the muscle fiber type composition.

METHODS

Perchloric acid extracts of the vastus medialis muscle of seven MHS patients and ten malignant hyperthermia-negative patients on the basis of the European malignant hyperthermia contracture test were subjected to in vitro phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy carried out at 9.4 T. In addition, chemical identification of the phosphodiester region and histologic examination of the muscle specimens were performed.

RESULTS

The peak in the phosphodiester region was assigned to glycerophosphorylcholine. Muscle perchloric acid extracts of MHS patients had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher glycerophosphorylcholine to the sum of phosphocreatine and inorganic phosphate (glycerophosphorylcholine/ [phosphocreatine +inorganic phosphate]) value than those of malignant hyperthermia-negative patients. Neither a difference in the fiber type composition between the two groups nor any specific myopathy were found.

CONCLUSIONS

In the absence of histologic differences between muscle specimens of MHS and malignant hyperthermia-negative patients, these results could suggest that glycerophosphorylcholine could be a marker of an impairment in the phospholipid metabolism in the skeletal muscle of MHS patients.

[Prospective evaluation of a nuclear magnetic resonance score in the screening of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility. Initial results]

A prospective study for the noninvasive diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility was conducted in 30 patients using 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). A score of MRS muscle abnormalities was determined before the in vitro contracture test. The patients were classified as MH susceptible or MH negative, according to an algorithm of MRS score values. Twenty-three patients were correctly classified using the MRS test, five had inclusive MRS score values and two patients were false-positive. There were no false-negative patients. These preliminary results suggest that the MRS test could be useful as a possible noninvasive diagnostic test in MH susceptibility.

[Use of Diprivan in the elderly]

Propofol may be safely used in elderly patients provided that: hypovolaemia is corrected prior to procedure; a decrease in blood pressure of more than 25 per cent of the baseline value is treated with a sympathomimetic drug (e.g. ephedrine); bradycardia below 55 b.min-1 using atropine; not more than 5 mL (50 mg) of propofol are injected per minute; the induction dose does not exceed 1.5 mg.kg-1, with a possible further dose of 0.2 to 0.4 mg.kg-1, immediately prior to intubation; opioids are not administered before stabilization of blood pressure during the period proceeding intubation; nitrous oxide and halogenated anaesthetics are not used as long as haemodynamic parameters are unstable; the dose of beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and calcium antagonists is decreased or the drugs discontinued prior to surgery, depending upon their effect and their duration of action, except in cases of unstable angina or severe hypertension.

Improved noninvasive diagnostic testing for malignant hyperthermia susceptibility from a combination of metabolites determined in vivo with 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy

BACKGROUND

Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) in vivo has been suggested recently as a possible noninvasive diagnostic test in malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility. However, differences between protocols and also within subjects may have led to inconsistent MRS abnormalities reported during and after exercise. The aim of the current study was to detect discriminant abnormalities in the leg muscles using in vivo 31P-MRS during the rest period.

METHODS

Fourteen patients shown to be MH-susceptible and 22 patients MH-negative on the basis of in vitro caffeine/halothane contracture tests according to the European MH group protocol were compared to 36 control subjects using in vivo 31P-MRS during the rest period. A score of MRS combined abnormalities was calculated from a stepwise discriminant function analysis.

RESULTS

The MH-susceptible group had a significantly (P < 0.01) higher inorganic phosphate (Pi) to phosphocreatine (PCr) (Pi/PCr) value (0.134 +/- 0.022) than either the MH-negative (0.097 +/- 0.016) or the control (0.101 +/- 0.017) group. The MH-susceptible group also exhibited a significantly (P < 0.01) higher phosphodiesters (PDE) to PCr (PDE/PCr) value (0.093 +/- 0.056) than either the MH-negative (0.034 +/- 0.021) or the control (0.029 +/- 0.019) group. Combining both MRS parameters, 13 of the 14 MH-susceptible patients demonstrated abnormal MRS test results (score value < 1.65). Conversely, 21 of the 22 MH-negative patients had normal MRS results (score value > or = 1.65). The sensitivity and specificity of this threshold value were 93 and 95%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that 31P-MRS could be useful for distinguishing noninvasively between MH-susceptible and MH-negative patients if several MRS parameter are combined. Moreover, the present MRS approach appears to be more reliable and easier than that used during exercise.

Muscular metabolism during oxygen supplementation in patients with chronic hypoxemia

The effects of supplemental oxygen (O2) versus air on working calf muscle metabolism were studied in seven patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic hypoxemia (PaO2 = 57 +/- 3 SE mm Hg) and seven age-matched control subjects. Oxygen and air were randomly administrated at 24-h intervals, and O2 flow rate was adjusted to correct hypoxemia (PaO2 = 87 +/- 4 mm Hg) in the COPD group. The relative concentrations of ATP, phosphocreatine (PCr), inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosphomonoesters (PME), and the intracellular pH (pHi) were determined with 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy at rest, during a graded standardized and localized exercise protocol (360 active plantar flexions), and during recovery. In resting muscle no significant effect of added O2 was demonstrable in each group with regard to pHi, Pi/PCr, and ATP/(PCr+Pi+PME) ratios. Mechanical data were similar between the two groups and between the two tests during the whole exercise. The indices of muscular oxidative metabolism (Pi/PCr and pHi at the end of exercise and recovering PCr resynthesis rate) were impaired in the COPD group compared with that in the control group during air (all p < 0.05). All these parameters were significantly improved with added O2 in the COPD group (p < 0.05), whereas no similar effects were observed in the control group. However, these beneficial effects were incomplete since the exercising Pi/PCr ratio remained higher in the COPD group than in the control group during added O2. This energetic muscular impairment could correspond to tissular damage related to chronic hypoxemia.

Comparative effects of halothane associated with verapamil and ischaemia on myocardial metabolism in isolated perfused rat hearts

The association of verapamil with halothane causes ischaemic-like myocardial dysfunction. Using an isolated rat heart model perfused with a radiolabelled fatty acid (123I-labelled iodohexadecenoic acid) as a sensitive marker of ischaemia this study investigated whether or not this dysfunction is of ischaemic origin. Hearts were perfused with a control solution or with solutions containing either 1% of halothane or 150 ng ml-1 of verapamil or the association of 0.75% halothane + 120 ng ml-1 verapamil. The ischaemic group was perfused at a reduced perfusion rate (-50%). Intracellular fate of IHA was assessed, and its esterification ratio computed. Ischaemia and the drugs induced a similar depression of haemodynamics. The esterification ratio in the ischaemic group was significantly higher (0.723 +/- 0.04) than in controls (0.0526 +/- 0.03) and than in the treated groups: halothane (0.533 +/- 0.06), verapamil (0.411 +/- 0.027) or the association halothane+verapamil (0.408 +/- 0.05), suggesting a non-ischaemic origin for the dysfunction caused by halothane-verapamil.

Exertional heatstroke and muscle metabolism: an in vivo 31P-MRS study

An impairment of muscle energy metabolism has been suggested as a predisposing factor for, as well as a consequence of exertional heatstroke (EHS). Thirteen young men were investigated 6 months after a well-documented EHS using 31Phosphorus Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (31P-MRS). The relative concentrations of ATP, phosphocreatine (PCr), inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosphomonoesters (PME), and the intracellular pH (pHi) were determined at rest, during a graded standardized exercise protocol (360 active plantar flexions) and during recovery. Also the leg tissue blood flow was determined by venous occlusion plethysmography during the MRS procedure. Sixteen age-matched healthy male volunteers served as control group. In resting muscle, there were no significant differences between the groups as regards pHi, Pi/PCr, and ATP/PCr+Pi+PME ratios. During steady state exercise conditions, effective power outputs were similar for both groups at each level of exercise: 20, 35, and 50% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the calf muscle. No significant differences were shown between the two groups in Pi/PCr, pHi, or changes of leg blood flow at each level of exercise. At 50% MVC, Pi/PCr was 0.48 +/- 0.08 vs 0.47 +/- 0.05 (P = 0.96), pHi was 6.94 +/- 0.03 vs 6.99 +/- 0.02, respectively (P = 0.13). Finally, the rate of PCr resynthesis during recovery was not significantly different between the two groups: t1/2 PCr = 0.58 +/- 0.07 vs 0.50 +/- 0.05 min, respectively (P = 0.35). Therefore, no evidence of an impairment of muscle energy metabolism was shown in the EHS group during a standardized submaximal exercise using 31P-MRS performed 6 months after an EHS.

[Pharmacokinetics of methohexital given by constant rate intravenous infusion]

The pharmacokinetic characteristics of a constant rate methohexitone infusion were studied in young ASA 1 patients undergoing maxillofacial surgery. They were randomly assigned to two groups; group M patients (n = 7) were given 9 mg.kg-1.h-1 of methohexitone for one hour, and group MF patients (n = 7) 9 mg.kg-1.h-1 of methohexitone with 7 micrograms.kg-1.h-1 of fentanyl, also for one hour. Blood samples for determining methohexitone concentrations were obtained at various times, from before the start of the methohexitone infusion up to 19 h afterwards. In twelve patients, a two-compartment model was appropriate to characterize the decrease of methohexitone concentration; for the other two (one in each group), a three-compartment model was applied. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Elimination half-life in group M was 3.22 +/- 1.96 h, and total plasma clearance 8.54 +/- 2.8 ml.kg-1.min-1. The wide variations in pharmacokinetic parameters between subjects may explain some unpredictable variations in duration of action of methohexitone. Fentanyl did not modify methohexitone pharmacokinetics, which remained of the first order. However, it potentiated the barbiturate's action: extubation was only possible after stopping the infusion for 39.4 min +/- 22 min in group MF, and 15.4 min +/- 6 min in group M (p less than 0.01). At that time, plasma concentrations were respectively 3.12 +/- 0.99 mg.l-1 (group MF) and 5.71 +/- 2.09 mg.l-1 (group M), (p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Management of a patient with malignant hyperthermia susceptibility during anesthesia and daily living]

Death from malignant hyperthermia (MH) still occurs in France. However, anaesthesia of the MH susceptible (MhS) patient is quite possible without any more risk than for patients who are not MhS. Guidelines have been worked out: "trigger" drugs such as volatile anaesthetics (halothane, enflurane, isoflurane) and depolarizing muscle relaxants must be imperatively avoided; "non-trigger" drugs should be used, such as nitrous oxide, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, propofol, opiates, non-depolarizing muscle relaxants, amide or ester local anaesthetics at the usual doses without adrenaline. Moreover, dantrolene should be available in all hospitals, 12 bottles being a minimum at hand, or, better, 30 (about 10 mg.kg-1). In some cases, such as emergencies, an unprepared operating theatre, or an unprepared ventilator, the patient should be premedicated with 2.5 mg.kg-1 dantrolene intravenously. The ventilator, the circuit and the operating theatre should not contain any trace of halogenated vapour. The usual parameters, as well as temperature and expired CO2 concentration, should be closely monitored. MhS patients must also be given counselling. This includes explanations about MH, its genetic features, the main laboratory tests used to detect susceptibility, as well as advice about lifestyle, the use of drugs other than general and local anaesthetics, and a discussion concerning the association of MH with other diseases. This counselling is not always easy to provide, because many answers are not, as yet, definitive.

[Registration of peranesthetic cases of malignant hyperthermia in France. An update]

Sixty-two suspected crises of anaesthetic malignant hyperthermia (MH) were collected between 1969 and 1988 by a retrospective inquiry which lasted four years. 33 patients (53%) died whilst 29 survived. 20 cases were confirmed to be MH, either directly or indirectly by way of muscle biopsy and halothane and caffeine contracture tests carried out according to the European MH group protocol by two laboratories. This group included 11 of the deaths, one family member of whom, at least, is sensitive (MHS), 7 MHS survivors and 2 survivors too young to undergo muscle biopsy but belonging to MHS families. 21 cases were highly suspect of MH: 15 of the deaths which occurred in a typical way, and 6 patients of three different families who have suffered from anaesthetic deaths which, clinically, suggested MH. Another 15 were possible MH cases, all survivors, including one case of Steinert's disease and a brother of a case of central core disease. 2 cases were still being debated, because they had equivocal results for the caffeine test (MHEc); the last 4 had negative muscle biopsies and were excluded. 33 close relatives of the MH patients were diagnosed as MHS. 44 others were found to be free from the genetic predisposition. It was strongly recommended to yet 11 others that they carry the MHS card because they were MHEc. The clinical, surgical and anesthetic pictures were always as described in the literature. The anaesthetic protocols included inhalational agents in 90% of cases; these were combined with suxamethonium in 55% of cases. Dantrolene was only used in 32% of cases, and then at inadequate doses and very often too late; this probably explains the large number of treatment failures. The number of severe forms of MH was also very high in this series (70%). The need to increase the means of prevention and screening for MH in France is stressed.

[Comparison of the clinical effects of propofol and methohexital in induced abortion]

The clinical effects of propofol and methohexitone were compared in a group of 59 women undergoing abortion under general anaesthesia. At induction, the premedicated patients were given 2.5 mg . kg-1 propofol or methohexitone, followed by 1 mg . kg-1 fentanyl; if necessary, extra bolus doses of hypnotic were given. Hiccups and other movements were more frequent with methohexitone. There was no difference between the two groups as for injection pain and apnoea. The quicker recovery with propofol, with a mean of 2 min less, even when extra doses were given, could be explained by the pharmacokinetics of the drug. However, the quality of recovery in either group was satisfactory for short-length anaesthesia.

[Pollution of operating rooms with volatile and gas anesthetics. Methods of prevention]

Gaseous anaesthetic pollution in operating theatres has been known since as far back as 1924. Following Vaisman and Cohen's epidemiology studies, health organizations have been involved in this professional concern. Halogenated vapours and nitrous oxide anaesthetic pollution have been accused of doubling the abortion rate and of moderately increasing the number of congenital abnormalities in the offsprings of anaesthetists. The liver and nervous system are also likely targets for anaesthetic pollution. Animal or cell culture experimental studies concerning pathological consequences of exposure to nitrous oxide or halogenated vapours give conflicting results and are not conclusive. The pollution rate is measured by chromatography and spectrophotometry. 25 ppm nitrous oxide and 2 ppm halothane are the upper limits allowed for air contamination. Total intravenous anaesthesia, closed circuits, draining away expired gases can prevent such pollution, but these techniques do have drawbacks. Pollution prevention is rather simple, moderately expensive and comforting for operating room staff.

[Exposure to anesthetic gases: risk and prevention]

Several studies published during the last fifteen years seem to demonstrate that major risks, i.e. congenital malformations in the offspring and increased rate of spontaneous abortions, are associated with occupational exposure to anesthetic gases (halothane and nitrous oxide) in operating rooms. In view of the severity of the potential risk, we have: 1) analyzed risk factors in the light of epidermiologic and experimental studies; 2) determined the threshold levels of air pollution for these risk factors; 3) analyzed the situation in the Grenoble Hospital and the means of dealing with it.

[Respiratory obstruction during anesthesia in cases of mediastinal malignant lymphoma]

Three cases of asphyxia at the beginning of general anaesthesia for mediastinoscopy or biopsy of adenopathy are described in patients with malignant lymphoma. One of them died in spite of endobronchial intubation, artificial ventilation and steroids. The two others recovered when specific chemotherapy was added to the same symptomatic treatment. The risk of respiratory obstruction seems higher in non-Hodgkin than in Hodgkin lymphomas. This kind of obstruction is not relieved by an antiasthmatic therapy. Pulmonary lymphatic filtration may be hindered in case of mediastinal lymphoma, especially during anaesthetic induction, and pulmonary interstitial congestion may occur impeding gas propagation. Specific chemotherapy according to the histological type of the tumour may relieve the compression and respiratory obstruction in a few hours.

[Hemodynamic and hormonal study of electronarcosis and neuroleptanalgesia. Clinical study in 17 surgical patients]

The blocking effect of electropharmaceutical anesthesia (EPA) and neuroleptanalgesia (NLA) on adrenergic and hormonal reactions to abdominal surgery were compared in 17 ASA class I to III randomized patients. This study was intended to define the indications for each of these techniques in patients with heart diseases. Each individual received the same anesthetic premedication and induction and was submitted to iterative identical measurements and biological dosages. Before and during surgery, both groups were catheterized with a Swan-Ganz and a radial catheter. Blood sampling for catecholamines, cortisol, glycemia, blood gases dosages were regularly drawn. Electrical stimulation was performed in the EPA group, and fentanyl injections were repeated in the NLA group patients only. The same doses of pancuronium and droperidol were given to every patient. A circulatory hyperkinesia and hyperadrenergia were observed during surgery in all of the subjects but, during EPA, the tachycardia, the cardiac index and the rate-pressure product were higher than during NLA. The body temperature increased towards normal in EPA, not in NLA. Adrenergic and hormonal levels were equal in both groups. The slow variations of all the important parameters demonstrate that the measured phenomenons have a long time-course what legitimates this kind of prolonged on-the-spot observation. The role of droperidol, pancuronium and fentanyl in the observed variations is discussed. The characteristic high hyperkinesia in EPA may be due partly to an inefficacious analgesia because of the fentanyl suppression after induction, partly to the preserved thermogenesis partly to a direct effect of the electrical stimulation on cerebral tissues.

[Fentanyl-oxygen-pancuronium anaesthesia in cardiac surgery (author's transl)]

A retrospective study of the anaesthetic records in cardiac surgical patients was undertaken: massive doses of fentanyl were used according to Stanley (29). The rate of drug administration was fentanyl 150 micrograms/kg for induction and 15 to 25 micrograms/kg/hour for maintenance, pancuronium bromide 0,1 mg/kg for induction and 0,015 mg/kg/hour for maintenance. Myocardial oxygen consumption (estimated by rate-pressure-product) during induction period remains constant. The oesophago-rectal temperature gradient is smaller than with other anaesthetic techniques, showing a very good perfusion homogeneity without the need of vasodilatator drugs. The temperature after-drop in the post bypass period is also reduced (less than 1,2 degrees C). The incidence of hemodynamic and rhythmic disturbances during operations and during the first post-operative day is lowered. Delayed respiratory autonomy appears to be the major drawback of this method (group 1: 25,30 h +/- 7,30 h; 30,20 h +/- 12,25 h; group 3: 21,15 h +/- 6,25 h).

Extrapyramidal syndromes after premedication with droperidol in children

Four cases of extrapyramidal hypertonic syndrome were observed in 82 children who had been premedicated with small i.m. doses of droperidol. The frequency, time of onset, clinical description and treatment of this complication are discussed.

24-hour Althesin-fentanyl anaesthesia in dogs. Time course of haemodynamic changes

A 24-h anaesthetic using a constant flow infusion of Althesin, fentanyl and pancuronium was given to 10 artificially ventilated dogs. No statistically significant haemodynamic changes occurred during the study, suggesting that the technique may be of value in long-term physiological studies.

[Critical study of the hemodynamic status during anesthesia]

Physicians must choose the anaesthetics for their patients and select the methods to cheek their haemodynamic status. Experimental works do not always bring sufficient information to help them in their daily practice. Circulatory reaction to a pharmacodynamic agent is diffuse and non-specific. Some examples drawn from theoretical considerations and practical situations support this view. The difficulty of assessing the actual damage caused by one apparent variation still remains. On the other hand, haemodynamic indices such as PA, CVP, dP/dt are composed of elementary data that are interdependent; so indices are interdependent, too. A puzzling fact is that depressing anaesthetics can initiate severe haemodynamic crisis, generally badly tolerated by tissues, but better tolerated by myocardium which is not definietely altered if the anoxia inflicted is accompanied by a real decrease in cardiac work. This explains the often slight effect of short anesthetic overdosage. Previous haemodynamic variations to be countered relative to anaesthesia are not really known. Biochemistry of the venous coronary blood does not yet bring striking features in this field.