ABSTRACT
The effect of surgical trauma on serum trace elements was studied in 10 patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery. After the initial decrease due to the hemodilution during operation serum iron, zinc, copper and selenium remained depressed for the immediate postoperative period. Zinc was still at significantly lower level 2 months after the operation. Low serum iron values were also observed. Changes in trace element concentrations were parallel with changes in the concentrations of their transport and binding proteins in the serum. The multielemental technique also measured nonessential bromide, which returned to initial levels in 7 days. Effects of trauma on metabolism, acute phase reaction with redistribution of zinc and copper and losses via increased urinary excretion explain the above changes. Development of a subclinical deficiency of zinc and possibly iron is suggested by the persistence of low serum levels during recovery after operation.
Subject(s)
Coronary Artery Bypass/adverse effects , Trace Elements/blood , Aged , Analysis of Variance , Bromides/blood , Copper/blood , Ferritins/blood , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Selenium/blood , Zinc/bloodABSTRACT
The effect of operating theatre work on peripheral blood T- and B-lymphocytes was studied by the rosette method. There was no statistically significant difference between operating theatre personnel and the controls in the number of T- and B-lymphocytes. This study supports the view that work in operating theatres does not cause changes in the immune response.
Subject(s)
Anesthesiology , B-Lymphocytes , Personnel, Hospital , T-Lymphocytes , Adult , B-Lymphocytes/drug effects , Environmental Exposure , Female , Humans , Male , Nitrous Oxide/pharmacology , Operating Rooms , T-Lymphocytes/drug effectsABSTRACT
Plasma morphine concentrations were measured by a radioimmunoassay technique following the intramuscular administration of morphine 0.2 mg/kg body weight as a preoperative medication. The highest plasma concentrations were obtained about one hour after the administration of the drug and there was a sevenfold variation in these concentrations between individuals. For 24 hr following a single intramuscular injection, there was measurable quantities of morphine or its metabolites in the plasma. In healthy patients who were undergoing a therapeutic abortion, there was no correlation between pain relief and the plasma concentration of morphine.
