[BSE/TSE--the present epidemiologic and diagnostic situation]. / BSE/TSE--Aktuelle epidemiologische und diagnostische Situation.

In 1992, 1994 and 1997, first BSE cases were diagnosed among imported cattle. The first domestic BSE case in Germany was confirmed on 26 November 2000. Altogether 192 cases (7 cases in 2000, 125 cases in 2001 and 60 cases in 2002) were reported (at the date: 7. August 2002). Comparing the BSE situation in Germany with other European countries under consideration of the surveillance schemes applied, Germany has a similar BSE incidence based on 100,000 adult cattle as France and Spain but a higher incidence than neighboring countries like The Netherlands, Austria and Denmark. At present, on average 2,3 cases per week are confirmed in Germany. With respect to the age distribution of the BSE cases, about 84% of all domestic cases confirmed originated out of the years 1995 and 1996 with a accumulation in 1996 (about 53% of all cases). Single BSE cases with the years of birth 1990, 1991 and 1993 demonstrate, that the BSE agent is circulating among the German cattle population at least since the beginning of the nineties. Between 1985 und 7 August 2002, scrapie was diagnosed in 26 sheep flocks in Germany, but alone during the year 2002 (until 7 August 2002) 11 scrapie affected sheep flocks were discovered.

[Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in experimental necrotising pancreatitis (author's transl)]. / Hyperbare Sauerstofftherapie bei experimenteller Pankreasnekrose.

In the last years non operative and surgical efforts could not diminish the high lethality of severe acute haemorrhagic necrotising pancreatitis. While majority of patient die in consequence of pancreatitis-shock, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) can improve all hypoxic circulation situations. Therefore the value in treatment of experimental necrotising pancreatitis in pig is examined. 5 pigs were treated with, 5 without HBO and 5 served as control. With HBO liquid sequestration was diminished and total protein loss prevented significantly, but foremost survival time was significantly prolonged. In consequence demarcation of necrosis with connective tissue was possible, but nevertheless operative treatment remain necessary. Without HBO all pigs and with HBO only 2 pigs died in consequence of necrotising pancreatitis. It is demonstrated, that HBO as additive therapy can improve the prognosis of necrotising pancreatitis.

[Effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on experimental pancreas necrosis in pigs]. / Einfluss der hyperbaren Sauerstoffoxygenation auf die experimentelle Pankreasnekrose beim Schwein.

A pancreatic necrosis was produced in 7 piglets by means of a sodiumdesoxycholacid trypsin mixture. 4 animals served as control. All animals get a basis-infusion therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) was applied additionally in 3 animals. All control animals survived. The three animals with HBO deceased in average after 22 days, those without HBO deceased already after 4.25 days. Laboratory and circulatory measures show no significant differences. The autopsy statements were different from the age of necrosis. The conclusion by the extension of the average survival time in experimental pancreatic necrosis by means of HBO is that the high lethality of the pancreatic necrosis can be reduced by means of HBO.

[Hyperbaric oxygenation in a large hyperbaric chamber (author's transl)]. / Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der Sauerstoffbehandlung in der grossen hyperbaren Kammer.

Hyperbaric Oxygenation has been used routinely with 503 persons (1100 compressions) in a large walk-in hyperbaric chamber. An optimal interdisciplinary teamwork and mastering of the transportation problems by helicopter is mandatory to make this treatment accessible for patients in distant hospitals as an additional conservative management. In 51 operations under pressure (28 congenital heart disease cases) the luxury oxygenation was a protective measure. The procedure can be done safely with plenty of working time.

[Plasmapheresis in the elimination of toxic substances with marked plasma protein-binding properties (author's transl)]. / Plasmaphorese zur Elimination toxischer Stoffe mit hoher Plasmaproteinbindung

Plasmapheresis is a method used to eliminate toxic substances with high plasma protein-binding properties. Poisoning by strongly plasma protein-binding substances cannot be treated by haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Hence, an attempt was made to hasten the elimination of phenylbutazone, a suitable model substance (plasma protein binding affinity 98%), by plasmapheresis. Some of the experiments were performed with oxygen under high pressure (OHP). A singly plasmapheresis of the total blood volume or triple plasmapheresis of half of the blood volume, performed at 20 min intervals accelerated the elimination of phenylbutazone significantly and all animals survived. A single plasmapheresis of the threefold blood volume had the greatest effect in lowering the concentration of phenylbutazone in the blood, but only one of three animals survived. OHP had no influence on the half-life of phenylbutazone and did not increase the survival rate.

[Interactions between oxygen under high pressure and drugs (author's transl)]. / Wechselwirkungen zwischen hyperbarem Sauerstoff und Arzneimittel

A. The clinical applications of oxygen under high pressure (OHP) are limited by oxygen toxicity. Hence, an investigation was carried out in mice on the influence of drugs on the lethal effect of OHP. 1. The lethal effect of OHP is diminished by phenobarbitone, propranolol, clonidine, succinate and tris buffer. 2. The lethal effect of OHP is enhanced by methamphetamine, acetazolamide and guanethidine. 3. The lethal effect of OHP is enhanced by reserpine two hours after administration, but diminished 12 hours after administration. B. The clinical usage of OHP is often necessarily connected with drug therapy. Hence, alteration in drug effects under OHP were investigated in mice and rats. 1. The convulsion threshold of pentetrazol is reduced under OHP by 26%. 2. The duration of the hypnotic effect of hexobarbitone is reduced under OHP by 27%. 3. The analgesic effect of morphine is unchanged by OHP. Practical aspects with regard to the use of drugs during clinical use of OHP are discussed.