Effect of variation in systemic blood flow on plasma TNF-alpha in a pig model with left ventricular assist device.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release has been implicated in a sepsis-like syndrome following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This also may be important in patients who have had a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implanted. This report investigates the effect of reducing systemic blood flow on hemodynamic response, mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO(2)), and the release of TNF-alpha.

Intestinal tissue oxygenation and tumor necrosis factor-alpha release during systemic blood flow changes in pigs with left ventricular assist devices.

We previously demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) increased following a reduction in systemic blood flow to 60% or less of the original cardiac output using a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of reducing systemic blood flow on tissue oxygenation in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the consequences of this on TNF-alpha release. LVADs were implanted in 9 pigs.

Cause-specific perinatal death rates, birth weight and deprivation in the West Midlands, 1991-93.

Objectives: To study the relationship between cause-specific perinatal death rates, material deprivation and birthweight among births in 3 consecutive years in the West Midlands Health Region.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: West Midlands Health Region (WMHR).

Socioeconomic status and birth weight: comparison of an area-based measure with the Registrar General's social class.

Objective: To compare the relation of birth weight with socioeconomic status measured by an area-based measure of material deprivation and by the Registrar General's social class.

Setting: West Midlands Health Region 1991-93.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.