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Some studies of the complement system during total hip replacement using bone cement under general anaesthesia
1South Shore Orthopaedic Hospital, Blackpool, UK.
European Journal of Anaesthesiology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Total hip replacement using CMW bone cement did not activate complement pathways. This suggests complement activation is not responsible for the hypotension observed after bone cement insertion in patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Immunology
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Total hip replacement (THR) is a common orthopedic procedure.
- Hypotension can occur shortly after bone cement insertion during THR.
- The role of complement system activation in this hypotension is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether CMW bone cement or general anesthesia activates the complement system during THR.
- To determine if complement activation contributes to post-insertion hypotension.
Main Methods:
- Studied 14 patients undergoing Charnley or Howse THR with CMW bone cement.
- Measured complement components C4 and C3 levels before and after anesthesia and cement insertion.
- Assayed for C3 breakdown products.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in C4 and C3 levels was observed before and after the procedure.
- Measured complement levels remained within the normal range.
- No evidence of C3 breakdown products was detected.
Conclusions:
- Neither general anesthesia nor CMW bone cement insertion activates the classical or alternative complement pathways.
- Complement activation is not the mechanism responsible for early post-insertion hypotension in THR patients.