Introduction. Physicians are the most significant part of the professional resources of health care, and their shortage will affect the availability of medical care to the population.

The purpose of the study is to analyze the staffing of primary care physicians and the reserve of its formation on the territory of the Sverdlovsk region.

Materials and methods. The analysis of the provision of physicians with therapists and pediatricians according to the official statistical reporting for 2010-2019 in the Sverdlovsk region was carried out, a comparison was made with neighboring regions and indicators for the Russian Federation; an analysis of the formation of personnel reserves in these regions was carried out based on the results of admission companies for the period 2018/19-2020/21 academic years.

Results. In the dynamics for the study period in the Sverdlovsk region, the level of provision with district therapists increased by 2.6% from 1.54 to 1.58 per 10,000 adult population, however, the absolute number of physical persons of doctors decreased by 19.2%, the provision of district doctors with pediatricians decreased by 23.7% (p<0.05) – from 7.14 to 5.45 per 10,000 child population. Provision indicators in the region were consistently below the average for the Russian Federation and the Urals Federal District. In order to form a talent pool, there is an increase in the control figures for admission to medical universities in the areas of training «General Medicine» and «Pediatrics», as well as an increase in the share of the target admission quota by reducing budget places on a general basis.

Discussion. At the federal and regional levels, various programs of material incentives for young specialists have been adopted, but in the Sverdlovsk region these measures did not significantly affect the attraction of personnel reserves. Conclusions. It is necessary to continue the implementation of existing measures, as well as interagency cooperation in the development of further measures aimed at improving the availability of medical care for the population of the region.

Introduction. Currently there are no reports or recommendations concerning the ventilator weaning process. Appliance of the intellectual adaptive ventilation mode (iSV) represented in indigenous Russian unit ALV ZISLINE МV200 К 1.19 («Triton» Yekaterinburg) is highly potential. It provides minute ventilation target volume regardless of spontaneous patient’s respiratory activity and controls the pressure-support ventilation level (PSV) after each ventilatory cycle. Object was to increase safety of a patient’s spontaneous breathing adaptation period after longtime artificial lung ventilation.

Materials and methods. Using the continuous sampling method we’ve surveyed 46 patients at the ages from 34 to 81 y.o. (median is 65.5 y.o.) being under prolonged artificial lung ventilation treatment at ICU from 5 to 28 full days. The groups are divided into 2 depending on the assisted respiration method for spontaneous breathing adaptation. In the 1st group (n = 25) the PSV mode was used for the purpose of spontaneous breathing adaptation. In the 2nd group (n = 21) the iSV mode was employed. The safety of conducting artificial lung ventilation was estimated by the dynamic of the arterial CO2 level, arterial oxygen saturation, pressure-support value, oxygen and energy intake value and a 24-hour fluid balance.

Results. The comparison study of the metabolic indicants showed a higher rate of estimated energy requirement in the PSV mode authentically different by 3-5 full days, positive fluid balance conditioned by positive airway pressure and certain fluid retention which confirms more active respiratory load in the PSV mode. In the iSV mode from the 3rd till the 5th full day there’s negative fluid balance. By the 7th-10th full day it becomes slightly positive which proves electrolyte and fluid balance stabilization.

Discussion. Most of the studies related to the study of the advantages of one or another method of auxiliary ventilation used the success of weaning as the primary indicator. In our study, we focused on the main respiratory indicators and the adequacy of ventilation when using auxiliary modes, as well as metabolic costs. In our study, we noted a decrease in the number of days spent by patients in IUC when using the iSV mode compared with the use of the PSV mode. We have determined a significant reduction in the estimated energy demand when using the adaptive ventilation mode compared to the pressure support mode, regardless of the PS level, as well as an increase in VO2 and VCO2.

Conclusion. Thus, the iSV mode is believed to be more physiological than the PSV as it not only makes less demands on the respiratory system but it also allows to stabilize a patient's fluid balance during recovery after his/her critical condition.

Introduction. The aim of the study was to analyze the provision of specialized medical care by vascular surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic on the example of the Sverdlovsk Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1.

Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the activities of vascular surgeons of Sverdlovsk Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1 in 2020 was conducted. In addition, an assessment was given of the organization of measures aimed at reducing nosocomial infection and the spread of a new coronavirus infection.

Results. The number of outpatient visits to a vascular surgeon in 2020 decreased by about 10%, and the number of hospitalizations to the vascular surgery department decreased by more than a third compared to previous years. But in 2020, the number of consultations of a vascular surgeon with the use of telemedicine technologies increased almost 2 times. In the vast majority of cases, patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm underwent endovascular prosthetics, which significantly reduced the time spent in the hospital and minimized the risks of nosocomial infection with COVID-19. The preoperative preparation included: computed tomography of the lungs and determination of coronavirus RNA (SARS-CoV-2) by PCR. In addition, on the day of hospitalization, it was mandatory to conduct: thorough collection of an epidemiological history and characteristic complaints, thermometry. Also, in order to prevent the spread of a new coronavirus infection, isolators for temporary stay of patients with suspected COVID-19 were organized in the emergency room and hospital departments.

Conclusions. All organizational measures at the Sverdlovsk Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1 have made it possible to minimize the risk of nosocomial infection and the spread of COVID-19, thereby ensuring continuous work on the provision of planned and emergency specialized medical care.

Introduction. Surgical treatment of patients with large and giant ventral hernias presents significant difficulties. The occurrence of an extensive defect of the anterior abdominal wall entails severe disorders of the functioning of internal organs and systems due to the lack of abdominal function. Significant progress in providing care to patients with large and giant postoperative hernias of the anterior abdominal wall occurred after Novitsky.W. et al. proposed in 2012 posterior separation plastic surgery of the abdominal wall (TAR-transversus abdominis release).

The aim of the study was to present the operative technology and the results of surgical treatment of large and giant postoperative hernias of the anterior abdominal wall.

Materials and methods. 158 TAR (transversus abdominis release) was performed for postoperative hernias of the anterior abdominal wall. Patients with large and giant postoperative hernias of the anterior abdominal wall W3 – 42 (26.8%) and W4 – 113 (71.5%) prevailed according to the classification of J. P. Chevrel and A.M. Rath, 1999. The modified posterior separation plastic surgery was performed by separating all the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. The medial edges of the internal oblique muscles were fixed to the mesh implant in order to create an attachment point. With an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, the transverse abdominal muscle was partially or completely crossed. The intersected transverse abdominal muscle with the internal oblique muscle was also fixed to a mesh implant. Two groups of patients were compared: those operated by the TAR (transversus abdominis release) method and by the developed modified technology.

Results. The main task of the modified plastic surgery of the anterior abdominal wall – the maximum preservation of the anatomical and functional state of the transverse abdominal muscle – was performed by refusing to cross it or creating new fixation points for its crossed parts (patent for invention No. 2715095 of 27.11.2019). There are no statistically significant differences in the degree of complications according to the Clavien – Dindo criteria in group I and II, although there is a degree V complication in the second group. The greatest number of postoperative complications is observed in patients with obesity of 2-3 degrees. The total mortality rate was 0.6%. Discussion. The indisputable advantage of the TAR (transversus abdominis release) technique is the possibility of a significant increase in the volume of the abdominal cavity and, as a result, the prevention of intraabdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome. It is difficult to assess in detail the shortcomings of the technique in samples from 30 to 42 patients, but it is still established that the stage of hernioplasty in the form of the intersection of the transverse abdominal muscle determines the subsequent dysfunction of the abdominal muscles, with the formation of a barrelshaped abdomen, reduces the quality of life. The operative technology proposed by us is an anatomically and functionally justified direction of modification of the Novitsky Y. W. et al. technique, which allows preserving the physiological attachment of the transverse abdominal muscle, preventing its atrophy and, thereby, reducing the number of relapses and improving the quality of life of the patient.

Conclusions. The modified separation plastic surgery of the anterior abdominal wall in large and giant ventral hernias has advantages in terms of the anatomical and functional state of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall compared to the method of Novitsky. W. et al, and there were no significant differences in complications according to the Clavien – Dindo criteria in the studied groups.

Introduction. According to various data, postcraniotomy headache (PCH) is observed in 60-80% of cases, but so far this problem has not been given due attention. Non-modifiable risk factors affecting the intensity of PCG are female sex, young age, anxiety and depressive disorders; the main modifiable factor is craniotomy access.

The aim of this study is to improve the outcomes of neurosurgical interventions by reducing the severity of postoperative cephalalgia.

Materials and methods. A comparative analysis of the severity of postcraniotomy headache in the early and immediate postoperative period was carried out in 2 groups of patients: with classical osteoplastic craniotomy (control group) and using a low-trauma technique for removing intracerebral hematoma (main group). To assess the level of cranial pain, a digital pain rating scale was used.

Results. The average indicators of the intensity of cephalalgia in the early period in the control group was 7.5 ± 1.5, in the main group 6.1 ± 1.2, in the nearest: the control group 5.6 ± 1.4, the main one – 3.9 ± 1.1 (p<0.05).

Discussion. The reduction in the volume of the surgical wound significantly led to a decrease in the intensity of the postoperative cephalgic syndrome. A number of techniques have been proposed in the literature as surgical and medical methods for the prevention of postcraniotomy headache, but they do not have an adequate evidence base and require further study. A decrease in the intensity of PCG helps to improve the quality of life of patients and to reduce the financial costs required for its treatment.

Conclusions. The use of a minimally traumatic technique of intracerebral hematoma removal contributes to the reduction of postoperative cephalgia in patients in the immediate postoperative period.

Introduction. Today more and more attention is paid to the influence of various external factors and health status on the development of specific features of the course of different diseases, that is to the pathomorphosis in its clinical (narrow) sense.

The aim of the study was comparative analysis of the medical and social profile and clinical features of the patients with endometrial hyperplasia (EH) without atypia in the cohorts of 2016-2018 and 2006-2008 in the light of the pathomorphosis study.

Materials and methods. A retrospective study of medical and social profile and clinical features of EH without atypia has been performed in 52 patients who were under observation in 2016 – 2018 (1st group) and in 52 women who underwent medical treatment of this disease in 2006-2008 (2nd group) to investigate the problem of EH without atypia from the point of view of the pathomorphosis study.

Results. The following are the characteristic features of today’s patients with EH without atypia: younger age of disease development, specific formation of menstrual function (a later menarche), specific somatic status (predominance of the diseases of the urinary system and gastrointestinal tract), predominance of non-inflammatory diseases of the reproductive organs over sexually transmitted infections, low parity, complicated course of labor (increase in the proportion of premature delivery). Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) was the main clinical manifestation of the EH without atypia.

Discussion. Our data on the clinical picture of EH without atypia and the high frequency of the combination of EH with chronic endometritis coincide with the results of other modern studies. However, at present, in the clinical picture of EH, along with HMB, we observe a tendency to an increase in the frequency of asymptomatic EH, and the revealed high frequency of the combination of EH with chronic endometritis confirms the conclusions of a number of researchers about the important role of chronic endometritis in the formation of EH.

Conclusions. The above stated specific features of the medical and social profile and clinical course of the EH without atypia could be interpreted as pathomorphosis in the clinical (narrow) sense.

Introduction. Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor in women, which is accompanied by the life quality decrease and infertility. Despite numerous studies, the etiology of uterine myoma is still unknown.

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of a mixture of polyclonal activators on the interleukin production by dominant myomatous and myometrial tissue samples under treating by ulipristal acetate (UA), a selective modulator of progesterone receptors.

Materials and methods. Surgical material of 35 reproductiveaged women with multiple uterine myoma (1st group – without hormone therapy, 2nd group – after UA) was studied using enzyme immunoassay analysis. After determining of cytokine production, being spontaneous and stimulated by polyclonal activators phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and lipopolysaccharide, the cytokine production stimulation index (SIPA) was calculated, followed by statistical analysis.

Results. In patients of the 1st group the SIPA of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 in the myomatous nodes and myometrium did not differ; at the same time, SIPA of IL-18 and 17-OH-progesterone were statistically higher in the myometrium samples than in the nodes (p < 0.05). In patients of the 2nd group, who have been treated by UA before myomectomy, there was a significantly higher SIPA of the IL-6 (p < 0.001) and IL-10 (p = 0.002) in the myometrium samples, compared with the dominant nodes. When comparing the nodes and myometrium between two groups, it was revealed that, compared with the 1st group, in patients using UA in the supernatants of myomatous nodes, out of 5 studied markers, the SIPA of the pro-inflammatory cytokine Il-6 was down-regulated (p = 0.013). In the myometrial supernatants in the 2nd group, there were a higher SIPA of anti-inflammatory IL-10 (p < 0.001), as well as the lower levels of pro-inflammatory IL-18 (p < 0.001).

Discussion. The results of study demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effect of UA on the cellular elements of the dominant myomatous nodes and perifocal myometrium, and also confirm the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids.

Conclusion. Polyclonal activators during in vitro incubation, had multidirectional effects on the production of some interleukins and the content of the progesterone metabolite in the tissue of the dominant myomatous node and perifocal myometrium.

Introduction. Predicting relapse in acute demyelinating episode (ADE) in children is an urgent problem, since progressive demyelinating diseases are associated with the risk of disability and cognitive impairment.

Methods. Descriptive cohort study. The results of long-term follow-up of 75 children after the first episode of demyelination are presented. Based on the clinical and radiological parameters of the first demyelinating event, the prognostic factors for the relapse in children were determined using the logistic regression method.

Results. When comparing the clinical and instrumental signs of the first demyelinating event, we identified those that were significantly associated with relapse. These included age ≥ 11 years (p <0.001), brain stem symptoms (p = 0.002), multiple demyelinating lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging (p = 0.001) periventricular (p = 0.002), subcortical (p = 0.001), brainstem lesions (p = 0.006), well-defined lesions (p = 0.03) and perpendicular to the corpus callosum lesions (p = 0.002), cervical spinal cord lesions (p = 0, 02) and lateralized spinal cord lesions (p = 0.02). Regression analysis showed independent risk factors for relapse in children with demyelinating diseases: age ≥ 11 years (OR = 1.34, 95% CI (1.11: 1.61), p = 0.003), brain stem symptoms (OR = 7.00, 95% CI (0.73: 67.25, p = 0.09), multiple CNS lesions, corresponding to the criteria for dissemination by McDonald (2010) (OR = 8.60, 95% CI (2, 24: 33.07), p = 0.002).

Discussion. Existing descriptions of pediatric populations with demyelinating diseases often have short follow-up and focus on outcomes in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica. The article presents data on previously unexplored risk factors for exacerbation after the first episode of demyelination. Conclusion. The identified predictors of relapse in ADE in children are a simple and generally available tool for predicting the course of demyelinating diseases.

Introduction. The risk of ischemic stroke (IS) on the background of COVID-19 is about 5% and is associated with a more severe course of coronavirus infection (CVI).

The aim of the study was to identify risk factors and clinical features of IS in a debut of CVI in neurological inpatients.

Materials and methods. A prospective analysis of the neurological status, clinical, biochemical parameters, ultrasound examination of brachiocephalic vessels, computed tomography (CT) of the brain and the lungs was performed in 15 patients in the acute period of IS with a later detected PCR SARS-Cov-2.

Results. The average age of patients is 70.3±7 years. Risk factors for IS in the debut of CVI: stenosis of 30-50% of the internal carotid artery (ICA), arterial hypertension in 100%; dyslipidemia in 86.7%; type 2 diabetes mellitus in 46.7%; coronary heart disease in a third of cases. Lung damage according to CT did not exceed 50%. There is no clear correlation between IS severity, its localization and degree of respiratory failure. The localization of IS corresponded to the side of ICA stenosis. The young patient had signs of antiphospholipid syndrome, extravasal compression of both vertebral arteries, hypoplasia of the posterior connective artery corresponding to the focus of extensive infarction in the middle cerebral artery basin.

Discussion. A feature of the debut of CVI in the acute period of IS was the absence of subfebrility in the presence of increased CRP, thrombocytopenia, hyperfibrinogenemia, and a more than 3-fold increase in D-dimer, indicating early activation of platelet-vascular hemostas. The fact of the development of IS according to the side of the stenotic vessel is explained by the manifestation of latent organic pathology under the influence of CVI, thanks to the affinity of SARS-CoV-2 for the ACE2 receptors present in the vascular endothelium.

Conclusion. In connection with the present epidemiological situation, the fact of the onset of IS in CVI without hyperthermia suggests an early PCR test with subsequent adequate treatment of CVI in a specialized institution together with neurologists.

Introduction. Despite the success in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV), the incidence of HCV remains at a high level, and the assessment of the degree of liver fibrosis is relevant in all patients with HCV.

The aim of the study was to conduct a comparative diagnosis of the stages of liver fibrosis in women with chronic hepatitis C according to ultrasound elastometry and biopsy.

Materials and Methods. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive clinical, laboratory (including virological), instrumental examination of 93 patients with HCV of reproductive age was conducted.

Results. When interpreting the results, it was found that ultrasound elastometry in women with chronic hepatitis C is comparable to the results of percutaneous puncture liver biopsy.

Discussion. Chronic hepatitis causes significant economic damage to health systems. The main factor affecting the reduction of morbidity and the risk of complications is the early diagnosis of HCV infection and timely antiviral therapy. The main objective of therapy is to achieve a stable virological response (SVR), as well as to reduce the activity of inflammation and the stage of AF in patients with HCV. The isolated use of serum markers of fibrosis and ultrasound elastometry of the liver at the early stages of the disease is not informative enough, so it is advisable to use a combination of different techniques, and at the CP stage, a puncture biopsy can be safely replaced with ultrasound elastometry of the liver, especially for the purpose of dynamic monitoring of patients with HCV.

Conclusion. According to the comparative ROC-analysis of the results of ultrasound elastography and puncture liver biopsy, the high sensitivity and specificity of these methods for diagnosing liver fibrosis was established. The comparability of ultrasound elastography of the liver with the results of puncture biopsy, in young women, increases with the progression of liver fibrosis, and can be used to determine its degree.

Introduction. Connective tissue is ubiquitous in the human body, hereditary connective tissue disorders affect several systems and organs, undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia is often not diagnosed, proceeds under the guise of another pathology, and the pathogenetic basis of COVID-19 is a systemic disease associated with vascular inflammation and endothelial damage. The goal is to study the clinical and laboratory features of a new coronavirus infection in patients with connective tissue dysplasia.

Materials and methods. The study included 117 patients diagnosed with a new coronavirus infection COVID-19 aged 35 to 65 years, hospitalized in an infectious diseases hospital City Clinical Hospital No. 40 in Ekaterinburg. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the main group (n=90) people with the stigmas of connective tissue dysplasia and the comparison group: (n=27) people without signs of connective tissue dysplasia. Inclusion criteria: the presence of stigma of connective tissue dysplasia, the presence of a confirmed infection with COVID-19 (PCR of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2). Exclusion criteria: age over 65, comorbidities: diseases of the musculoskeletal system, chronic kidney disease, pregnancy, HIV infection, oncohematological and lymphoproliferative diseases.

Results. The course of a new coronavirus infection against the background of connective tissue dysplasia is characterized by: 1) fever in 100% of patients; 2) damage to the lungs of more than 50% of the lung tissue with signs of respiratory failure in 63%; 3) a pronounced systemic inflammatory response syndrome, manifested by a significant increase in C-reactive protein and creatine phosphokinase.

Discussion. An analysis of the results showed that one of the predictors of the severity of the course of COVID-19 infection may be the presence of connective tissue markers of dysplasia (odds ratio 7.4, 95% CI 2.6-21.3).

Conclusion. The new coronavirus infection COVID-19 proceeds against the background of connective tissue dysplasia more severely with a pronounced intoxication syndrome with an early and longer manifestation of acute respiratory failure.

Introduction. Takotsubo syndrome is a new nosological form of acquired cardiomyopathy characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction in response to physical or psychoemotional stress, clinically and electrocardiographically resembling acute coronary syndrome. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a form of stress cardiomyopathy simulating acute myocardial infarction with electrocardiographic and biochemical changes. Despite a large number of publications, there is no definitive understanding of the etiopathogenesis, clinical picture, treatment, as well as measures to prevent the development of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. With the manifestation of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the perioperative period, the clinical picture may be even less specific, which inevitably leads to diagnostic difficulties. Given that the main trigger of the disease is stress, the development of this disease is an urgent problem of anesthesiology and intensive care. In addition, there is a problem of managing patients with a history of takotsubo cardiopathy, if they need surgical interventions.

The aim of the work was to prove the effectiveness of a number of approaches (premedication with the use of barbiturates and α2-adrenoceptor agonists; monitoring the depth of anesthesia; administration of narcotic analgesics in continuous infusion; use of local anesthetics for skin anesthesia; multimodal anesthesia in the postoperative period) to the perioperative management of patients with a high risk of CT recurrence.

Materials and method. We present a clinical case demonstrating the possible tactics of perioperative management of a patient with a history of CT that manifested during anesthesia when a follow-up benefit was needed. The clinical picture is described, the results of instrumental and laboratory investigations indicating a correct CT diagnosis are presented.

Results. An individual strategy for perioperative management of the patient was developed and implemented, which made it possible to avoid a CT recurrence. Discussion. The etiopathogenesis of the disease and analysis of the few literature sources on the topic allow us to propose a number of approaches to the perioperative management of patients at risk of recurrence of CT.

Conclusions. A number of approaches (premedication with barbiturates and α 2-adrenoceptor agonists; anesthesia depth monitoring; administration of narcotic analgesics in continuous infusion mode; use of local anesthetics for skin anesthesia; multimodal anesthesia in the postoperative period) to perioperative management of patients with high risk of CT recurrence were demonstrated to be successful.

Introduction. Hereditary neurodegenerative diseases are a large genetic deterministic group of nosologies, which is based on the clinic of steadily progressing processes of destruction of neuronal systems. Damage to the nervous system can have various combinations, but the most common are atrophy of the cerebellum, brain stem, spinal cord columns, and also possible damage to the peripheral nervous system. Despite the classical descriptions of the clinical picture of various forms of neurodegenerative pathology and the corresponding genetic markers of the disease, in the practice of a neurologist, there are cases that are difficult to determine the nosological form of the disease.

Materials and methods. The article describes a case of combined hereditary pathology associated with laboratory-confirmed mutations in the SLC5A7 genes (associated with the development of type 7A hereditary motor sensory neuropathy) and TGM6 (affecting the development of type 35 spinocerebellar ataxia) and the clinical picture of lower spastic paraplegia.

Results. The clinical case presents a combined form of hereditary spastic paraplegia with pseudobulbar syndrome, mild motor-sensory neuropathy of the lower extremities, signs of cerebellar hypotrophy on MRI and moderate impairment of walking and speech function against the background of two mutations previously identified in type 35 spinocerebellar ataxia and hereditary motor-sensory ataxia of type 35 type 7A neuropathy.

Discussion. Diagnosis of nosological forms of hereditary pathology, manifested by a combination of lesions of the peripheral and central nervous systems, requires a detailed analysis of the hereditary history, neurological status and genetic examination results from a neurologist.

Conclusion. The clinical case demonstrates polymorphism of clinical manifestations of hereditary forms of neurodegenerative pathology and a possible combination of various phenotypic and genotypic variants.

Introduction. Rabbits are used as convenient models for studying drug cardiotoxicity. Echocardiography is one of the most informative non-invasive methods of assessing the cardiovascular system function. In literature, there is no clearly formulated protocol for heart ultrasound examination in rabbits. Purpose was the systematization of literature data on echocardiography techniques in rabbits.

Materials and methods. The sources search involved the Scientific Electronic Library eLIBRARY.RU and the National Library of Medicine information base (PubMed.gov). The search covered the 15-year period. Original or review articles containing a detailed description of the echocardiography technique were included.

Results and discussion. For animals anesthesia before the study, various drugs combinations based on ketamine, xylazine, medetomidine, zolazepam, tiletamine are used. In rabbits, it is possible to use M-, B-, Doppler echocardiography modes in a wide frequency range (5 – 12 MHz). Parasternal longitudinal, parasternal transverse and apical ultrasound approaches are applied. The parameters of the transmitral blood flow (peak A, peak E, ratio A/E, peak E', the magnitude of regurgitation), as well as the contractile function of the left ventricle (end systolic and diastolic volumes and sizes, stroke volume, cardiac output, shortening fraction) are subject to assessment. The Teicholz and Simpson methods can be used to calculate the ejection fraction. The literature under survey coveres listed parameters of normal values for various ages’ rabbits.

Conclusion. Echocardiography is a relatively affordable non-invasive method for studying the state of cardiovascular system in rabbits in an experiment. The method can be used to analyze myocardium size, left ventricle contractile function, and assess the state of heart valvular apparatus. At present, normal values of echocardiographic parameters in rabbits have been experimentally established, which adds to the informative value of the method. Qualitative study performance requires special preparation, including careful animal anesthesia, the choice of the approaches and modes used.