绝经期冠心病妇女血脂水平与骨密度的研究

目的 探讨绝经期冠心病妇女骨密度(BMD)的变化,并就血脂水平对骨质疏松(OP)的可能影响进行研究.方法 测定绝经期冠心病妇女伴骨质疏松(A)组及健康对照组(B)妇女的左侧髋部(股骨颈、大转子、华氏三角区)及腰椎L2～L4正侧位的骨密度;测定空腹血清中血脂浓度[总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、脂蛋白(a)、LP(a)、载脂蛋白(apoA-I、apoB、apoE)的浓度,并通过Frost计算出non-HDL-C;并对骨密度与多个变量之间的关系进行多元逐步回归分析.结果 绝经期冠心病妇女伴骨质疏松(A)组血脂浓度(TC、TG、LDL-C、LP(a)、non-HDL-C)均高于(B)组;而(A)组的骨密度指标明显低于对照组(B)(P<0.05);两组间腰椎、股骨颈的骨密度的差异有显著性(P<0.01);(A)组血清中血脂浓度(LDL-C、LP(a)、non-HDL-C)与腰椎L2～L4骨密度呈负相关;HDL-C与股骨颈的骨密度呈正相关;TG与股骨颈的骨密度呈负相关,载脂蛋白水平与腰椎L2～L4及股骨颈骨密度无相关性.结论 绝经期冠心病妇女血脂浓度与骨密度密切相关,是骨质疏松形成的重要影响因素之一.     

唑来膦酸注射液治疗62例绝经后糖尿病骨质疏松患者的临床观察

目的 探讨唑来膦酸注射液(ZOL)治疗绝经后女性2型糖尿病(T2DM)骨质疏松患者的临床疗效。方法 随机选择在我院内分泌科住院治疗的62例绝经后女性2型糖尿病骨质疏松患者,所有患者均给予唑来膦酸注射液治疗6个月;双能X 线骨密度测定仪测定腰椎L1-4、股骨颈、股骨大转子、华氏三角区;原装进口试剂盒检测血清中骨钙素（BGP)和骨特异性碱性磷酸酶(B-ALP);全自动生化分析仪检测肾功能及血钙、血磷;对比治疗前后腰椎L1-4、股骨颈、股骨大转子、华氏三角区的骨 密度(BMD)及治疗前后血清中血钙(Ca)、血磷(P)、骨钙素(BGP)、骨特异性碱性磷酸酶(B-ALP);测定治疗前后视觉模拟疼痛评分(VAS)。结果 ZOL治疗6个月后,腰椎L1-4、股骨颈、股骨大转子、华氏三角区的BMD均较前明显升高,差异具有统计学意义(P < 0. 05);BGP较治疗前明显升高,差异具有统计学意义(P < 0. 05);B-ALP较治疗前明显降低,差异具有统计学意义(P < 0. 05);血钙（Ca )、血磷(P)保持平稳,无明显变化(P > 0. 05); VAS评分改善明显,差异具有统计学意义（P < 0. 05)。 结论 唑来膦酸注射液(ZOL)治疗绝经后女性2型糖尿病(T2DM)骨质疏松患者疗效确切,值得推广。     

内脂素、抵抗素与男性2型糖尿病患者骨密度及骨代谢关系的研究

目的 研究内脂素、抵抗素与男性2型糖尿病患者骨密度及骨代谢指标关系。 方法 收集我院就诊的男性2型糖尿病患者225例,根据体重指数分为肥胖组107例及非肥胖组118例,对照组为120例非糖尿病正常男性。体格检查计算腰臀比（WHR）及体重指数（BMI）,酶联免疫法( ELISA)测定血清内脂素、抵抗素水平,双能X线骨密度仪测定腰椎（L2-L4）及左股骨颈骨密度。 结果 肥胖糖尿病组BMI及WHR高于其他组（P<0.05）;肥胖及非肥胖糖尿病组的内脂素、抵抗素水平高于对照组（P<0.05）,且肥胖组高于非肥胖组（P<0.05）。肥胖及非肥胖糖尿病组的BGP、CTX-1水平低于对照组。非肥胖糖尿病组腰椎及股骨颈骨密度明显低于正常组与肥胖组（P<0.05）,且肥胖组的腰椎骨密度高于对照组,但股骨颈骨密度两组间无明显差异（P>0.05）。直线相关分析显示BMI、WHR、内脂素、抵抗素均与BGP、CTX-1负相关,BMI及WHR与腰椎及股骨颈骨密度正相关,内脂素、抵抗素与腰椎骨密度呈正相关（P<0.05）,但与股骨颈骨密度无明显相关（P>0.05）。 结论 血清内脂素、抵抗素水平与男性2型糖尿病患者骨代谢水平及腰椎骨密度相关。     

绝经后骨质疏松患者IGF-Ⅰ变化

对绝经后妇女使用双能X线骨密度仪测定腰椎及股骨颈骨密度,同时使用放射免疫方法测定血清中性激素和IGF-Ⅰ水平.结果显示绝经后骨质疏松患者腰椎、股骨颈骨密度明显低于正常绝经后妇女,且伴有雌二醇(E2)和IGF-Ⅰ的明显下降.骨质疏松的发生与雌激素的下降,及其调节的IGF-Ⅰ异常改变有关.     

绝经妇女绝经后年限及年龄与骨量丢失率关系

目的探讨绝经后妇女的绝经年限及年龄与骨量丢失率关系。方法1999年5月-2003年4月,对已绝经的1467例妇女进行骨密度测定,并对不同绝经后妇女年龄、绝经年限与骨密度关系进行分析。结果1467例绝经后妇女中,以绝经1-5年期间和40-45岁时各部位骨密度作为基线值比较,绝经已超过35年或年龄大于80岁时各部位骨密度最低。其中按绝经年限腰椎、股骨颈、大转子、华氏三角区在绝经后6-10年间和超过35年时丢失速度最快;按年龄腰椎在56-65岁、股骨颈和华氏三角区在61-65岁、大转子在71-75岁及各部位大于80岁时丢失速度最快。结论绝经后妇女绝经年限及年龄增加,腰椎、股骨颈、粗隆、华氏三角区骨量丢失增加。绝经年限及年龄不同,各部位丢失速度不同。     

男性2型糖尿病患者骨密度的变化

目的 观察男性2型糖尿病患者骨密度的变化。方法 采用双能X线吸收法（DEXA）测定811例男性2型糖尿病患者腰椎正位1～4椎体（L1-4）、左侧髋部股骨颈（Neck）、大转子（Troch）、转子内区（Imer）、髋部总体（Total）和华氏三角（ward’s）的骨密度。结果 （1）男性2型糖尿病患者L1-4骨密度的改变先随年龄增加而逐渐降低，60岁之后又逐渐增高；Neck、Troch、Inter、Total和Ward’s区骨密度随年龄增加而逐渐降低，特别是Ward’s区骨密度下降显著。（2）病程在各年龄段对骨密度无明显影响。（3）超重组骨密度〉正常体重组〉低体重组。结论 病程对男性2型糖尿病患者骨密度无影响，Ward’s区是观察骨密度变化的敏感区域。     

甲状旁腺素和维生素D受体基因多态对糖尿病患者骨密度的影响

目的探讨甲状旁腺素(PTH)基因多态性与中国北方汉族人糖尿病患者骨密度的关系,联合分析维生素D受体(VDR)基因和PTH基因多态性与骨密度的相关性。方法选自青岛市内分泌糖尿病医院1998年1月~2002年1月住院的糖尿病患者,运用聚合酶链反应限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)技术检测了1型糖尿病(T1DM)组54例,2型糖尿病(T2DM)组104例,健康对照(CON)组102例,260例中国北方汉族人PTH基因多态性;采用双能X线吸收法骨密度仪(DEXA)测量骨密度。结果校正年龄和BMI后,1型糖尿病组腰椎、股骨颈骨密度低于对照组(P0.05);2型糖尿病组与对照组相比,骨密度差异无显著性(P0.05);甲状旁腺素(BSTB1位点)基因型和等位基因分布频率在1型糖尿病组、2型糖尿病组与对照组间差异无显著性(P0.05);在对照组及2型糖尿病组,BB基因型者腰椎(L2-4)和股骨颈部位骨密度显著高于Bb/bb基因型(P0.05);在1型糖尿病组,BB基因型仅腰椎L2-4部位骨密度高于Bb/bb基因型(P0.05);联合VDR基因多态(Apa I酶切位点)分析结果表明,Bbaa基因型在腰椎和股骨颈骨密度低于其他基因型(P0.05)。结论糖尿病患者PTH基因多态性(BSTB1位点)可能是预测骨量减少、骨质疏松易感性的遗传标志。联合VDR基因多态(Apa I酶切位点)有助于识别糖尿病患者发生骨质疏松的高危人群。     

DEXA在诊断糖尿病骨质疏松中的价值

本文测定１４９例非胰岛素依赖型糖尿病（ＮＩＤＤＭ）患者腰椎（Ｌ１～Ｌ４）及股骨上端（股骨颈、Ｗａｒｄ三角、股骨粗隆）骨密度，结果显示，不论男女患者＞４０岁以上各年龄组骨密度均低于正常对照组，提示糖尿病患者有骨量减少。腰椎及股骨上端相关分析表明腰椎（Ｌ１～Ｌ４）各椎体之间相关非常显著（Ｐ＜０．００１），提示腰椎各椎体骨密度丢失速度一致；腰椎与股骨颈、Ｗａｒｄ三角、股骨粗隆相关显著（Ｐ＜０．０１），但相对较小，股骨上端Ｗａｒｄ三角区骨密度减低最为显著。因此，股骨上端骨密度检测优于腰椎，一旦Ｗａｒｄ三角区骨密度降低至２．０ＳＤ以下时，即应做出骨质疏松的诊断。     

老年男性2型糖尿病患者骨密度及骨代谢生化指标的研究

目的：探讨老年男性2型糖尿病患骨密度改变及其机制，以了解2型糖尿病是否易合并骨质疏松及其特点。方法：测定70例老年男性2型糖尿病患及60例年龄、体重指数相匹配的健康对照的骨密度，血清骨钙素（BGP）、抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶（TRAP）、碱性磷酸酶（ALP）、尿钙（Ca）、尿羟脯氨酸（HOP）、空腹及餐后血糖、糖化血红蛋白（HbA1c）等，两组进行比较。结果：老年男性2型糖尿病患较健康对照组骨密度显降低。BGP浓度显低于对照组（P＜0．001）；TRAP、甲状旁腺素（PTH）、尿钙、HOP显高于对照组（P＜0．05）、糖尿病患BMD与病程、年龄、HbA1C、FBG、PBG呈显负相关，与平均体重指数（BMI)呈正相关。结论：老年男性2型糖尿病患较易患骨质疏松，其骨改变特点是：骨吸收增加，骨形成下降；发病机理主要是血糖升高，钙的排出增多和继发性甲状旁腺功能亢进以及胰岛功能减退。     

105例Ⅱ型糖尿病患者骨密度变化的分析

目的 研究Ⅱ型糖尿病患骨密度的变化规律和临床特点，更深入了解糖尿病对骨代谢的影响。方法 使用双能X线骨密度测定仪测定105例Ⅱ型糖尿病患腰椎L1～L4、Ward’s三角区、股骨颈、股骨大转子区的骨密度(BMD)，并以同年龄、同性别的健康的骨密度比较，研究其骨密度的变化规律和临床特点。结果 ①女性Ⅱ型糖尿病患BMD测定值与同年龄对照组比较差异无显性。②男性Ⅱ型糖尿病患BMD测定值除了51～60岁年龄组差异有显性外，61岁以上年龄组差异无显性。③男性Ⅱ型糖尿病患BMD测定值明显高于同年龄的女性。各年龄组Ward’s三角区BMD测定值明显低于腰椎和股骨颈及股骨大转子区。结论 ①雌激素水平下降是绝经后妇女骨质疏松的主要原因。②Ⅱ型糖尿病能使部分老年患易患有骨质疏松症。③骨质疏松患最早出现骨密度改变在Ward’s三角区。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

The analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in patients with chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Background : Ketamine in sub-dissociative doses has been shown to have analgesic and phantom-Limb pain, where conventional treatment has often failed. Chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans often responds poorly to analgesics, and the pain-generating mechanisms are not well understood.
Methods : Eight patients with rest pain in the lower extremity due to arteriosclerosis obliterans were given sub-dissociative doses of 0.15, 0.30, or 0.45 mg/kg racemic ketamine and morphine 10 mg as a 5-min infusion on four separate days in a cross-over, double-blind, randomised protocol. Plasma levels of (S)- and (R)-ketamine and their nor-metabolites were analysed with an enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Pain levels were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results : Individual pain levels were highly variable during and after all the infusions but the pooled pain levels showed a dose-dependent analgesic effect of ketamine with a transient but complete pain relief in all patients at the highest dose (0.45 mg/ kg). Side-effects, mainly disturbed cognition and perception, were pronounced and dose-dependent. Morphine 10 mg had an analgesic peak at 20 min and 5/8 patients had complete pain relief. The remaining 3 patients also had high baseline pain scores, indicating a higher analgesic potency for the 0.30 and 0.45 mg/ kg ketamine doses than for morphine 10 mg.
Conclusion : We have demonstrated a potent dose-dependent analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in clinical ischemic pain. Due to a narrow therapeutic window, this analgesic effect is probably best utilised in combination with other analgesics.