异基因造血干细胞移植后人CMV感染与GVHD相关性的临床研究

目的 探讨异基因造血干细胞移植后人巨细胞病毒(CMV)感染与移植物抗宿主病(GVHD)的关系.方法 对1998年3月至2001年3月进行的63例造血干细胞移植受者的CMV感染情况进行检测,用聚合酶链反应法检测CMV gB分型,并统计受者GVHD的发生情况.结果 40例发生CMV感染,23例未感染,其GVHD发生率分别为82.5％(33/40)和47.8％(11/23),差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).CMV gB-1、gB-2、gB-3型感染者发生Ⅱ～Ⅳ度急性GVHD的几率分别为58.8％(10/17)、40％(2/5)和66.7％(4/6),三者间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).CMV阳性受者中27.5％(11/40)出现移植后继发性造血抑制,CMV阴性的受者13.0％ (3/23)出现,发生率的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 CMV感染者GVHD的发生率升高,而CMV感染与GVHD严重程度无关,合理治疗后不会显著抑制移植后的造血重建.     

造血干细胞移植后并发感染121例的临床分析

目的探讨造血干细胞移植(HSCT)后并发感染的临床病原学特点和相关危险因素。方法共有121例造血系统疾病患者接受HSCT,其中51例行异基因外周造血干细胞移植,40例行异基因骨髓移植,4例行异基因外周血造血干细胞和骨髓混合移植,5例行脐带血移植,16例行自体造血干细胞移植,5例行自体CD34~+细胞移植。患者均采用化疗进行预处理。采用短程甲氨蝶呤联合环孢素A预防移植物抗宿主病(GVHD),部分病例加用达利珠单抗或抗淋巴细胞球蛋白。结果121例患者中,116例患者获得造血重建,3例移植失败,2例在移植物植活前因严重感染死亡。移植后60d内,83例(68．6%)共发生感染97次,64例(77．1%)发生感染时中性粒细胞＜0．5×10~9/L,患者均有不同程度的发热。口咽黏膜和呼吸道(上、下呼吸道)是最常见的感染部位,占64．9%。21例患者的23次感染中,共分离出20株细菌和7株真菌,65%为革兰氏阴性杆菌。10例患者并发巨细胞病毒感染。因感染死亡的患者共8例,均为异基因造血干细胞移植患者。发生Ⅱ～Ⅳ度急性GVHD患者的感染发生率(88．9%,24/27)高于0～Ⅰ度急性GVHD患者(60．3%,44/73,P＜0．01)。结论造血干细胞移植后60d内的感染多发生于粒细胞缺乏期；口咽黏膜炎和呼吸道是常见感染部位,下呼吸道感染者的死亡率高,侵袭性真菌感染者的预后不佳；发生Ⅱ～Ⅳ度急性GVHD者有较高的感染发生率。     

非清髓性造血干细胞移植后移植物抗宿主病的临床观察

目的 观察非清髓性造血干细胞移植（NST）后移植物抗宿主病（GVHD）的发生情况。方法 将18例患者分为3组：A组为6例重型再生障碍性贫血（SAA）成人患者，行无关供者脐血造血干细胞移植；B组为5例SAA患者，行同胞供者骨髓联合外周血造血干细胞移植；C组为7例肿瘤性血液病患者，其中3例行同胞供者骨髓移植，4例行外周血造血干细胞移植。均采用以抗胸腺细胞球蛋白或抗淋巴细胞球蛋白为基础的预处理方案。A组和B组应用环孢素A（CsA）和甲泼尼龙预防GVHD，C组应用CsA和甲氨蝶呤预防GVHD。C组形成混合性嵌合体后行供者淋巴细胞输注（DLI）。结果 A组有4例形成并维持混合性嵌合体状态，1例死于真菌性败血症，1例自动出院。移植后早期，B组有3例供者型嵌合体占94％以上，并在短期内转变并维持完全供者嵌合体状态，获得无病存活，其中1例在移植后8个月发生慢性GVHD；另2例行供者千细胞输注后，1例6个月后死于继发性纵隔淋巴瘤，1例造血功能恢复。C组患者早期均形成混合性嵌合体，获得血液学部分缓解，患者DLI前无急性GVHD发生，1例于2次DLI后死于严重感染，1例失访；另5例分别经过4、3、7、5、4次DLI，全部转为完全供者型嵌合体，并获得血液学完全缓解，4例并发慢性GVHD，2例并发急性GVHD。结论 对于SAA患者，NST的临床效果较好，GVHD的发生率较低；而对于肿瘤性血液病，NST后患者的早期死亡率低，急性GVHD发生率下降，但慢性GVHD和感染的发生率较高。     

他克莫司和环孢素A防治急性移植物抗宿主病的效果比较

目的比较他克莫司（FK506）和环孢素A（CsA）防治造血干细胞移植后急性移植物抗宿主病（aGVHD）的效果。方法根据所用免疫抑制方案的不同，将118例异基因造血干细胞移植患者分为两组，一组移植后采用以FK506为主的方案预防GVHD（FK506组，n=36例），另一组采用以CsA为主的方案预防GVHD（CsA组，n=82例）。观察两组患者aGVHD的发生情况及治疗效果、造血重建情况、存活率、原发病的复发率以及免疫抑制剂的不良反应。结果FK506组和CsA组aGVHD累积发生率分别为（50．0±8．8）％和（50．7±5．6）％（P〉0．05），Ⅱ～Ⅳ度aGVHD累积发生率分别为（13．0±6．1）％和（31．0±5．2）％（P〈0．05），Ⅲ～Ⅳ度aGVHD累积发生率分别为（2．8±2．7）％和（12．3±3．7）％（P〉0．05）。采用FK506及甲泼尼龙（MP）治疗Ⅰ～Ⅱ度aGVHD的效果优于CsA与MP组合，但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05），而治疗Ⅲ～Ⅳ度aGVHD，FK506与MP组合明显优于CsA与MP组合（P〈0．05）。两组在造血重建时间、患者存活率、无原发病的存活率以及原发病复发率等方面的差异均无统计学意义。FK506组16．7％患者血糖升高，而CsA组血糖升高者仅占1．2％。结论FK506可有效预防和治疗异基因造血干细胞移植后的aGVHD，其总体效果优于CsA。     

SAG3基因在造血干细胞移植患者弓形虫感染诊断中的应用

目的探讨造血干细胞移植患者弓形虫感染的快速、特异、敏感的诊断方法。方法以弓形虫SAG3基因为靶基因，采用聚合酶链反应法(PCR)对56例造血干细胞移植受者及20名正常对照者进行检测，同时以酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)进行弓形虫抗体IgG、IgM的血清学检测。结果以PCR和ELISA检测弓形虫SAG3基因片段和其抗原，阳性分别为10例及7例，阳性率分别为17．9％和12．5％，其中PCR检测阳性、而ELISA检测阴性的3例，经病原学检测，均证实有弓形虫感染；20名正常对照者的检测结果均为阴性。结论体外扩增弓形虫SAG3基因的方法诊断弓形虫感染具有准确、快速、特异和敏感的优点，可作为造血干细胞移植患者弓形虫感染的诊断方法之一。     

亲缘异基因造血干细胞移植治疗慢性髓细胞白血病的护理

对30例慢性髓细胞白血病患者行亲缘异基因造血干细胞移植。27例患者预处理采用经典或改良BuCy2方案，3例患者用非清髓方案；预防移植物抗宿主病（GVHD）采用短程甲氨堞呤联合环孢素A方案；在常规护理的基础上针对感染、GVHD及心理问题实施重点护理。结果所有患者均获造血功能重建；移植后100d内发生Ⅱ～Ⅳ度急性GVHD7例（23、3％），经对症处理好转出院。随访3～88个月，移植相关死亡7例，疾病复发死亡1例，22例移植成功。提出移植相关并发症及移植后感染的护理是保证疗效的关键。     

非HLA基因单核苷酸多态性对造血干细胞移植后巨细胞病毒感染的影响

目的 探讨非HLA基因单核苷酸多态性(SNP)对造血干细胞移植后巨细胞病毒(CMV)感染的影响.方法 对2008年7月至2011年12月接受异基因造血干细胞移植的受者及其相应供者64例进行研究.采用聚合酶链反应-序列特异性寡核苷酸探针和测序方法检测髓过氧化物酶基因(MPO)、甘露糖结合凝集素基因(MBL)、CD14基因和血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)基因的SNP,结合CMV pp65检测结果,比较CMV阳性组和CMV阴性组ACE、CD14、MPO、MBL基因SNP的差异.结果 ACE 16内含子基因多态性分布:DD型14例(10.9％),ID型72例(56.3％),Ⅱ型42例(38.8％);CD14-159位基因多态性分布:CC型18例(14.1％),CT型81例(63.3％),TT型29例(22.7％);MPO-463位点基因多态性分布:G型100例(78.1％),A型2例(1.6％),GA型26例(20.3％);MBL启动子-550位基因多态性分布:H型28例(21.9％),HL型73例(57.0％),L型27例(21.1％);MBL启动子-221位基因多态性分布:Y型87例(68.0％),YX型38例(29.7％),X型3例(2.3％);MBL外显子1区基因多态性分布:A型94例(73.4％),AB型32例(25.0％),B型2例(1.6％).CMV阳性组和CMV阴性组供、受者ACE、CD14-159位点、MPO-463位点、MBL启动子-221以及外显子1区基因单核苷酸多态性相比较,差异均无统计学意义;但CMV阳性组供者MBL-550位点HL基因频率明显增高,与阴性组比较,差异有统计学意义.结论 供者MBL的单核苷酸多态性对造血干细胞移植后CMV感染有影响.     

异基因外周造血干细胞移植治疗极重度骨髓型急性放射病一例

目的探讨异基因外周血造血干细胞移植治疗极重度骨髓型急性放射病的效果，积累临床经验。方法1例患者意外受60^Co照射，受照射剂量为9～15Gy，诊断为极重度骨髓型急性放射病，在受照射后第4天患者开始接受预处理，3d后进行了HLA全相合的异基因外周造血干细胞移植。移植后采用环孢素A和霉酚酸酯预防移植物抗宿主病（GVHD）。结果造血功能于移植后第9天开始恢复，第11天WBC升至14．74×10^9L，随后降至正常范围，血小板升至50×10^9／L，Hb在80g／L以上。经短串联重复序列聚合酶链反应及血型动态检测，证实供者细胞稳定植入，原有染色体畸变和微核均消失，血型于移植后第27天完全转变为供者型。患者未发生GVHD，但放射性损伤持续加重，并发多重感染，于移植后第68天（受照射后第75天）死于多脏器功能衰竭。结论极重度骨髓型急性放射病可以通过异基因造血干细胞移植恢复造血功能，为患者存活创造机会，但仅有造血功能恢复，而未能解决好放射线对全身组织的损伤及免疫功能重建，患者仍难长期存活。     

肝移植术后移植物抗宿主病一例

移植物抗宿主病（graft versus host disease GVHD）多见于异基因造血干细胞移植术后，是导致移植失败和患者死亡的主要原因之一。肝移植术后的GVHD十分罕见，文献报道发生率为1％左右。我院于2005年10月至2006年1月成功诊治1例肝移植术后GVHD，现对该患者的临床资料进行总结，分析肝移植术后GVHD的早期诊断和治疗。     

亲缘单倍体相合外周血造血干细胞移植治疗重症再生障碍性贫血

【摘要】目的探讨改良白消安／环磷酰胺＋抗胸腺细胞球蛋白（Bu／Cy＋ATG）预处理方案在亲缘单倍体造血干细胞移植治疗重症再生障碍性贫血（SAA）临床应用中的有效性和安全性。方法回顾分析河北唐山钢铁集团有限责任公司医院血液肿瘤科自2009年10月至2011年5月间采用亲缘单倍体外周血干细胞移植治疗的3例SAA患者资料。供者均为母亲,1例HLA3／6位点相合,2例HLA4／6位点相合。预处理方案均为改良Bu／Cy＋ATG,具体为白消安0．8m∥kg,每天4次,连用2d;环磷酰胺50mg·kg-1·d-1,连用4d;抗胸腺细胞球蛋白2．5mg·kg-1·d-1,连用4d。环孢素＋短程甲氨蝶呤＋吗替麦考酚酯预防排斥反应。结果3例患者均达完全供者植入,2例合并Ⅱ-Ⅲ度急性移植物抗宿主病（GVHD）,1例患者合并局限型慢性GVHD。3例患者均发生血CMV感染,经抗病毒治疗均得以控制。随访5～25个月,3例患者至今均无病存活。结论初步经验Bu／Cy＋ATG预处理方案经改良用于亲缘单倍体外周血造血干细胞移植治疗SAA安全、有效。     

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.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

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.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

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.     

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.     

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.