基于Group Lasso的Logistic回归模型构建绝经后骨质疏松性骨折初发风险评估工具

目的构建符合北京、上海两地40~65岁女性人口学特征的危险因素和中医症状相结合的骨质疏松性骨折早期风险预测工具。方法本研究采用注册登记式研究的方法,对2009年3月-8月在北京市东城区及上海市徐汇区收集的1129例40~65岁女性骨质疏松症高危人群的危险因素及中医症状信息,进行连续3年的登记观察。采用SMOTE过抽样算法平衡数据,基于Group Lasso的Logistic回归模型筛选与骨质疏松症骨折有关的危险因素及中医症状,建立骨质疏松性骨折风险评估工具。结果基于R 3.3.3软件的Grplasso包,在不同λ水平上,我们进行对绝经后骨质疏松性骨折的危险因素与中医证候要素的学习。最终结合数理与医理,认为λ=0.0235时遴选出的变量最佳。具体组变量包括:骨密度(bone mineral density,BMD)、年龄、食物类、身高、月经情况、孕产次数和肝肾阴虚。进而基于Logistic回归模型得出骨质疏松性骨折预测工具:P=-1.88+0.437*BMD+0.289*年龄+0.023*大米面条-0.007*奶制品-0.096*豆制品-0.128*肉类-0.084*鱼类-0.007*新鲜蔬菜-0.018*蛋类+0.047*海藻类+0.048*身高-0.035*是否变矮-0.081*初潮年龄+0.171*是否绝经+0.121*绝经年限+0.039*怀孕次数+0.192*生产次数-0.056*子宫卵巢是否切除+0.05*手足烦热-0.094*盗汗+0.008*腿软+0.15*目眩-0.048*视物模糊-0.045*目睛干涩-0.089*恶热+0.08*脱发+0.034*齿摇-0.101*口苦+0.004*易怒+0.054*午后潮热-0.056*失眠+0.019*多梦易惊-0.02*胸胁苦满+0.137*下肢转筋。对该预测模型预测概率绘制受试者工作特征曲线,结果显示曲线下面积为0.8775(95%CI=0.8412~0.9138)。结论初步建立了基于北京、上海人口学特征40~65岁女性骨质疏松性骨折早期风险预测工具。     

骨质疏松性骨折的危险因素及中医证候要素风险评估研究现状

骨质疏松性骨折是骨质疏松症最具破坏性的结局,多个相互作用的危险因素对其发生有一定的影响。人在40岁之后,随着年龄的增长,身体的机能开始逐渐衰退,开始出现如腰酸、背痛、下肢抽筋、乏力等症状,这些症状与肾虚、肝虚、脾虚、血瘀等中医证候要素之间存在一定的关联性,而这些症状的出现可能对骨折的发生有一定的早期提示作用。现有的骨质疏松性骨折风险评估工具多是基于现代医学危险因素开发而成,缺乏骨质疏松性骨折证候学方面的研究内容,在实际应用中存在一定的局限。如果在预测工具中融入中医证候的相关研究内容,建立符合我国人口学特征的骨质疏松性骨折风险评估模型,必将有助于提高风险评估工具对骨质疏松性骨折高危人群的风险评估准确性。     

绝经后骨质疏松症危险因素、预测模型和筛检工具研究

绝经后骨质疏松症是目前患病率最高的慢病之一,在40～65岁妇女中有很高的患病率。骨质疏松症容易导致脆性骨折,尤其是髋部骨折危险性最大,常是老年人的死亡原因。目前,公认的骨质疏松症诊断金标准是利用双能X线吸收仪进行骨密度的测量,由于检测费用比较昂贵,且需要有专业医务人员进行操作,不便于在广大人群中筛查使用。我们往往借助于通过简单的筛检工具来判断是否处于骨质疏松高风险状态,再运用DXA检测进行确诊。现有的PMOP筛检工具纳入的评估指标过少,特异度较低,在实际应用中存在一定的局限性。中医证素与骨密度之间存在着的一定的相关关系,在现有PMOP风险评估工具中,融入中医证素的相关内容,建立基于GPLM的PMOP风险预测模型,开发适用于我国人群特征的包含现代医学危险因素和中医证素的PMOP筛检工具,必将有助于PMOP的早期发现,提高PMOP高危人群的筛检率,为采取有效的防治性干预措施提供科学的依据。     

住院骨质疏松性骨折患者危险因素与干预措施

目的 探讨住院老年骨质疏松骨折发生的危险因素,为指导骨质疏松性骨折的预防提出干预措施。方法 选择2010年5月～2012年 5 月在我院住院的203例老年骨质疏松症患者为研究对象,根据患者是否出现骨折分为老年骨质疏松性骨折组和老年骨质疏松症无骨折组,采用自编问卷的方法收集符合条件的患者的临床资料。采用多因素 Logistic回归分析骨质疏松性骨折患者的危险因素。结果 骨密度是骨质疏松症并发骨折的保护因素,而年龄、低钙饮食、跌倒、脆性骨折史及骨折家族史是发生老年骨质疏松性骨折的危险因素。结论 老年骨质疏松症并发骨折受多种因素影响,可从饮食、体育锻炼及药物等多方面进行干预。     

成年男性骨质疏松症的病例筛选与防治对策探讨

目的 探讨重庆地区中老年男性骨质疏松症的病例筛选、诊断以及对本地区中老年男性骨质疏松与骨质疏松性骨折的防治措施。方法 对180例不同程度出现常见的骨质疏松症状的40岁以上成年男性，使用双能X线骨密度仪（DXA）进行骨密度（BMD）测定。按年龄段（10年）分组统计BMD值，观察各年龄段骨质疏松与骨折发生情况。结合 病史及受检人群的社会、行为因素与疾病情况进行分析，提出病例筛选、诊断与防治措施。结果 重庆地区40岁以上的男性患者，出现常见的骨质疏松症状，或X片有骨质疏松改变，进行DXA检查骨质疏松症患者（T-score≤-2．5SD）的检出率较高。40岁到69岁期间的患骨质疏松症的男性人群，骨质疏松性骨折的发病随年龄段上升呈缓慢增加趁势，70岁以后的骨质疏松症患者骨折发生率明显增加（P〈0．01）。男性人群中存在日常膳食钙摄人量低、活动锻炼少、嗜烟酒等不良行为因素影响较普遍；部分人患有可能影响骨代谢异常的重叠性疾病。结论 40岁以后的成年男性临床出现常见的骨质疏松症状，X片检查提示骨质疏松改变，如果DXA骨密度测定T值低于-2．5SD，诊断为骨质疏松症较为客观。除高龄的因素外，成年男性人群中膳食钙含量低，缺少运动，不良嗜好，患影响骨代谢的疾病及环境因素等，都可能加快中老年男性骨矿物质的丢失过早患骨质疏松症。保持健康的生活、饮食习惯与针对性的药物治疗都是重要的防治措施。     

最新“美国防治骨质疏松症医师指南”解读

美国NOF联同美国医学会等9家学术团体制定了最新"美国防治骨质疏松症医师指南",经循证医学论证,建议:[1] 确保足量钙和维生素D摄入;[2] 定期的负重和肌肉强化运动,减少跌倒风险;[3] 骨密度检测对象:所有65岁以上妇女;有危险因素的较年轻绝经后妇女和65岁以上男性;有脆性骨折的绝经后妇女;[4] 骨质疏松症治疗的指征;[5] 治疗的药物.我们建议:中国医师可以参考这个指南,结合实际情况,检测骨密度,评估风险因素,识别高危人群,防治骨质疏松症和骨质疏松性骨折.     

探讨骨质疏松性骨折的相关影响因素及预防

目的对98例骨质疏松性骨折患者进行相关危险因素分析,旨在早期采取恰当的预防措施防止骨折并发症的发生,进而提高生活质量。方法对我院收治的98例50~89岁老年骨质疏松性骨折患者根据年龄、骨折发生时的状态及相关危险因素进行总结分析。结果股骨颈、椎体、桡骨远端较其他部位容易发生骨质疏松性骨折。女性骨折占63.27%,男性占36.73%,意外跌倒是造成老年人骨质疏松性骨折的主要危险因素。结论骨质疏松患者由于骨骼脆性增加,当受到轻微的外力撞击或震动时,即可发生骨折。因此,针对老年骨质疏松性骨折的危险因素,采取有效的预防措施,以降低骨质疏松性骨折的发生率。     

全科医生快速筛选评估骨质疏松症方法的探讨

目的对常用的几种筛查骨质疏松症的方法进行比较,寻找能快速准确评估骨质疏松症的方法。方法择取我院2015年8月至2016年11月门诊所收治的中老年骨质疏松患者或有骨质疏松相关危险因素患者共325例,其中、男性105例、女性220例作为研究的对象,询问基本信息,包括姓名、性别、年龄(女性加问绝经年龄)、是否有激素服用史、是否有脆性骨折史,并进行骨密度测定,数据采用SPSS 18.0软件进行分析。结果选取的5个骨质疏松相关危险因素与骨密度因素均有相关性。不同危险因素与骨密度减少的相关性有所不同。按相关性从高到低排列为:性别激素服用史年龄脆性骨折史。而在不同性别人群中,不同危险因素与骨密度减少的相关性也有所不同,女性为:年龄绝经年龄脆性骨折史激素服用史,男性为:激素服用史脆性骨折史年龄。结论全科医生可运用询问性别、年龄、激素服用史、脆性骨折史等危险因素并根据上述危险因素快速评估筛选骨质疏松症风险人群。     

应用FRAX骨折风险预测工具模拟评估不同国家人群骨折风险的临床研究

目的应用FRAX工具模拟评估中国、日本、德国三国人群的10年内重要部位骨折概率(PMOF)及10年内髋部骨折概率(PHF),分析比较不同国家的骨折风险性差异,分析比较各国骨折风险与年龄、性别的变化关系。方法收集2976例受检者FRAX骨折风险评估危险因素11项及股骨颈骨密度BMD,应用FRAX骨折风险评估网站分别模拟评估中国、日本、德国三国模式下PMOF、PHF,采用两独立样本t检验及Mann-Whitney U检验分别对三国数据进行两两比较,并观察三国PMOF、PHF性别间差异及随年龄的变化趋势。结果 1)三国不论男性、女性,均表现为PMOF在40～49岁中国最小、德国最大,50岁以上中国最小、日本最大,且差异有统计学意义。PHF在40岁～59岁日本最小、德国最大,60岁以上中国最小、德国最大,且差异有统计学意义。(2)三国不论男性、女性,PMOF、PHF均随年龄的增长而增长,仅中国在80岁以上年龄组两者概率有所下降。三国50岁以后女性10年内骨质疏松性骨折概率均大于男性,且女性PMOF、PHF概率增长的速度明显大于男性。结论骨质疏松性骨折的发生概率存在地域差异,在同等条件下,欧洲国家发生骨质疏松性骨折的概率大于亚洲国家,发达国家骨折的概率大于发展中国家。骨质疏松性骨折的发生概率随年龄增长而增长,女性较男性更易发生骨质疏松性骨折。     

绝经后妇女骨质疏松性骨折易发因素的流行病学研究

目的 探讨绝经后妇女骨质疏松性骨折的分布特征和易发因素。方法 以社区50-69岁绝经1年以上妇女为研究对象,问卷调查危险因素,双能X线骨密度仪测量骨密度(Bone MineralDensity,BMD),胸腰椎侧位X摄片分析椎体骨折,结合病史问询调查骨折发生。结果 绝经后妇女骨质疏松性骨折的发生率随年龄和绝经年限的延长而上升,尤其是绝经后的15-20年,骨质疏松性骨折的发生率明显升高。至少有一处以上骨折的绝经后妇女较无骨折妇女的年龄大、绝经年龄早、绝经年限长、生育次数多、哺乳月份长(P<0.01)。结论 绝经早、生育胎数多、哺乳时间长等因素是绝经后妇女骨质疏松性骨折的重要危险因素,可作为骨折高危人群的筛选指标以及制定相应干预措施的依据。     

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.