肢体缺血预处理对兔肺组织缺血再灌注后氧自由基及细胞因子分泌的影响

目的 研究肢体缺血预处理对兔肺组织缺血再灌注后氧自由基及细胞因子分泌的影响.方法 将18只日本大耳白兔随机分为对照组(C组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)及肢体缺血预处理组(L组),每组6只.实验结束时,取肺组织测定湿/干重比(W/D)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性、丙二醛(MDA)和肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α、白介素(IL)-6、IL-8及IL-10的含量;检测支气管肺泡灌洗液和血清中蛋白含量,计算肺通透性指数;观察肺组织病理学变化.结果 与I/R组比较,L组W/D、肺通透性指数、MPO活性、MDA和TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8的含量均降低(P<0.05),SOD活性(P<0.05)和IL-10含量升高(P<0.01).C、L两组间上述指标的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).光镜榆查结果发现L组肺组织病理学改变较I/R组明显减轻.结论 肢体缺血预处理可以抑制缺血再灌注肺组织中氧自由基产生和促炎细胞因子TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8的释放,上调抗炎细胞因子IL-10的合成,从而减轻肺缺血再灌注损伤.     

缺血预处理对家兔肢体缺血再灌注后肺抗氧化系统的影响

目的：观察肢体缺血预处理对家兔肢体缺血再灌注后肺损伤时肺抗氧化系统的影响并探讨其机制。方法：健康家兔30只，随机分为假手术对照组（SC）、缺血再灌注组（IR）和缺血预处理组（IPC），每组10只。实验结束时，取肺组织测定超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH—PX）、黄嘌呤氧化酶（XOD）活性和丙二醛（MDA）、一氧化氮（N0）含量，同时计算肺系数及进行肺病理学检查。结果：肢体缺血再灌注后肺组织SOD、GSH-PX活性和NO含量显著下降，XOD活性和MDA含量明显增高，肺系数升高，肺组织病变明显，肢体缺血预处理可明显缓解上述变化。结论：家兔肢体缺血再灌注后，肺抗氧化功能下降参与肺脏的损伤过程，肢体缺血预处理对这种肺损伤有明显的保护作用。     

异丙酚联合机体低氧预处理对大鼠肺缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 探讨异丙酚联合机体低氧预处理对大鼠肺缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 健康雄性SD大鼠90只,体重250～320 g,随机分为5组(n=18):假手术组(S组)、肺缺血再灌注组(IR组)、异丙酚组(P组)、机体低氧预处理组(WBHP组)和异丙酚联合机体低氧预处理组(PW组).IR组采用阻断左肺门45 min后再灌注的方法制备大鼠单肺缺血再灌注损伤模型,P组夹闭左肺门前30 min持续静脉输注异丙酚30 mg·kg-1·h-1;WBHP组夹闭左肺门前先行机体低氧预处理;PW组夹闭左肺门前30 min持续静脉输注异丙酚30 mg·kg-1·h-1和机体低氧预处理.分别于再灌注0.5、1、4 h时测定肺组织TNF-α、IL-1、IL-6和MDA的含量,SOD活性,计算肺湿干重比(W/D).结果 与S组比较,IR组、P组、WBHP组和PW组T1～3时肺组织TNF-α、IL-1、IL-6和MDA的含量及W/D升高,SOD活性降低(P＜0.05);与IR组比较,P组、WBHP组和PW组T1～3时TNF-α、IL-1、IL-6和MDA的含量及W/D降低,SOD活升高(P＜0.05);与P组和WBHP组比较,PW组T2,3时TNF-α和IL-6的含量及W/D降低,SOD活性升高,T3时IL-1和MDA的含量降低(P＜0.05).P组与WBHP组各指标差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 异丙酚联合机体低氧预处理减轻肺缺血再灌注损伤的作用较单独应用时强,可能与联合应用时抑制炎性反应的作用增强和抗氧化能力提高有关.     

人参皂甙Rb1在核因子NF-E2相关因子2/血红素氧合酶-1通路减轻肠缺血再灌注致急性肺损伤中的分子机制

目的 探讨人参皂甙Rb1对肠缺血/再灌注致急性肺损伤的保护效应及核因子NF-E2相关因子2(Nrf2)/血红素氧合酶-1(HO-1)通路参与该效应的分子机制.方法 成年雄性C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为5组:假手术组(S组);肠缺血/再灌注组(I/R组);再灌注+Rb1组(I/R +Rb1组);全反式维甲酸(ATRA)+再灌注组(ATRA+ I/R组);ATRA+再灌注+Rb1组(ATRA+ I/R+Rb1组).采用肠缺血/再灌注模型,Western blot检测肺组织Nrf2、HO-1表达变化;酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)法检测肺组织肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α、白细胞介素(IL)-6、IL-10水平;检测超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性及丙二醛(MDA)含量;检测肺湿/干比及肺组织病理损伤评分.结果 与S组比较,其他4组Nrf2、HO-1蛋白表达,TNF-α、IL-6、MDA含量,肺组织湿/干重比及肺组织病理评分增高(P＜0.05);与1/R组比较,1/R+ Rb1组Nrf2,HO-1蛋白表达,TNF-α,IL-6,MDA含量,肺组织湿/干重比及肺组织病理评分降低(P＜0.05);与I/R+ Rb1组比较,ATRA+ I/R组,ATRA+ I/R+ Rb1组Nrf2、HO-1蛋白表达,NF-α、IL-6、MDA含量,肺组织湿/干重比及肺组织病理评分增高(P＜0.05).SOD活性、IL-10水平与上述变化相反.结论 肠缺血/再灌注可引起急性肺损伤,人参皂甙Rb1后处理能通过激活Nrf2/HO-1通路减轻肠缺血/再灌注所致肺损伤.     

右美托咪定对大鼠肢体缺血-再灌注所致急性肺损伤的影响

目的探讨右美托咪定对大鼠肢体缺血-再灌注所致急性肺损伤的影响及相关机制。方法雄性清洁级SD大鼠120只,随机分为三组:对照组、缺血-再灌注组、右美托咪定组。在术前、肢体缺血-再灌注后0、1、3、6h测定大鼠PaO2、肺组织湿干比重(W/D)、血清SOD活性、MDA浓度及TNF-α水平,并观察肺组织病理学变化。结果与对照组比较,缺血-再灌注组再灌注后0、1、3、6h肺组织W/D和TNF-α水平明显升高(P0.05),PaO2明显降低(P0.05);再灌注1、3、6 h MDA浓度明显升高(P0.05),SOD活性明显降低(P0.05)。与缺血-再灌注组比较,右美托咪定组再灌注后6h肺组织W/D和TNF-α明显下降、PaO2水平明显升高(P0.05),再灌注后3、6 h SOD活性明显升高(P0.05),再灌注后1、3、6hMDA浓度明显降低(P0.05)。结论右美托咪定可以减轻大鼠肢体缺血-再灌注所致的急性肺损伤,其机制与减轻炎性反应和抗氧化应激有关。     

肢体缺血预处理对兔肺缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 探讨肢体缺血预处理对兔肺缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 健康日本大耳白兔18只,体重2.0～2.5 kg,雌雄不拘,随机分为3组(n=6):假手术组(S组)开胸后左侧肺门穿线但不结扎,旷置观察340 min;缺血再灌注组(IR组)开胸旷置100 min,阻断左侧肺门,左肺不张后60 min再灌注180 min;肢体缺血预处理组(L组)捆绑双后肢10 min,松开10 min,反复3次后恢复灌注,60 min后阻断左侧肺门60 min,再灌注180 min.于缺血前、再灌注15、30、60、120、180 min时采集左颈内动脉血样行血气分析,计算呼吸指数(R1);于再灌注180 min时处死动物,取左肺上叶组织,测定超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性及丙二醛(MDA)含量,计算肺湿干重比(W/D);取左肺下叶行支气管肺泡灌洗,计算肺通透性指数;取左肺中叶组织,观察肺组织病理学,进行弥漫性肺泡损伤(DAD)评分.结果 与s组比较,IR组RI、MDA含量、MPO活性、肺W/D、肺通透性指数和DAD评分升高,SOD活性降低(P<0.05或0.01);与IR组比较,L组RI,MDA含量、MPO活性、肺W/D、肺通透性指数和DAD评分降低,SOD活性升高(P<0.05或0.01);L组和S组间上述指标比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).L组和S组肺组织病理损伤程度较IR组减轻.结论 肢体缺血预处理可减轻兔肺缺血再灌注损伤.     

肢体缺血预处理对兔肺缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 探讨肢体缺血预处理对兔肺缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 健康日本大耳白兔18只,体重2.0～2.5 kg,雌雄不拘,随机分为3组(n=6):假手术组(S组)开胸后左侧肺门穿线但不结扎,旷置观察340 min;缺血再灌注组(IR组)开胸旷置100 min,阻断左侧肺门,左肺不张后60 min再灌注180 min;肢体缺血预处理组(L组)捆绑双后肢10 min,松开10 min,反复3次后恢复灌注,60 min后阻断左侧肺门60 min,再灌注180 min.于缺血前、再灌注15、30、60、120、180 min时采集左颈内动脉血样行血气分析,计算呼吸指数(R1);于再灌注180 min时处死动物,取左肺上叶组织,测定超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性及丙二醛(MDA)含量,计算肺湿干重比(W/D);取左肺下叶行支气管肺泡灌洗,计算肺通透性指数;取左肺中叶组织,观察肺组织病理学,进行弥漫性肺泡损伤(DAD)评分.结果 与s组比较,IR组RI、MDA含量、MPO活性、肺W/D、肺通透性指数和DAD评分升高,SOD活性降低(P<0.05或0.01);与IR组比较,L组RI,MDA含量、MPO活性、肺W/D、肺通透性指数和DAD评分降低,SOD活性升高(P<0.05或0.01);L组和S组间上述指标比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).L组和S组肺组织病理损伤程度较IR组减轻.结论 肢体缺血预处理可减轻兔肺缺血再灌注损伤.     

肢体缺血预处理对兔肺缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 探讨肢体缺血预处理对兔肺缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 健康日本大耳白兔18只,体重2.0～2.5 kg,雌雄不拘,随机分为3组(n=6):假手术组(S组)开胸后左侧肺门穿线但不结扎,旷置观察340 min;缺血再灌注组(IR组)开胸旷置100 min,阻断左侧肺门,左肺不张后60 min再灌注180 min;肢体缺血预处理组(L组)捆绑双后肢10 min,松开10 min,反复3次后恢复灌注,60 min后阻断左侧肺门60 min,再灌注180 min.于缺血前、再灌注15、30、60、120、180 min时采集左颈内动脉血样行血气分析,计算呼吸指数(R1);于再灌注180 min时处死动物,取左肺上叶组织,测定超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性及丙二醛(MDA)含量,计算肺湿干重比(W/D);取左肺下叶行支气管肺泡灌洗,计算肺通透性指数;取左肺中叶组织,观察肺组织病理学,进行弥漫性肺泡损伤(DAD)评分.结果 与s组比较,IR组RI、MDA含量、MPO活性、肺W/D、肺通透性指数和DAD评分升高,SOD活性降低(P<0.05或0.01);与IR组比较,L组RI,MDA含量、MPO活性、肺W/D、肺通透性指数和DAD评分降低,SOD活性升高(P<0.05或0.01);L组和S组间上述指标比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).L组和S组肺组织病理损伤程度较IR组减轻.结论 肢体缺血预处理可减轻兔肺缺血再灌注损伤.     

肢体缺血预处理对兔肺缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 探讨肢体缺血预处理对兔肺缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 健康日本大耳白兔18只,体重2.0～2.5 kg,雌雄不拘,随机分为3组(n=6):假手术组(S组)开胸后左侧肺门穿线但不结扎,旷置观察340 min;缺血再灌注组(IR组)开胸旷置100 min,阻断左侧肺门,左肺不张后60 min再灌注180 min;肢体缺血预处理组(L组)捆绑双后肢10 min,松开10 min,反复3次后恢复灌注,60 min后阻断左侧肺门60 min,再灌注180 min.于缺血前、再灌注15、30、60、120、180 min时采集左颈内动脉血样行血气分析,计算呼吸指数(R1);于再灌注180 min时处死动物,取左肺上叶组织,测定超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性及丙二醛(MDA)含量,计算肺湿干重比(W/D);取左肺下叶行支气管肺泡灌洗,计算肺通透性指数;取左肺中叶组织,观察肺组织病理学,进行弥漫性肺泡损伤(DAD)评分.结果 与s组比较,IR组RI、MDA含量、MPO活性、肺W/D、肺通透性指数和DAD评分升高,SOD活性降低(P<0.05或0.01);与IR组比较,L组RI,MDA含量、MPO活性、肺W/D、肺通透性指数和DAD评分降低,SOD活性升高(P<0.05或0.01);L组和S组间上述指标比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).L组和S组肺组织病理损伤程度较IR组减轻.结论 肢体缺血预处理可减轻兔肺缺血再灌注损伤.     

肢体缺血预处理对兔肺缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 探讨肢体缺血预处理对兔肺缺血再灌注损伤的影响.方法 健康日本大耳白兔18只,体重2.0～2.5 kg,雌雄不拘,随机分为3组(n=6):假手术组(S组)开胸后左侧肺门穿线但不结扎,旷置观察340 min;缺血再灌注组(IR组)开胸旷置100 min,阻断左侧肺门,左肺不张后60 min再灌注180 min;肢体缺血预处理组(L组)捆绑双后肢10 min,松开10 min,反复3次后恢复灌注,60 min后阻断左侧肺门60 min,再灌注180 min.于缺血前、再灌注15、30、60、120、180 min时采集左颈内动脉血样行血气分析,计算呼吸指数(R1);于再灌注180 min时处死动物,取左肺上叶组织,测定超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性及丙二醛(MDA)含量,计算肺湿干重比(W/D);取左肺下叶行支气管肺泡灌洗,计算肺通透性指数;取左肺中叶组织,观察肺组织病理学,进行弥漫性肺泡损伤(DAD)评分.结果 与s组比较,IR组RI、MDA含量、MPO活性、肺W/D、肺通透性指数和DAD评分升高,SOD活性降低(P<0.05或0.01);与IR组比较,L组RI,MDA含量、MPO活性、肺W/D、肺通透性指数和DAD评分降低,SOD活性升高(P<0.05或0.01);L组和S组间上述指标比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).L组和S组肺组织病理损伤程度较IR组减轻.结论 肢体缺血预处理可减轻兔肺缺血再灌注损伤.     

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.     

Reduction of Plasma Fibrinogen, Immunoglobulin G, and Immunoglobulin M Concentrations by Immunoadsorption Therapy with Tryptophan and Phenylalanine Adsorbents

Abstract Immunoadsorption (1A) therapy with tryptophan (TR-350) or phenylalanine (PH-350) adsorbents has been used to reduce the concentration of serum antibodies in human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-immunized patients. Other forms of plasma purification have been reported to reduce the level of fibrinogen, which affects the blood properties. In this study we investigated the effects of IA therapy using both adsorbents on plasma fibrinogen and immunoglobulins G and M in 13 patients (8 patients were treated with TR-350, and 5 patients were treated with PH-350). During each session 1 plasma volume (2.8 ± 0.4 L of plasma) was processed through the immunocolumn and then returned to the patient together with the blood cells. Compared with the pretreatment values, the plasma fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM concentrations were significantly reduced after IA therapy (p < 0.01 for TR-350; p < 0.04 for PH-350). There was a positive correlation between the degree of reduction of plasma proteins and the number of IA treatments given. A nonpara-metric test (Wilcoxon's signed-rank test or the Mann-Whitney test) was used for statistical analysis. We conclude from our study that IA therapy effectively lowers the plasma levels of fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM and thus can be considered a valuable alternative to other blood purification methods.     

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.     

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.     

Intravenous endotoxin does not increase tissue extravasation of albumin in rats

Background : It is unclear whether activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) increases or decreases the extravasation of plasma.
Methods : Chloralose anaesthetised male Wistar rats received E. coli lipopolysacharide (LPS), 3 mg kg^-1 i.v., or the corresponding volume of saline, 3 or 5 h before the end of the experiment. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Tissue clearance of radio-labelled albumin, during the last 2 h of each experiment, was determined by a double-isotope method. In separate animals, the serum concentration of nitrite and nitrate was determined, 5 h after LPS or the solvent.
Main Results : LPS initially decreased MAP and lastingly increased HR. In the 3-h LPS animals (n=8), tissue plasma clearance was lower in the heart and calf muscle and increased only in diaphragm, compared to corresponding control animals (n=8). In the 5-h LPS rats, clearance was lowered (n=8) in the entire gastrointestinal tract and in testes, compared to controls (n=8). The serum nitrite/nitrate concentration was higher in animals given LPS (n=6) than in controls (n=6).
Conclusion : After LPS, tissue clearance of albumin was not increased in any major tissue, in spite of increased serum levels of NO end products. Apparently, after activation of iNOS, the augmented release of NO is not necessarily associated with increased albumin extravasation.     

Adrenaline markedly improves thoracic epidural analgesia produced by a low-dose infusion of bupivacaine, fentanyl and adrenaline after major surgery: A randomised, double-blind, cross-over study with and without adrenaline

Background: Basic pharmacological research indicates that there are synergistic antinociceptive effects at the spinal cord level between adrenaline, fentanyl and bupivacaine. Our clinical experience with such a mixture in a thoracic epidural infusion after major surgery confirms this. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects on postoperative pain intensity, pain relief and side effects when removing adrenaline from this triple epidural mixture. Methods: A prospective, randomised, double-blind, cross-over study was carried out in 24 patients after major thoracic or abdominal surgery. Patients with only mild pain when coughing during a titrated thoracic epidural infusion of about 10 ml · h^?1 of bupivacaine 1 mg · ml^?1, fentanyl 2 μg · ml^?1, and adrenaline 2 μg · ml^?1 were included. On the 1^st and 2^nd postoperative days each patient was given a double-blind epidural infusion, at the same rate, with or without adrenaline. The effect was observed for 4 h or until pain when coughing became unacceptable in spite of a rescue analgesic procedure. Rescue analgesia consisted of up to two epidural bolus injections per hour and i.v. morphine if necessary. All patients received rectal paracetamol 1 g, every 8 h. Fentanyl serum concentrations were measured with a radioimmunoassay technique at the start and end of each study period. Main outcome measures were extent of sensory blockade and pain intensity at rest and when coughing, evaluated by a visual analogue scale, a verbal categorical rating scale, the Prince Henry Hospital pain score, and an overall quality of pain relief score. Results: The number of hypaesthetic dermatomal segments decreased (P <0.001) and pain intensity at rest and when coughing increased (P <0.001) when adrenaline was omitted from the triple epidural mixture. This change started within the first hour after removing adrenaline. After 3 h pain intensity when coughing had increased to unacceptable levels in spite of rescue analgesia (epidural bolus injections and i.v. morphine). Within 15–20 min after restarting the triple epidural mixture with adrenaline, pain intensity was again reduced to mild pain when coughing. Serum concentration of fentanyl doubled from 0.22 to 0.45 ng · ml^?1 (P <0.01), and there was more sedation during the period without adrenaline. Conclusions: Adrenaline increases sensory block and improves the pain-relieving effect of a mixture of bupivacaine and fentanyl infused epidurally at a thoracic level after major thoracic or abdominal surgery. Serum fentanyl concentrations doubled and sedation increased when adrenaline was removed from the epidural infusion, indicating more rapid vascular absorption and systemic effects of fentanyl.     

The multiply injured child

Blunt trauma is the principal cause of childhood death in many developed countries. This review outlines the differences between adults and children with respect to resuscitation and treatment of orthopaedic injuries in a child with polytrauma. Recent advances in techniques of fracture stabilization are reported.     

Utilisation des médicaments prokinétiques en réanimation : indications et limites ?

Enteral feeding is often limited by gastric and intestinal motility disturbances in critically ill patients, particularly in patients with shock. So, promotility agents are frequently used to improve tolerance to enteral nutrition. This review summaries the pathophysiology, presents the available pharmacological strategies, the clinical data, the counter-indications and the principal limits. The clinical data are poor. No study demonstrates a positive effect on clinical outcomes. Metoclopramide and erythromycin seems to be the more effective. Considering the risk of antibiotic resistance, the first line use of erythromycin should be avoided in favor of metoclopramide.