一期后路全脊椎整块切除术治疗胸椎肿瘤

目的 回顾性分析32例胸椎肿瘤手术治疗效果,探讨一期后路全脊椎整块切除术治疗胸椎肿瘤的可行性和疗效.方法 2004年4月至2008年11月,32例胸椎肿瘤患者行一期后路全脊椎整块切除术.胸椎原发性肿瘤18例,胸椎转移瘤14例.肿瘤病灶均为单节段;原发良性肿瘤S23例,S3 6例,其中7例合并病理骨折;原发恶性肿瘤Ⅰ A 4例,Ⅰ B 3例,Ⅱ2例.14例转移性胸椎肿瘤按TOkuhashi预后评分系统均小于8分,且预计生存时间大于半年以上.所有病例按Frankel分级:A级2例,B级5例,C级8例,D级10例,E级7例(仅有局部疼痛).结果 手术时间为230～420 min,平均270min;切除肿瘤时失血量为1200～4200 ml,平均为2100 ml.术后随访0.5～4.6年,平均3.2年.所有病例术后疼痛消失或减轻,术后3周时,VAS疼痛评分由术前平均8.3分下降至2.1分(P<0.01);术后生活质量改善明显,术后3周时SF-36评分由术前平均39分增加至79分(P<0.01).术后1年患者神经功能恢复正常24例,C级1例,D级2例(3例死亡和2例随访不足1年,未行神经功能评估).至末次随访仅2例局部复发和8例死亡.结论 一期后路全脊椎整块切除术治疗胸椎肿瘤安全可行.在严格掌握手术适应证条件下,能彻底切除胸椎肿瘤,对脊髓行360°彻底减压,缓解疼痛、促进脊髓神经功能恢复;还可有效控制术后肿瘤局部复发,延长患者生存时间和改善生存质量.     

经后路全脊椎整块切除术治疗胸腰椎肿瘤

目的:探讨经后路全脊椎整块切除术(TES)治疗胸腰椎肿瘤的方法及其疗效.方法:2005年1月～2007年7月收治胸腰椎肿瘤患者6例,其中男3例,女3例,年龄20～77岁;Tomita分型,Ⅲ型1例,Ⅳ型3例,Ⅴ型2例;T3 1例,,T8 2例,T9 1例.T11 1例,L1 1例;骨巨细胞瘤1例,椎体单发骨髓瘤1例,转移性腺癌4例;术前脊髓功能Frankel分级B级2例,D级1例,E级3例.均应用改良弧形骨刀行一期后入路全脊椎整块切除术,同时采用钛网植骨/钛网骨水泥前方重建,并联合椎弓根钉内固定系统固定.随访观察手术时间、术中出血量、局部疼痛和脊髓功能的恢复情况,以及肿瘤复发、植骨融合、脊柱稳定性情况.结果:6例患者均顺利完成手术,手术时间200～270min,平均230min;失血量1100～3000ml,平均1400ml.随访6个月～3年,术后近期疗效均较满意,局部疼痛和神经症状均有不同程度改善或缓解.术前VAS评分平均8分,术后平均2分,平均下降6分;术前有脊髓神经功能障碍者中1例由Frankel B级恢复至D级,其余均恢复至E级.1例骨巨细胞瘤于术后15个月局部复发,再次手术;1例胃癌转移瘤患者术后14个月因多器官转移死亡;其余患者至末次随访时存活,植骨融合良好,无钛网移位及脊柱失稳,无断钉、断棒现象,无局部复发.结论:后路全脊椎整块切除术是胸腰椎肿瘤一种有效的手术方法,可改善脊髓神经功能,降低脊柱骨肿瘤局部复发率.     

后路一期整块全脊椎切除治疗胸腰椎肿瘤

目的:总结后路一期整块全脊椎切除的手术经验、并发症和对神经功能的影响。方法:2006年8月至2007年9月对9例脊柱肿瘤患者进行后路一期整块全脊椎切除术,病理诊断包括4例骨巨细胞瘤,1例尤文肉瘤,1例孤立性浆细胞瘤,3例孤立性骨转移癌。8例患者肿瘤位于胸椎,1例位于腰椎。4例患者术前接受了病椎的选择性节段动脉栓塞。所有病例术前均根据Tomita脊柱肿瘤外科分期进行评估,2例患者为间室内,7例为间室外。对切除的肿瘤标本进行外科边界检查。采用Frankel分级对神经功能进行评价。结果:平均术中失血量5800ml,平均手术时间291min。2例患者获得广泛边界,其他为边缘性边界。1例术后血肿形成,1例脑脊液漏致胸腔积液,1例血肿形成合并脑脊液漏。随访14～36个月,平均25.8个月,在随访期内肿瘤无复发,2例转移癌及1例尤文肉瘤患者带瘤生存,1例转移癌死亡,4例无瘤生存。术后所有病例神经功能均获得改善或保持原有水平。结论:对具有适应证的胸腰椎肿瘤患者进行后路一期整块全脊椎切除手术可以获得满意的局部控制和功能恢复,但仍需要进一步随访并提高技术,减少合并症的发生。     

一期后路全脊椎切除术治疗伴脊髓压迫的肾源性脊柱转移癌

目的探讨一期后路全脊椎切除术治疗伴有脊髓压迫的肾源性脊柱转移癌的外科策略及临床疗效。方法2003年1月—2012年12月,第二军医大学附属长征医院骨肿瘤科共收治35例伴有脊髓压迫的肾癌脊柱转移患者,均行一期后路全脊椎切除术、脊髓减压并内固定重建术。对所有患者病史、影像学资料、手术时间、术中出血量、切除重建策略、手术并发症及临床疗效进行分析。采用美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)分级评价患者神经功能状况,采用视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分对患者疼痛程度进行评估。所有患者术后接受放化疗以及双膦酸盐治疗。结果所有手术顺利完成,手术时间为(296±35)min,术中出血量为(2 160±240)m L,术中无大血管或脊髓损伤,无脑脊液漏等并发症。所有患者均获得随访,随访时间为(73.2±8.7)个月。术后1例ASIA A级患者恢复至B级;3例ASIA B级患者恢复至C级、D级各1例,1例因压迫时间过长无恢复;2例ASIA C级患者1例恢复至D级,1例仍然为C级;11例ASIA D级患者9例恢复至E级,2例仍然为D级;18例ASIA E级患者无变化。所有患者术后VAS评分均降低,与术前相比差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。随访时1例患者术后18个月因肿瘤复发压迫颈髓致瘫痪,并肺部转移,致呼吸衰竭死亡;2例患者复发,1例行手术治疗,1例放弃治疗;3例患者带瘤生存;其余患者末次随访时未见复发征象。结论一期后路全脊椎切除术治疗伴脊髓压迫的肾癌脊柱转移能够安全有效地解决患者局部压迫症状,改善其神经功能,术后综合治疗能延长患者的生存期。     

一期后路全脊椎切除术治疗多椎节脊柱肿瘤

目的 :探讨一期后路全脊椎切除术治疗多椎节脊柱肿瘤的安全性和有效性。方法 :回顾性分析2009年11月~2015年9月因多椎节脊柱肿瘤于我院行全脊椎切除术(total en bloc spondylectomy,TES)且资料完整的9例患者,男8例,女1例;年龄42.0±13.7岁(24~64岁)。原发肿瘤5例,其中骨巨细胞瘤2例,恶性神经鞘膜瘤、造釉细胞瘤、间叶源性肿瘤各1例;转移性肿瘤4例,其中肾癌、肝癌、前列腺癌、脂肪肉瘤各1例。记录手术时间、术中出血量、输血量、并发症、住院天数、术前及术后疼痛程度、神经功能情况。术后随访观察肿瘤是否复发、远处转移以及患者存活情况。结果:9例患者均成功接受一期后路多椎节全脊椎切除术,其中2椎节切除6例,3椎节2例,4椎节1例。手术时间8.9±2.8h(7~16h)、术中出血量3422.2±1342.4ml(1700~6000ml)、输血量2200.0±842.6ml(1000~4000ml)、住院时间31.1±20.3d(14~73d)。3例患者术中硬膜撕裂,1例胸膜破裂,3例患者术后出现胸腔积液,1例4椎体切除患者术后出现胸腔感染,无神经、大血管损伤等严重并发症。围手术期无死亡病例。1例患者随访期间出现钛网下沉,其他无内固定并发症。术后VAS评分(0.9±1.1分)较术前(7.1±1.2分)明显下降(P0.05)。术前脊髓神经功能5例ASIA分级为E级,术后仍为E级;3例术前D级,2例恢复至E级,1例仍为D级;1例术前C级,术后恢复至D级。9例患者均得到随访,随访时间29.8±15.2个月(12~61个月),随访期内6例患者局部无肿瘤复发,另3例患者分别于术后8个月、18个月、28个月时发现手术部位局部肿瘤复发。4例死亡,其中3例因全身多发转移死亡,1例死于肿瘤复发引起的并发症,中位生存期为34.75个月。结论:一期后路全脊椎切除术治疗多椎节脊柱肿瘤仍是高风险、高难度手术,但是可以术后即刻改善患者生活质量,需严格把握手术指征。     

全脊椎切除及脊柱稳定性重建治疗颈胸段脊柱肿瘤的疗效分析

目的 :探讨颈胸段脊柱肿瘤全脊椎切除的手术方式、脊柱重建策略及治疗效果。方法 :回顾性分析我院自2008年1月~2013年12月行全脊椎切除术治疗的颈胸段脊柱肿瘤病例11例,病理诊断包括骨巨细胞瘤5例,骨母细胞瘤1例,Ewing肉瘤1例,浆细胞性骨髓瘤1例,甲状腺滤泡型转移癌2例,前列腺转移癌1例。患者均有不同程度的胸背部疼痛,术前VAS评分为7.45±0.82分;脊髓损伤神经功能Frankel分级B级1例,C级3例,D级6例,E级1例。所有病例术前根据Tomita脊柱肿瘤外科分期评估均为间室外病变。4例C7~T1段肿瘤行一期前后联合入路全脊椎切除,前方钛网、钛板重建;7例T2~T4段肿瘤行单一后路整块全脊椎切除(TES),前方单纯钛网重建。两种术式后方均为钉棒系统重建。观察患者术中术后并发症以及脊柱重建稳定性情况。结果:手术时间298~573min,平均423.9min;术中失血量800~3800ml,平均2077ml。4例术中胸膜破裂,2例术后神经功能一过性下降,7例术中结扎病椎神经根,残留轻度胸前区不适。所有患者均获随访,平均随访34.7个月,1例前列腺转移癌患者死亡,其余均无局部复发。术后患者疼痛明显改善,VAS评分由术前7.45±0.82分下降至术后2.55±0.69分(P<0.05)。术后神经功能2例(术前D级1例,E级1例)保持原有水平,余均获得改善,均未出现内固定失败。结论:全脊椎切除治疗颈胸段脊柱肿瘤可以获得满意的局部控制,缓解疼痛,改善神经功能,应根据肿瘤位于颈胸段脊柱近端(C7~T1)或远端(T2~T4)而制定个体化手术方式及脊柱重建策略。     

全脊椎切除及脊柱稳定性重建治疗颈胸段脊柱肿瘤

目的探讨全脊椎切除术及脊柱稳定性重建治疗颈胸段脊柱肿瘤的临床效果。方法回顾性分析2008年3月~2015年4月我院收治的50例行全脊椎切除术及脊柱稳定性重建的颈胸段脊柱肿瘤患者临床资料,术前Frankel脊髓损伤分级:A级2例,B级7例,C级14例,D级22例,E级5例。结果本组患者均顺利完成手术,手术时间为3.4~10.8 h,平均(6.9±1.3)h,术中出血量1 440~2 430 ml,平均(2 050±107)ml,围术期内无死亡,患者伤口愈合良好,疼痛均明显减轻。术后脊髓神经功能Frankel分级为C级3例,D级5例,E级42例,较术前有显著改善(P0.05),患者行走功能亦较术前明显改善(P0.05)。术后随访12个月,所有患者内固定稳定,植骨融合满意。术前伴神经功能损害的9例患者得到完全恢复。有1例骨母细胞瘤和2例甲状腺滤泡型转移癌局部复发。结论根据颈胸段脊柱肿瘤患者的病症特性,实施相应的全脊椎切除术和合理的脊椎稳定性重建,可有效改善患者的脊柱损伤程度和神经功能,临床效果显著,术后并发症发生率低。     

脊柱肿瘤的手术治疗

目的 :探讨对于脊柱肿瘤一期全脊椎切除及脊柱稳定性重建的手术方法和临床效果。方法 :对 12例脊柱肿瘤行前、后路或前、后联合入路Ⅰ期全脊椎切除、脊髓减压 ,椎间植骨融合、内固定术。结果 :术后 11例获得随访 ,按照Frankel分级较术前均有 1级以上提高 ,所有患者局部疼痛症状消失。术后复查平均植骨融合时间 3个月。1例脊索瘤术后 1年复发 ,1例巨细胞瘤术后 9个月复发。结论 :针对脊柱肿瘤的性质、部位 ,通过不同的手术入路行一期全脊椎切除、植骨融合内固定 ,彻底切除肿瘤 ,重建脊柱稳定性并体现了个体化的治疗方向     

脊柱肿瘤的全脊椎切除术及脊柱稳定性重建

目的探讨对脊柱肿瘤行全脊椎切除术的可行性与临床价值,以及重建脊柱稳定性的可靠方法。方法对27例椎体和附件结构均遭破坏的脊柱肿瘤采用全脊椎切除及内固定重建技术进行治疗,其中包括上颈椎至下腰椎的良、恶性及转移性肿瘤,手术切除1～3节脊椎。结果23例获完整随访,随访时间7～96个月(平均25个月)。1例L5恶性神经纤维瘤及1例C6,7巨细胞瘤于术后10个月及12个月复发,患者放弃治疗;1例C2～4脊索瘤术后1年复发,再次手术效果良好;其余20例未见复发。25例术前伴神经功能损害者,术后有23例获显著改善。结论全脊椎切除术为治疗全脊椎受累脊柱肿瘤的有效方法;切除1～3节脊椎的脊柱可由相应内固定系统进行可靠的稳定性重建。     

一期后路全脊椎切除并内固定矫治胸腰椎陈旧性骨折脱位

[目的]探讨一期后路全脊椎切除并内固定矫治胸腰椎陈旧性骨折脱位伴前后、侧方移位畸形及脊髓损伤的外科疗效。[方法]2007年1月～2009年6月共收治12例胸椎及胸腰段脊椎陈旧性骨折脱位伴前后、侧方移位畸形及脊髓损伤患者,均为男性;年龄19～57岁,平均32.6岁。伤椎部位:胸椎5例,胸腰段7例。骨折类型按照Denis分型:所有患者均为骨折脱位型,表现为矢状面前后脱位,其中5例同时伴有冠状面侧方移位畸形。患者术前均有程度不等的腰背部疼痛,局部压痛、叩击痛。神经功能按Frankel分级:A级9例,B级2例,C级1例。伤后至手术时间为4周至2年不等,术前平均病程6.3个月。所有患者一期经后路置入4对椎弓根钉,行伤椎全脊椎切除,环脊髓减压,椎间撬拔撑开复位,可调式中空笼状钛合金人工椎体或钛网复合自体碎骨粒置入,后路椎弓根钉棒系统行邻近椎节固定,一期矫形重建脊柱稳定性。观察术后局部疼痛缓解、脊髓神经功能恢复情况;X线检查了解胸腰椎前后、侧方移位畸形矫治及植骨融合情况。[结果]随访12～40个月,平均23个月。所有患者术后疼痛缓解,脊髓神经功能无加重损伤,不完全损伤的3例患者脊髓神经功能得到不同程度恢复。术后影像学检查提示:脊柱内固定物在位,在矢状面和冠状面上脱位畸形已矫正,脊柱序列恢复良好。所有患者在术后6个月内均获得骨性融合。[结论]一期后路全脊椎切除并内固定能彻底减压、缓解疼痛,能有效矫正畸形、恢复脊柱序列、重建脊柱稳定性,有效地矫治胸腰椎陈旧性骨折脱位。     

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 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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Systemic analgesia adapted to the children's condition

A concept of balanced analgesia using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), opioids, and corticosteroids can also be used in patients with pre-existing illnesses. NSAIDs are the most effective treatment for acute pain of moderate intensity in children; however, these drugs should be avoided in patients at increased risk for serious side effects, e.g. patients with renal impairment, bleeding tendency, or extreme prematurity. NSAIDs can be given with minimal risks to the younger child with mild to moderate asthma, and, in these patients, the use of steroids can be encouraged; in addition to their antiemetic and analgesic action, a beneficial effect on asthma symptoms can be expected. In the non-intubated child with cerebral trauma, exaggerated sedation caused by opioids and increased bleeding tendency caused by NSAIDs must be avoided. In neonates and small infants, the oral administration of sucrose or glucose is helpful to minimize pain reaction during short uncomfortable interventions.