超声引导下间断给药星状神经节阻滞术效果和并发症

目的 对比以不同方式行星状神经节阻滞术(SGB)对于疗效及并发症的影响。方法 对127例患者分别于超声引导下间断给药(A组,n=45)、超声引导下连续给药(B组,n=42)及解剖定位盲法穿刺给药(C组,n=40)后行首次SGB,比较组间首次穿刺成功率、SGB成功率、药物跨越警戒点(颈总动脉与颈内静脉交汇处)者占比、霍纳综合征出现和维持时间差异及短期并发症情况;以二分类logistic回归模型分析药物跨越警戒点与声音嘶哑的关系。结果 A、B组首次穿刺成功率及SGB成功率均高于C组(P均<0.05)。B组药物跨越警戒点者占比高于A组(P<0.05)。A、B组出现霍纳综合征时间均早于C组(P均<0.05);A组霍纳综合征维持时间最长,B组次之,C组最短,两两比较差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。术后A组2例、B组8例、 C组12例声音嘶哑,B、C组声音嘶哑发生率明显高于A组(P均<0.05);A组2例、B组2例、C组7例穿刺点疼痛;C组4例食管损伤,其穿刺点疼痛及食管损伤发生率均高于A、B组(P均<0.05)。结论 超声引导下间断给药法SGB较超声引导下连续给药及解剖定位盲法穿刺给药成功率高,维持时间长且并发症少。     

不同屏气方式对冠状动脉CT血管成像辐射剂量和图像质量的影响

目的 观察不同屏气方式对冠状动脉CT血管成像（CCTA）辐射剂量和图像质量的影响。方法 将150例疑诊冠心病患者随机分为3组（每组50例）,对A组于深吸气末屏气、B组于平静呼吸下屏气、C组于深呼气末屏气下行CCTA检查;记录扫描前平静呼吸时心率（基础心率）、扫描时屏气心率及容积扫描长度,比较各组辐射剂量和图像质量差异。结果 147例顺利完成检查,3例C组患者因图像模糊、无法评价而被排除。3组患者扫描时屏气心率均明显低于基础心率（P均<0.01）。B、C组容积扫描长度、剂量长度乘积（DLP）及有效剂量（ED）均低于A组（P均<0.05）,B、C组间差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）。A组共评估698个冠状动脉节段,其中4分678个,3分20个;B组共评估696个冠状动脉节段,其中4分682个,3分14个;C组共评估656个冠状动脉节段,其中4分615个,3分41个;3组图像质量评分差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 于平静呼吸屏气下行CCTA可在保证图像质量的同时降低容积扫描长度及辐射剂量。     

心脏MR组织追踪技术定量评估心肌淀粉样变性患者心肌应变

目的 观察利用心脏MR组织追踪（CMR-TT）技术定量评估心肌淀粉样变性（CA）患者心肌应变的可行性。方法 对20例免疫球蛋白轻链型心肌淀粉样变性（AL-CA,A组）、20例转甲状腺素蛋白型CA（ATTR-CA,B组）患者及20名健康受试者（C组）采集心脏MRI,以CMR-TT技术获得心肌应变参数;比较3组间左心室心功能参数差异,以及左心室各节段及整体心肌应变参数的差异,包括3D纵向应变（LS）、3D径向应变（RS）及3D圆周应变（CS）。结果 A、B组左心室心功能参数与C组差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.01）,而A与B组间左心室心功能参数差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）。除心尖段RS（P=0.81）外,A、B组应变参数均低于C组（P均<0.01）,而A与B组间应变参数差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）。结论 CMR-TT技术可用于定量评估CA患者左心室心肌应变。     

基于TNFR/RIPK1通路探索紫草素对大鼠脊髓损伤的作用及机制

目的:初步探讨紫草素对大鼠急性脊髓损伤(spinal cord injury,SCI)后神经功能恢复的影响及作用机制。方法:将96只Sprague-Dawley(SD)雄性大鼠分为4组:假手术组,即A组;假手术+紫草素组,即B组;脊髓损伤+二甲基亚砜(dimethyl sulfoxide,DMSO)组,即C组;脊髓损伤+紫草素组,即D组;每组24只。C、D组采用钳夹法制作大鼠急性SCI 模型。所有大鼠硬膜下置管,A 组不给药,B组和D组造模后30 min 经导管注射紫草素100 mg·kg^-1,C组注射等量 DMSO,每日1次,至取材时间点。各组分别于造模后6、12 h和3 d 每组取8只大鼠,行 Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan(BBB)评分及造模后1、3、7、14、21 d行斜板实验,再处死动物取脊髓组织。造模后1 h 每组大鼠腹腔注射碘化丙啶(propidine iodide,PI)1 mg·kg^-1,术后24 h取材检测脊髓组织 PI 红染细胞数;24 h 时取材采用苏木素-伊红(haematoxylin eosin,HE)染色观察脊髓损伤情况,尼氏(Nissl)染色观察神经元存活数量,使用Western-blot技术检测 B细胞淋巴瘤-2(B cell lymphoma-2,Bcl-2)蛋白及凋亡相关蛋白受体相互作用蛋白激酶1(receptor-interacting protein kinase 1,RIPK1)的表达水平。结果:造模后A组和B组各时间点的 BBB 评分均正常,C、D组各时间点均低于A、B组,D组造模后12 h和3 d的 BBB 评分高于同时间点C组(P<0.05)。造模后12 h,D组PI 红染细胞较C 组明显减少,神经元崩解减轻(P<0.05)。造模后24 h,A 组和 B 组脊髓组织 HE 和 Nissl 染色正常,D 组脊髓组织损伤程度和存活神经元数量均优于 C 组(P<0.05)。Bcl-2、RIPK1蛋白在A 组、B 组表达很低; RIPK1 在C组表达明显增高,在D组表达明显下降,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);Bcl-2蛋白在D 组表达高于C 组(P<0.05)。结论:紫草素可减轻大鼠急性SCI后的病理变化,改善行为学评分,促进脊髓神经功能恢复。其具体机制可能与抑制TNFR/RIPK1信号通路介导的坏死性凋亡有关。     

MRI影像组学及临床特征联合模型预测高强度聚焦超声治疗子宫肌瘤效果

目的 观察基于MRI影像组学及临床特征建立的联合模型预测高强度聚焦超声(HIFU)治疗子宫肌瘤效果的效能。方法 回顾性分析257例接受HIFU治疗的单发子宫肌瘤患者,基于治疗前盆腔轴位T2WI、T1WI、T1对比增强(T1C)及表观弥散系数(ADC)图提取病灶影像组学特征。分别以XGBoost特征选择算法及XGBoost分类器建立预测HIFU即刻消融率和随访肌瘤体积缩小率的影像组学联合临床特征模型A和B。按8∶2比例将数据集分为训练集(n=202)和测试集(n=52),采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线和混淆矩阵评估模型的预测效能。结果 经XGBoost算法选择后纳入10个影像组学特征,包括4个T1WI、2个T2WI、1个T1C及3个ADC图影像组学特征,结合肌瘤背侧距骶骨距离和T2WI信号强度构建模型A;纳入10个影像组学特征,含4个T1WI、3个TIC及3个ADC图影像组学特征,结合肌瘤T2WI信号强度构建模型B。ROC曲线结果显示,模型A预测训练集和测试集HIFU治疗肌瘤即刻消融率的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.94[95%CI(0.90,0.96)]和0.90[95%CI(0.81,0.97)],模型B预测训练集和测试集肌瘤体积缩小率的AUC分别为0.98[95%CI(0.97,0.99)]、0.91[95%CI(0.81,0.98)]。结论 MRI影像组学联合临床特征模型可有效预测HIFU治疗子宫肌瘤近期及远期效果。     

低剂量CT透视遥控穿刺机器人系统引导穿刺体模的可行性

目的 观察低剂量CT透视遥控穿刺机器人系统引导穿刺体模靶点的可行性。方法 采用A、B、C 3种引导方式（相应设为A、B、C组）对体模内5个靶点（模拟肝脏肿瘤）各进行10次穿刺,A组、B组采用CT引导下徒手穿刺,A组管电流50 mAs,B组管电流30 mAs,余参数相同;C组以CT透视遥控穿刺机器人系统引导穿刺,管电流30 mAs,共计穿刺30次;纪录命中靶点时的操作时间、调针次数、穿刺时间、辐射剂量、穿刺准确率以及针尖与靶点中央的距离（代表穿刺精确度）。结果 3组穿刺准确率均为100%。A、B组操作时间、调针次数、穿刺时间及穿刺针尖至靶点中央的距离均大于C组（P均<0.05）,上述指标A、B组间差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）;B、C组辐射剂量低于A组（P<0.05）,B、C组间差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 低剂量CT透视遥控穿刺机器人系统引导穿刺体模靶点精确度高,且可减少调针次数、缩短操作时间及降低辐射剂量。     

固定床架用于超声筛查婴儿发育性髋关节发育不良

目的 观察固定床架用于超声筛查婴儿发育性髋关节发育不良(DDH)的价值。方法 将400名接受DDH筛查且无髋关节异常婴儿分为低年资医师使用固定床架组(A组)、低年资医师不使用固定床架组(B组)、高年资医师使用固定床架组(C组)及高年资医师不使用固定床架组(D组)共4组,每组100名。比较4组婴儿一般资料、超声筛查DDH时间及髋关节超声图像质量;采用Bland-Altman一致性分析评估低年资医师与复核医师(与高年资医师工作年限相同的另外3名医师)复核α角和β角测值的一致性,评估固定床架的应用价值。结果 4组婴儿性别、年龄及体质量差异均无统计学意义(P均＞0.05); A组和B组超声检查时间均大于C组和D组(P均＜0.05)。4组合格图像数量差异有统计学意义(χ²=85.777,P＜0.001),B组与其他3组差异均有统计学意义(P均＜0.05)。不使用固定床架时,低年资医师与复核医师所测α角之差的最大绝对值为7°,所测β角之差的最大绝对值为2°;使用固定床架时,低年资医师与复核医师所测α角之差的最大绝对值为3°,所测β角之差的最大绝对值为2°。结论 固定床架对于辅助低年资医师超声筛查婴儿DHH具有较高价值,而对高年资医师检查结果无明显影响。     

超声评估椎动脉起始段纡曲

目的 观察超声评估椎动脉起始段（VAO）纡曲的价值。方法 纳入37例于颈内静脉置管前接受颈部血管超声检查的结直肠肿瘤患者,并根据VAO纡曲角度将其分为≤90°组（n=10）及>90°组（n=27）。比较2组患者一般资料,包括性别、年龄及体质量指数（BMI）,以及超声特征,包括VAO纡曲角度及活动度等;分析超声评估VAO纡曲的价值。结果 ≤90°组与>90°组患者性别、BMI及右侧VAO活动度差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）,而≤90°组患者年龄及左侧VAO活动度均大于>90°组（P均<0.05）。平静呼吸及深吸气末时,2组患者左侧VAO纡曲角度均小于右侧（P均<0.05）;且平静呼吸状态时,左侧VAO纡曲角度小于深吸气末（P<0.05）。结论 超声对评估VAO纡曲角度及其在呼吸运动下的变化具有一定价值。     

微导丝贯穿法联合臭氧介入治疗输卵管阻塞性不孕症

目的 观察微导丝贯穿法联合臭氧介入治疗输卵管阻塞性不孕症效果。方法 回顾性分析149例输卵管阻塞性不孕症患者资料,其中A组（n=44）接受常规输卵管再通术（FTR）,B组（n=51）接受微导丝贯穿法FTR,C组（n=54）接受微导丝贯穿法联合臭氧FTR治疗;比较治疗后1个月各组输卵管复通率及1年内自然妊娠率。结果 治疗后1个月,A、B、C组输卵管复通率分别为63.38%（45/71）、80.22%（73/91）及92.78%（90/97）,各组依次升高（P均＜0.05）;1年内A、B、C组自然妊娠率分别为20.45%（9/44）、27.45%（14/51）及48.15%（26/54）,C组高于A、B组（P均＜0.05）,且A、B组差异无统计学意义（P=0.427）。结论 微导丝贯穿法联合臭氧介入治疗输卵管阻塞性不孕症效果优于常规FTR及单独微导丝贯穿法FTR。     

脊神经后支阻滞在老年人腰椎后路椎间融合术多模式镇痛方案中的应用

目的 探讨联合罗哌卡因脊神经后支阻滞多模式镇痛方案在老年人后路腰椎椎间融合术(PLIF)围手术期镇痛中的应用。方法 行PLIF的老年患者(年龄 ≥ 65岁)60例,随机分为对照组(A组,n=20)、常规多模式镇痛组(B组,n=20)和脊神经后支阻滞多模式镇痛组(C组,n=20),记录3组患者术前6 h及术后6、12、24、48、72 h及1周时疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分,术后1、3、7 d及出院时的运动阻滞(Bromage)评分;统计不良反应发生率和额外使用镇痛药物的例数。结果 术前6 h,VAS评分B、C组低于A组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后6、12、24 h,C组低于A、B组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后48 h,各组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);术后72 h及1周,B、C组低于A组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。术后1 d,Bromage评分C组低于A、B组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后3、7 d及出院时,各组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。B、C组不良反应发生率低于A组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);额外使用镇痛药物例数C组 < B组 < A组,各组间差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 联合应用罗哌卡因脊神经后支阻滞的多模式镇痛方案能有效缓解老年人PLIF围手术期疼痛,且不影响运动功能。     

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.     

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.