YOLOX目标检测模型用于自动识别数字减影血管造影图中的血管腔内介入器械

目的 观察YOLOX目标检测模型用于自动识别数字减影血管造影（DSA）图中的血管腔内介入器械的价值。方法 收集37例接受腹部血管腔内介入治疗患者的DSA资料,截取4 435幅图像作为数据集,并按照9∶1比例将其分为训练集（n=3 991）与验证集（n=444）。对数据集中的6种介入器械进行标记后,以YOLOX算法对训练集数据进行深度学习训练,构建YOLOX目标检测模型;基于验证集评估该模型自动识别DSA图中的介入器械的效能。结果 共对4 435幅DSA图像设置6 668个标签,分别针对Terumo 0.035in泥鳅导丝（n=587）、Cook Lunderquist超硬导丝（n=990）、Optimed 5F带刻度猪尾导管（n=1 680）、Cordis MPA多功能导管（n=667）、Boston Scientific V-18可控导丝（n=1 330）及Terumo 6F长鞘（n=1 414）;训练集分别含上述标签527、875、1 466、598、1 185及1 282个,验证集分别含60、115、214、69、145及132个。YOLOX目标检测模型自动识别验证集中上述器械的像素准确率分别为95.23%、97.32%、99.18%、98.97%、97.60%及98.19%,平均像素准确率达97.75%。结论 YOLOX目标检测模型能够自动识别DSA图中的多种血管腔内介入器械。     

基于Faster R-CNN及增强CT图像自动检测肝血管瘤

目的 基于快速区域卷积神经网络（Faster R-CNN）构建肝血管瘤自动检测系统,观察其检出增强CT图像中的肝血管瘤的效能。方法 收集经腹部增强CT诊断的128例肝血管瘤患者、共2 304幅增强CT图像,按8∶2比例将其分为训练集（n=102）和测试集（n=26）,分别含1 836幅及468幅增强CT图像。利用Faster R-CNN、针对增强CT图像构建自动检测肝血管瘤系统,基于迁移学习方案,采用Resnet50预训练分类网络作为提取特征模块的基础骨架,以区域提议网络提取训练集增强CT图像特征,以边界框分类回归模块输出预测边框的精确位置坐标和类别的概率分数。训练过程中绘制Loss曲线,评估模型对训练集的训练效果及其稳定性;采用随机梯度下降法作为优化器对参数进行调整,以提升模型性能。通过平均精度均值（mAP）评估系统检出测试集增强CT图像中的肝血管瘤的效能。结果 训练集训练过程损失函数Loss曲线中,自动检测系统呈快速下降趋势,提示模型学习能力良好,预测性能稳定。mAP曲线显示,迭代次数epoch为40~80时,系统对测试集468幅增强CT图像检出肝血管瘤的mAP为0.962~0.973,波动小,提示模型已收敛,自动检测效果良好。结论 基于Faster R-CNN的增强CT图像自动检测系统可有效检出肝血管瘤。     

经颈内静脉植入输液港:导管尖端处于不同位置时1年内并发症发生率与导管通畅率

目的 对比观察经颈内静脉（IJV）入路植入完全植入式静脉输液港（TIVAP）后,导管尖端处于不同位置时1年内并发症发生率及导管通畅率。方法 回顾性分析2 104例接受经IJV入路植入TIVAP的肿瘤患者,将接受经右IJV入路者（R组,n=1 903）分为导管尖端位于右心房上部［即上腔静脉（SVC）与右心房交界（CAJ）下方0.5～1.0 cm亚组（R1亚组,n=376）］与位于SVC下1/3至CAJ间亚组（R2亚组,n=1 527）,将接受经左IJV入路者（L组,n=201）相应分为L1亚组（n=64）及L2亚组（n=137）;记录2组内各亚组患者基本资料、植入TIVAP 1年内并发症发生率及导管通畅率,并进行亚组间比较。结果 2组内亚组间患者性别、年龄、临床诊断及肿瘤分期,以及气胸/血气胸、局部皮肤损伤、TIVAP感染、导管相关性血栓、药物外渗、导管移位及心律失常等并发症发生率差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。R1（94.15%）与R2亚组（93.78%）（χ²=0.069,P=0.793）、L1（98.44%）与L2亚组（89.78%）1年内导管通畅率差异均无统计学意义（Yates连续性校正χ²=3.563,P=0.059）。结论 经左或右IJV入路植入TIVAP后,导管尖端位于右心房上部与SVC下1/3与CAJ之间时,1年内并发症发生率及导管通畅率均无明显差异。     

基于CT残差神经网络-101-金字塔网络模型鉴别肺良、恶性结节

目的 观察基于CT的残差神经网络（ResNet）-101-金字塔网络（FPN）模型鉴别肺良、恶性结节的价值。方法 回顾性分析2 000例肺结节患者共2 040个肺结节,包括良性1 150个、恶性890个;按8∶2比例将结节分为训练集（n=1 632）与测试集（n=408）,前者包括良性结节881个、恶性结节751个,后者包括良性269个、恶性139个。以ResNet-101为主干网络、结合FPN基于胸部CT建立分类模型,观察其单一及联合医师评估鉴别肺良、恶性结节的效能。结果 测试集269个肺良性结节中,ResNet-101-FPN模型诊断正确214个（214/269,79.55%）,联合医师评估后诊断正确230个（230/269,85.50%）;139个恶性结节中,ResNet-101-FPN模型诊断正确124个（124/139,89.21%）,联合医师评估后诊断正确131个（131/139,94.24%）。ResNet-101-FPN模型联合医师评估鉴别肺良、恶性结节的敏感度、准确率和精确度均高于而特异度则低于单一ResNet-101-FPN模型,但差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0.05）。结论 基于CT的ResNet-101-FPN模型可鉴别肺良、恶性结节;联合医师评估可提高诊断效能。     

仿真滤线栅及图像增强后处理算法用于改善儿童低剂量X线片图像质量

目的 观察以仿真滤线栅（SG）和图像增强（SE）改善儿童低剂量X线片图像质量的价值。方法 回顾性分析344例接受410次床旁X线检查的重症监护病房患儿资料,包括290幅胸部平片、51幅腹部平片及69幅胸腹联合平片;分别以SG和SE对图像进行后处理,评估后处理图像质量。结果 410幅SG后处理图像中,2分250幅、1分147幅、0分13幅;SG可显著改善年龄≥1岁和体质量≥10 kg患儿图像质量（P 均＜0.05）,且显示骨骼、气管、外周血管、异物、腰大肌和肠道气体效果较好（P 均＜0.05）。410幅SE后处理图像中,2分250幅、1分58幅、0分102幅;SE可显著改善年龄≥0.5岁和体质量＞4 kg患儿图像质量（P 均＜0.05）,且显示骨骼、气管、大血管、外周血管、心脏后血管和异物效果较好（P 均＜0.05）。结论 SG可显著改善低剂量X线片显示年龄≥1岁和体质量≥10 kg儿童骨骼、气管、外周血管、异物、腰大肌和肠道气体的质量,而SE则可改善显示年龄≥0.5岁和体质量＞4 kg儿童骨骼、气管、大血管、外周血管、心脏后血管和异物的质量。     

超声引导下细针穿刺抽吸甲状腺结节标本质量的影响因素

目的 观察超声引导下细针穿刺抽吸（US-FNA）甲状腺结节标本质量的影响因素。方法 选取388例接受US-FNA的甲状腺结节患者（共436个结节）,根据标本背景的血液成分、细胞数目、存留组织框架及细胞破坏程度将其分为诊断优越组（n=325）和非诊断优越组（n=111）,比较其超声特征,主要包括结节最大径、形态、边界、回声、钙化及血供,分析影响US-FNA标本质量的因素。结果 组间甲状腺结节最大径、内部钙化及Adler血供差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.05）。甲状腺结节最大径及钙化为US-FNA标本质量的影响因素（P=0.010、0.002）。结论 超声所见甲状腺结节最大径及钙化为其US-FNA标本质量的影响因素。     

选择成人巨大房间隔缺损介入治疗封堵器的影响因素

目的 分析选择成人巨大房间隔缺损（ASD）介入治疗封堵器的影响因素。方法 回顾性分析65例接受介入治疗的巨大ASD患者,分析封堵器选择与缺损直径、缺损形态及缺损边缘状况的关系。结果 65例均封堵成功。26例采用直径为40 mm封堵器、24例42 mm、15例≥ 44 mm,三者间缺损最大直径、最小直径及二者比值、封堵器加大值差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）。缺损最小直径/缺损最大直径<0.80（n=24）与≥ 0.80（n=41）二者之间缺损最大直径、最小直径及封堵器加大值差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.05）,缺损主动脉缘或后下缘<5 mm（n=45）与≥ 5 mm（n=20）二者之间封堵器直径、封堵器加大值差异有统计学意义（P均<0.05）。结论 介入治疗成人巨大ASD时,缺损直径、缺损形态及其边缘情况均影响封堵器选择。     

基于MR T2WI影像组学诊断早期糖尿病肾病

目的 观察基于MR T2WI影像组学诊断早期糖尿病肾病（DN）的价值。方法 收集59例估算肾小球滤过率（eGFR）为60~120 ml/（min·1.73 m²）且尿白蛋白/肌酐比值（ACR）>30 mg/g的早期DN患者作为试验组,另以46名无肾脏疾病、心脏疾病、高血压及痛风且eGFR为80~120 ml/（min·1.73 m²）的健康志愿者为对照组。按照7∶3比例将全部受试者分为训练集（n=73）和测试集（n=32）,训练集包括试验组40例、对照组33名,测试集包括试验组19例、对照组13名受试者。提取训练集右侧肾脏T2WI影像组学特征,并进行筛选,构建影像组学模型,观察其诊断早期DN的价值。结果 试验组与对照组性别及年龄差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）,而试验组尿素及肌酐均大于对照组（P均<0.05）。影像组学模型诊断训练集及测试集早期DN的敏感度、特异度及曲线下面积分别为95.20%、77.41%及0.892和88.23%、53.33%及0.765。结论 基于MR T2WI影像组学诊断早期DN具有一定价值。     

抗血栓治疗对大结肠息肉患者内镜下黏膜切除术后迟发性出血的影响

背景与目的 抗血栓治疗被认为是结肠息肉切除术后出血的危险因素。然而,抗血栓治疗对大结肠息肉患者术后迟发性出血的影响尚未完全明确。因此,本研究探讨抗血栓治疗及其相关因素对大结肠息肉患者行内镜下黏膜切除术（EMR）后迟发性出血的影响,以期提高医生对该类患者围手术期管理的认识。方法 回顾性收集2019年1月—2022年12月因大结肠息肉（>10~20 mm）行EMR的157例患者资料,根据EMR期间是否接受抗血栓治疗、使用抗血栓药物类型、术前是否停用抗血栓药物,分别将患者分为抗血栓组（n=51）与非抗血栓组（n=106）、抗凝组（n=33）与抗血小板组（n=36）、停药组（n=35）与未停药组（n=41）。比较各组间术后迟发性（24 h至30 d内）出血发生率及出血时间点的差异,并通过Kaplan-Meier曲线分析各组间术后30 d累积出血发生率。结果 抗血栓组与非抗血栓组迟发性出血发生率差异有统计学意义（19.61% vs. 5.66%,χ²=7.32,P=0.01）;抗血栓组的出血时间点明显早于非抗血栓组（t=2.17,P=0.047）;抗血栓组术后30 d累积出血发生率明显高于非抗血栓组（χ²=6.18,P=0.01）。抗凝组与抗血小板组迟发性出血发生率差异无统计学意义（24.24% vs. 27.78%,χ²=0.11,P=0.74）,两组在出血时间点、术后30 d累积出血发生率方面差异均无统计学意义（t=0.25,P=0.80;χ²=0.13,P=0.72）。停药组与未停药组迟发性出血发生率差异有统计学意义（14.29% vs. 29.27%,χ²=3.97,P=0.046）,未停药组在出血时间点方面明显早于停药组（t=3.03,P=0.01）;停药组术后30 d累积出血发生率明显低于未停药组（χ²=4.36,P=0.04）。结论 抗血栓治疗可能导致大结肠息肉EMR后迟发性出血发生率升高,但术后迟发性出血发生率与抗血栓药物类型无明显关系。术前适当停药可能是降低患者术后出血的有效策略。     

超声影像组学结合机器学习模型鉴别肝泡型包虫病与原发性肝癌

目的 观察超声影像组学结合机器学习（ML）模型鉴别肝泡型包虫病（HAE）与原发性肝癌（PHC）的价值。方法 回顾性分析经手术病理证实的95例HAE（HAE组）及97例PHC（PHC组）患者,按7∶3比例将其分为训练集（n=134）及验证集（n=58）;基于二维超声声像图提取影像组学特征,以逻辑回归、朴素贝叶斯、决策树、支持向量机、极限梯度提升、K邻近及梯度提升机共7种算法构建ML模型;绘制受试者工作特征曲线,计算曲线下面积（AUC）,评估各模型鉴别HAE与PHC的效能。结果 共基于训练集数据提取1 688个影像组学特征,最终筛选出7个非零系数特征为最优特征;据以构建的7种ML模型鉴别HAE与PHC效能均良好,在训练集的AUC为0.963～0.997,在验证集为0.871～0.942。结论 超声影像组学结合ML模型鉴别HAE与PHC效能良好。     

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.     

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.     

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.